NOVEL NEXT Chapter 95: Chapter : 96
Kirito's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "What would you do if I said I was here to kill you?" His words were calm, but the threat was unmistakable. In an instant, the air turned heavy, charged with a palpable tension as the room grew quiet.
Pakura watched Kirito and Orochimaru closely, sensing the unspoken challenge between them. Her hand drifted behind her back, preparing her Scorch Release. If Kirito gave the signal, she'd unleash her attack without hesitation.
In the shadows, Kabuto and Kimimaro, Orochimaru's loyal followers, felt a chill run down their spines. Memories of their master's narrow escape from Kirito during the Wind Country incident flashed in their minds. The scars of that encounter had yet to fade.
Finally, Orochimaru broke the silence, laughing softly. "Kirito-kun, you do enjoy your jokes. There's no grudge between us. If you truly wanted me dead, you had the perfect opportunity the last time we met. But you held back, didn't you?"
Kirito's smile remained fixed as he answered, "It seems you've been paying close attention."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed with curiosity. "So, Kirito-kun, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"Our leader sent us to investigate rumors that the Sound Village was founded with your influence," Kirito replied, as if it were nothing more than a trivial task.
Orochimaru chuckled, unimpressed. "I doubt that's your only reason for being here."
Kirito's smile widened. "Well, I also heard you've been busy scheming with the Sand Village. You're planning something called the 'Konoha Crush,' aren't you? I understand you intend to kill the Fourth Kazekage, disguise yourself as him, and join the Chunin Exams in Konoha. Quite the audacious plan."
Orochimaru's eyes flashed with something unreadable. "You know a lot, Kirito-kun. Are you here to stop me?"
Kirito shrugged. "Why should I? The Third Hokage's time is long overdue. In fact, my companion here," he gestured toward Pakura, "has her own grudge against that man in the Sand Village. We'd like to be there when you make your move."
Orochimaru's gaze lingered on Pakura, intrigued. "Interesting. But is it wise, Kirito-kun? I am no longer with the Akatsuki. Helping me could put you at odds with them. If Pain finds out, he won't be pleased."
"Pain doesn't need to know," Kirito said with a smirk. "Besides, you owe me a debt."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "A debt?"
"Have you forgotten?" Kirito said, his tone growing sharp. "When you defected from Akatsuki, you bargained for your life. You agreed to give me something in exchange. Perhaps it's time to repay that favor."
Orochimaru's expression hardened. "Kirito-kun, you must be mistaken. The Flying Thunder God is a space-time jutsu developed by the Second Hokage himself. It's a forbidden technique that few have access to. Why would I, a rogue ninja, have it?"
Kirito's eyes glinted. "Is that so?"
"Yes, that's right." Orochimaru's expression turned cunning as he continued, "I'm afraid I can't help you with that, Kirito-kun."
Kirito feigned disappointment, then shifted the conversation with a casual question. "By the way, I heard you took in a Kaguya clan orphan from the Hidden Mist, Kimimaro, who's lurking behind you. I assume he was intended to be your next vessel. But after your defeat at Itachi's hands, your focus seems to have shifted to his brother, Sasuke Uchiha. Struggling to decide which one is better suited for you?"
Orochimaru's gaze grew cold, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. "So what if that's the case?"
"Nothing," Kirito said, shrugging. "Just a friendly reminder—Kimimaro might not be as ideal as you think. His clan's bloodline ability is powerful but susceptible to disease. He may be terminally ill. Which means Sasuke is your only real option now." Kirito's smile turned sinister. "What would you do if I destroyed him before you got your hands on him?"
Orochimaru clenched his fists, momentarily speechless with rage. Being threatened by Kirito once was bad enough, but twice? His composure slipped, replaced by raw irritation.
"Relax," Kirito continued with a grin. "I only want the Flying Thunder God technique. Give it to me, and perhaps I can even help with your Konoha plans. But don't try to tell me you've never seen the jutsu. You were once a Hokage candidate, and Jiraiya could access it. With your obsession for jutsu, there's no way you'd have ignored something that powerful."
Orochimaru's gaze grew steely. "Are you threatening me, Kirito-kun?"
He rose to his feet, a wave of intense chakra flooding the room. Experimental equipment rattled and shattered under the pressure, and even the sofa was blasted back against the wall.
Kirito remained unfazed, smiling calmly in the face of Orochimaru's fury.
"Not at all, Orochimaru," he said coolly. "Just a simple negotiation."
The tension between them escalated, filling the room with a deadly energy. Kabuto and Kimimaro watched from the shadows, both on edge.
Orochimaru finally spoke, his voice a low hiss. "You are bold, Kirito-kun. But be careful. Even a snake can bite back when cornered."
Kirito chuckled, unmoved by the threat. "Well, then. Let's see if you're willing to hold up your end of the bargain, Orochimaru."
And with that, an uneasy alliance was forged, shadowed by mutual mistrust and simmering malice.
(End of Chapter.)
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