"It's such a nuisance," Satoru muttered as he pulled out a special kunai. His pale blue eyes flickered toward Orochimaru and the reanimated Hokage nearby.
This position isn't ideal.
The Second Hokage was actively fighting him, while the First Hokage and Orochimaru stood between him and the Third Hokage. Releasing the Third Hokage wouldn't be easy.
What a hassle, Satoru thought, weighing his options.
Maybe I should just forget about it. I don't need that information so badly.
He sighed and scratched his chin thoughtfully.
It doesn't really matter who wins. The real trouble will come later when I have to deal with Orochimaru.
After a moment, he made up his mind.
"Fine, let's give it a shot," he said flatly. His pale blue eyes gleamed with determination.
Meanwhile.
The ANBU watching from the shadows exchanged confused whispers.
"What is he doing?" asked one ninja, wearing a white mask.
"It looks like he's trying to break through the First Hokage's wooden cage," another, wearing a cyan mask, replied hesitantly.
"Where did he get the courage to go against them?" the white-masked ninja questioned incredulously.
"After holding his own against the Second Hokage for this long, do you really think he's just a genin?" their captain interjected, shaking his head. His gaze stayed fixed on the barrier.
"I'm more concerned about why this ninja infiltrated Konoha in the first place," the captain continued. "I can only hope his intentions aren't hostile."
Another ANBU, wearing a fox mask, joined the discussion.
"His strength at such a young age reminds me of someone," they said.
"Who?" the others asked.
"Uchiha Itachi," the fox-masked ninja replied.
The group fell silent.
"Yes, Itachi," the fox-masked ninja continued. "In his time, there were always a few prodigies who shone so brightly—like Itachi, and like Satoru Uchiha. He was the star of our generation, but..."
A complicated expression crossed the fox-masked ninja's face as they trailed off.
Orochimaru, observing from the barrier, smirked as he noticed Satoru's movements. His golden pupils narrowed like a predator's.
"As prey, he's making an unwise move," Orochimaru said, his voice tinged with amusement.
Suddenly, several shuriken whizzed toward Orochimaru, gleaming with murderous intent.
"Oh?" Orochimaru dodged effortlessly. "Reusing the same trick?" he mocked. "You'll need something new to surprise me."
He raised his gaze to where Satoru stood, analyzing his opponent.
To fight the Second Hokage this long is already remarkable, Orochimaru thought. The boy must be nearing his limits, both physically and mentally. Even his clumsy attacks now are impressive for his condition.
Orochimaru's smirk grew as he assessed the situation. But before he could revel in his perceived advantage, his smile froze.
With a soft snort, Satoru suddenly appeared behind Orochimaru.
"Huh?" Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu," Satoru intoned calmly.
Flames erupted around Orochimaru, engulfing him in a blazing inferno within the Four Purple Flame Barrier.
The ninjas watching from the sidelines gasped in unison.
"What just happened?"
"How did he get behind Orochimaru so suddenly?"
"It's the Flying Thunder God Technique," one ninja speculated. "He teleported to the kunai!"
"That technique... How did he learn it?"
"Is it over?"
Excitement rippled through the crowd.
No matter Satoru's intentions, his actions had just saved the Third Hokage's life.
But one veteran ninja remained cautious.
"No, Orochimaru won't be defeated so easily," he warned. "He's one of the legendary Sannin. Underestimating him is a mistake."
As if on cue, laughter echoed from within the flames.
"Hahahaha..." Orochimaru's voice emerged, calm and mocking.
He stepped forward from the inferno, unscathed. Behind him, the burning figure disintegrated into dirt and withered away.
"A substitution?"
The realization dawned on the observing ninjas, their expressions turning grim.
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed dangerously as he stared at Satoru.
So he used the Flying Thunder God Technique?
Fortunately, Orochimaru's innate caution had prompted him to use a substitution jutsu beforehand. Otherwise, the attack might have landed.
This boy is far more capable than I anticipated, Orochimaru admitted silently.
He's... intriguing. I'd like to study him further.
As Orochimaru's thoughts churned, the First Hokage launched an attack at Satoru.
The two were now dangerously close—too close for Satoru to gain the upper hand against the legendary shinobi.
The surrounding ninjas watched nervously, convinced they knew how this would end.
But fate had other plans.
"Bang!"
Satoru's form vanished in a puff of smoke, revealing a shadow clone in his place.
"A shadow clone?"
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed in realization.
So that was his plan all along.
The real Satoru emerged from the shadows, his black robe billowing and his white hair gleaming in the light. He slashed through the branches and vines effortlessly before landing gracefully in front of the Third Hokage.
He smiled lazily, his pale blue eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Yo, long time no see," he greeted.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him with a complex expression, both relieved and resigned.
"It's been a while," Sarutobi replied, smiling faintly.
"Don't talk like we're friends," Satoru muttered, adjusting his bandages. "We're just a debtor and creditor, remember?"
Sarutobi chuckled softly.
"That's true," he admitted. "But today, I intend to repay my debt."
Satoru frowned, watching the old Hokage closely.
It was rare to see someone so happy about paying a debt. Even more so when they were on the verge of death.
What's with this guy?
Satoru's fingers brushed the hilt of his weapon.
Is he underestimating me? Or does he just not care about my eight-foot blade?