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When Guren heard what Kabuto said, her face turned red instantly. Kabuto noticed her reaction right away.
"It seems that Guren has a special liking for Sasuke Uchiha. Whether this deal succeeds might depend on your performance," Kabuto remarked, adjusting his glasses.
However, for some reason, Guren's anger flared up when she saw Kabuto's expression.
"Stay out of my business!" Guren snapped loudly.
"Alright, then. I'll leave this matter to you," Kabuto responded with a slightly awkward smile before turning to leave the room.
Guren sat there with a blush on her face, her thoughts racing.
The next day, Orochimaru led Kabuto and Guren to meet Sasuke. Kabuto gently knocked on the door, and Orochimaru called out, "Sasuke-kun, we have something important to discuss. May we come in?"
Soon after, Sasuke came to the door. When he saw Guren standing behind Orochimaru, a smile appeared on his face. "Oh? Orochimaru, have you made up your mind?"
"No, I came here today to make a deal with you," Orochimaru replied, licking the corner of his mouth with his long tongue. His eyes gleamed with confidence, as if he was certain Sasuke would accept his offer.
Sasuke raised his head slightly, meeting Orochimaru's gaze with a smile. He could see the confidence in Orochimaru's eyes but couldn't understand where it came from. "Oh? What kind of deal?"
Orochimaru chuckled, his laughter tinged with a sinister edge. He slowly approached Sasuke and whispered, "Sasuke-kun, if you help me treat Kimimaro, I can promise you that Guren will be yours."
His voice was full of temptation. "How about it, Sasuke-kun? I doubt you'll refuse," Orochimaru said proudly, believing his offer was irresistible.
But he overlooked one thing: never underestimate Sasuke.
"That sounds good," Sasuke replied with a smile, a cunning glint in his eyes.
Orochimaru, thinking Sasuke was about to agree, smiled even more brightly. But before he could celebrate, Sasuke suddenly interrupted him.
"But I refuse!" Sasuke declared firmly.
The smile on Orochimaru's face froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. He never expected Sasuke to reject his proposal so straightforwardly.
"Why? Sasuke-kun, from what I've observed, you seem to like Guren very much," Orochimaru asked, his tone full of confusion and surprise.
"You're right. I do like Guren, but..." Sasuke's voice was low and resolute, carrying a sense of unshakable determination. His eyes locked onto Guren, a deep emotion flickering in them.
"Guren is not a bargaining chip. She's not someone to be traded, which is why I refuse!" Sasuke's words echoed in the air, firm and decisive. There was no hesitation on his face, only unwavering conviction.
When Guren heard Sasuke's refusal, her heart felt like it was breaking. She had thought that Sasuke no longer cared for her, filling her with despair and sadness. But seeing the firmness and gentleness in Sasuke's eyes brought tears to her own, and her heart swelled with gratitude and happiness.
"Sasuke-kun..." Guren whispered softly, her eyes brimming with love and gratitude. She never expected Sasuke to respect her so much and cherish their relationship to such an extent. At that moment, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
"Don't worry, to me, my women are not objects to be traded. They're living, breathing people," Sasuke said, looking at Guren with affection. His eyes were full of tenderness and love. He gently stroked her hair, feeling her warmth and softness.
"So, I will never agree to Orochimaru using you as a bargaining chip!" Sasuke's words were firm and powerful, as if he was laying bare his heart. His gaze was full of authority and dominance, making it impossible for anyone to look away.
Orochimaru stood silently to the side, like an outsider. His face was grim, his heart filled with anger and frustration. He could never have imagined that Sasuke would reject his proposal for the sake of a woman.
After Sasuke finished speaking, he stepped forward and pulled Guren into his arms. Guren's body trembled slightly, her heart overflowing with happiness and security. She nestled closely in Sasuke's embrace, savoring his warmth and strength.
Orochimaru and Kabuto, standing off to the side, felt like unwelcome intruders in the tender moment.
Orochimaru's expression grew darker, and although he was seething with anger, he dared not lash out at Sasuke. The situation left him feeling utterly defeated. "In that case, Sasuke-kun, I'll take my leave," Orochimaru said, intending to depart with Kabuto.
But Sasuke wasn't about to let them go so easily. He had been away for too long, and it was time to settle things.
In an instant, Sasuke appeared in front of Orochimaru, blocking his path. Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock. Sasuke had moved so quickly that he hadn't even registered his presence.
Could it be... time-space ninjutsu? But Sasuke hadn't used the Flying Thunder God Kunai, so how had he done it? Orochimaru was stunned, realizing that Sasuke had mastered a time-space ninjutsu more advanced than the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But what did Sasuke intend to do?
Orochimaru tensed, preparing for a possible attack.
"Sasuke-kun, is there something else?" Orochimaru asked warily.
Seeing Orochimaru's apprehensive expression, Sasuke smiled and said, "Don't be nervous, Orochimaru. Don't you want to know the secret of eternal life?"
Hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise.