Sarutobi frowned and said in a low voice, "Orochimaru, are you aware that the Kage of these surrounding great nations are either universally recognized geniuses or imposing, supremely cunning strategists?
In the Village Hidden in the Mist (Kirigakure) to the east, the sitting Second Mizukage, Hōzuki Jōrō, excels in Genjutsu and Water Release ninjutsu. Several of the unique Water Release jutsu he created possess earth-shattering power, amazing even the Second Hokage, Lord Tobirama, who was once called the 'God of Water.' Furthermore, the Mizukage once nearly killed the Second Tsuchikage in a skirmish with the Iwa ninja!
In the Village Hidden in the Stones (Iwagakure) to the northwest, the Second Tsuchikage, Mū, was nearly killed by the Second Mizukage years ago. He returned and arduously trained, creating Dust Release (Jinton), a jutsu that merges three elemental affinities—Wind, Fire, and Earth—which is essentially a Kekkei Tōta, surpassing a mere Kekkei Genkai in power. Returning with a vengeance, he is now a powerful figure who can fight the Second Mizukage to a standstill!
In the Village Hidden in the Clouds (Kumogakure) to the northeast, the sitting Second Raikage, Yotsuki Manrō, is known as the 'God of Thunder in the Ninja World.' He specializes in Lightning Release ninjutsu, specifically the Black Lightning technique, which is the most concentrated and powerful form of Lightning Release. Not only that, he possesses two Lightning Release jutsu hailed as the 'Strongest Spear' and the 'Strongest Shield,' making him practically unbeatable—he is arguably the pinnacle powerhouse standing at the top of the ninja world today!
In the Land of Wind (Kaze no Kuni) to our west, the Second Kazekage, Nagai Hōsai, may seem to be the weakest Kage, but he is undoubtedly the most visionary and deeply manipulative strategist among them all. He is the master of the large hand that is driving and manipulating this Land of Rivers mission behind the scenes.
As for our Land of Fire, the Second Hokage, Lord Senju Tobirama, who was hailed as the 'God of Water,' tragically died at the end of the First Great Ninja War. He stayed behind alone to fend off the Cloud Ninja's Gold and Silver Brothers Force to protect me and a group of Konoha elites.
"Since the death of the Second Hokage, Konoha has been leaderless, with internal arguments over the title of Hokage. We are like a tiger whose claws and teeth have been removed, and the surrounding great nations are all beginning to stir!
"The current situation in the ninja world appears peaceful on the surface, but underneath, it is fraught with undercurrents.
"The conflict and political situation in the Land of Rivers is a microcosm of this.
"Although the First Great Ninja War ended not long ago, and peace treaties were signed between the nations, the death of the Second Hokage has caused all these factions to gather like hounds scenting blood.
"This mission in the Land of Rivers is being manipulated by the Kazekage in the background. The other nations are all watching the situation and testing Konoha's reaction. If we falter even slightly on this mission, these great nations will perceive Konoha as a weak lamb. They will not hesitate to rip off the facade of the peace treaty and rush at us with blood in their eyes. At that point, the outcome would be unimaginable!
"That is why I came personally. I must use a thunderous display of power to dispel the covetous desires of these surrounding nations. And in the ninja world, the best way to dispel others' greed is to make them pay the price in blood and lives!"
Hearing this, Orochimaru was completely stunned, like he'd been struck by lightning. A storm raged in his heart.
Sarutobi finished speaking, turned to look at Orochimaru, his gaze sharp as a blade, staring straight into Orochimaru's eyes. He asked solemnly, "Orochimaru, you are a once-in-a-century genius. I only ask you this: Are you willing to protect Konoha with all your power?"
Upon hearing the question, Orochimaru's gaze wavered. He recalled his past life's experiences: being alone even with Kage-candidate strength, being manipulated as a pawn by Danzō and the various clans, being betrayed by Danzō, and eventually being discovered by Sarutobi in his secret research lab, leading to his defection from Konoha!
His heart immediately churned like boiling water, and he remained silent for a long time, looking down.
Sarutobi was not anxious. He simply looked down at Orochimaru, patiently waiting for his answer.
After a long while, Orochimaru finally looked up. In his dark-golden eyes, an incomparably firm resolve shone. He looked directly at Sarutobi and said solemnly, "As long as Konoha does not fail me, I will not abandon Konoha!"
"Hahaha—" Sarutobi tilted his head back and burst into laughter.
What he failed to see was the deeply buried, shocking ambition in the depths of Orochimaru's dark-golden snake eyes.
Sarutobi finished laughing, then looked at Orochimaru with satisfaction. He said approvingly, "Very well. In this S-rank mission in the Land of Rivers, there will be a precious Manda Clan Summoning Scroll. If you distinguish yourself, I will give it to you!"
Orochimaru was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected the summoning scroll that Sarutobi found for him in his past life would appear here. His eyes immediately lit up. He knew that with the Manda Clan Summoning Scroll, once he reached Jōnin, he could use the Manda Summoning Jutsu to cover up his Yamata summoning technique!
At once, Orochimaru offered Sarutobi a deep bow with a look of gratitude, saying respectfully, "Thank you, Sarutobi-sensei!"
Sarutobi simply took Orochimaru's look of surprise as the youthful excitement of hearing about a valuable reward and paid it no mind. He smiled kindly upon hearing Orochimaru's thanks.
Sarutobi then patted Orochimaru's shoulder and said, "No need to practice anymore. Get some rest. We have several hard battles ahead tomorrow!"
"Yes, Sarutobi-sensei!" Orochimaru dropped his practice posture, settled the surging chakra within his body, lay down on the bed, and fell into a deep sleep.
The next day, before dawn, the sky was still dark.
Sarutobi led Orochimaru and the eighteen elite Konoha ninja, joined by over two hundred Genin, dozens of Chūnin, and two Jōnin from Maeda Gaku's rogue ninja forces—a total of around three hundred people—and rushed toward the three strongholds of the two opposing factions marked on the map.
Not long after Sarutobi's group departed, a dark shadow silently flipped over the wall of Maeda Gaku's residence. The figure glanced left and right. Seeing only darkness and no one around, it quickly darted into the shadows.
This was the darkest time just before daybreak. In the forest, cold wind blew, penetrating to the bone. Ghostly figures constantly moved through it, rushing toward their predetermined targets!
In another section of the forest, a different black shadow was also swiftly darting toward a separate direction!
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