Konoha Training Ground #53
Orochimaru leaned against a wooden post, hands tucked into his pockets. His pale face betrayed a faint trace of impatience.
His Golden slit pupils occasionally glanced toward the horizon, as if waiting for something—or someone.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Behind him, a series of footsteps approached.
Turning, Orochimaru fixed his gaze on the three figures and spoke in a low voice, "You're late."
It was already 9:30 a.m. when Team Seven finally arrived at the training ground.
"Ah, come on, Orochimaru-sensei, consider this a fair exchange," Naruto shrugged nonchalantly, his face devoid of any guilt. "You were late yesterday, so let's call it even."
The two girls at his side nervously tapped their cheeks, their faces tinged with red. It was clearly their fault for being late, yet Naruto somehow twisted it into Orochimaru's fault—this, against one of the legendary Sannin.
Uzumaki Kushina and Uchiha Mikoto silently questioned their own sense of propriety; they certainly lacked Naruto's audacity.
Orochimaru cast a long, steady look at Naruto, his expression unreadable. He seemed disinclined to dwell on the issue of being on time.
Moments later, he reached into his pouch and pulled out three silver bells tied with red strings.
In a cold tone, he said, "Before sunset, retrieve these bells from me. If you fail, I will revoke your graduation privileges and send you back to the Academy for further training."
The two girls froze at the thought—three more years back at the Academy? That was unthinkable.
Naruto, on the other hand, looked unfazed. He didn't believe Hiruzen Sarutobi would actually let them return to school.
Orochimaru seemed to find this setup not challenging enough. Under the watchful eyes of the three, he tilted his head back, parted his mouth slightly, and raised his arm.
With a flick of his fingers, he released the bells above his open mouth.
What happened next—
Accompanied by an audible gulp, the bells disappeared down Orochimaru's throat.
Mikoto stared in shock as Orochimaru's throat visibly contracted, swallowing the bells whole.
Naruto's mouth twitched. The scene reminded him of the Chūnin Exams, where Orochimaru had swallowed a scroll whole.
Yeah… this was very Orochimaru.
---
Ding! Mission Activated…
Mission: Collaborate with Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina to defeat Orochimaru and retrieve the bells.
Reward: Earth Release Chakra Nature.
While Naruto was strategizing how to "dissect" Orochimaru, a voice echoed in his mind—his system speaking.
Two years ago, he had obtained Lightning and Fire Chakra Natures from Fugaku Uchiha.
Now, it seemed today would yield Earth Release.
With this task, all five chakra natures would be complete. However, the mission required teamwork with Mikoto and Kushina, which posed its own challenges.
---
Kushina covered her face with one hand, unable to bear the sight before her. Her worldview was crumbling.
So… people can just… casually swallow things like that?
"You don't need to overthink it," Orochimaru rasped, his tone detached. "Kill me, dissect me—it doesn't matter. Your only goal is to retrieve the bells before sunset."
"Considering you're mere genin, I'll suppress my strength to match your level."
His golden eyes glinted coldly as he declared, "Now, let's begin."
The instant his words fell, the two girls vanished, seeking cover.
Naruto, however, remained rooted to the spot.
"Why aren't you hiding?" Orochimaru's expression turned playful, like a serpent toying with its prey.
Given Naruto's excellent academic performance, he surely understood the importance of concealment when facing a superior opponent.
"Playing hide-and-seek with one of the Sannin? Pointless. I'd rather launch a direct assault."
As the last syllable left Naruto's lips, the clash began.
---
Naruto drew his longsword in a flash, charging straight at Orochimaru. Chakra burst from his feet, sending ripples through the grass as he sped forward.
"Fast," Orochimaru thought, genuinely impressed. Naruto's control over his chakra was exquisite; the ground showed no signs of cracking under the strain.
His speed rivaled that of some jōnin.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Kunai clashed with the blade in a rapid series of exchanges, sparks flying with every strike.
Orochimaru marveled at Naruto's precision. Every angle, every attack was perfectly timed and calculated.
Was this brat hiding his true strength all along?
Noticing Orochimaru momentarily distracted, Naruto intensified his assault. His blade slashed faster, grazing Orochimaru's pale cheek and drawing a thin line of blood.
"This kid!" Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, fully focusing now.
Then, something in Naruto's blue eyes flickered—a glint of red.
Suddenly—
Thick vines erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around Orochimaru.
Genjutsu: Tree Binding Death.
When did he cast a genjutsu on me?!
"Release!" Orochimaru dispelled the illusion. The vines twisted and vanished, revealing the real world.
But it was too late.
The ground beneath him was marked with a sealing array, immobilizing him entirely. Even his chakra refused to respond.
Sealing Jutsu. Kushina's work, he deduced instantly.
From atop a tree, Mikoto's Sharingan glowed crimson as she fixed him in her gaze.
Naruto smirked, his longsword plunging unimpeded into Orochimaru's abdomen.
"Hm. Feels off."
Poof!
Orochimaru vanished in a cloud of smoke, leaving behind three bells tumbling through the air.
"Shadow Clone!"
---
Ding! Congratulations, Host! Mission Complete.
Reward: Earth Release Chakra Nature obtained.
Bonus: Passive Skill—Charisma, Level 1 unlocked.
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