Chapter Text
Chapter 61: Rivers of Blood? Peace and Happiness for All?
Bang!
As the thick white smoke dispersed, Jiraiya's figure appeared on Mount Myōboku.
Warm, humid air greeted him, carrying the scent of soil and exotic plants.
He had no time to admire the scenery. Determining the direction, his body shot forward like an arrow, racing toward the summit of the sacred mountain.
The new Daimyo, Arashi—his actions defied everything Jiraiya understood.
He needed answers, and he needed them now.
In the pond ahead, the mountain-sized Gamabunta puffed on his pipe, blocking Jiraiya's path.
"Jiraiya? Aren't you supposed to be fighting Kumo on the front lines? What are you doing here?"
"It's urgent!" Jiraiya's voice was tense. "Gamabunta, move aside! I need to see the Great Sage right away!"
Gamabunta's expression turned serious. "What happened?"
"Something big. I'll explain later."
Gamabunta removed the pipe from his mouth, silent for a moment.
"Go then. But I'll warn you, the old man's been sleeping lately. No guarantee he's awake."
"Thanks!" Jiraiya said quickly. "If he's asleep, I'll wake him."
Without another word, he vanished into the mist.
Gamabunta watched his retreating figure, eyes narrowing as smoke drifted from his pipe.
To make Jiraiya this anxious... the outside world must be in real turmoil.
Soon, an ancient palace came into view.
Before Jiraiya even reached it, a rich aroma of food filled the air.
In front of the palace, the two elder toads, Fukasaku and Shima, were busy at a massive cooking pot.
"Little Jiraiya?" Shima, her purple noodle-like hair bouncing, was the first to spot him. "Look! Jiraiya's back!"
She shouted while stirring the pot with a giant spoon.
Fukasaku opened his eyes, still sitting cross-legged on a stone platform.
"Oh? Jiraiya."
Noticing Jiraiya's anxious face, his long white brows furrowed. "You never change, do you? Always charging in without thinking. Can't you be calm for once?"
Jiraiya didn't bother with greetings. He rushed forward a few steps. "Fukasaku-sama, Shima-sama, I have an urgent matter. I must see the Great Sage right now!"
Still stirring, Shima said without looking up, "What's the rush? The sky hasn't fallen."
"Come taste my new Earth Dragon Mosquito Whisker Miso Soup first. I tripled the mosquito legs this time and added live earthworms. So fresh!"
Jiraiya's face turned green, waving both hands in panic. "No, no! Shima-sama, this is really serious!"
Seeing his alarm wasn't an act, Fukasaku's expression grew solemn.
The elder toad hopped down from the platform and stopped before Jiraiya, looking up.
Jiraiya summarized the dramatic changes in the Land of Fire and Konoha as quickly as possible.
After listening, Fukasaku was silent for a long time.
"So, you came to ask the Great Sage to divine Konoha's future?"
"Yes," Jiraiya said firmly. "I want to know where that new Daimyo will lead the Land of Fire and Konoha. Toward peace—or destruction!"
Fukasaku and Shima exchanged grave looks.
"...Alright," Fukasaku finally said. "This is serious. Come with me."
He turned and led Jiraiya inside the palace.
The vast hall was nearly empty except for one enormous throne.
Upon it sat an ancient toad, many times larger than Gamabunta.
Its wrinkled skin sagged heavily, its eyes shut tight in deep slumber.
It was the true master of Mount Myōboku—the Great Toad Sage, Gamamaru.
"Great Sage, little Jiraiya has come to see you," Fukasaku said respectfully.
The Great Toad Sage did not respond.
Jiraiya looked pleadingly at Shima.
She sighed, hopped lightly up onto the Sage's massive shoulder, took a deep breath, and shouted, "Great Sage, little Jiraiya has come to see you!"
"Hmm..."
The Great Toad Sage's huge eyelids slowly cracked open.
Its ears twitched slightly, and its cloudy eyes settled on Jiraiya.
