Shikamaru witnessed everything that followed clearly from the command center. To create an opportunity for Orochimaru, the Immortal King Tsubasa unleashed his full power, breaking through the defenses of one of the Domain Level Domain Level, but was himself injured by the other. Orochimaru seized that moment, using an extremely bizarre technique to devour the injured Domain Level expert.
At that moment, the world changed color, and Orochimaru's aura surged wildly. Black Chakra surged out like a tide, carrying a decaying yet powerful aura. That was the power of the Zombie Monarch, the strength of Immortal King Level!
Everyone thought the battle would be turned around. But no one expected that after Orochimaru broke through, he only stood there for a moment, then turned around, transformed into a black streak of light, and flew towards the back of the battlefield, quickly disappearing into the Yin Shadow.
Without Orochimaru's help, the Immortal King Tsubasa faced even greater difficulties alone against the remaining two Domain Level powerhouses. Meanwhile, the main force of the Ōtsutsuki was about to arrive, and a continuous stream of warriors charged in, threatening to completely collapse the Shinobi World's defenses.
To protect the remaining people and to safeguard the Shinobi World, the Immortal King Tsubasa ultimately chose to burn his body and spirit, unleashing power beyond his limits to repel the Ōtsutsuki army. He himself, however, completely vanished into the world.
Orochimaru never appeared again after that.
The Shinobi World world had no idea where he went, and could only speculate, based on his final actions, that he had deserted. After all, at such a crucial moment, he possessed the strength of Immortal King Level, yet chose to leave—what else could it be but desertion?
But Shikamaru sensed something was off. Orochimaru wasn't the type to give up easily, especially after gaining such immense power. He sought truth and immortality, and the Ōtsutsuki Clan possessed secrets unknown in the Shinobi World. Given his personality, how could he possibly let such an opportunity slip by?
"What are you thinking about?" A familiar voice rang in his ears, interrupting Shikamaru's thoughts.
Shikamaru looked up and saw Jiraiya and Tsunade walking over, both of them carrying a faint smell of alcohol. Jiraiya pulled out a chair, sat down, poured himself a bowl of sake, and said with a smile, "Why are you hiding here drinking alone? Thinking about Orochimaru again?"
Shikamaru nodded, not denying it. "You all think he really did run away, right?"
Tsunade sat opposite him, picked up her sake bowl, took a sip, and a complex expression appeared on her face. "Escape? The Orochimaru I know, even if he were to die, would never desert in the face of battle. Although that guy is crazy and ruthless, he has never been afraid of fighting, especially when there is an opportunity to gain greater power."
"That's what I think too." Jiraiya put down his wine bowl, his smile fading slightly, and his tone becoming serious. "When he charged forward back then, his eyes were full of madness and desire—a thirst for power, an excitement for the challenge. He devoured Domain Level expert and broke through to the Immortal King Level; he was at the height of his power, how could he suddenly run away?"
"But he really did disappear," Shikamaru said softly. "Ten years have passed, and there's been no news of him. The Shinobi World can't find him; it's as if he vanished into thin air."
Tsunade frowned, tapping her fingers lightly on the table as she pondered, "Could it be... that he didn't run away, but instead followed the Ōtsutsuki army and infiltrated their planet?"
When this guess came out, both Shikamaru and Jiraiya were stunned.
"Infiltrate the Ōtsutsuki Planet?" Jiraiya frowned, then his eyes lit up. "That's very likely! Think about it, Orochimaru has always been curious about the unknown. The power of the Ōtsutsuki Clan, their origins, their planet—these are all truths he wants to explore. When he broke through to the next level and saw the Ōtsutsuki Legion retreating, he probably thought it was a good opportunity to infiltrate the enemy camp, so he followed them."
"But why hasn't he sent back a single message in ten years?" Shikamaru questioned. "With his research capabilities, even on the Ōtsutsuki Planet, shouldn't he have been able to find a way to send a message? Besides, the Ōtsutsuki Clan so powerful; wouldn't he have been discovered if he had infiltrated alone?"
This was also what Tsunade was worried about. She nodded, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "That's what I'm also wondering about. Orochimaru is powerful, but Ōtsutsuki Planet is, after all, their stronghold, teeming with powerful individuals. It would be too risky for him to infiltrate there alone. If he really is there, he's either already been discovered and killed, or he's trapped and unable to send messages."
"Or perhaps he's still lying low," Jiraiya said. " Orochimaru's greatest strengths are patience and disguise. He can remain hidden for decades, even centuries, for a single target. Maybe he's still on Ōtsutsuki Planet, quietly observing, gathering intelligence, and waiting for the right opportunity."
"But this is too strange." Shikamaru shook his head. "Ten years is enough time for a lot to happen. If he really is on the Ōtsutsuki Planet, even if he's very patient, there should be some activity by now. Besides, the Shinobi World has been developing better and better in recent years, and its strength has been increasing. If he can send a message back, we might still be able to find a way to help him."
The three fell silent. The tavern remained noisy, but their mood grew heavy.
They were all unwilling to believe that Orochimaru was a deserter; they all wanted to believe that he had his own purposes and his own plans. But ten years of silence began to shake their suspicions.
Did they really misjudge Orochimaru? Did the once mad, persistent, and fearless Orochimaru truly become cowardly and choose to run away after gaining immense power?
Tsunade picked up her sake bowl and took another sip. The spiciness of the sake made her eyes slightly red. She thought of the days when she was young, when she went on missions with Orochimaru and Jiraiya, of Orochimaru working tirelessly day and night to research Ninjutsu, and of his fearless madness when facing powerful enemies.
How could someone like that be a deserter?
"No matter what, I don't believe he would run away." Tsunade put down her wine bowl and said firmly, " Orochimaru may be a bastard, but he's never been a coward. Everything he does has its own purpose. Even if we don't understand, even if the whole world curses him, I believe he wouldn't do something like deserting in the face of battle."
Jiraiya nodded, deeply agreeing, "That's right. Perhaps he's doing something for the Shinobi World in his own way. We just don't know it."
Seeing the unwavering determination in their eyes, Shikamaru's doubts lessened somewhat. He picked up his sake bowl, clinked it against theirs, and said softly, "I hope so. Wherever he is, whatever he's doing, I just hope he's still alive."
The rain was still falling outside the tavern, drizzling softly, as if telling the story of the great battle ten years ago, and of the "deserter" misunderstood by the whole world.