Inside the Forest of Death, Orochimaru was leisurely toying with Team 7.
First, he summoned a giant snake to swallow Naruto whole, then paralyzed Sasuke and Sakura with pure killing intent.
High in the dense canopy, Rinjin watched the unfolding drama with keen interest. After decades in the ninja world, his memories of the original story had long since faded—might as well treat this like watching anime.
A fifty-something Orochimaru bullying three kids who'd never seen real combat was child's play. Forget advanced jutsu—one summoned snake had the trio in complete chaos.
Perched cross-legged on a thick branch, Rinjin munched sunflower seeds, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle below.
A black figure wearing an ANBU cat mask materialized silently beside him.
Without surprise, Rinjin pulled out a handful of sunflower seeds and offered them to his visitor.
"Itachi, your little brother's getting bullied."
The masked Itachi politely accepted the seeds, tucking them away before responding flatly: "Grandpa, the Third Hokage requests your presence."
"Not happening!" Rinjin shook his head stubbornly. "Tell him we have nothing to discuss. I only returned to Konoha because I was tracking Orochimaru."
Rinjin felt no debt to Hiruzen Sarutobi. He'd boosted the man's political achievements, helped him profit, assisted in weakening Danzo... Now he was indirectly warning about Orochimaru's return.
To repay the kindness of being taken in years ago, Rinjin had done more than enough. Since they were even, he had zero interest in the ugly business ahead.
Below, the battle continued.
Sasuke's two-tomoe Sharingan blazed as he alternated between taijutsu and Fire Style: Great Fireball, perfectly demonstrating his natural talent. However, after enduring flame attacks while bound by wire, Orochimaru had only suffered superficial burns.
Before anyone could react, Orochimaru's neck stretched grotesquely, his fangs striking Sasuke's throat with lightning speed.
Three black tomoe materialized on the bite wound.
On the branch above, Rinjin immediately pressed his hand on Itachi's shoulder as the young ANBU moved to intervene, giving an almost imperceptible head shake.
"Don't interfere. This is an opportunity."
Trusting completely, Itachi halted his movement. "Grandpa, what kind of opportunity?"
"A chance to access sage techniques," Rinjin explained naturally. "The curse mark contains senjutsu chakra that will gradually transform his body. After the second exam ends, bring Sasuke to me."
Itachi's anxiety melted away. From childhood, his education had included one seemingly omnipotent figure—the grandfather his father constantly mentioned, even if this "grandfather" looked more like a man in his forties.
Below, Sasuke collapsed clutching his neck in agony. Mission accomplished, Orochimaru slithered into a tree trunk with a sinister laugh and vanished.
With the attack over, Itachi prepared to leave and report Orochimaru's assault to the Third Hokage.
Just as he moved to depart, rapid footsteps approached from the distance.
Four ninja wearing Rain Village headbands landed before Rinjin.
"Grandpa Rinjin!" Shisui began, but his gaze caught the masked figure nearby. In one second, he recognized his old friend despite their long separation.
Shisui's face broke into an undisguised grin as he strode over and pulled Itachi into an affectionate embrace.
"Itachi, you bastard! You're almost taller than me now!"
Itachi removed his mask, genuine joy lighting his features. "Shisui-nii! You came too."
"Yeah." Shisui nodded. "The village chief sent us for the Chunin Exams. I was free anyway, so I decided to explore. How have you been?"
"Pretty good..."
Watching the reunion, Rinjin smiled and offered sunflower seeds to Uzumaki Akira nearby.
"How's progress? Got both scrolls?"
Akira grinned, producing heaven and earth scrolls from his pouch. "Piece of cake."
Rinjin nodded with satisfaction.
Hidden Rain Village was thriving. Itachi, who should have become a rogue ninja, could live freely with his brother. Shisui, destined to die at the Naka River, faced no such tragedy. The nearly extinct Uzumaki clan flourished again.
Perhaps this was Hidden Rain's true purpose—in a world already difficult enough, full of tragedy, people should live happily and make their journey through life worthwhile.
Below, exhausted Sakura helped the unconscious Naruto and Sasuke away from the dangerous area.
Rinjin hooked his arm around Akira's neck, pointing downward.
"Akira, have your team secretly watch them. If they face extreme danger, lend a hand."
Akira nodded confidently, patting his chest. With their strength, participating in the Chunin Exams was basically cheating.
Not counting Shisui—the prospective Second Hokage trained by Kagami, Sakumo, and Rinjin—just Akira alone could eliminate three or four teams effortlessly.
Besides Orochimaru, Rinjin couldn't think of anyone in this forest who could threaten the Rain team. As for Sand Village's Gaara with Shukaku sealed inside... well, the Uzumaki clan's Adamantine Sealing Chains spoke for themselves.
After giving instructions, Rinjin forcibly separated the endlessly chatting pair.
"Enough talking! I'll have Rie give Shisui two months off later—chat all you want then!"
Both young men laughed awkwardly, scratching their heads in identical motions.
Soon, Itachi departed with intelligence about Orochimaru while Shisui's group shadowed Team 7.
Rinjin followed Orochimaru's trail deeper into the forest.
Half a day later, tracking his Flying Thunder God markers, Rinjin found Orochimaru at the forest's edge.
On a massive tree trunk, Orochimaru confronted Anko Mitarashi. Clearly old acquaintances with unfinished business.
When words failed, they attacked.
Orochimaru deployed his signature disgusting technique—his tongue shot out, wrapping around Anko's right wrist with serpentine speed.
Anko countered immediately. Her left arm extended, four menacing snakes bursting from her wide sleeve.
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
The summoned serpents stretched rapidly toward Orochimaru like striking vipers.
"I won't let you escape!" she roared.
Anko yanked hard, dragging the face-shedding Orochimaru back. She pressed against him, driving a kunai through both their hands, pinning them together.
Her free hand pressed against his, forming a seal.
Orochimaru's snake pupils contracted as he whispered in surprise: "That seal...!"
"That's right. We'll both die here!"
Sweat beading her forehead, Anko grinned coldly, closed her eyes, and channeled her chakra.
"Ninja Art: Twin Snake Mutual Slaughter!"
Just as victory seemed assured, cold laughter echoed from behind her.
"Are you... planning to commit suicide here?"
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