Chapter 124: Born Evil Uchiha! The Orochimaru Incident Breaks Out

"Elder (senior), really?"

Early the next morning at Yuzhi's home, Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu, along with Zhi Shui who came to visit, all showed excited smiles.

They came this time to ask Yuzhi about recognizing Sasuke as his adopted son.

Although they all knew Yuzhi seemed rather sensitive about "adoptive father" and "adoptive son," they were too lazy to care; all they wanted was the result.

What they didn't expect was that they not only knew Yuzhi had already settled the matter, leaving only the timing issue.

Even more unexpectedly, Yuzhi had already decided to get engaged!

Yuzhi's engagement is extremely important to the entire clan.

After all, Yuzhi now claims that the soul of the Uchiha Clan is not an issue; moreover, he possesses the clan's highest-level power.

More importantly, he rescued the near-collapsing Uchiha lineage and gradually brought it to where it stands today!

His situation has become the clan's top concern, yet no one dares to speak much about it.

Moreover, the girl most closely linked to him also embodies the Uchiha's pinnacle of strength.

Such a dual combination leaves no room for idle talk for anyone with a sound mind.

Now that the two have made a decision, how could they not feel happy?

After all, a relationship that once belonged to different camps couldn't have been good, but after working together so long, they have grown in tacit understanding.

Rather than being so rushed, which would betray himself and also Hikari.

Although the four of them briefly discussed the Police Department again, the department is now at a relatively critical juncture.

Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu excitedly began to discuss, then spoke seriously.

"Then I appreciate your effort."

Some matters, I'm afraid, simply cannot be done.

"Sigh, the road ahead is long and the burden heavy."

However, his training isn't easy; he seems to be rotating among various squads now, and once everything ends, he'll be assigned to a jurisdiction.

Uchiha Xiu said with a smile, and Uchiha Xin nodded.

"Invite the smaller families to compete, but give them appropriate extra care."

Yuzhi thought for a moment, then shook his head; it's not that he doesn't care.

"Of course it's true; how could such a matter be a joke?"

Although it's only an engagement and hasn't changed much between them, Yuzhi still hopes to find a better time.

Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu nodded simultaneously, even though the two had once been at odds.

The Hyuga Clan ultimately decided, and Hyuga Rizhi entered the Police Department.

"By the way, elder, what are your thoughts on the prison side?"

Now that the situation is clarified, I fear I can only be a bit more open about it.

But it's no big deal; after all, Yuzhi only handled the nomination, and the Uchiha clan didn't participate at all—this is the result of their own competition.

Previously everyone tacitly accepted their situation, even they themselves did, otherwise Yuzhi couldn't continuously push the limits.

Yuzhi nodded, acknowledging the idea, and actually felt a bit hopeful.

"If nothing goes wrong, this can proceed immediately, and we are also preparing to announce the selection results to the whole village."

And the candidate for the Legal Department is basically decided, with a member of the Inuzuka Clan taking the role.

"But even if they're engaged, it doesn't seem to change much, does it?"

"So the prison side is about to be split off as well?"

Yuzhi rubbed his chin, and thinking of Hikari's personality, he couldn't help but mutter a complaint.

It's just that Yuzhi's perception is no joke; last night he could sense Itachi Uchiha returning in Mikoto's room.

But ultimately the training follows a jurisdiction station chief's program; after all, he's Hyuga Rizu's younger brother, so some face must be given.

"Alright, we understand."

Regarding this person whose whole family are unlucky, Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu didn't make his arrangement overly special.

"How about holding this next month, elder? What do you think?"

The news surprised Yuzhi a bit; they had expected Nara or Yuni to be chosen, but in the end the Inuzuka Clan quietly took it.

Moreover, their relationship has indeed reached this point; not being engaged would be abnormal.

Now it's just a separate room, so he can naturally sense Hikari's movements.

"No need to rush; find a better time slot."

"Then we'll pick a good time this year to properly hold it."

Yuzhi thought of the issue and couldn't help but look curiously at the three of them.

Early that morning when the three came to visit, she seized the chance to run back to her room and locked the door.

Perhaps she's thin‑skinned, or perhaps she didn't want others to notice the changes at home.

Yuzhi shrugged, leaned on the sofa and let out a light laugh, but his gaze turned to Hikari's room.