"Ah... little Jiraiya..." Its ancient voice rumbled like distant thunder. "The confusion... and turmoil upon you... are as thick as fog."
Jiraiya's heart trembled. "Great Toad Sage, please guide me!"
He poured out all his doubts and worries, his voice full of urgency.
"Please tell me... what will become of Konoha? What will be the future of the Land of Fire?"
The Great Toad Sage was silent.
Its ancient eyes seemed to look past the ceiling, through the clouds, into the endless flow of time.
Minutes passed in silence.
The hall was still, except for the sound of slow, heavy breathing.
Jiraiya's heart pounded in his chest.
Finally, the Great Toad Sage moved, shaking its massive head.
"Cannot see..."
Its voice carried an unfamiliar tone—confusion.
"What?" Jiraiya was stunned.
"The future... has become a thick... fog of chaos..."
Each word landed in Jiraiya's heart like a boulder.
"I see... countless branching rivers..."
"There is blood flowing like rivers."
"There is peace and happiness for all people."
"The great river of fate... has been stirred... its currents tangled... all paths unclear."
"I can only sense... a power that struck the river of destiny... churning everything within."
Jiraiya stood frozen.
Blood flowing like rivers?
Peace and happiness for all?
What kind of answer was that?
He quickly asked, "Then what about the Child of Prophecy?"
The Great Toad Sage slowly shook its head.
Jiraiya's heart sank.
The Sage's prophecies had always been cryptic, but never meaningless.
He had grown used to deciphering riddles, always finding some faint clue.
But this time, there were none.
Not vague—contradictory.
"Blood flowing like rivers" and "peace and happiness for all" could not coexist.
He had once sought clarity through riddles, but now, even the riddle itself had no logic.
For the first time, he felt truly lost.
He thought of the long years he had spent searching for the Child of Prophecy.
The image of a red-haired boy with the Rinnegan flashed through his mind.
He had believed Nagato was that child.
But now, even that belief crumbled.
What should he do now?
Where should he go?
For the first time, there was no answer— not even a faint one.
A deep, hollow powerlessness gripped him, leaving him unable to breathe.
(To be continued.)
Chapter 62: Dancing Battle
While Jiraiya struggled with confusion about the future, far away in Konoha, Orochimaru was equally frustrated.
In a secret experimental base outside the Village.
It was dark and damp, filled with the heavy scent of formaldehyde mixed with blood.
Inside a giant glass container, a mass of flesh and tissue squirmed violently, as if it possessed life.
Orochimaru's golden, slit pupils narrowed as he stared intently at it, a twisted fanaticism gleaming in his eyes.
He picked up a syringe filled with a dark green liquid and slowly injected it into the container.
This was his latest creation, an improved fusion extracted from the First Hokage's cells.
"Yes... fuse together..."
Orochimaru's long tongue slid out to lick his cracked lips, his voice hoarse yet trembling with excitement.
However.
The next instant—
The flesh inside the container suddenly expanded, pustules bulging across its surface.
Bang!
The reinforced glass shattered.
Rotting flesh and green fluid splattered across the walls and floor.
The experiment had failed—again.
Orochimaru froze. The feverish light in his eyes dimmed.
He looked at the empty shelves and the few remaining nutrient boxes in the corner, his expression darkening.
That syringe had been the last of the First Hokage's cells.
Once used, there would be no more.
Even the funds for new equipment were nearly gone.
His research had reached its most critical stage, only to halt for the most absurd reason.
He was broke.
Root had been wiped out, Danzō dead, his entire clan eradicated. His biggest source of funding had vanished.
He had already sold off every asset he could, scraping together just enough for this failed experiment.
Now, he was completely trapped.
The experiment could no longer continue.
Which meant his pursuit of immortality had hit a wall.
Should he follow that fool Jiraiya, chasing after some illusion of peace?
Or waste away like Tsunade, drowning herself in sake and gambling dens?
No.
That wasn't his path.
In his mind, a figure surfaced.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Chiba Arashi.
The man who, in mere months, had seized control of Konoha with thunderous precision.
