Orochimaru didn't seem to notice Kakashi and Shisui, but instead walked calmly to the edge of the cliff, gazing toward the distant Hidden Mist Village.
"So... the Kaguya clan has begun to act? What a brainless bunch."
Orochimaru let out a soft sigh, remaining still on the cliff, as if lost in thought.
Kakashi and Shisui stood silently on a nearby tree branch, making no move to get closer.
For Kakashi, Orochimaru was no longer someone to fear unconditionally. Even if he couldn't win in a fight, escaping was within his power.
But with Shisui beside him, and being this close to the Hidden Mist Village, Kakashi didn't dare to act recklessly.
If they provoked Orochimaru and he escaped, drawing the attention of Kirigakure shinobi, the two of them would be in a dangerous position.
Just as Kakashi was considering his next move, another figure appeared in the distance.
Kakashi couldn't help but feel a bit speechless. What is it with this cliff? One person after another keeps showing up.
With pale skin, white hair, and a bone blade in hand, it was none other than Kimimaro, who had recently been released.
The moment Kimimaro saw Orochimaru, he rushed in to strike without hesitation. But such an unrefined attack stood no chance.
Orochimaru didn't even look back. With a single casual kick, he sent Kimimaro sprawling to the ground.
Kimimaro immediately stood up, clearly intending to launch another attack.
"Wait," Orochimaru said coolly.
Kimimaro paused upon hearing the command.
Orochimaru gave a sinister chuckle. "You're rather impatient. You're not even from this village."
As he spoke, his cold, golden, snake-like eyes locked onto Kimimaro.
Kakashi was momentarily stunned. Orochimaru is subtly using genjutsu—an illusion embedded in psychological suggestion. So clever that Kimimaro doesn't even notice it.
"Your target is over there. Go."
Upon hearing this, Kimimaro leapt from the cliff and dashed away to pursue his objective.
The height meant little to a trained shinobi.
"It appears the Kaguya clan has begun their attack. A bunch of fools, desperate to find meaning in bloodshed. What's the point of living that way?"
Orochimaru murmured as he gazed up at the moon.
"Come out. You've been hiding long enough."
The sudden call surprised both Kakashi and Shisui.
Kakashi gave a bitter smile. So we've been found after all. Hiding from someone like Orochimaru was always a long shot.
He didn't hesitate. Kakashi jumped down from the tree, and seeing this, Shisui followed suit.
"Oh? Kakashi. What a surprise."
Orochimaru looked mildly intrigued to see Kakashi here, a glimmer of curiosity in his cold gaze.
"I didn't expect to find you here."
"Heh, guess we're just lucky like that," Kakashi replied. "Judging by your presence here, are you spying on Hidden Mist too? Still doing reconnaissance for your own gain?"
"You're still as blunt as ever," Orochimaru smirked. "That boy from earlier caught your attention too, didn't he?"
"Kimimaro?" Kakashi asked, eyes narrowing. "Is he the reason you're here?"
"Oh? You noticed? He's quite remarkable. The Kaguya clan's abilities... intriguing. But whether he's worth nurturing depends on whether he survives this war."
Orochimaru's tone was indifferent, as though he were discussing the weather.
"Leaving Konoha seems to have made you... quite relaxed."
"I'm doing fine," Orochimaru replied. "If you're ever curious, Kakashi, you should visit my village sometime."
"Your village?"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. Had Orochimaru already established Otogakure? That seemed fast.
"Yes. Still in its early stages, but promising."
"Fascinating."
The two spoke like old acquaintances, but Shisui stood silently by, not understanding how Kakashi could converse so calmly with a known criminal.
Why is Senpai chatting like they're old friends? Shouldn't he be taking action already?
Orochimaru scanned Kakashi up and down with a thoughtful expression.
I hadn't expected Kakashi to reach this level after only three years. I thought it would take five, maybe six. Impressive.
One reason Orochimaru hadn't acted was the proximity to Kirigakure. The other was that he sensed Kakashi's strength—still inferior to his own, but not by much.
If they fought here, it would be a prolonged battle, likely to draw in more shinobi. That would interfere with his plans.
Both sides were wary, and so this strange, tense standoff had formed.
"Heh. I have things to attend to. Farewell, Kakashi."
With those parting words, Orochimaru vanished into the earth, disappearing without a trace.
"Senpai, why didn't you stop him? He's a traitor to the village!" Shisui demanded.
"Are you confident you could take him?" Kakashi asked in return.
"..."
The name alone—Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin—carried weight. And the pressure Shisui had felt moments ago confirmed it: they weren't ready.
"We're near the Hidden Mist. This isn't the time to act rashly. Let the Anbu handle Orochimaru. I'll report this to Lord Third."
"Yes."
Seeing Kakashi's resolve, Shisui held his tongue. It was true—this wasn't the time or place to fight Orochimaru.
Suddenly, fire erupted in the distance—from the direction of the Hidden Mist.
"Looks like the Kaguya clan has started their assault," Kakashi murmured. "Fools, thinking they can challenge an entire village."
Kakashi's gaze turned grim. He couldn't help but recall the Uchiha clan's eventual fate—another proud group, cornered into rebellion.
The Kaguya clan fought for glory and bloodlust. The Uchiha, for survival and ambition.
"Senpai, what do we do now?" Shisui asked.
"We've seen what we need. Time to return."
"Really? I'm afraid you won't be going anywhere. Kirigakure isn't a place you can sneak in and out of so easily. Water Style: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
A sudden voice echoed through the fog as thick mist engulfed them.
Both of them were startled—they hadn't sensed anyone approach.
Kakashi gave a bitter laugh. We were too focused on Orochimaru and dropped our guard. Rookie mistake.
And now… they were surrounded.
Chidori crackled to life in Kakashi's right hand. "Shisui... looks like we're doing this the hard way."
Shisui raised his Kodachi, expression sharpening. He knew this wasn't going to be easy.
"Yes."
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 30+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/Prince209