Orochimaru looked greedily at Uzumaki Chito.
His gaze betrayed his obsession—not just for Uzumaki Chito's strength but for his seemingly immortal body. Despite living for over a hundred years, Uzumaki Chito still appeared youthful, untouched by the passage of time.
Unlike others, Orochimaru genuinely believed that Uzumaki Chito had mastered some secret technique for "immortality." Every time he emerged from seclusion, Uzumaki Chito seemed rejuvenated, his youthful vigor restored.
This was precisely what Orochimaru desired most.
"If you have something to say, say it," Uzumaki Chito said with a frown. "Don't look at me like that. It's disgusting."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly and restrained himself slightly. "I came for two reasons."
Uzumaki Chito nodded slightly, gesturing for him to continue.
"First," Orochimaru began, his tongue darting out to lick his lips, his eyes glinting with a strange light, "I'd like to exchange for the secret art of immortality in your possession."
Uzumaki Chito looked at him with mild surprise before a smirk crept onto his face. He couldn't help but find it amusing.
He had forgotten how insatiable Orochimaru's thirst for immortality was.
"Orochimaru, even after all these years, you remain as naïve as ever," Uzumaki Chito remarked with a trace of playfulness in his tone.
Orochimaru stiffened for a moment, his hand instinctively moving to cover his lower body, a rare flicker of discomfort crossing his face.
Uzumaki Chito didn't dwell on the subject, his tone growing colder. "I don't possess any so-called secret art of immortality."
Orochimaru shook his head, unwilling to accept this. "Lord Chito, there's no need to lie. Who in the ninja world could dare to steal such an art from you, even if you had it?"
Uzumaki Chito tapped the table with his fingers, his voice sharp. "I have no reason to lie about something so trivial."
Orochimaru froze, uncertain.
Uzumaki Chito's tone softened slightly. "The reason for my youthful appearance is twofold. First, it's the vitality of the Uzumaki clan—our bodies naturally possess extraordinary longevity. Second..." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I've transcended humanity. I became a god."
Orochimaru's eyes widened in disbelief. "A god?"
Uzumaki Chito nodded, his voice casual. "My periods of seclusion are transformations—evolutions of my being. From the power of the Sage of Six Paths to my current state, I've shed my human limitations."
He glanced at Orochimaru indifferently. "I am no longer merely human."
Though Uzumaki Chito had indeed achieved the power and lifespan of a god, he lacked the traditional divine authority. In this world, he was a god in strength and immortality alone.
Orochimaru stared at him in silence, processing the revelation. After a long pause, he asked hoarsely, "So, if I grow strong enough, I too could achieve immortality like yours?"
Uzumaki Chito nodded with a faint smile. "In theory, yes."
Orochimaru silently committed this truth to memory before moving on to his second reason for visiting.
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Chito. I believe I've found my path."
"Now, for the second matter..." Orochimaru hesitated briefly before continuing, his voice low. "I would like to invite you to participate in my next plan."
"The Konoha Destruction Plan."
The words hung dangerously in the air.
Uzumaki Chito regarded Orochimaru with an amused smile. "If I wanted to destroy Konoha, I would have done it myself when I took Naruto."
Orochimaru paused, then chuckled. "You jest, Lord Chito. I know you wouldn't act personally. That's why I wish to invite Naruto Uzumaki."
Uzumaki Chito didn't respond immediately.
Orochimaru squinted slightly, anticipating the scene—the son of the Fourth Hokage, laying waste to Konoha with his own hands. The irony of it all thrilled him.
Uzumaki Chito finally spoke, his tone indifferent. "I have no objections. When Naruto returns, you may ask him yourself."
Orochimaru rose, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Chito."
Uzumaki Chito didn't reply, offering only a faint smile before his body dissolved into a wisp of fresh wind, drifting toward the sea.
Konoha Village
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, a heavy frown etched onto his face as he read the report Kakashi had submitted.
"Is all of this true?" he asked, his voice laden with weariness.
A dozen shinobi had died.
Among them were members of the Hyuga clan.
Hiruzen's head throbbed, the weight of this disaster pressing down on him. How was he supposed to explain this to the affected clans?
But what troubled him more was Naruto... and Might Guy.
Might Guy, who had once been willing to sacrifice everything for Konoha—even open the Eighth Gate—was now allied with Naruto and actively plotting Konoha's destruction. Both had joined a mysterious organization, donning black robes adorned with red clouds.
And Naruto's stated purpose was to destroy Konoha.
The thought made Hiruzen feel as though he'd swallowed a bitter pill.
He sighed heavily and spoke softly. "Might Guy is to be officially declared a traitor. He will be classified as an S-Class ninja."
Hiruzen's tone grew colder. "If any Konoha ninja encounters Naruto or Might Guy... and if there's an opportunity, kill them."
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