His wealth, his power...
Orochimaru's lips twisted into a thin, sinister smile.
He needed funding.
And the Daimyo lacked everything—except money.
A legendary Sannin, now a scientist obsessed with the mysteries of life...
Wouldn't that make an interesting tool for a ruler who sought control over all things?
He only needed to show his value.
Immortality—what could be more tempting than that?
It seemed it was time to visit the Fire Capital.
At the same time.
In the courtyard of the Daimyo's manor.
After half a month of intense training, the women selected from across the Land of Fire had shed their naivety and resistance.
Now, thirty-six women knelt on silk cushions in identical sheer gowns. Their postures were graceful, their eyes filled with practiced allure.
Their speech, manners, and every motion had been refined to perfection.
But they all knew—the true test was only beginning.
For today, the Daimyo himself would appear before them.
Arashi reclined lazily on a soft couch at the head of the courtyard.
He gazed at the array of beautiful faces below, unmoved.
Etiquette was simply the polishing before the feast.
What truly mattered was the flavor of the dish itself.
"Begin," Arashi said softly. His calm voice carried clearly through the courtyard.
At the old instructor's signal, the sound of strings and flutes filled the air.
A noblewoman rose and began to dance in the center.
Her movements were elegant and proper, adhering perfectly to noble decorum.
But it was too conventional—refined, yet tasteless.
Like plain water.
Several more followed, each beautiful, each flawless, but all lacking soul.
Until Uchiha Ragyō stood.
The moment she stepped forward, the air shifted.
An innate confidence and arrogance radiated from her, setting her apart from the rest like a crane among chickens.
The music began.
Her dance followed the same courtly form, yet every motion she made was precise and alive.
The turn of her wrists, the sway of her skirt, every step in perfect control.
The sheer fabric revealed glimpses of long legs and a slender waist. Each motion carved breathtaking lines into the air.
It was not seduction.
It was declaration.
She danced to tell the man upon the throne.
I, Uchiha Ragyō, am the woman most worthy to stand by your side.
That ambition gave her beauty a living fire.
Arashi's eyes finally glimmered with a spark of interest.
After Ragyō finished, the air in the courtyard grew tense.
Her performance had set a bar no one could easily reach.
Then came Kurenai's turn.
Her body stiffened as she stood, the spark of spirit dimmed from her eyes.
She didn't want to be here.
But her father's pleading and her clan's future left her no choice.
As the music began, she closed her eyes. Her body, guided by years of shinobi discipline, moved with the rhythm.
Her dance was stiff, filled with resistance.
Yet her form was among the finest of all.
Years of training had molded her into the perfect balance of strength and grace.
The tight-fitting dress emphasized her curves, her hips and chest moving with instinctive rhythm.
Even the simplest movement carried a wild, untamed allure.
An unpolished beauty—like a rose still bearing thorns.
That resistance, that unwillingness, only deepened Arashi's intrigue.
When Kurenai finished, she nearly fled back to her seat.
Then it was the turn of Mei, the breathtaking woman who had introduced herself as Shizumi.
She rose gracefully, immediately drawing every gaze.
She lacked Ragyō's proud sharpness and Kurenai's defiance.
Instead, she wore a soft smile, her eyes brimming with charm.
Arashi raised a brow. He had seen her resistance during early training.
Had she changed her mind?
The music began.
She didn't start dancing immediately. Instead, she bowed deeply to Arashi.
That single motion made throats go dry.
Her gown's wide neckline dipped low, her full curves barely contained as she moved.
Her dance flowed with the distinct sensuality of the Land of Water.
Her body moved like water, her waist twisting gracefully, each motion a blend of temptation and rhythm.
Her skirt swirled, revealing flashes of her long, silk-wrapped legs.
Her movements alternated between soft and sultry, gentle and bold.
Every gesture, every glance, every breath was directed at him.
She was using her body as her weapon, challenging his composure.
When the music ended, Mei bowed again, her eyes half-lidded, her chest rising softly with each breath.
