*Tick—*
*Tick—*
The sound of dripping water echoed through the dim underground laboratory, a steady, haunting rhythm that gnawed at the edges of the silence.
Shigen Hidezawa, clad in the standard black Anbu uniform, moved with silent precision through the narrow corridor, trailing behind a kunoichi whose violet hair glinted faintly in the torchlight. Uzuki Yugao, his senior, led the way with a cautious, practiced gait.
The corridor ahead stretched into a void of darkness, its oppressive aura sending a chill down the spine of even the most hardened shinobi.
"Be careful." Yugao murmured without turning back. "This place is suspected to be one of Orochimaru's hidden laboratories."
She glanced forward, eyes narrowing. "And we've been separated from the others. A fight could break out at any moment. Stay sharp."
"I understand, Yugao-senpai." Hidezawa said quietly.
His calm response made her stop briefly in her tracks. She looked over her shoulder, slightly irritated.
"Didn't your Anbu evaluation rate you as excellent? Then you should know better—use code names while on duty. And take this seriously—we're dealing with Orochimaru here!"
"Yes, yes, I get it, Yugao-senpai." he replied with a small shrug.
Yugao clicked her tongue in annoyance. Being in Anbu wasn't a game. They represented the Hokage himself, carried the weight of the village's security on their shoulders, and most importantly, acted as the very embodiment of the Will of Fire.
Especially now, when Konoha was barely holding together.
Five years ago, in the 47th year of the village, the Nine-Tails attack claimed the life of the Fourth Hokage. Three years later, Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, defected. And just the previous year, Kumogakure nearly ignited a full-blown war.
The village was in chaos, battered by one storm after another. And the Anbu were expected to be the bulwark that held the line.
"Something's wrong." Hidezawa muttered suddenly. "Get ready."
*Whoosh—*
*Whoosh—*
*Whoosh—*
Several kunai shot through the corridor with deadly speed. In the split second it took to react, Hidezawa yanked Yugao aside, pulling her into cover.
*Boom—!*
The explosive tags attached to the kunai detonated in a series of fiery blasts.
*Fwoosh— *
Smoke and flames surged outward, clouding the corridor in a choking haze.
Out of the smoke, dark figures emerged.
"They set a trap!" Yugao snapped, unsheathing her ninjatō in one smooth motion. "Prepare for—!"
Before she could finish, Hidezawa was already ahead of her. His hands formed rapid seals, chakra flaring around him like a storm.
"This chakra…" Yugao's eyes widened behind her mask. "It's so dense…"
She had read his evaluation reports. A newly recruited Anbu, even younger than her—but exceptional across the board. Now, seeing it in person, the reports seemed to be an understatement.
The ground beneath the attackers cracked with a deep rumble.
"Earth Style ∙ Stone Spire Burial!"
*Crack—!*
From the floor, jagged stone spikes erupted upward, catching the enemy-nin in mid-charge. Some were impaled instantly, others thrown aside like dolls.
Before Yugao could regain her bearings, Hidezawa dashed into the smoke.
"Too reckless!" she hissed, her blade still ready. "Those are Orochimaru's subordinates—he can't just charge in alone!"
Despite her frustration, she felt a prick of worry. For all his carefree attitude, Hidezawa was still a fellow Anbu. And in this world, that meant something.
The Anbu Black Ops were more than just assassins or guards—they were Konoha's unseen backbone. Unlike Root, they didn't treat comrades as expendable pawns. They protected the village not only with jutsu, but with heart.
"I have to back him up!"
Yugao took a step forward—then stopped.
Through the lingering smoke, she saw him.
Hidezawa, smaller than the adult shinobi surrounding him, moved like a phantom. His blade flashed once—twice—three times in swift arcs.
*Clang—Clang—Shhhk—*
Sparks flew. Blood sprayed. His movement was fluid, surgical—never wasting a step, never missing a strike.
Yugao could only watch in awe.
One by one, their attackers fell.
By the time the smoke fully cleared, Hidezawa stood calmly among the unconscious and bleeding bodies, his breathing steady.
She had never even moved.
"A-Are you okay?" she asked, flustered by how useless she felt.
Before he could respond, Hidezawa's expression changed. He stepped forward, grabbing her arm and pulling her behind him.
Then she heard it.
*Tap—*
*Tap—*
*Tap—*
Footsteps echoed softly from the depths of the corridor. Each one was measured, deliberate, and full of oppressive intent.
A pale figure stepped out of the shadows. Golden, snake-like eyes glowed beneath long dark hair. White robes rustled gently as he walked.
Yugao felt her throat tighten.
"Orochimaru…"
Her fingers clenched around the hilt of her ninjatō. This was no ordinary enemy. This was a legend. A monster.
"Yugao-senpai." Hidezawa said softly, not taking his eyes off Orochimaru. "It's okay. I'm here."
The simple words cut through her fear. Steady. Warm.
"I… I lost my composure."
"No shame in that." he said. "Anyone would."
Then his tone changed.
"Yugao-senpai, you need to regroup with the others. Bring reinforcements. I'll hold him off."
"What?! No!" she snapped. "You can't face him alone—!"
"Yugao-senpai, listen." His voice was low but firm. "Your strength is kenjutsu, but that won't help against Orochimaru. You saw my chakra and jutsu. I can stall him. But we can't waste time arguing. Please."
She hesitated.
Every part of her screamed to stay.
But the logic in his words was undeniable.
"…Don't you dare die." she whispered.
She turned and vanished down the corridor, heart pounding.
Orochimaru, now only a few steps away, came to a halt—three meters from Hidezawa.
*Clap—*
*Clap—*
*Clap—*
The slow sound of applause filled the air, each clap like a dagger dragging across glass.
"Such loyalty. Such valor." Orochimaru drawled. "But tell me, little one… how long do you think you can hold me off?"
Hidezawa remained silent.
Once he was sure Yugao was gone, he raised both hands and calmly removed his Anbu mask.
Short black hair. Sharp features. Determined eyes.
Then, with surprising formality, he bowed slightly and said:
"It's been a long time, Orochimaru-sama."
…
[Side Mission Completed: Encounter Orochimaru]
[Mission Rating: A]
[Reward Obtained: 1 Free Attribute Point]
[Bonus Achievement: Faced Orochimaru – Unclaimed Cursed Seal Available]
*****
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