Chapter 349: Contributing to the Hidden Leaf Village

"Teacher Iruka, I obtained this secret manual by chance." Li An hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the truth. "I know you have doubts about me, but I can assure you that I have no ill intentions in obtaining this manual. I simply wish to study it to improve my strength and contribute to the Hidden Leaf Village."

Iruka looked quietly at Li An, a hint of thought in his eyes. After a while, he nodded slightly. "Very well, Li An, I believe you. But remember, this manual is of great importance; you must keep it safe and do not let it fall into the hands of evil people."

Li An felt a surge of joy; he had not expected Iruka to believe him so easily. "Thank you, Teacher Iruka, I certainly will," he said quickly.

Iruka stepped aside to clear the path. Li An gave him a grateful look, then ran swiftly toward the exit.

Finally, Li An successfully escaped the trading market. He ran at full speed until he reached a secluded valley, where he stopped. Panting heavily, he leaned against a large tree, and the tension in his heart finally eased slightly.

"Phew, I am finally safe for the time being." Li An took a deep breath. He took the jutsu secret manual from his chest, looked at it, and his eyes were filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Now, it is time to see what secrets are hidden within this manual." Li An muttered to himself. He sat cross-legged on the ground, placed the manual before him, focused his mind, and began trying to decipher it.

With the system's help, Li An gradually broke through the outer seal of the manual. Suddenly, a faint light emanated from the manual, illuminating the entire valley. Li An's heart jolted; he knew this was the sign that the manual was about to be opened.

"Is it finally going to succeed?" Li An's heart was filled with excitement. He stared tightly at the manual, afraid to miss any detail.

However, just then, he suddenly felt a powerful aura rapidly approaching from a distance. Li An was startled; he quickly put away the manual, stood up, and looked around vigilantly.

"Who is it?" Li An shouted loudly.

A black shadow swiftly descended from above the valley, landing before Li An. Li An squinted; the person who had arrived was none other than Orochimaru, that treacherous and cunning rogue ninja.

"Haha, Li An, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon." Orochimaru looked at Li An, a sinister smile on his face. "Hand over the jutsu secret manual in your hand, or today will be your time of death."

Li An's heart sank; he knew Orochimaru's strength was extremely powerful and he was no match for him. But he would never hand over the manual easily.

"Orochimaru, you will not get this manual." Li An said coldly. "As long as I am here, you cannot take it."

Orochimaru sneered. "Hmph, just you? Do you think you can stop me?" He quickly formed hand seals, and a powerful chakra erupted from his body.

"It seems a fierce battle is unavoidable today." Li An thought to himself. He also quickly activated the system, preparing to go all out against Orochimaru's attack.

Li An's heartbeat suddenly accelerated, like a war drum beating wildly, emitting a dull and rapid sound in his chest. His fingers instinctively tightened around the jutsu secret manual in his hand, which emitted a mysterious aura; his knuckles turned slightly white from the force. The surrounding air seemed to become viscous, oppressive enough to make one gasp for breath.