Chapter 36: How Dare You Carve Lord Orochimaru's Face on the Wall?!
Deep in the forest, Jiraiya crouched on a thick branch, carefully observing the distant compound through the leaves.
"It really is Orochimaru's underground lab," he said, turning to the young man beside him.
A smirk played on his lips as he added, "See? Told you we'd find it. No need to look so grumpy."
"Heh," Kitagawa Gen let out a dry chuckle, his face still stiff. When it came to intel, Jiraiya was unmatched—but when he lacked intel? That's when things went south.
Just like when he had barged straight into the Land of Rain.(Note: Canon)
The moment Gen gave the slightest hint, Jiraiya charged right in, ignoring every warning.
To be fair, with their skill levels, most people wouldn't notice their surveillance. But there was a problem: one of the people they were tailing had orange hair.
"Pretty sure that guy's Jūgo," Gen muttered. "And if that's true… then we've probably been made. He can communicate with animals, after all."
How were you supposed to explain being caught by someone who could talk to birds?
Gen sighed. "I still say we need to be more careful. You could've used a toad to trail them—"
"Tch. You just don't get Orochimaru," Jiraiya interrupted, shaking his head in frustration. "Snakes and toads are mortal enemies. If I sent in a toad, he would've sensed it instantly."
No wonder this mission was named 'If You're My Brother, Stab Me Twice'. You two really are stabbing each other in the back…
"Alright, enough talk," Jiraiya said, refocusing on the compound ahead. "We've found it. Now let's—huh?!"
He suddenly stiffened, his expression shifting as he felt a powerful chakra surge.
From the distance, the earth erupted—stone and soil turning into a sea of flowing sand, rushing toward them like a tidal wave.
"This scale of earth manipulation—"
Jiraiya's face darkened. Of course. The kid was a jinx.
"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!"
Boom!
A massive wall of stone rose before them, shielding them from the oncoming surge.
"Tch... I thought I smelled something unpleasant," came a raspy voice from above.
Looking up, they saw him—Orochimaru. Standing atop the wall, pale and composed in his beige robe, long black hair swaying in the breeze, eyes cold and unreadable.
He wasn't thrilled to see Jiraiya. Not again.
Ever since Orochimaru defected from Konoha, Jiraiya had been relentless, always chasing, always talking about "bonds" and "bringing him back."
Recently, Orochimaru had thought maybe—just maybe—he'd get a break. Jiraiya had returned to the village, after all. But no. Here he was again.
"You really are here," Jiraiya said, his tone turning serious. Despite still wondering how they got exposed, he knew he had to change tactics now.
"Orochimaru. Come back to Konoha with me."
"..."
Orochimaru was already annoyed, but that line? That line earned a bitter laugh.
"You're still as naive as ever. Konoha isn't what it used to be. It's a rotting tree. Why would I return to something so hopeless?"
"Even a dying tree can sprout new life," Jiraiya said firmly. "And those new buds can breathe life back into the old. Orochimaru, this time—I will bring you home."
"…Is that so?"
Orochimaru sighed. And then—he struck.
"Then let's see if you have what it takes."
In an instant, a horde of venomous snakes erupted from the shadows, slithering toward them with deadly speed.
"Be careful. Find a chance to escape," Jiraiya muttered to Gen as he weaved hand signs. "I'll get whatever intel I can."
"Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"
Blazing fire surged forth, burning through the snake swarm and filling the air with the scent of charred scales. Using the firelight as cover, Jiraiya lunged toward Orochimaru, the two clashing atop the stone wall in a fierce exchange.
Meanwhile, Gen tried to pull back—but two figures stepped in to block his path.
"Kimimaro. Jūgo…"
Gen's gaze hardened. Kimimaro's eyes were sharp and filled with murderous intent, and Jūgo… well, he didn't look like he was in a good mood either.
Gen sighed—so much for a clean getaway.
While focusing his chakra, he suddenly smiled.
"Really should thank you two. Without your help, we never would've found Orochimaru's hideout."
"…"
The two froze, Gen's words hitting like a brick. Especially Kimimaro—his rage spiked.
A sharp snap echoed as a bone spike protruded from Kimimaro's palm, aimed squarely at Gen.
"You're not leaving here alive."
Kimimaro charged with blinding speed.
To him, this was an unforgivable mistake. He thought he had brought back some low-level wanderers—maybe rogue shinobi at worst. He had no idea they were bringing such a storm down on Orochimaru.
Kimimaro was the type to give his life for Orochimaru. And right now, he was furious.
"How impulsive," Gen muttered, stepping back swiftly.
He didn't even bother with hand seals.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Whooosh—
A giant fireball, like a meteor, roared toward Kimimaro.
Gen's fire jutsu wasn't just flashy—it was powerful, directly tied to his chakra reserves. Like Madara or Hashirama, even his simplest techniques packed terrifying force.
"Watch out!" Jūgo shouted. Red markings spread across his face as natural energy surged through him. He leapt in front of Kimimaro, transforming his arm into a massive shield.
BOOM!
The fireball slammed into Jūgo's defense, scorching the area and shaking the forest. The air reeked of smoke and burnt earth—but the attack was stopped.
Kimimaro didn't speak. His eyes were locked onto Gen with burning focus. Mistakes didn't matter now. What mattered was making it right.
He tore through the scorched air, a streak of vengeance aimed at Gen.
But just as Kimimaro closed the distance, Gen smirked.
"Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall!"
A wall surged up between them—solid and unyielding.
"Hmph!" Kimimaro sneered. A wall? Please. He could pierce through it with a single strike!
But just as he was about to attack, his eyes widened. He froze.
Right there, carved into the wall… was Orochimaru's face.
Perfectly aligned. Perfectly placed. If he struck now, his attack would go straight through Orochimaru's forehead.
"You've got to be kidding…"
Kimimaro was stunned. Conflicted rage and horror tangled within him.
And then—
CRACK-KRAKOOM!
The sound of lightning tore through the air.
A bolt of purple lightning burst through the wall, aiming straight for Kimimaro's chest.