Chapter 60: The Serpent's Cunning
The Land of Sound, a minor nation in the shinobi world, held little significance to most. But after Orochimaru defected from Akatsuki, it became the foundation of his power, housing the clandestine Otogakure, his personal fortress and laboratory.
Deep within the twisting, organic corridors of the Sound base, Orochimaru let out a low, rasping chuckle. He had just finished listening to a detailed report from his most loyal subordinate, Kabuto Yakushi.
"So... Sasuke-kun has been branded an S-Class rogue ninja by Konoha?" Orochimaru's voice was a sibilant whisper, dripping with dark amusement.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru. The order was issued by the Fifth Hokage herself," Kabuto confirmed, adjusting his glasses.
"A delicious turn of events," Orochimaru mused, a predatory smile stretching his thin lips. "This seals his fate. With nowhere else to turn, he will have no choice but to remain by my side… hehehe..."
"Indeed," Kabuto nodded. "An S-Class designation is no small matter. There is no precedent in shinobi history for a ninja with such a mark being welcomed back into their village. The stigma is permanent."
Orochimaru’s smile faded slightly, replaced by analytical curiosity. "Explain the circumstances, Kabuto. An S-rank classification is not given for simple desertion. It is reserved for those who commit atrocities. Sasuke did nothing of significance before he left. Tsunade would not elevate a mere runaway to such a status without a compelling, horrific reason."
"There is a reason, my lord, though it is… peculiar," Kabuto began, consulting a small scroll. "According to intelligence from our operatives embedded across the nations, a small shinobi village in the Land of Bears—Hoshigakure—was recently attacked. The village was nearly destroyed, with significant casualties. Their sacred artifact, a meteorite they call the 'Star,' was stolen."
"Hoshigakure…" Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed in recollection. "Ah, yes. The village with the peculiar meteorite. I recall hearing it could amplify a ninja's power. I had considered acquiring it for my research once, but other pursuits took precedence. Continue."
"The survivors of the attack," Kabuto went on, "positively identified the perpetrator as Sasuke Uchiha."
Orochimaru’s eyebrows rose. "Is that so? How… interesting. Yet, if my memory serves, Sasuke-kun has been entirely within this compound since his arrival, diligently training in the arts I have provided. He has not set foot outside, correct?" Discover more novels at novel[f]ire.net
"Precisely, Lord Orochimaru. That is the core of the mystery. Sasuke-kun has no connection to the Land of Bears. He has never been there. For Hoshigakure to name him specifically is either a deliberate falsehood… or the attacker was an imposter."
"An imposter…" Orochimaru leaned forward, his interest fully captured. "Elaborate."
"If it is an imposter, their goal was likely to force Sasuke into the open, to draw him out. The only party with a clear motive to do so would be Konoha itself, wishing to lure their lost Uchiha back."
Orochimaru let out a dismissive hiss. "Unlikely. Tsunade's methods are more direct. But your line of thinking does bring a certain… old badger to mind."
Kabuto’s eyes widened slightly behind his glasses. "You refer to… Danzo?"
"Danzo," Orochimaru confirmed, the name a venomous sigh. "Lurking in Konoha's shadows. That man shares my… appreciation for the Sharingan's potential. I have little doubt he was the architect behind the Uchiha clan's tragic end."
"A plausible theory, Lord Orochimaru. But if that is the case, he would have harvested a significant number of Sharingan from the massacre. Why would he go to such lengths for a single surviving Uchiha? It seems an excessive risk for a prize he may already possess in abundance."
Orochimaru nodded slowly. "A fair point. Perhaps your initial premise is flawed. Perhaps the attacker was not an imposter at all, but was simply mistaken for Sasuke by the Hoshigakure ninja."
"But then Konoha's investigation…" Kabuto started.
"Could also be mistaken," Orochimaru finished, a cunning glint in his eye. "Tell me, Kabuto… I recall Sasuke-kun has a twin brother, do I not? What became of him?"
Kabuto blinked, processing the sudden shift. "Yes… Uchiha Ren. The intelligence is sparse. He and Sasuke entered the academy the same year. By all accounts, his innate talent was remarkable, even said to rival Itachi's in his early years. But after the… incident… the reports state he suffered a complete mental breakdown. He became a recluse, a shell of his former self, hidden away within the Uchiha compound. He has faded into obscurity; most in Konoha have likely forgotten he exists. He should still be there. Why do you ask, my lord?"
Orochimaru's chuckle was dry and knowing. "A mental breakdown from a tragedy he was emotionally detached from? Sasuke, who adored his family, was driven by revenge. Ren, who was by all accounts cold and distant from his clan, was driven to catatonia? It doesn't add up, does it?"
Kabuto was silent for a moment, his mind racing. "You believe… his incompetence was an act?"
"The thought has crossed my mind before," Orochimaru admitted. "Uchiha Ren and Uchiha Sasuke were the two remaining prizes. I researched them both thoroughly before making my choice. Ren's potential, on paper, was staggering."
"Then why did you not target him instead?" Kabuto asked, genuinely curious.
"A schemer that deep, that patient, is impossible to truly control," Orochimaru explained. "He would be a partner, at best, or a rival. At the time, my priority was a stable vessel, a compliant heir. Not a potential usurper. I chose the simpler, more passionate option."
"If the attacker of Hoshigakure was, in fact, Uchiha Ren…" Orochimaru's voice took on a tone of genuine, wary respect. "...then his talent is truly terrifying. It would mean he has surpassed all my estimations."
"Surpassed even you, Lord Orochimaru?" Kabuto couldn't hide his astonishment.
"It is entirely possible," Orochimaru stated flatly. "Hoshigakure may be a minor village, but to single-handedly overwhelm its defenses, steal their treasure, and lay waste to it requires power far beyond a genin's. It is the work of a Jōnin, at the very least. If Ren accomplished this alone, with no formal training since the academy… his natural aptitude would dwarf that of any prodigy I have ever encountered, including myself and Uchiha Itachi."
The weight of that statement hung in the air. Kabuto could only nod slowly, the implications settling upon him. "That… is a frightening prospect."
"Hehehe… Kabuto," Orochimaru commanded, his decision made. "Contact our sleeper agent in Konoha. Have them perform a simple check: ascertain whether Uchiha Ren is still sequestered within his home. If he is gone… then my hypothesis is likely correct. And if it is, we must find him. I am very interested in having a… conversation with this forgotten Uchiha."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru! I will dispatch the order immediately." Kabuto bowed deeply and turned to leave.
He paused at the doorway, a final, long-buried question surfacing. He turned back. "Lord Orochimaru… may I ask one more thing?"
"Speak," Orochimaru permitted, intrigued.
Kabuto chose his words carefully. "It's just… why are you always so… dramatically cryptic? The laughter, the pauses… isn't it a bit… much?"
Orochimaru stared at him for a long, silent moment. Then, a genuine, rasping laugh escaped him.
"Kabuto, my dear boy," he said, his eyes gleaming. "When you possess knowledge and power that places you decades ahead of everyone else, a certain… theatrical flair is not just a choice. It is a necessity. It reminds them that they are not merely dealing with a man, but with a force of nature. Now, go. We have an Uchiha to find."
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