As Hiro strolled through the quiet streets of the town, his thoughts still lingered on Tsunade. He had plans for her, but they could wait. For now, he needed to focus on more immediate concerns.
Suddenly, he felt it—subtle at first, but unmistakable. Someone was following him.
His smirk faded as he turned a corner into a dark alley, the shadows swallowing him whole. He paused, listening intently. The footsteps behind him halted, just as he expected. Whoever was tailing him wasn't subtle.
"Whoever you are," Hiro called out into the darkness, "I suggest you come out. I'm not in the mood for games."
There was silence for a moment, then a slow, sinister chuckle echoed through the alley. A figure stepped forward, cloaked in shadow. The pale face, slitted golden eyes, and snake-like grin immediately put Hiro on edge.
Orochimaru.
"I see you're not easily intimidated," Orochimaru said, his voice smooth but dripping with malice. "Not many would sense me so quickly, especially someone so... young."
Hiro narrowed his eyes. "I don't like being followed."
Orochimaru tilted his head, intrigued. "Who are you? I sense strength, but you're no ordinary shinobi."
"That's none of your concern," Hiro replied, his body tense but relaxed. His hand hovered near his Sword, but he didn't make the first move. Not yet.
"Ah, but it is," Orochimaru said, his eyes gleaming. "Strength like yours... I have a habit of collecting such things. I'm always on the lookout for new... subjects."
Hiro raised an eyebrow. "Subjects? I'm not interested in becoming one of your experiments."
Orochimaru's grin widened. "We'll see."
Without warning, Orochimaru's hand shot forward, his fingers extending like serpents as they aimed for Hiro's throat.
But Hiro was ready. He sidestepped the attack with ease, twisting his body as he lashed out with a kick, aiming for Orochimaru's ribs.
The sound of air rushing past filled the alley as Orochimaru dodged effortlessly, his body bending unnaturally as if made of liquid. He landed a few feet away, eyes gleaming with amusement.
"You're quick," Orochimaru said. "But I'm faster."
Hiro didn't respond. Instead, he rushed forward, drawing a kunai and slashing at Orochimaru's midsection. Orochimaru dodged, but Hiro's movements were calculated. In a swift follow-up, Hiro spun and slammed his elbow into Orochimaru's side.
The impact was solid, but Orochimaru merely smirked as he slithered back, his body moving unnervingly like a snake.
"Impressive," Orochimaru hissed, his tongue flicking out. "You're more skilled than I thought."
"I'm full of surprises," Hiro muttered, his eyes never leaving Orochimaru's.
The air around them grew tense, the alley now a battleground. Orochimaru's eyes flickered with interest as he regarded Hiro, sizing him up.
"Tell me," Orochimaru said, his voice cold and curious, "why would someone with your talent wander around so carelessly? You must have a greater purpose."
Hiro's smirk returned, though his eyes remained sharp. "That's for me to know."
Orochimaru's smile faltered slightly. "You're not just strong; you're clever. But that only makes you more intriguing."
Before Hiro could react, Orochimaru's hands weaved through a series of hand signs, faster than Hiro could track. "Let's see how well you handle this."
Suddenly, the ground beneath Hiro trembled as thick, dark serpents burst from the earth, their fangs gleaming as they lunged for him.
Hiro leaped into the air, flipping gracefully as he hurled kunai at the advancing snakes. Two of the serpents collapsed in a heap, but more took their place.
"Cute trick," Hiro muttered, landing on the rooftop above. "But you'll need more than that."
Orochimaru watched him from below, eyes narrowed. "You're no ordinary shinobi, that much is clear. But if you think you can escape me, you're mistaken."
Hiro's eyes gleamed with confidence. "I wasn't planning on running."
Without another word, Hiro formed his own hand signs
As Hiro kneaded chakra within his body, he felt the intense heat build up inside, turning the energy into flames that roared to be released.
He knew this technique wasn't just about raw power—it was about control. The more chakra he poured into it, the more devastating the flames would become.
Hiro stood firm, his eyes locked onto Orochimaru. Without hesitation, he brought his hands together, weaving the necessary seals with precision and speed.
The air around him grew hotter, distorting as he inhaled deeply, preparing to unleash one of the most feared techniques from the Uchiha clan.
"Katon: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Hiro expelled the chakra-infused flames from his mouth, and a massive orb of fire formed instantly, maintaining its shape as it hurtled toward Orochimaru.
The sheer size of the fireball made the ground tremble, and the intensity of the heat caused the alley walls to crack and blister even before the flames made contact.
Orochimaru's eyes widened, recognizing the power behind the technique. He quickly leaped backward, but Hiro's fireball was relentless, crashing into the ground where Orochimaru had stood.
The impact created a massive crater, and the surrounding area was vaporized in a searing wave of heat. Smoke and ash billowed into the air, and for a moment, the alley was filled with nothing but fire and destruction.
The flames lingered, glowing with an unnatural intensity as they scorched everything in their path. Hiro's breath was steady, his focus unwavering as he scanned the battlefield.
He knew Orochimaru wouldn't be taken down so easily, but the power of the Great Fireball Technique had served its purpose—it was a message, a demonstration of his strength.
As the smoke began to clear, Orochimaru's eerie laughter echoed through the alley.
"Impressive... very impressive," he hissed, emerging from the smoke unharmed, though his robes were singed. His serpentine gaze locked onto Hiro. "You really are full of surprises, aren't you?"
Hiro's eyes narrowed. "I'm just getting started."
"I don't know where you learned this jutsu of Uchiha clan, but I'll find out soon," Orochimaru hissed, his voice dripping with curiosity and menace. His slit-like eyes glimmered with a twisted excitement, as if Hiro's abilities were fueling his obsession.
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