The courtyard fell silent.
No one dared breathe, all eyes fixed on Arashi.
Reclining against the couch, his lips curved into a faint, unreadable smile.
He slowly scanned the room, eyes lingering just long enough to make hearts tremble.
Finally, he sat upright, beckoned the etiquette officer, and pointed at the list before saying a few quiet words.
Then, without another glance, he rose and left the courtyard.
(To be continued.)
Chapter 63: The Name Turns Over
After Arashi left, silence fell over the courtyard.
Thirty-six women, regardless of status, held their breath.
Their fates rested on the few words the Daimyo had just spoken.
The elderly woman in charge of training stepped forward, holding a scroll.
All eyes immediately fixed on it.
She said nothing extra, simply unrolled the parchment and read in a flat tone.
"Eri."
"Kiyo."
"..."
She read four names in total, all belonging to women from noble families.
The faces of the named women turned pale.
"You have been eliminated," the old woman said coldly.
"Leave the residence before dawn tomorrow."
Eliminated.
Just one word, but it shattered their dreams completely.
The four trembled, eyes brimming with tears, yet none dared to make a sound.
Even crying here was a breach of etiquette.
Among the others, a few showed sympathy—but most felt quiet relief.
The old woman ignored the defeated ones, turning her gaze toward Mei, who knelt in the front row.
Instantly, every heart tightened.
Ragyō's breath hitched, her entire body tensing.
The old woman looked at Mei for a long moment, and finally, a faint smile crept across her wrinkled face.
"Shizumi."
She called Mei by her alias used within the manor.
"Daimyo-sama was greatly pleased by your dance."
A radiant smile blossomed across Mei's lips. She bowed gracefully, her voice soft as silk.
"It is Shizumi's honor to dance for Daimyo-sama."
The old woman nodded approvingly. "Prepare yourself."
"Tonight, you will attend to him."
Boom.
The words struck like thunder.
Every mind went blank.
Dozens of eyes turned toward Mei Terumī.
It was her—the woman of unknown origin, yet drenched in charm.
Envy, jealousy, disbelief—all flickered through the faces around her.
Ragyō's pupils shrank. A rush of blood surged to her head.
Why?
Why her?
In what way had she lost to that woman who only knew how to flaunt her body?
She bit her lip until it nearly bled, forcing herself not to show her fury.
Jealousy burned like fire in her chest.
Meanwhile, Kurenai, who had been tense all this time, finally exhaled.
It wasn't her.
Thank goodness.
Relief washed over her—followed immediately by guilt.
Was she really feeling glad about this?
Ashamed, she lowered her head, her cheeks burning red.
At the center of attention, Mei maintained her captivating smile as she processed what the old woman had said.
To serve him tonight.
Her body stiffened slightly, an instinctive reaction of resistance.
But the hesitation lasted less than a second.
Excitement replaced it.
It worked.
Her plan was finally within reach.
Once she gained access to him, she would cast genjutsu when his guard was lowest.
Even if her technique wasn't powerful, it would be enough against an ordinary man.
As long as she got the Daimyo's seal of approval, she could escape with the wealth and resources she needed for the resistance army.
Thinking of this, her momentary shame was drowned by elation.
When she looked up again, her gaze shimmered like liquid honey.
"Yes. Shizumi obeys."
…
Inside the study, sandalwood incense filled the air.
Arashi had not gone to the harem immediately but returned here.
Outside the window, the music from the courtyard had long since faded.
Scrolls of official documents were stacked high on the desk.
Arashi leaned against the chair, tapping his fingers lightly as he recalled the earlier performances.
Ragyō's raw ambition, Kurenai's rebellious spirit…
But most intriguing of all was Mei.
Her change, from open resistance during training to her seductive compliance tonight—was far too abrupt, far too unnatural.
Arashi's lips curved.
Rather than being offended, he found it entertaining.
He wanted to see what tricks this woman from the Land of Water would dare to play in his bed.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door.
"Daimyo-sama, Asaba Toru requests an audience."
