Aoba had long sensed Yumi's intentions but chose not to respond.
In his mind, this was due to his saving her and her daughter, which had led Yumi to develop a sense of indebtedness. He saved Karin with the intention of gaining her future assistance. He never expected Yumi to repay him in such a way.
However, he soon noticed that Yumi's intentions became increasingly apparent, even almost being detected by Karin.
People in the Naruto world generally mature early and marry young. Yumi was actually quite young, only three years older than Aoba.
Despite Yumi's ardent feelings, he couldn't deny that he was somewhat moved. However, during this time, all his energy was focused on improving himself. He simply had no capacity to respond to Yumi's affection.
Until today.
After the rain had cleared, Yumi lay in his embrace.
"Aoba, I'm now able to preliminarily master Wood Release. I can help you. No matter who your enemies are, I will stand by your side."
"I know. But I need to tell you that I am walking a very dangerous path. You need to be mentally prepared."
"I've heard you say that. It seems that this danger cannot be avoided just by hiding, right?"
"Exactly. No matter where you hide, it's meaningless. Unless we can resolve the issue completely."
"Then that's it. Karin and I will always stand by your side."
As the two shared an intimate moment, he heard a disturbance in the courtyard. His expression shifted slightly.
"Wait for me here."
Stepping outside, he found, as expected, a white snake in the courtyard.
"Long time no see, Orochimaru."
"Heh, Aoba-kun, you seem a bit different," Orochimaru said.
Unlike before, where Orochimaru tried to assert dominance, Aoba was no longer afraid of him. In fact, he was now about seventy percent confident he could defeat Orochimaru in a direct confrontation.
However, killing Orochimaru was another matter entirely. He was notoriously difficult to kill.
"After all this time, I've gained some insights," Aoba responded succinctly.
"Impressive. We've already traded twice, and both times I received incredibly valuable information from you. I've done some verification, and Aoba-kun's information is indeed astonishingly accurate."
This was exactly the kind of thing Orochimaru would do. After all, he was the top scientist of the ninja world. If he hadn't been so obsessed with Itachi and Sasuke, his achievements would have been even greater. Unfortunately, destiny had other plans for Sasuke, and Orochimaru's ambitions were thwarted.
"Is that so? Is Orochimaru-sama here for another transaction?" Aoba was struggling to find a place to use his Wood Release techniques, so having Orochimaru offer a new transaction was fortuitous.
He had no doubt that Orochimaru had information on Wood Release. Orochimaru had been involved in the transplantation of Hashirama's cells for years and would undoubtedly have kept some records.
"Of course, Aoba-kun. I'm eager to learn more secrets from you."
Orochimaru's tone became increasingly unsettling. His narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, the Kusanagi Sword was drawn, and he performed a swift upward slash.
With a clang, a crisp metallic sound echoed. Another Orochimaru appeared behind Aoba.
This time, the real Orochimaru had come and was clearly prepared for a confrontation.
Aoba felt he had overestimated Orochimaru's boundaries. He had hoped for at least one more safe transaction, but instead, this encounter had turned hostile.
Orochimaru's recent discoveries likely pushed him to the brink. He was now convinced that Aoba held some enormous secret, driving him nearly mad. After much hesitation, he decided to end it decisively.
Seeing Orochimaru make his move, Aoba was neither angry nor afraid. In fact, if Orochimaru had come a month earlier, his first action would have been to send a distress signal.
But now, he had fully mastered his transplanted body and integrated his new powers. He was not afraid of Orochimaru.
The two clashed in the courtyard, their movements sharp and intense. They didn't worry about being overheard.
Since the last time the ANBU had been attracted, Aoba had increased the defensive seals around the area. As long as the commotion wasn't too loud, it wouldn't be heard outside.
Neither used large-scale jutsu. Instead, they engaged in close combat with taijutsu and smaller jutsu like Body Flicker and Substitution Jutsu.
He didn't even use Sage Mode, relying solely on his new physical strength to overpower Orochimaru in close combat.
With ample chakra, the entire courtyard was filled with his wind blades. This sharp cutting power was the nemesis of Orochimaru's soft-body techniques.
Orochimaru clearly realized this but wasn't in a hurry. Aoba was momentarily puzzled but soon understood. Orochimaru had miscalculated this time.
Meanwhile, inside the house, Kabuto, wearing glasses and sporting a smug smile, stood before Yumi and Karin.
"Little girl, you are someone Lord Orochimaru has taken an interest in. I don't want to harm you. So, could you convince your mother not to take action?"
"Bad guy, go away. Otherwise, my brother Aoba will kill you."
"I won't deny that he is a dangerous character. But he probably doesn't have the energy to care about you right now. Madam, I don't want to hurt you.
You must be Karin. Come with me, and I can give you the power for revenge. One day, you can repay everything you suffered in the Grass Village. But in Konoha, someone like you will only become mediocre."
Kabuto's hand glowed with chakra, his signature Chakra Scalpel.
"It will be very uncomfortable, so don't force me to take action."
Seeing Kabuto prepare to act, Yumi stepped forward, shielding Karin behind her.
"Are you sure you want to fight?"
Yumi's tone had a hint of eagerness that made Kabuto uneasy.
No, wait. She's just an ordinary woman, with no ninja training. She can't be a threat.
Outside, the battle between Orochimaru and Aoba reached a fever pitch.
In the story, Orochimaru's swordsmanship wasn't prominently featured. Most of his sword use was theatrical, like swallowing or spitting out swords.
But Aoba discovered that Orochimaru's swordsmanship was actually quite impressive, certainly top-notch.
Neither side used their full strength but waited for something. Until a loud crash came from inside the house.
Both Orochimaru and Aoba smiled simultaneously.
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Currently on Chapter 96 - Silent Interception