Chapter 39: The Island Divided into Yin and Yang

I previously watched your Graduation test together with Sarutobi-sensei and your father, and I must say it left a strong impression on me; initially I approached Sarutobi-sensei to ask to become your team leader Jonin, but Sarutobi-sensei rejected me.

Even though Qimu Chao showed no puzzled expression, Orochimaru still explained the whole situation to him: "What surprised me is that Sarutobi-sensei actually chose you, Shui Men, to become Qimu Chao's leader; in a few years you might replace our position, perhaps."

"No, Lord Orochimaru, you overpraise me."

Hearing Orochimaru's compliment, Shui Men shook his head repeatedly, rubbing his head with his hand, looking a bit embarrassed: "I'm not really A Chao's leader; the two of us are more like partners."

"Partners?"

Shui Men's words made Orochimaru pause, then he squinted and licked his mouth corner: "Oh? Is that how you see it, Shui Men?"

Shui Men nodded, then seemed to recall something and asked Orochimaru: "Lord Orochimaru, how did you come to Yucha Island? Was it because of a mission?"

Orochimaru's face showed a sly smile: "No, I was just idle, so I left the village and came here. Shui Men, what brought the two of you to this island?"

Trusting Orochimaru, Shui Men told him the entire background of the mission, hoping to obtain from Orochimaru any information about the island and the commission.

In his impression, Orochimaru is not a random person; his coming to this island must have his own reasons.

Orochimaru kept smiling, not directly revealing his purpose, and said: "I never expected it, Shui Men, you'd secretly relax while completing a mission. I always thought only that fool Jiraiya would do that; looks like you and Jiraiya are indeed of the same vein."

After the laugh, Orochimaru's expression changed quickly; one moment he was smiling, the next he became very serious: "I can only say that your timing for this mission is truly off."

"Is there any problem on this island, Lord Orochimaru?"

Hearing Orochimaru, Bofeng Shuimen furrowed his brows, thinking carefully; perhaps the problem lies more with the island itself.

"Follow me."

Having said that, Orochimaru walked straight ahead.

Soon, keeping pace with Orochimaru, the two arrived at an apparently ordinary building; pushing the door open revealed a bottomless dark staircase.

After descending several hundred meters, Qimu Chao and Shui Men found the view suddenly bright.

On this not‑so‑large island, there is a massive Underground City!

Caiqian Fenglin didn't lie; this island truly is a damn chaotic place, just not on the surface but beneath it!

Because the scene that entered Qimu Chao's and Shui Men's eyes was exactly like that.

A rather tall man knelt on the ground, moving on all fours; chains were on his neck and wrists, and upon close inspection the chains bore rune seals, which, judging by the situation, appear to be a seal to suppress the man's chakra.

In front of the tall man stood a skinny man wearing a hat, holding a leather whip; if the tall man slowed even slightly, it would be either a strike or a scold.

If the restraints were removed, the tall man could probably twist the skinny man's neck with a single hand, but because of the Sealing Curse Chain, he can do nothing.

That tall man looks like a slave? That's truly rare…

At least in Qimu Chao's seven or eight years of life, this is the first time he's seen a real slave.

Taking two more steps forward, they saw two people start wrestling over a few words, and then one of them drew a dagger and thrust it into the other's neck.

From the island's surface to its depths, it's clearly a transition from civilized society to a barbaric one, and judging by this, it may have been deliberately orchestrated by someone.

"Tsk tsk tsk, this is truly interesting…"

Watching the various events unfold along the way, Qimu Chao showed no sign of discomfort; on the contrary, he even smiled.

But Shui Men, seeing these scenes, kept his brows furrowed without easing.

Qimu Chao's demeanor surprised Orochimaru a bit; knowing Qimu Chao's age, his interest in him grew a few notches.

If earlier Orochimaru only felt a slight regret for missing a genius, now regarding Qimu Chao, Orochimaru's desire to take him as a student reignites.

If this time both he and Shui Men can leave the island, he should go and mention it to the old man.

Provided both survive.

"Lord Orochimaru, what exactly is this place?"

After the three walked further, Shui Men could no longer contain his curiosity and asked Orochimaru.

"This is Yucha Island's Underground City, the yin side of Yucha Island. Your client was not wrong; the yin side truly is a chaotic place, and the island's yin and yang sides arise because of the island's belief system."

As they walked, Orochimaru explained: "Legend says that at first Yucha Island was not territory of Tea Country but part of Kawa no Kuni. A thousand years ago, the Sage of Six Paths used the Ameno-nuboko to shape the earth and accidentally separated this island from Kawa no Kuni; after drifting, the island settled here."

"Although it lies closer to Tea Country's territory, the island's ties to Kawa no Kuni are tighter. Rumor has it the island is called Yucha Island because people from Kawa no Kuni use it to govern Tea Country."

Orochimaru rambled on, but not the point Shui Men wanted; after finishing the legend, Shui Men asked: "Then what exactly is the belief on this island?"

"I don't know either," Orochimaru shook his head, then continued: "Belief is actually irrelevant; you two must remember that on this island, everything, everywhere, is divided into yin and yang sides."

"One week later, on a Moonlit Night, the yang side of the island will hold a Festival, and the yin side beneath will also hold a Festival; that moment will be the key to your mission!"