But Yuzhi didn't say anything; some matters require him to take the initiative, and he's quite aware of that.

Thinking of this, Yuzhi couldn't help but purse his lips, yet his mood shift went unnoticed by Zhi Shui.

If I'm not mistaken, that girl is probably pressed against the door, quietly listening to what's outside.

Yuzhi thought, then smiled and said, "Anyway, everyone plays a few tricks, and the prison isn't really a place the big families want to go."

And the Little Ninja Clan, forlorn for various reasons, Yuzhi gave them a chance; even if the place is shabby they won't refuse.

They would even be grateful.

"I think the Anma Clan could work; their illusion techniques are suitable for prison management, so let them give it a try."

Rubbing his chin, Yuzhi spoke slowly, and Uchiha Xiu and Uchiha Xin's eyes lit up instantly.

The Anma clan is indeed a good choice; even a Sharingan would find their genjutsu extremely tricky.

Their decline is evident now, but if we can win them over, it would benefit the Uchiha Clan—or rather Yuzhi—in pursuing the path to Hokage.

"Indeed an excellent choice; we'll start arranging it as soon as we return, and I doubt they'll miss this opportunity."

Uchiha Xiu said confidently, but halfway through his sentence, he suddenly saw Zhi Shui glare at him.

It left him baffled, especially when that scoundrel Uchiha Xin tugged at his sleeve, forcing him to pause.

All of a sudden, he realized that Lord Ying had not yet appeared.

"Oops, I've disturbed them!"

Uchiha Xiu wasn't foolish either; he instantly sensed that this moment was far from suitable to continue speaking.

Yet, seeing the "clear and refreshed" Yuzhi and glancing at the still‑present Hikari, he silently nodded to himself.

"It seems that even though both have Mangekyou Sharingan, Lord Yuzhi is still stronger."

What "stronger" means, only he knows in his own mind.

He didn't intend to persuade Yuzhi about the three ninja prohibitions; those apply to ordinary ninja, while for clan ninja, more children are naturally better.

Such a prohibition holds no meaning for them at all!

Nevertheless, he felt a bit nostalgic—being young is truly wonderful.

"Senior, then we'll take our leave for now; we'll discuss any matters later."

Seeing Uchiha Xiu regain his composure, Zhi Shui immediately laughed at Yuzhi, saying perhaps he's the happiest one here.

He truly hoped Yuzhi and Hikari would soon come together; they were his older brother and sister, and their closeness is even better now.

"Fine then, if you have business."

Yuzhi nodded, offering no objection, as everything that needed to be said had essentially been covered.

Although a slew of daring schemes still swirled in his mind, many tasks could only be undertaken after he becomes Hokage.

The Police Department was merely a preliminary test for him, and he looked forward to fully mastering Leaf Village and then "showcasing his prowess"!

"However, the Police Department's development has been faster than I imagined, and as its reputation improves, more people will join."

The Police Department is currently understaffed, prompting large‑scale recruitment, yet even a massive department will eventually saturate.

By then, it may be impossible to admit more people, necessitating changes to the system.

"Fortunately, the Police Department is already highly competitive; it can simply become even more so later."

The last‑place elimination system has already been implemented within the Uchiha Clan, and its results are quite good.

Although each year there are unlucky souls so disgraced they contemplate suicide, they eventually muster the courage to "come back next year," proving the system's usefulness.

Later, he could fully integrate this scheme into the Police Department, even if it results in "widespread lament," Yuzhi wouldn't mind.

"Those who don't act will be replaced by eager ones; perform poorly and you're out, and newcomers will take their place!"

"And gaining entry won't be easy; the farthest reaches of the universe are the civil service exams, so roll them up and undergo assessment."

"If you fail, others will succeed; I only want the best!"

Yuzhi chuckled darkly, foreseeing that future Leaf Village ninja seeking the Police Department, as well as those already inside, would become squashed like squid on a cutting board—rolled up!

Rolling up a bit isn't bad at all; after all, Yuzhi was already very "rolled" in his past life.

He watched Zhi Shui and the three people leave, then Yuzhi stood and walked toward Hikari's room.

The door was unlocked, and Yuzhi entered quickly.

At that moment, Hikari was sitting on the bed reading notes, as if oblivious to anything outside the window.

"What's up? You weren't discussing anything—why did you come to me?"

