Rising Shadows: Uchiha's Wrath

"What happened to Mizukage-sama?" Terumi Mei called out, seeing Kaito suddenly lose himself in thought.

Kaito snapped back to reality, but his face still showed unmistakable joy. "Good news!" he said with a smile. "The second leader of our science and technology division has delivered himself to us!"

"Second leader?" Terumi Mei raised an eyebrow. Judging by Kaito's expression, this person must be someone significant. She was still trying to guess who it might be, but Tsunade understood immediately. Kaito had mentioned multiple times that Orochimaru was one of the most talented shinobi in existence—someone he considered even more valuable than Tsunade. They had searched for Orochimaru's lab before but never managed to find it, though they did uncover some important research.

Now, seeing Kaito's reaction, Tsunade immediately made the connection. "Could it be that Orochimaru has come to the Land of Water?" she asked.

Kaito nodded. "We've been looking for him for so long, and yet he came right to us."

Then, turning to Terumi Mei, he instructed, "Arrange accommodations for Tsunade and the others. I'll go meet Orochimaru."

As he was about to leave, his eyes landed on the stack of documents on the desk. A quick glance told him that Terumi Mei and Uchiha Izumi were overworked, faint traces of sweat visible on their foreheads. Seeing this, Kaito sighed quietly before saying, "If it's too much to handle, find some trustworthy people to help."

"You don't need my approval for everything—use your judgment."

With that, Kaito disappeared from the office.

Terumi Mei couldn't help but smile warmly. Even though he rarely showed it, Kaito cared about his subordinates. Shaking her head, she quickly turned her attention to arranging the accommodations and considering who in the Hidden Mist Village could truly be trusted with this responsibility.

***

Meanwhile, at a secluded border crossing into the Land of Water, two figures came to a sudden halt.

"Tch, just my luck. I didn't expect to be discovered the moment we stepped in," Orochimaru muttered.

"Master Orochimaru, what happened?" Kabuto immediately grew alert, scanning their surroundings.

Orochimaru, however, remained unfazed, a smirk forming on his lips. "Look closely at the mist around us."

Kabuto frowned and examined the ever-present fog. Moments later, his eyes widened. "This... these mists are infused with chakra!"

"That's right. It seems similar to Pain's Rain Tiger Freedom Technique," Orochimaru mused.

Kabuto tensed. "Should we retreat?"

Orochimaru shook his head. "It's too late."

Before Kabuto could respond, a voice rang out from the mist. "Impressive. Sharp observation."

Kabuto's entire body tensed, but Orochimaru only licked his lips, excitement flashing in his snake-like eyes. "This is getting more and more interesting."

They turned towards the source of the voice, and a figure emerged through the mist—Kaito.

"Orochimaru, I've been looking for you for a long time," Kaito said, his tone calm yet unmistakably firm. "I didn't expect you to come right to me."

Orochimaru tilted his head, his interest piqued. "Oh? And who might you be?"

"Uchiha Kaito."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with recognition. "Ah, so it was you. I assume Itachi and Juzo met their end at your hands."

"That's right," Kaito confirmed. "And judging by your attire, I take it you're here to avenge them?"

Orochimaru laughed. "No, no. Quite the opposite. I came here looking for you."

Kaito smirked. "What a coincidence. I was looking for you too."

Orochimaru's grin widened. "I had my eye on Itachi's body, but to think someone with an even greater talent killed him… This trip to the Land of Water has been quite fruitful."

Kaito's eyes narrowed. "So, you're interested in my body now?"

"Of course," Orochimaru admitted without hesitation. "Though I must say, Sarutobi-sensei exaggerated your abilities a little, didn't he? To keep up appearances, no doubt."

Kaito chuckled and clapped his hands mockingly. "Great deduction. But let's cut to the chase. I have a proposal."

"Oh?" Orochimaru's interest deepened. "Do tell."

"Since we both have confidence in our abilities, let's settle it with a battle. The loser follows the orders of the winner. How about it?"

Orochimaru grinned, his excitement barely contained. "Now that is an intriguing offer. Very well. I accept."

Without hesitation, Orochimaru launched himself forward, his right hand extending unnaturally as a swarm of snakes shot towards Kaito.

"Shimmering Snake Hands!"

Kaito remained still until the last second, then swiftly drew his blade, severing the incoming snakes with a single, fluid motion.

Orochimaru's smirk widened. "Interesting. You reacted faster than I expected."

Kaito's expression turned cold. "Enough with the warm-up. I don't have time to waste."

"As you wish," Orochimaru whispered, his tongue flicking out.

In an instant, he lunged forward, his hands forming a seal. "Shadow Snake Hand!"

Several massive snakes shot out from different angles, aiming to ensnare Kaito. Without hesitation, Kaito's blade flashed once more, cutting them down with deadly precision.

But Orochimaru only smirked. "Got you."

Kaito narrowed his eyes. "Tch..."