"Let him in."
The door opened, and Asaba Toru stepped inside, his face alight with excitement.
"Reporting to Daimyo-sama!" He dropped to one knee, his voice ringing. "The first merchant convoys sent to the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth have returned!"
"Oh?" Arashi straightened slightly. "How did it go?"
"Yes!" Asaba composed himself and reported.
"The silks, teas, and especially the white sugar you named 'Fire Crystal' caused an uproar in both nations."
"The Daimyo of the Land of Wind even decreed that only nobles could purchase it."
"In the Land of Wind, the price of a single bolt of Fire brocade has tripled."
"In the Land of Earth, the price of white sugar has increased fivefold and is still in short supply."
He paused before continuing. "According to your instructions, our caravans also made purchases on their return trip."
"We've exchanged a great deal of high-quality ore from the Land of Earth."
"From the Land of Wind, we acquired rare herbs and special metals."
"These goods are common in their countries, so the prices were extremely low. Our convoys returned fully loaded and still had surplus funds."
Arashi smiled.
A perfect trade cycle.
Using irresistible luxuries to drain others of their wealth while gaining resources cheaply.
Weakening their treasuries while enriching his own nation.
This was far more elegant than war.
"Excellent," Arashi said approvingly. "What about the trade hub? Has the location been chosen?"
"It has!" Asaba spread out a map. "Here. We've named it Golden Canyon."
"The terrain is steep and easy to defend, and it borders three nations."
"Our artisans and ninja have already begun construction. Both the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind sent workers this morning. It should be completed within two months."
Arashi's eyes lingered on the marked location, his finger tapping the parchment.
Trade was only the beginning.
Once the economic arteries were in his grasp, war itself would become unaffordable for his rivals.
When nobles could no longer live without their luxuries…
By next spring, he would have the leverage to deal with the Land of Lightning.
"Issue the order," Arashi said calmly.
"For the next round of trade, keep the total goods unchanged, but reduce white sugar output by thirty percent."
"Also, spread the word that these goods are being used by commoners."
"Yes!" Asaba bowed, admiration flickering in his eyes.
This lord's precision was as sharp as ever—his ruthlessness, unmatched.
After dismissing him, Arashi stood and stretched lightly.
The main course was finished.
Now it was time for dessert.
He turned to the night sky beyond the window, amusement glinting in his gaze.
Tonight, he would see what kind of surprise that woman from the Mist could offer.
"Notify them," Arashi said lazily.
"Tell Shizumi to prepare well."
(To be continued.)
Chapter 64: The Beauty Trap!
Inside the bedchamber, a warm fragrance wafted through the air.
Unlike the tranquil sandalwood of the study, the incense here carried a sweet, intoxicating floral scent that easily stirred one's deepest desires.
Mei had already bathed and changed.
She wore a nearly transparent, lotus-colored silk gown, her damp hair cascading over her fragrant shoulders like a waterfall.
Droplets of water slid down her fair skin, disappearing into the depths of her cleavage.
She knelt before a low couch, a pot of wine warming on a small table in front of her.
Tonight, she was that pot of wine, waiting to be savored.
Though she had rehearsed it countless times in her mind, when footsteps sounded outside the door, her heart began to race uncontrollably.
There was both humiliation for what she was about to do and anticipation for the success of her plan.
Creak.
The chamber door opened.
Arashi appeared in the doorway, dressed in loose casual clothes, his appearance less authoritative and more relaxed.
In Mei's expectations, the Daimyo should have been eager to approach her.
But he wasn't.
Arashi merely gave her a casual glance, then walked straight to the couch, lay down, and let out a comfortable sigh.
It was as if she, a peerless beauty, was less appealing than the couch beneath him.
Mei's heart tightened.
This wasn't how she had imagined it.
The seductive charm she had deliberately displayed was supposed to ignite the man's possessive desire.
Yet his reaction was indifferent.
"Come here, pour the wine," Arashi said lazily.
Suppressing her doubts, Mei responded softly and stood up gracefully.