Seeing Yuzhi enter, Hikari raised an eyebrow and spoke first, then immediately lowered his head to continue reading, as if nothing had happened.

"Alright, you heard everything I said earlier, right?"

Yuzhi sat on the edge of the bed, smiling as he asked.

"No."

Unfortunately, Hikari still ignored him, keeping his head down on the book.

"Fine, but it won't be long before we actually get engaged."

Yuzhi didn't mind; he kept smiling as he spoke, though his gaze followed Hikari's graceful figure downward.

Hikari, lying on the bed, was naturally barefoot.

"In that case—"

Seeing Hikari unresponsive, Yuzhi thought for a moment, then cautiously shifted backward and said,

"Then can I say from now on that you are my fiancée?"

"Hmph, presumptuous."

Although Hikari still seemed calm reading, inside they felt somewhat embarrassed.

"Why is this guy so overbearing about this matter? Even though he mentioned it last night, don't be so hasty!"

"Besides, I haven't even stepped forward!"

Considering Yuzhi's frequent presumptions, Hikari could only

"Just as last night that bastard brought himself into his own house."

"Even if he ultimately kept his promise, this is already excessively over the line!"

Yet Yuzhi merely shifted his seat, still smiling at them, which forced them to purse their lips.

"Sorry, perhaps I should have taken more of your opinion into account."

After a while, Yuzhi whispered.

"But I think, as a man, some things should be more proactive.

Whether it's taking responsibility or considering practical circumstances, after all, we are probably hard to split now."

When he said this, Yuzhi paused, because he saw Hikari apparently lift her head and meet his gaze.

So he quietly shifted his position again, and only after sitting down did he seriously look at Hikari and continue speaking.

"We've always been friends, family; perhaps I'm a bit selfish, but I also want to take on more.

For the rest of my life, I wonder if I may ask you for more guidance?"

Yuzhi's words made Hikari lift her head completely; her face flushed, as if she hadn't expected Yuzhi to become so serious all of a sudden.

She mocked Yuzhi's self‑assertion with her mouth, but it was merely teasing.

If there truly is something she refuses, could anyone deny her thoughts?

Moreover, in this world, the only person she is deeply connected with is Yuzhi, and she will never forget, nor allow herself to forget, that fact.

Looking at the Yuzhi before her, Hikari finally lowered her head again, seeming to return to her book, but she spoke at this moment.

"I didn't object, so don't say it so cheesy."

Yeah, I didn't object either; why is this guy reacting so dramatically?

Hikari thought to herself, moreover she recalled something else.

Is my objection even useful?

Thinking that, Hikari shook her head silently; actually, this is quite fine.

"Hmm?"

But at that moment, she suddenly sensed something and, with a hint of panic, lifted her head.

Yuzhi, at some point, had already moved into position and rested his foot on her legs!

"W-what are you doing?"

"You seemed not to have rested well last night, let me give you a massage, what's the matter?"

Hikari stared blankly at Yuzhi, who had already begun to act, feeling an odd sensation from the sole of his foot; she could no longer hold herself back.

She had imagined Yuzhi could be over the line, perverted, and shameless.

But she truly never expected this guy to go that far!

"Alright, don't be shy; aren't we engaged? This shouldn't be a big deal, right?"

"Engaged couple, is this what you're after?"

"Also, move over to my place tonight; our relationship is already at this stage, don't be so formal."

Hikari's fist hardened completely at that moment.

Listening to Yuzhi's words and watching his actions, Hikari finally, out of shame, closed her eyes and ignored him.

But in her heart, she was far from calm.

"You born‑evil Uchiha brat, you're really too much!"

——

The joys and sorrows of people are not connected.

While Yuzhi, in a cheerful mood, lived his new—though not exactly brand‑new—life, the Underground Base at the root of Leaf Village presented a completely different scene.

"Has all the data been processed?"

Tuan Zang sat in the base at the root, his face grim as he asked the oil‑woman You Nu Longma beside him, while You Nu Longma lowered his head and replied quickly.

"Sir, it's almost all taken care of."

"It must be cleaned up completely; there must be no connection with Orochimaru. How are the personnel preparations?"

"The forces have already been assembled, sir."

Tuan Zang lightly nodded at the words, but his expression remained tense.

A few days ago, that mysterious Uchiha suddenly visited; it wasn't a big deal.

