The lights flickered on and off.
The thin figure with his back to the three people stopped his mechanical movements, and on the cold scalpel, dots of bright red dripped from the blade.
"What on earth are you doing here? Answer me, Orochimaru!"
Third Hokage, no... Sarutobi Hiruzen, who is the teacher of Orochimaru, has some guesses in his heart, but he still doesn't want to believe it.
Holding on to the last glimmer of hope, a hope that was so slim that it was almost non-existent, he asked.
However, Orochimaru's words were like the cold wind in the middle of winter, tearing apart each other's fig leaf.
"It's just an experiment in ninjutsu. Certain experimental specimens can only meet the standards of jounin who have gone through wars for many years and condensed chakra for a long time."
"What kind of experiment requires sacrificing the lives of companions in the village! Could it be..."
His eyes were full of shock. Although he had noticed Orochimaru's dangerous thoughts earlier, only now did Sarutobi Hiruzen realize that he had not seen clearly what serious consequences Orochimaru's behavior had caused.
"That's right, it's what you think Teacher Sarutobi, a forbidden technique that can give others eternal life, a technique of immortality!"
The lights were dim, and the two Anbu who were accompanying him held Ninja Blade tightly and spoke to dissuade him.
"Master Third Hokage, we must not let Orochimaru escape from Land of Fire. If he is allowed to leave Land of Fire, he will definitely become a serious problem for the village!"
"That's right, kill him right here, give the order, Lord Third Hokage!"
His cloudy old eyes were already filled with memories, and he vaguely remembered the white snake that Orochimaru had picked up that day in front of Orochimaru's parents' grave.
'Orochimaru, the white snake is a symbol of regeneration and longevity. It may be God's arrangement that you picked up this snake slough...'
Didn't he notice when he saw the disciple whom he once regarded as the inheritor of his will straying from the right path?
No, it was the current situation at that time. There was really a great need for a talented ninja who could help the village reduce a large number of casualties, so Orochimaru's dangerous ideas were ignored by him, or turned a blind eye.
"Summoning Jutsu·Monkey King·Enma!"
White Mist lingered, and the old Vajra ape with white beard and red face appeared. After scanning the surroundings, his expression was subtle.
"What's going on? Are you planning to teach your beloved disciple a lesson or kill him? I've warned you a long time ago that his behavior is very strange. Don't you think it's too late to wake up now? Sarutobi."
Seeing Enma appear, Orochimaru put down the scalpel and closed his hands.
"Want to fight? Teacher Sarutobi!"
Storms were everywhere, the cold chakra set off gusts of wind, and countless bottles and jars exploded.
The cold murderous aura made the two Konoha Anbu feel like they were facing a formidable enemy. The existence in front of them was one of the prestigious Sannin, a snake known for its cold-bloodedness.
"Sarutobi, what are you waiting for!"
Enma watched Orochimaru's every move and saw that Sarutobi Hiruzen had no instructions for a long time. Looking back, he saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's wrinkled old face, with a clear teardrop already shed.
In a matter of seconds, with only two plops, the two Konoha Anbu died. Orochimaru stood at the door of the laboratory, looked back deeply, and chose to leave without hesitation.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen! What are you doing? Let Orochimaru leave today. Sooner or later, he will become a serious problem for you, and you will regret it."
Sarutobi Hiruzen responded with silence, Enma snorted coldly and disappeared into the laboratory.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen left, ripples appeared in the space, and a trace of amusement flashed under Demon Fox Mask.
"How's the record going?"
In the darkness, pieces of origami paper gathered from all directions, Konan's eyes were indifferent, with a faint flash of memories.
"The whole process has been recorded. Why do you do such a deed? If you want Konoha, you can completely and easily capture Omnipotence with your strength. Why?"
"The position obtained through the war will inevitably alienate the Konoha noble family who have sworn loyalty to it. I want a complete Konoha, not a devastated ruins."
Regarding Huayue's explanation, Konan snorted with disdain on his face.
"Despicable guy."
"Villainy is the Villain's Passport, Nobility is the Noble's Epitaph, I am just a despicable player in this war without gunpowder."
The two figures disappeared as the ripples of space appeared, as if they had never appeared in this bloody laboratory.
That night, all members except Konoha Anbu who was performing the mission arrived at the scene and dispersed to Land of Fire territory to hunt down Orochimaru.
At the same time, Uchiha Clan, Huayue mansion.
The maple leaves in the forest were as bright as fire. Yugao and Huayue were quietly enjoying the night view when they heard the chaotic footsteps.
"What happened?"
"Orochimaru defected. The crime is that he violated the ninja regulations, developed forbidden techniques without authorization, and harmed Konoha's companions."
Yugao looked worried, subconsciously grabbed Huayue's hand and shook his head at him.
"Don't help him. Orochimaru is now being hunted by all Anbu. You just need to stay at home. Third Hokage will not suspect that you are involved with Orochimaru."
Huayue had not yet answered, but heard a burst of cheerful laughter, but the tone was a bit sour.
"Wow hahaha, Mr. Anko has arrived... isn't it the right time for me?"
Anko, as big-hearted as ever, stared suspiciously at the two little hands held together, his brown eyes full of strangeness.
"No, you came just in time."
With a hook of his fingers, without any sound, the dark wire wrapped around Anko's waist and abdomen was tugged hard, causing Anko to fly into the air and fall into his arms.
The moonlight was like water, reflecting the red maples all over the courtyard. The three of them were silent for a long time, and Anko was the first to break the silence.
"Orochimaru teacher..."
"He is obsessed with magic and wants to master all the magic in the world. Therefore, he developed Immortality Technique, which is in line with his habits and his pursuit of truth, even though it is crazy."
From the perspective of a bystander, he gave the most straightforward evaluation. Anko subconsciously touched the back of his neck. The Curse Mark left behind by Orochimaru has long since become a part of Silent Blood Armor, protecting itself several times.
"However, he also taught me a lot of ninjutsu and forbidden arts. He is a good teacher. Why would he betray Konoha?"
Anko was confused, but Huayue shook his head slightly.
"Everyone has his or her own ambitions. We cannot decide for others the path we should take. New Year's Eve is approaching in a blink of an eye. Do you want to be together?"
Sending out the invitation quietly, Yugao thought about it for a moment and nodded in agreement.
"Okay, left and right are also tasks."
"Eh? Just a mission? You are so cunning, Yugao."
Warm breathing gradually came from the shoulders. Inner world, which had been calm in the past, was now stirring up waves.
"Hey, Uchiha kid, I succeeded."
"Then, let's go over there and have a look. After this year, Little Naruto will be three years old. It's time to officially meet and let the stage that has been prepared for many years kick off..."