Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Sasuke’s Outburst and Orochimaru’s Temptation
"Take Sakura and leave..."
Naruto's pupils contracted at Sasuke's insistence. His trembling and fearful demeanor was swiftly replaced by a mix of hesitation and frustration.
Here it comes again...
Why? Why did he always lack the courage to face powerful enemies like Sasuke? Why was he always cast as the one needing protection?
Wasn't Orochimaru his enemy too? Sasuke wasn't afraid—so why would he run away?
"Sasuke, I'm not running away! I'm done letting you hog the spotlight!" Naruto shouted, feigning a slight grin as he brandished a kunai and charged forward.
"This idiot..." Sasuke muttered under his breath, his expression tightening. "Sakura, leave now!" he commanded, his chakra surging under his feet.
"Sasuke-kun, Naruto..." Sakura hesitated. Watching the two of them face an enemy, she couldn't bring herself to abandon them. Clenching her fists, she prepared a hand seal, her resolve hardening. How could I leave Sasuke-kun and Naruto behind?
---
"Hmph... what an absurd display of camaraderie..."
Orochimaru's voice dripped with disdain as he watched the trio charge toward him. His dark pupils sharpened, and in an instant, an overwhelming killing intent engulfed them like a tidal wave. It was a sinister aura, far beyond anything Zabuza had ever exuded.
Caught unprepared, all three froze mid-action—Sasuke included. Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, as though bound by chains forged from sheer terror. Their pupils dilated as they stared at Orochimaru, as if gazing into the abyss itself.
Even Sasuke, with his unlocked Sharingan, was paralyzed.
Naruto, standing closest to Orochimaru, felt his kunai slip silently from his hand. His eyes were dull, his face pale as if he had seen death incarnate.
Sakura, her body soaked in cold sweat, collapsed to the ground. Despite forming the final seal for her jutsu, her trembling hands faltered.
Is this Orochimaru's killing intent? Sasuke thought, his mind racing even as his body refused to obey. Even though I expected something extraordinary, this is utterly insane. My mind is clear, yet my body won't stop shaking!
Sasuke's thoughts grew darker as his instincts screamed at him to retreat. Yet, he gritted his teeth, suppressing the impulse.
Run? And where would I run to? If I am to seek greatness, I cannot cower in the face of danger! I have already chosen a life fraught with peril; hesitation now would betray everything I stand for.
---
Summoning his resolve, Sasuke's eyes burned with determination, and his trembling gradually subsided. His realization was clear—killing intent preyed on the mind's fear. The moment he overcame his psychological barriers, its oppressive weight diminished.
Yes... deep down, I crave this exhilarating, dangerous life... Otherwise, I would never have set my sights on surpassing the Hokage!
Channeling his chakra, Sasuke's hands formed a seal. A vibrant surge of purple-blue energy erupted around him, illuminating the dark night like a beacon. His aura snapped Naruto and Sakura from their stupor.
"Naruto, Sakura," Sasuke growled, his Sharingan locking onto Orochimaru. "I will never let you die here!"
---
Orochimaru's interest was piqued. His serpentine gaze fixated on Sasuke as the boy's chakra burst forth. "Well, well… it seems you're full of surprises," Orochimaru hissed, his voice laced with intrigue.
He licked his lips, noting Sasuke's twin tomoe Sharingan and his impressive chakra control. Though not yet on par with prodigies like Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke had the raw potential of a ninja genius.
---
Without wasting a moment, Sasuke surged forward, closing the gap between them in an instant. His chakra-empowered kick slammed into Orochimaru's back with explosive force, sending the man hurtling into a nearby tree.
Naruto and Sakura could only watch in shock. "Did... did Sasuke defeat him?" Naruto stammered, disbelief evident in his voice.
But Sasuke remained unfazed, his gaze cold and calculating. "No. This is far from over."
Before his companions could process his words, Orochimaru's twisted laughter echoed. "Jie jie jie... defeated? Me? Don't be naive, Sasuke. This is only the beginning."
Suddenly, the lifeless body on the ground twitched. From its gaping mouth emerged a pale hand, followed by a serpentine figure slithering out. Orochimaru, reborn like a shedding snake, stood before them in his true form—his long, dark hair framing a pale, sinister face.
---
Naruto and Sakura recoiled in horror. "What kind of monster is this?" Naruto exclaimed, his voice trembling.
"A snake demon..." Sakura whispered, frozen in fear.
Sasuke's expression darkened. He locked eyes with Orochimaru and spat, "So, you're finally showing your true form. But tell me—who are you, really?"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Ah, the sharp eyes of a true Uchiha. Very well, I'll indulge you," he purred. "My name is Orochimaru. But enough about me—I'm far more interested in you, Sasuke."
---
His tone shifted, becoming both persuasive and insidious. "Why waste your potential in a place like Konoha? Come with me, and I will grant you power beyond imagination. The power to destroy anyone who stands in your way… even that man."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Orochimaru's offer was tempting, but the hidden malice in his voice was unmistakable. This wasn't just about power—it was a trap, a snare designed to exploit Sasuke's deepest desires.
---
[System Alert: Orochimaru's offer detected. Mission triggered: Refuse temptation and resist. Reward: Orochi-Style Substitution Technique.]
---
Sasuke's thoughts raced. He knew Orochimaru was a formidable enemy, yet the idea of yielding to him was unacceptable. With renewed determination, Sasuke activated his chakra once more, preparing for the next clash.
---
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Oh, Sasuke… you truly are fascinating. Let's see just how far your resolve can take you."
The battle wasn't over—not by a long shot.
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