After all, Tuan Zang had long been looking for that guy, hoping to discuss Uchiha matters with him.

But the guy only arrived now, which left Tuan Zang slightly irritated.

He never expected that this guy would bring him a terrifying piece of news—

The matter between him and Orochimaru actually erupted!

Upon hearing the news, Tuan Zang's face turned pale; he knew exactly what consequences this would bring.

To put it bluntly, he's definitely doomed!

Panicked, Tuan Zang's first thought was to run, to leave the trouble‑filled Leaf Village as quickly as possible.

He indeed dreamed of becoming Hokage, but if he truly dies, then all his dreams would be shattered.

Yet he refuses to leave, because after departing he would be like a rootless floating weed; all his traces in Leaf Village would be erased, and he would be nailed to the Pillar of Shame in Leaf Village!

Caught in the tangled thoughts swirling inside him, at this moment she herself didn't know what to do.

Nevertheless, Tuan Zang reaching this position shows he's no fool; although a moment of panic made him lose his composure, he quickly recovered.

"The fact that this guy can still come to me now shows there's still room for redemption; otherwise he wouldn't tell me or even acknowledge me, since by then I would have no value!"

Thinking that, Tuan Zang became completely calm.

He guessed this might also be a test for him, though he was deeply dissatisfied, since he had always been the one testing others.

But now that things have come to this, he can't change anything, so he looked at Obito and said calmly.

"Understood. I will take care of everything and leave no trace!"

"?"

Obito stared blankly at Tuan Zang, who had gone from frantic to calm in an instant; he truly couldn't figure out what was going on with this guy.

He was only here to gather intel and see why Tuan Zang was after him, and to give this guy a heads‑up.

It can only be called a misunderstanding; Obito never thought that deeply!

But it must be said, his timing was perfect, and it truly reminded Tuan Zang that he could still save himself.

Then that's good, have them stand by, ready to move out at any time.

Tuanzang stood up, his eyes full of killing intent.

Although this operation will cooperate with the Anbu, my demand is that we must kill Orochimaru, absolutely cannot let him spout nonsense!

Yes, sir.

Younyu Longma lowered his head slightly, his eyes also full of sternness.

Although Orochimaru is a Legendary Sannin, and he also had many dealings with Orochimaru, but in his heart there is only Tuanzang.

If killing Orochimaru would benefit Tuanzang, then he would do it without hesitation!

Alright, I should go see Rizhan now; I'll leave the rest to your wisdom, don't let me down.

Tuanzang stood up; he indeed still has other matters to attend to.

Since we want to clear our name and cut ties, we naturally cannot avoid complaining to the Third Generation.

Regardless of whether the Third Generation believes it or not, at least he needs to clarify his own position; only after making it clear that he is 'innocent' can the follow-up be handled.

Thinking this, Tuanzang had already come all the way to the Hokage Building, and without a word went straight to the office where the Third Generation was.

Huh?

The Third Generation frowned, looking at the sudden intruder with a furrowed brow, and Tuanzang, seeing the Anbu in this room, was also startled.

He knew that dealing with Orochimaru couldn't be done without the Anbu's strength, but he never expected that the one overseeing all this would be his old friend!

You all go first.

The Third Generation looked at Tuanzang's arrival, feeling doubtful in his heart, but after a moment's thought he still spoke.

Yes, Third Generation sir.

Those Anbu nodded, then quickly left this place, leaving only Tuanzang and the Third Generation in this office.

Speak, what business do you have with me? I'm busy now.

The Third Generation took out a pipe, lit it, and as the smoke swirled, he then spoke in a low voice to Tuanzang.

I came here to report Orochimaru.

Tuanzang had fully entered the state, he did not show a pitiful look, still being overbearing but having to restrain himself a bit in front of the Third Generation.

Cough cough cough cough cough

The Third Generation was directly snorted at harshly by Tuanzang's remarks, then looked at Tuanzang in disbelief.

What are you saying?

Although he asked that, his mind was already wondering whether the Anbu had been infiltrated.

I said, I came to report Orochimaru.

Tuanzang's expression remained icy cold; he walked straight up to the Third Generation and spoke again.

I and Orochimaru are still conducting some necessary experiments, and these experiments are for the Leaf Village!

But as the experiments gradually deepened, I gradually found that Orochimaru's situation was becoming not right.

