Chapter 31: Malice Surging in the Darkness
In a hollowed-out cavity deep underground.
Lamps burned perpetually, yet the dark, gloomy chill remained impossible to dispel. The air naturally carried the scent of earth, though mixed with it was a faint whiff of decay and approaching death.
"How has that child been performing lately?"
"Far exceeding expectations. He's completely adapted to the erosion of Hashirama's cells and is rapidly recovering his health. He's a talent worth cultivating."
"In that case, the subsequent plan can be put on the agenda."
"You mean..."
An uncertain question came from the darkness in the corner.
The old man sitting on a stone chair stared at that thick darkness and spoke slowly: "The person Obito values most is a girl named Rin Nohara, correct? Let's use her to show Obito the true face of this hellish world!"
"Start now? Won't that be too hasty? Obito has only just adapted to the erosion of Hashirama's cells."
"It's sufficient. Being able to adapt to Hashirama's cells proves he indeed possesses deep potential. And for us Uchiha, becoming stronger only requires an instant!"
"Very well! Then I'll go send the message."
"Go."
The thick darkness in the corner instantly became much lighter.
The old man sitting on the stone chair slowly closed his eyes, as if falling into a light doze.
————
Returning to the front-line camp after more than ten days' absence, the scenery remained unchanged. The front-line situation hadn't changed much in those ten-plus days; both sides were still engaged in an attrition war consuming lives.
"Clan Head!"
At the camp entrance, Elder Takashi led a group of Hyuga clan members to welcome Ritsu's arrival.
After the village officially issued the announcement about the Hyuga clan's upheaval, Ritsu and the elders had deliberated together on how to settle the clan members remaining at the eastern front. Quite a few members loyal to the Main Family still remained there.
The final result of the deliberations was that Elder Takashi—the oldest at forty-four—would carry a letter from Hiashi and rush to the front-line camp at the eastern front, striving for a smooth resolution. Ideally, he'd persuade these clan members to accept current reality; if not, he'd at least try to placate them and prevent any incidents.
"Did everything go smoothly?"
Ritsu asked aloud.
"The process was extremely perilous, but the result is acceptable."
Takashi spoke with lingering trepidation.
"What happened?"
"Hiashi's letter played its role. Fortunately, Clan Head, your foresight in sparing Hiashi's life paid off. Otherwise, a civil war nearly erupted here at the front camp—a civil war within our Hyuga clan."
Takashi roughly described the situation at the time.
Those Branch Family members brought from the clan to the front camp by Hiashi, Daichi, and Hisho were without exception the Main Family's most loyal, fanatical supporters. Upon hearing news that the Main Family had been nearly wiped out, they flew into a rage and wanted to kill Takashi and the others, then return to the village to "restore order." Only Takashi's quick reaction in promptly pulling out Hiashi's personally written surrender letter, prepared before departure, saved them.
Hiashi's personally written surrender letter wielded enormous influence. After reading it, those Branch Family members instantly wilted.
"You've worked hard, Elder Takashi."
Ritsu didn't explain that his initial decision to spare Hiashi had largely been only because he'd promised Hizashi, never considering that keeping the deposed former clan head might serve any other purpose.
But whether it was deep foresight or a lucky accident—in any case, Ritsu's luck was good. The situation hadn't developed toward the worst-case scenario, and he'd even gained a wave of prestige along the way!
"Not hard at all, not hard at all. Compared to everything you've done, Clan Head, this is nothing." Takashi laughed heartily, then added: "Clan Head, you're going to see Orochimaru, right? Let me show you the way!"
Actually, Takashi's guidance was completely unnecessary. Ritsu was familiar with every blade of grass here. He'd been present when this front-line camp was initially established.
However, Ritsu didn't reject Takashi's kindness. Accompanied by him, he arrived at the large tent in the camp's center and met Orochimaru, supreme commander of the eastern front's war against the Mist.
"Ritsu-kun, we meet again!"
Orochimaru sat behind a desk, a pleased smile appearing on his pale face.
"Orochimaru-senpai, thank you for your assistance before."
"Did I do something?"
"In any case, I will always remember this debt of gratitude."
No matter how crazed and twisted Orochimaru was, without the convenience he'd provided, Ritsu leaving camp without legitimate reason would have been equivalent to desertion. Even if he'd returned to the village, jonin and ANBU would have been waiting to arrest him.
In short, the order document Orochimaru had signed for him then was crucial—a very significant favor. And Ritsu's creed was to repay kindness and avenge wrongs.
This debt must be repaid when the opportunity arose.
"Give me the old man's document. I'll arrange your assignment." Orochimaru paid no mind to Ritsu's words, simply extending his hand for the document.
Ritsu handed over the dispatch order.
After glancing at it twice, Orochimaru's brow suddenly rose. He looked up at Ritsu. "Ritsu-kun, are you certain this document hasn't been switched?"
"I've carried it on my person the entire time."
Ritsu answered frankly.
"If the document is fine, I'll tell you something. Before you arrived, the village appointed Aburame Torune as deputy commander of the eastern front. That fellow isn't as easy to talk to as me. If you don't have any official position, Ritsu-kun, things could get very difficult and dangerous for you going forward!"
"Aburame Torune?"
Ritsu's eyes narrowed. If he remembered correctly, Aburame Torune was one of Danzo's capable subordinates. Dispatching Aburame Torune to the front as deputy commander at this time... he sensed intense malice brewing beneath this calm surface.
"The tree desires stillness but the wind will not cease. How aggressive!"
Ritsu murmured softly, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes.
But then his face showed a nonchalant smile. "Orochimaru-senpai, hardship is hardship! I didn't come to the front to enjoy myself anyway. As for danger—how can there be no danger once you're on the battlefield? I returned to the front precisely to wash away the shame those Main Family fools left our clan with Mist ninja blood, and reclaim the stolen Byakugan."
Orochimaru looked deeply at Ritsu, the smile on his face growing more profound. "Ritsu-kun, you truly are outstanding. I'm almost jealous of that bastard Hiruko for getting such an excellent student."
Ritsu smiled silently.
Seeing this, Orochimaru also smiled and shook his head, saying: "Very well. Since you have no objections, Ritsu-kun, rest and recuperate in camp. If I'm not mistaken, orders will reach you very soon. I hope you can bring me even more surprises."
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