Chereads / Silent Desire: Path of the Haruno / Chapter 101 - Chapter 102: Behind the Rumors

Chapter 101 - Chapter 102: Behind the Rumors

In the hidden corners of Konoha, the atmosphere buzzed with hushed whispers and scandalous rumors. The once-quiet village was now awash with stories of Hyuk Haruno, each one more twisted than the last. The culprit behind this chaos lurked in the shadows, none other than Orochimaru and his loyal subordinate, Kabuto Yakushi.

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In a secluded alley, Orochimaru leaned against the wall, his serpentine eyes gleaming with malicious intent. Kabuto stood beside him, flipping through a scroll filled with information on the village's recent events.

"These rumors are spreading like wildfire," Kabuto said, a sly grin creeping onto his face. "Everyone seems to be believing them without question."

Orochimaru chuckled softly, the sound low and menacing. "Good. The more fear we instill, the easier it will be to manipulate them. Hyuk Haruno's rise to power cannot be allowed to go unchecked. We must tarnish his reputation before the Chuunin Exams begin."

Kabuto nodded, eager to please his master. "What shall we spread next? I've heard whispers of his brutality and womanizing. It seems to be working well."

Orochimaru's expression darkened as he contemplated his next move. "Let's intensify it. We'll make him out to be a thief, a murderer—anything that will paint him as a monster in the eyes of the villagers."

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As Orochimaru and Kabuto moved through the village, they donned disguises, blending in seamlessly with the crowd. Kabuto transformed his appearance to that of a concerned villager, while Orochimaru maintained the guise of a traveling merchant.

"Have you heard about that Haruno boy?" Kabuto said loudly enough for those nearby to hear. "They say he's not just a brutal fighter but a womanizer who preys on older women. It's scandalous!"

A group of villagers nearby paused their conversation, turning to listen intently. One elderly woman shook her head, clearly shocked. "I can't believe it! He's so young—how could he do such things?"

Orochimaru smirked, knowing that the seeds of doubt were being planted. "And they say he killed three genin in cold blood, just to prove his strength. How can we trust someone like that to protect our village?"

Kabuto leaned closer to Orochimaru, whispering conspiratorially. "And what about his connection to the Yuki Clan? They were once noble, but now…"

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As Orochimaru and Kabuto continued their deception, the rumors grew in magnitude. They painted Hyuk as a villain, leading to heated discussions and concerned citizens rallying together. Parents began warning their children to stay away from him, while others whispered about keeping a closer eye on the Chuunin Exams.

As Orochimaru and Kabuto reveled in their success, the villagers' sentiments began to shift. Their plan was in motion, and the consequences of their actions would soon unfold, setting the stage for a confrontation that would shake Konoha to its very core.