She stepped barefoot onto the carpet, walking forward step by step.
With each step, the faint outlines beneath her skirt showed through, her long, slender jade-like legs gleaming under the dim light.
She reached the couch and lifted the wine pot to pour.
As she bent forward, the loose neckline of her gown slipped, revealing her snowy white chest without reservation.
Any normal man would have reacted.
Arashi picked up the wine cup, his gaze lingering for a moment on her delicate collarbone before drinking it all in one gulp.
"Nice dance," Arashi said calmly, his expression unchanged.
Mei's heart sank further.
This Daimyo was too composed.
But the act had already begun, and she had no choice but to continue.
Her beautiful face blossomed into a more enchanting smile as she knelt beside Arashi's leg, her breath sweet as orchids.
"To receive such praise from Your Excellency is Shizumi's greatest honor."
She poured again, her finger brushing lightly against Arashi's hand.
Warm, soft, with a hint of coolness.
Arashi finally reacted, taking the opportunity to grasp her mischievous hand.
Mei's heart leapt.
So he had been pretending all along.
Caught off guard, she let out a soft gasp and leaned into him, half her body pressed against Arashi's.
"Your Excellency..." Her voice trembled, dripping with allure.
Arashi looked down at her.
Her face was indeed breathtaking.
Her eyes were like silk threads, her lips like cherry blossoms, her skin fair enough to break at a touch.
And those eyes... they could ensnare souls.
"Are you nervous?" Arashi's hand traced her smooth back, feeling her body tense slightly.
Mei stiffened and replied softly, "It's my first time serving Your Excellency, so Shizumi's heart is... both respectful and afraid."
She lowered her gaze, her long lashes trembling, perfectly concealing the panic in her eyes.
"Is that so?" Arashi smiled, lifting her chin. "A beauty like you must have many secrets in your heart, don't you?"
Boom.
Mei's mind buzzed.
He saw through her?
No. It must be a test.
Tears welled up in her eyes instantly.
"Your Excellency... why would you say that?"
"Shizumi only wishes to serve you well. If I've done something wrong, please punish me..."
Her pitiful expression could melt any man's heart.
Watching Mei's flawless act, Arashi chuckled inwardly.
As expected of the future Mizukage, her composure was impressive.
"Hahahahaha..." Arashi suddenly laughed and pulled her fully into his arms.
"Why would I punish you? You've done nothing wrong." His lips brushed her ear, his warm breath tickling her neck. "A beauty like you, I wouldn't bear to punish you."
His masculine scent enveloped her, her emotions stirring uncontrollably.
Mei's body softened instantly.
Half acting, half real.
The time was almost right.
Suppressing her shame, she wrapped her arms around his neck and offered her lips.
Arashi didn't refuse, accepting this offering from the flower of the Hidden Mist.
As their lips met, Mei's Chakra surged silently.
Genjutsu: Voice of the Sea of Desire.
This technique did not harm or forcibly control others, but instead amplified their inner desires, leading them to fall into depravity and submit to the caster.
It was enough to deal with a pampered Daimyo.
She felt her Chakra invade his mind.
No resistance.
Arashi's eyes turned hazy in that instant, filled with infatuation and devotion.
It worked.
Mei's heart pounded wildly.
She deepened the kiss, reinforcing the genjutsu.
After a long moment, their lips parted.
A silvery thread connected them briefly before breaking.
"Your Excellency..." Mei's voice trembled with desire, her breath unsteady.
"Hm?" Arashi's tone was thick with lust.
"Shizumi... has a small request..."
"Speak," Arashi said dotingly, stroking her long hair. "Whatever you want, I'll grant it."
Suppressing her excitement, Mei drew a scroll from her sleeve.
She unrolled it, her voice filled with shy eagerness.
"Shizumi has a distant relative who wishes to start a small business in the Land of Fire but has met with some difficulties and needs a batch of supplies for turnover..."
"Your Excellency is busy with countless affairs, I shouldn't trouble you with such a small matter, but..."
