Orochimaru's Tears

Kurenai let out a dissatisfied whimper, muttered "stop it," and burrowed directly into Uchiha Yan's embrace.

Uchiha Yan abandoned the idea of teasing Kurenai, checked the time, and realized it was still early.

He simply held Kurenai and went back to sleep.

Having been tossed about all night, Kurenai finally regained some of her strength.

She forced her eyes open to look at Uchiha Yan, then suddenly rolled them with a mischievous smile.

She carefully wiggled her way out of Uchiha Yan's arms.

As Kurenai's feet touched the floor and she took her first step, she hissed in pain.

Uchiha Yan had been like a bull last night, nearly wearing her out completely.

Kurenai walked into the bathroom and began to shower.

While looking in the mirror, she examined the dense cluster of marks left on her neck and collarbone from the night before.

Kurenai couldn't help but spit out a soft, embarrassed curse.

At that moment, Uchiha Yan suddenly felt he was holding nothing but air.

He opened his eyes only to find that the beauty beside him had vanished without a trace.

Hearing the sound of water from the bathroom, he broke into a knowing smile.

He walked straight over and opened the door.

Kurenai was startled at first, then shot Uchiha Yan a glare.

"Stop it, we have a mission today, don't we?"

Uchiha Yan didn't stand on ceremony at all and walked right up behind her.

The bath lasted for half an hour.

Kurenai walked out with a flushed face, her hair still dripping with water.

Uchiha Yan took a towel and clumsily wiped the droplets from her hair.

Kurenai glanced at the marks on the bedsheets and blushed even deeper.

Once Uchiha Yan finished drying her hair, Kurenai heartlessly kicked him out.

Uchiha Yan had no choice but to leave the bedroom and put on his clothes for the outing.

He looked at the marks on his back and neck, shaking his head helplessly.

He specifically chose a high-collared shirt to prevent any awkward situations from arising.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Kurenai took a pair of scissors and cut a piece out of the bedsheet.

She then tossed the sheet into the trash can nearby.

Only then did she stand up to tidy her clothes.

Fortunately, she had worn an outer coat when she came to Uchiha Yan's house.

Otherwise, just figuring out how to leave would have been a problem.

Kurenai searched the bedroom and confirmed that although the neckline of her red knit sweater was a bit loose, it wasn't noticeable once she put on her coat.

She carefully groomed herself in the mirror, tying up her loose hair and letting a few stray strands fall by her ears.

She threw on her white, mesh-patterned long-sleeved coat.

The wide hem and unique red-and-white striped design easily concealed her slightly disheveled clothes and the heart-racing marks below her neck.

She adjusted the belt at her waist, cinching the coat that was straining against her rather impressive "front armor."

Only then did she walk out.

When Kurenai emerged, Uchiha Yan's eyes lit up.

If Kurenai had been full of feminine softness last night, she carried the sharp, distinct edge of a ninja this morning.

Kurenai walked to the entryway and picked up her keys.

She feigned surprise and said, "Oh, were the keys here?"

Her transparent acting made Uchiha Yan laugh.

Uchiha Yan walked over to her, his large hand beginning to wander.

Kurenai swatted his hand away, as if humoring a child. "Alright, be good. We have a mission today, so I'm heading back now."

Uchiha Yan walked her to the edge of the Uchiha compound before turning back.

The moment he turned, the smile on his face vanished instantly.

When he arrived at the Konoha Military Police Force, the members of the Hawk Faction stood up one after another to look at Uchiha Yan.

It was clear they had already received word to follow Uchiha Yan's orders.

Uchiha Yan said to the group, "No matter what happens today, your first priority is to ensure your own safety before taking any action. Do you understand?"

The members of the Uchiha Hawk Faction turned solemn and nodded in succession.

As for that group of Dove Faction capitulators, Uchiha Yan ignored them entirely.

Uchiha Yan intended to let them fend for themselves.

Because even if these people were to have a falling out with Konoha, they would only be a drag; it was better to let them earn a bit of reputation for the Uchiha clan.

When Uchiha Yan led the Hawk Faction members to the plaza, it was already bustling with noise and excitement.

Based on Uchiha Yan's experience and keen eye, he had already spotted many Anbu guarding from the shadows.

However, none of them were disguised as civilians.

Uchiha Yan nodded at his subordinates.

The group dispersed into small teams of two or three, spreading out across the area.

As for Izumi, just to be safe, he had told her to stay home and rest for the day.

On the main platform, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the Kazekage had already taken their seats.

However, the real Kazekage had long since been ambushed and killed by Orochimaru, and it was Orochimaru who had disguised himself as the Kazekage to attend the platform.

After the two exchanged some pleasantries, Orochimaru looked at his former teacher and couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark.

"Third Hokage, I personally suggest you decide on a candidate for the Fifth Hokage."

Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen burst into laughter. "Hm? Hahahaha."

"Lord Kazekage, don't treat me like an old man just yet. I feel I can still serve for another ten years."

As he finished speaking, he stood before the platform with his hands behind his back.

He looked down at the civilians, the nobles from various nations, and the genin who had come to participate in the Chunin Exams.

Just as he had expected, Orochimaru still possessed a basic bottom line.

Apart from those few corpses a few days ago, Orochimaru hadn't caused any further trouble.

This proved that he had won the first round of their game.

The two continued to sit on the platform, watching the matches below.

To be honest, these matches were highly attractive to the civilians, nobles, and genin.

But to ninjas of Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen's caliber, these matches were already somewhat dull.

At that moment, feathers suddenly began to drift across the scene.

The civilians, nobles, and some genin with low resistance to genjutsu naturally fainted.

The Sunagakure jonin instructor suddenly vanished from his spot amidst a puff of white smoke.

He found an open area and performed, "Summoning Technique."

Several giant snakes appeared, heading toward the heart of Konoha.

Konoha's Anbu reacted quickly, appearing rapidly to try and stop the Summoning Beast.

"Fire Style: Great Fire Dragon Technique! Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"

The scene immediately descended into chaos.

Orochimaru suddenly appeared behind Sarutobi Hiruzen, pressing a kunai against his throat.

He tossed the Kazekage's hat and mask aside.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his student. "Orochimaru, it's been a long time."

He noticed a glimmer of tears in Orochimaru's eyes as he looked toward Konoha.

Seeing this, a smug smile tugged at the corner of Sarutobi Hiruzen's mouth.

He had won his gamble; he had correctly guessed that Orochimaru still held at least some lingering affection for this land.

Although the sentiment might not be much, it proved that he would not lay a hand on the civilians.