He demanded a large amount of funding from me yet was never satisfied, and the progress of the experiments basically saw no significant improvement.

Therefore I had people investigate him; the result showed he was doing some excessive experiments, and these experiments involved the bloodlines of all Leaf Village ninja.

I can clearly tell what is good for the Leaf Village and what is bad for it, so I have come!

Tuanzang's words were resonant and powerful; his face showed no joy or sorrow, but his eyes were filled with hatred, as if he had only just realized he had been deceived!

Moreover, he also revealed his actual connection with Orochimaru and the fact that he was conducting experiments.

After all, he knows that once something is investigated in depth, he cannot escape.

After all, his money is gone.

Settle the score? We must find some opportunity to do it!

Just like Yuzhi in his previous life, the old US gave unconditional support to some Eastern European country; it's hard to say they weren't quietly settling scores.

The exposure of the Orochimaru matter is fatal for Tuanzang, but also an opportunity.

Furthermore, for self-preservation, Tuanzang has been pondering whether to bring out the Jia.

Although it pains him greatly, if it ensures self-preservation, then everything is worth it!

And hearing Tuanzang's words, looking at Tuanzang's current appearance, the Third Generation was completely dumbfounded.

After a while, he then held the pipe in his mouth and looked at Tuanzang, speaking faintly.

Then, what information can you provide, and what exactly did you guys do in those experiments?

Wood Release, the Leaf Village cannot lack Wood Release, especially now when the Leaf Village faces the threat of the Uchiha Clan!

Tuanzang's words remained resonant and powerful, and he could still justify himself; after all, he is a steadfast 'anti-Uchiha person'.

Besides that, I can provide Orochimaru's laboratory, and

I can mobilize all combat-capable personnel from the Root, and together with you conduct joint operations to exterminate this villain!

——

Today's mission, have you made it clear?

Yes, sir!

Late night, inside the Root base.

Younyu Longma looked at the Root personnel and asked in a low voice; immediately he received a response like a mountain's roar and a tsunami.

This situation made him very satisfied; although the current Root cannot compare to before, at least these newcomers are still energetic.

After all, this mission is very special, and at the same time it is extremely important!

This is the first operation of the Root's reconstruction; its importance and significance are hard to put into words.

Moreover, they are facing one of the Leaf Village's Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru; for the newly built Root members, this is an even greater challenge.

Just as members of the Root, they can only win; defeat is absolutely not allowed!

"Since that's the case, stay on standby and be ready to act at any time."

You Nu Longma didn't waste any words; he raised one hand and then shouted.

"Disperse here and rest, stay on standby."

"Yes!"

With his order issued, everyone began to sit on the ground and adjust their condition.

Itachi Uchiha did the same at that moment, but the masked one bowed his head, his thoughts unknown.

"Really... did it happen?"

He murmured in his mind, as if he still hadn't fully come to his senses about all this.

These past days, everything he experienced left an indelible impression, even a deeply engraved memory!

Uchiha Haori, that hateful deceiver, is about to strike at Sasuke, and his own mother seems to have completely believed him.

That snake-like guy, Itachi Uchiha doesn't understand why everyone is willing to trust him?

Whether it's Shisui, his mother, or even the Hokage, all have been deceived by this guy's disguise; he doesn't understand what's happening to this world!

But Itachi Uchiha hadn't had time to ponder deeper, when the base suddenly transmitted an order.

He needed to return to the unit urgently, because they had a new mission.

Facing this sudden event, Itachi Uchiha's heart wasn't resistant, after all he firmly believed they were acting for the Leaf Village.

But as he rejoined and clarified his task, he couldn't help but once again fall into a state where his perception was overturned!

"Orochimaru's prophecy actually came true?"

The base began frantically processing, cutting, even erasing all traces of contact with Orochimaru, and everyone was instructed to remember one thing.

"Orochimaru is merely cooperating normally with Lord Danzo, and is not involved in any other matters!"

In other words, aside from some necessary, verified information, whatever Orochimaru does is his own decision, with no connection to Danzo!

However, for various reasons, Itachi Uchiha actually knows quite a lot.

He knows exactly how deep Danzo's ties with Orochimaru are, and he even handled the transport of many documents.

Naturally, he was also given special attention; he was required to memorize many things and absolutely not disclose certain matters!