Before she could finish, Arashi took the scroll.
"A small matter."
He unrolled it and picked up the vermilion brush beside him.
Glancing at the listed items, Arashi sneered inwardly.
Weapons, food... quite the appetite.
This batch of supplies was enough to arm more than a thousand people.
Mei held her breath, her heart almost leaping from her chest.
Her eyes fixed on the vermilion brush as it was about to move.
As long as he signed and stamped the great seal... the Hidden Mist Village would be saved.
Arashi's wrist moved slightly, the brush soaked with cinnabar.
It was about to fall.
Then, his movement stopped.
His ear twitched faintly.
Hm?
Mei's heart jumped to her throat.
Why did he stop?
She quickly looked up. His eyes were still hazy, filled with lust and the illusion of genjutsu.
The genjutsu was still active.
Then why?
Arashi tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting toward the tightly closed window.
Mei followed his eyes.
The carved window was shut tight, the paper unbroken, showing no sign of disturbance.
A bad feeling welled in her chest.
Just as she was about to speak to guide him back with her words...
"How annoying," Arashi sneered.
He turned his head to look at the woman in his arms.
His eyes were still hazy.
But his words sent Mei plunging into icy dread.
"My beauty, wait a moment."
"Let me deal with the little mouse eavesdropping outside first."
(To be continued.)
Chapter 65: Orochimaru’s Night Visit
Night had fallen deeply over the Fire Capital.
Only the busy streets still glimmered with lights.
Ordinary people had long since retired, but for some, the night was the time to act.
Orochimaru moved silently across the intricate rooftops.
His golden, slit-pupiled eyes gleamed in the darkness with the cold sharpness of a serpent.
Even the moonlight failed to reveal him.
Infiltrating the Daimyo's manor was, to him, no different from returning home.
The guards along the way, both hidden and visible, were nothing more than decoration before his flawless stealth Ninjutsu.
He even had time to evaluate their skill levels.
"Their breathing is too heavy."
"The flow of their Chakra isn't concealed at all."
"This level of defense is weaker than Konoha's Anbu."
Orochimaru's expression was filled with disdain, though his mind was already set on his plan for the night.
He always acted with caution, making full preparations even against seemingly weak opponents.
If the Daimyo's manor had been well-guarded, he would have withdrawn immediately to reconsider.
But as things stood, that wasn't necessary.
If the manor was truly this undefended, things would be simple.
He would move directly, control the target, and turn the supreme ruler of the Land of Fire into his puppet.
Thinking of that, Orochimaru licked his lips.
His research could continue.
He quickly located the Daimyo's bedchamber.
The guards there were clearly several times more numerous, and their Chakra flow was much more stable, a sign of elite strength.
But before Orochimaru, they were still insignificant.
He moved like an invisible wind, approaching silently, his Chakra completely concealed, blending into the darkness.
Inside the hall, the lights were bright, and incense smoke curled lazily.
A figure reclined on a soft couch, holding a beauty in his arms.
Decadent music, wine, women, and luxury.
Orochimaru's contempt deepened.
Even with power over the entire country, he was still a man indulged in desire.
He was about to approach, searching for the best moment to act.
"How disappointing."
Inside the hall, the lazy Daimyo suddenly chuckled.
His voice was soft, but it made Orochimaru's skin crawl.
He felt the distinct sensation of being targeted.
Something was wrong.
A moment later, the Daimyo's voice echoed from within.
"My beauty, wait a moment."
"Let me deal with the little mouse that's eavesdropping."
The voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly through the window and into Orochimaru's ears.
He had been discovered.
The thought flashed instantly through his mind.
How was that possible?!
Even his teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, couldn't easily detect his stealth Ninjutsu.
Escape!
There was no time to hesitate.
Orochimaru immediately decided to retreat.
His body shot backward, swift and precise.
However—
He had just leaped when a figure appeared before him, blocking his path.
It was none other than Arashi, the Daimyo who had been lounging with a woman only moments ago.
How did he get here?
