His cold, vertical pupils flickered with a hint of intoxication.
To perfectly control this incredible power, what he lacks is the physique most suited to the Sharingan. That delicate budding flower is the treasure Orochimaru needs.
"You need not worry about my health. I advise you to be careful. If Sarutobi Hiruzen or that guy finds out, your fate will be more than just death."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smile; he knew perfectly well what his situation was.
Once his hiding place in Konoha is exposed, his most respected teacher, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, will fight him to the death at all costs.
If discovered by the most outstanding disciple, he would most likely use his Mangekyō Sharingan to interrogate him about all the knowledge and information in his mind, and then happily accept all the laboratories and legacies left in the Ninja World.
"That's none of your concern. If you want something, you must first pay the price. I wish you success in ascending to the Hokage's throne amidst ruins, Danzo..."
His figure disappeared into the darkness. Danzo coldly but did not utter a rebuttal.
During the Second Great Ninja War and the Third Great Ninja War, Danzo aspired to be the First Hokage from birth and followed in the footsteps of the Second Hokage to join the Hokage.
However, when the Second Hokage and his bodyguard went to Kumogakure to sign a peace treaty after the outbreak of the Second Great Ninja War, they were ambushed by the two rogue ninja brothers Kumogakure Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
Not only did the Second Raikage die, but the Second Hokage, his teacher Senju Tobirama, was also surrounded.
At that crucial moment, he actually backed down, and the final result was something Danzo regretted for the rest of his life.
The throne of the Third Hokage was Danzo Sarutobi Hiruzen, who regarded him as a formidable rival and former friend, and from then on, he was like the darkness of Konoha, never seeing the sunlight again.
Even when mired in darkness, humanity still yearns for light. This is not only due to human beings' phototropism, but also Danzo's persistent belief.
This persistence accumulated day by day in the darkness; the more unattainable it was, the stronger the desire became.
"Ruins? Perfect. Only by abandoning everything can a new order be established on this dark land. I am the true Hokage, the Fifth Hokage..."
Muttering to himself, Danzo once again entered the underground of Root, silently waiting for the moment when Konoha would be reduced to ruins and order would be rebuilt.
The second ninja exam came to a close the following morning, after the last squad finally arrived at the Trial Tower, albeit with faltering steps.
"Seriously, even if more than half were eliminated, how come there are still so many people!"
Anko frowned slightly, and Gekko Hayate coughed twice before slowly stepping forward and speaking.
"Dear examinees... cough cough cough... In order to ensure the continuity and popularity of the Chunin Ninja Exams before the arrival of the Daimyo and other guests, we need to select suitable candidates in advance and reduce the number of examinees to about 10 to 12."
Upon hearing this, the more than 30 candidates present were stunned and filled with resentment.
"Are you kidding me? We risked our lives to pass the scroll test, and now we don't even have time to rest, and we have to fight again?"
"Single digits! That's an exaggeration."
The complaints from below the venue grew louder and louder. Gekko Hayate raised his voice slightly, and then his coughing became more and more obvious.
Just as the atmosphere at the scene was starting to get out of control, an unprecedented cold wind swept through the air, making countless people present feel depressed.
"Quiet down. I know you are very dissatisfied, but the battle to come will be presented to the clients from all sides of the Ninja World, and to the daimyo of many large and small countries."
"Too many battles can easily become boring. The proposal to reduce it to six matches and 12 contestants is just the limit of the Daimyo's patience."
A clear yet authoritative voice rang out, accompanied by the faint fragrance of grass and trees. Gekko Hayate stepped back slightly, handing the main seat to the figure that appeared.
The newcomer Black Cloak and wore Three-Eyed Demon Fox Mask. His powerful chakra and oppressive aura silenced the examinees before him, their eyes filled with horror.
"Hey, hey, hey, isn't this Teacher Huayue? Such amazing chakra! I've never heard of the teacher being this strong before!"
Inuzuka Kiba was somewhat horrified. Akamaru on his head whimpered, and all four of his legs trembled.
"The next examiner is Teacher Huayue. Her aura is simply too intimidating. Could it be that my Pops's drunken ramblings were true?"
Shikamaru was utterly astonished. The kind yet languid teacher he remembered had vanished, replaced by an unfathomable being whose depths no one could fathom.
"Lord Huayue, just wait and see. I will definitely defeat all my opponents and rise to the rank of Chunin under your watchful eye. I will never disgrace you."
In the corner, Hyuga Neji exuded confidence, and the deep-seated emerald chakra within him subtly began to stir.
" Teacher Huayue, this time, I want to stand by your side and prove that I'm not the weak little girl I used to be..."
Similarly, Hinata's emerald green chakra also became active, eagerly desiring to prove something.
"It's about time. I'll leave the rest to you, Genma. I'd like to catch up with my friend from Hidden Sound Village. Let's go."
As soon as he finished speaking, Orochimaru, who had been hiding in Hidden Sound Village and disguised as a Jonin leading the Squad Leader Jonin, narrowed his eyes.
As the scenery changed, in the secluded training ground outside Konoha, as the two fell from the sky, the Orochi bit at their index finger, and their hands quickly Hand Seals.
" Summoning Jutsu!"
Amidst the swirling White Mist, a colossal python, a hundred meters long and entirely deep purple, appeared.
" Orochimaru, you summoned me without permission and haven't even prepared a sacrifice yet. You're really showing me no respect!"
The Manda roared to the sky, their cold, triangular eyes filled with discontent.
"Oh my? Snake-skin wallet. After all these years, you still haven't improved. This is truly disappointing, Orochimaru- sensei."
Upon hearing this, Manda froze on the spot. When she turned around, the familiar mask and attire came into view.
"So it was you, Uchiha brat! Orochimaru, I take back what I said. If you want to teach this brat a lesson, I'll show up for free!"
With exquisite and intricate eyes filled with deep disdain, the mere raising of his right finger caused the arrogant Manda to freeze in place, unable to move.
"A reunion between master and disciple doesn't need to be disturbed by pets. Several years have passed since we parted ways in the Land of Hot Water. Master, stop playing these childish tricks and show us your true skills."
A cold wind howled across the fields, and the rustling of trees filled the air. Orochimaru's lips curled into a chilling and mad expression.
"It's been a long time, my most outstanding disciple. Your Body Flicker and Genjutsu are as excellent as ever. How is the progress on the Immortality Technique?"
"Teacher, I succeeded! Hahahaha!"