"When there's no value, will everyone be abandoned?"

Itachi Uchiha kept murmuring this sentence, his mission tonight was to cooperate with the Leaf Village to eliminate Orochimaru!

And this truly sparked serious doubt in his heart; he seriously began to consider how trustworthy Danzo's words really are.

After all, a figure as big as Orochimaru is hard to escape; indeed Orochimaru and Danzo are essentially one.

"In this world, how much is true and how much is false?"

Itachi Uchiha muttered silently, but the seed of doubt in his heart had begun to take root and sprout as time passed.

Whoosh—

At that moment, a swarm of insects suddenly appeared beside You Nu Longma, and he immediately stood up.

"Everyone stand up, form a line, depart, eliminate Orochimaru!"

"Yes!"

Accompanying You Nu Longma's voice, all the base ninjas on alert sprang into action, and Itachi Uchiha also stood up then.

And at that moment, the seed of distrust in his heart had already grown strong!

"Perhaps Danzo was untrustworthy from the start."

——

"Shall we begin?"

"That's right, they've already gathered."

Inside Orochimaru's laboratory, Orochimaru was still working on his experiment, while the masked Obito stood calmly behind him.

Since leaving the test tube there, he knew that day wasn't far off.

What surprised him, however, was that this mysterious Uchiha was silently helping him.

Fortunately, this wasn't unusual; after all, in some sense they were already on the same side.

Orochimaru didn't refuse the guy's proposal to join that so-called Akatsuki Organization.

But Orochimaru could also sense that this guy's help probably served his own purpose.

Even an organization, these people are fundamentally untrustworthy!

"Come to think of it, you really have clout."

Obito didn't know what Orochimaru was thinking; he crossed his arms, looked calmly at Orochimaru and smiled.

"Your teacher personally leads the ANBU against you, Danzo has dispatched all his elite from the base, it seems they want to kill you."

And your friends, Ziraiye and Tsunade are poised, looking for a chance to reinforce and capture you at any moment.

"Tsk tsk tsk, Orochimaru, having risen this far in the Leaf Village, what do you think?"

"I don't need any feelings; on the contrary, this is an honor."

However, Orochimaru seemed completely indifferent; he let out a light laugh, glanced at Obito, and then spoke softly.

"After all, in some respects, I'm very important to the Leaf Village, whether it's the impact of my departure or the secrets I hold about the Leaf Village."

"My teacher and Ziraiye can't bear to lose me, while Danzo simply doesn't want me to leave alive, which is why they gathered so many people."

"Speaking of which, I'm curious about something: you have the Sharingan and also possess Wood Release; these abilities come from the Leaf Village, so you must be a member of the Leaf Village, right?"

"Then, have you ever done anything, or when you chose to leave, did it cause a strong reaction from the Leaf Village?"

Orochimaru's words seemed like idle chat, but each sentence pierced Obito's chest like a sharp spear.

Although he had long convinced himself that he was a forgotten person of the world, a dispensable existence.

He wouldn't be remembered by anyone, wouldn't attract anyone's attention, and no one truly cared about him.

But when others bring up such a topic, it simply validates his idea and gives him a deep thrill!

Obito clenched his teeth, glared angrily at Orochimaru, but in the end he was left speechless.

He hadn't done much in Leaf Village back then, and when he left Leaf Village no one cared.

Even if he wanted to return to Leaf Village, no one would recognize him—that's not the world he wants!

"If you're trying to probe my identity, I'd advise you to drop it."

After a while, Obito finally spoke in a low voice.

"I told you, you'll know later, but not now!"

"Fine, do as you wish, but aren't you leaving yet?"

Orochimaru lightly licked his tongue, and his gaze turned somewhat playful.

"I think my teachers should be arriving soon; I don't mind you staying here, but don't you have other things to do?"

"You're so confident—can you safely escape Leaf Village?"

"I can't say whether I'm confident, but I have to try, and besides, will you really just watch me fail to get away?"

Orochimaru's words were teasing, yet he felt genuine confidence.

Facing his teachers, he actually didn't have much confidence.

Although the Third Hokage is old, his remaining power is still strong; his strength hasn't declined dramatically.

And he also has ANBU, Root, and even Ziraiye and Tsunade watching hungrily, so his situation naturally becomes more dangerous.