Orochimaru's pupils constricted sharply.
He hadn't sensed any spatial Ninjutsu fluctuations.
The other party had simply appeared out of thin air.
"Since you've come all this way, why are you in such a hurry to leave?"
Seeing the familiar face, Arashi smiled calmly.
Orochimaru.
He silently repeated the name in his mind, amusement flickering in his eyes.
It was like someone offering a pillow to a tired man.
According to the original course of events, Orochimaru hadn't defected yet at this time, and Danzō was still secretly supporting him.
Unfortunately, Danzō was dead, Root had been eliminated, and the Shimura Clan had already pledged allegiance to Arashi.
So Orochimaru's reason for visiting the Daimyo's manor tonight was obvious.
Either he wanted a new patron.
Or, he intended to make Arashi his puppet.
Knowing Orochimaru's nature, the latter seemed more likely.
Originally, Arashi had planned to recruit this scientist after dealing with matters in the Land of Lightning.
He hadn't expected Orochimaru to walk straight into his palace.
Seeing Arashi blocking his escape, Orochimaru twisted his body midair, landing steadily three steps away.
His expression had grown grim.
Not just because of Arashi's sudden appearance, but because the moment he landed, more than a dozen powerful auras surrounded him from all directions.
Each one carried strength no less than a Konoha Anbu captain.
He was surrounded.
"Who are you?" Orochimaru asked, his gaze fixed on Arashi, searching for any weakness.
But there was none.
The man before him had no Chakra fluctuations whatsoever.
Just like an ordinary human.
But could an ordinary man appear in an instant and block him like this?
"You came to find me, and you're still asking who I am?" Arashi smiled faintly. "Then let me introduce myself. I'm the master of this manor."
"Why aren't you sleeping in the middle of the night, and instead sneaking into my residence?"
"I got lost…" Orochimaru replied casually, his eyes darting around for an escape route.
"Lost?" Arashi burst into laughter. "Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, gets lost too?"
Orochimaru's expression changed instantly.
He was exposed.
The man before him not only knew who he was but revealed his identity in one sentence.
"It seems Daimyo-sama knows me quite well."
There was no longer any point in pretending.
Orochimaru stopped hiding, his long tongue licking his lips, his golden pupils glinting dangerously.
"Since you know who I am, you should also know that these guards of yours can't stop me."
"Oh? You can try," Arashi said lightly, raising an eyebrow, his gaze filled with amusement. "And while you're at it, test the strength of my guards."
His calm tone carried an unmistakable challenge.
Orochimaru's pupils contracted, a dangerous gleam flashing across them before he moved.
...At the same time.
Inside the bedchamber, Mei froze completely.
When she heard Arashi say, "deal with the little mouse that's eavesdropping," she hadn't even reacted before he vanished.
He disappeared into thin air.
Moments later, three masked figures emerged from the shadows inside the hall, surrounding her tightly.
A cold killing intent filled the air.
If she made even the slightest move, she would be torn apart instantly.
She couldn't move at all.
It was over.
Mei stared at the empty couch and the scroll tossed carelessly aside.
The vermilion brush still lay quietly on the table.
The cinnabar ink on the tip glowed a deep red.
So, from beginning to end, she had been performing alone.
He had never fallen under her genjutsu.
He had only been playing along with her.
Watching her flirt, act, and give her all.
A crushing sense of humiliation flooded her chest.
Followed by deep frustration.
Her beauty, her schemes, her genjutsu—everything had been turned into a joke.
Outside the hall, Orochimaru didn't attack Arashi.
His instincts screamed that the man before him was extremely dangerous.
To strike first would be to fall into a trap.
In the blink of an eye, Orochimaru made his decision.
Break through.
He scanned the encirclement, analyzing for weaknesses.
Finally, his eyes locked on a Shadow Guard positioned on the eastern rooftop.
That was the weakest point in the formation.
And his only chance at escape.
His figure blurred, moving forward instead of back, sliding across the ground toward the Shadow Guard on the rooftop.
(To be continued.)