But since he intends to leave, Orochimaru has prepared multiple plans and remains confident he can leave Leaf Village!

"Hmph, take care of yourself; I hope you can leave alive, or at least survive until I arrive."

Obito let out a cold snort, his figure twisted for a moment, and finally vanished on the spot.

Orochimaru continued fiddling with the device in his hand; the blood in the test tubes stained him, giving him an especially chilling appearance.

"Are you here?"

Suddenly Orochimaru's body paused slightly, and the next moment a huge bang erupted at the laboratory door.

Bang—

The lab door was instantly shattered, and the Third Hokage, leading several ANBU ninjas, rushed in.

The first sight was Orochimaru still conducting experiments, the pungent smell of blood spreading throughout the lab!

"Orochimaru!"

The Third shouted angrily, his voice filled with a mix of disappointment, heartbreak, gloom, anger, and more.

Orochimaru calmly turned, fresh blood staining his body, as if confirming he was indeed conducting a terrible experiment.

He calmly stared at the angry Third, then whispered a laugh, his tone showing no panic.

"Sarutobi-sensei, you're here."

"Why… why do this, what benefit does it give you?"

The Third Hokage trembled as he spoke, his fists clenched tightly.

"Probably…"

Orochimaru lowered the test tube in his hand and thought,

"It's to pursue what my heart longs for—the meaning of life, I suppose."

—

"Honestly, why did you lock the door?"

Yuzhi sat on the sofa at home, watching Hikari's tightly shut door, and let out a slight sigh.

"Besides, I'm not a pervert, is that really necessary?"

Yuzhi has been quite happy these past few days, but alongside the joy comes helplessness, as he can barely endure Hikari's gaze.

Still, he's somewhat relieved that Hikari isn't from the Hyuga Clan.

Otherwise he'd have to endure both perverted stares and a pair of Byakugan.

Now Hikari is especially guarded against Yuzhi—probably because that day Yuzhi pushed Hikari too hard, causing this.

But he won't admit he's a pervert; at least he hasn't entertained the thought "Such a beauty should be placed in the mouth and savored."

Meanwhile Hikari is interesting; although she constantly guards against Yuzhi, she still takes charge of cooking, cleaning, and the like.

That inevitably gave Yuzhi a strange thought—maybe he hasn't been thorough enough?

"Forget it, take it slow."

Yuzhi does know what "haste makes waste" means; taking it slowly yields better results, and certainly one shouldn't force things.

Even though a forced melon can quench thirst, he prefers something sweeter.

【Obtained a New Side Quest】

As Yuzhi pondered, his internal system refreshed suddenly, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"Did something happen to the village?"

Yuzhi sat up straight at once, surprised by the sudden task from the heavens.

But he would never refuse a task; after all, he can't refuse it!

【1. Regardless of whether Orochimaru and Obito succeed, severely crush their momentum】

【2. Ignore Orochimaru and Obito, let them act freely】

【Unknown Task Reward】

"Orochimaru, and Obito?"

Looking at the task description, Yuzhi was bewildered—how did those two end up together?

But then, he seemed to think of something!

"Orochimaru is probably about to leave the Leaf Village, and in the original work he joined the Akatsuki Organization; it seems Obito moved this up."

In the original work, Orochimaru's joining the Akatsuki Organization was personally recruited by Nagato, and Orochimaru also coveted the Rinnegan and tried to snatch it, ultimately being defeated.

But now the situation seems to have changed a bit; however, no matter how it shifts, the outcome appears the same, and this makes Yuzhi find it somewhat interesting.

"Orochimaru, huh? This guy is a treasure trove."

Yuzhi murmured softly, and then he made his decision.

The mission does not require stopping them; it only calls for undermining their morale, which is best for Yuzhi!

Although there is a second option, he hasn't forgotten that Orochimaru still possesses the powerful technique of Impure World Reincarnation.

Most importantly, Orochimaru still owes him a promise, and now that promise should be spoken.

"Biruho, we have been waiting one or two years for the day Orochimaru leaves, and finally it's come for us!"

Thinking that, Yuzhi's chakra flickered slightly, and in an instant he vanished from the spot.

Hikari, who was also in the room, seemed to sense something; she gently opened the door, glanced outside, and then let out a soft hum.

"Hmph, where has that innately evil little brat gone this time?"