Orochimaru's cold gaze swept over the seven Root operatives. Then he turned toward Uchiha Yuan, lips curling into a smile.
"Yuan-kun, why have these Root insects set their eyes on you?"
Yuan's face showed open disdain.
"Because a certain filthy old worm has taken interest in me."
He added with a faint smile,
"Senior, helping me like this… you may anger that old worm."
Orochimaru smiled lightly.
"You needn't worry about that, Yuan-kun. A decrepit old insect isn't worth my attention."
Behind him, Mitarashi Anko peeked out timidly, still shaken by the killing intent Orochimaru and the Root members had released. She stared nervously at the Root operatives constricted by the serpents, then shifted her gaze to Yuan, curiously studying him.
But when she heard Orochimaru say "the junior I value most," Anko's expression sharpened instantly. Her gaze stabbed toward Yuan like needles.
As Orochimaru's only disciple, Anko was proud — fiercely proud — and revered her teacher with all her heart. She had always believed she was the one Orochimaru valued most.
But now, she found out the one Orochimaru treasured wasn't her…
but this Uchiha boy.
Jealousy surged violently in her chest, and her glare toward Yuan became deadly.
Noticing her stare, Yuan asked,
"Senior, the girl behind you is…?"
Orochimaru responded calmly,
"This is my disciple, Anko. She is Lord Jiraiya's former student, Mizuki Zixiao's daughter."
"Oh? Lord Zixiao's daughter."
Then Yuan smiled at Anko and said,
"'Anko' means red bean. Red beans are essential ingredients in dango. You must love eating dango, right?"
Anko blinked — confused by the tease — but yes, her favorite sweets were sanshoku dango and red-bean mochi soup.
Then Yuan continued leisurely:
"Such a cute girl… but sweets like dango should be eaten in moderation. Otherwise you'll get round and chubby — and then no one will want to marry you."
Anko's entire face flushed scarlet with rage.
Her glare now practically screamed that she wanted to bite chunks out of Yuan's flesh.
Orochimaru stepped forward. His frigid eyes passed over the seven Root agents.
"You knew Yuan-kun is under my command, and yet you dared lay hands on him. It appears Danzō needs a lesson."
The massive serpents tightened. The Root agents' faces paled.
Then — a hiss — the serpent holding the purple-masked captain loosened and withdrew.
"Lord Orochimaru…!" the Root captain sputtered.
"You may leave," Orochimaru said coldly.
"The rest will repay their offense with death."
The serpents around the remaining six tightened; fangs poised to sink into flesh—
"Senior, wait."
Orochimaru paused. His golden eyes flicked to Yuan.
"Oh? Yuan-kun wishes to spare them?"
"Please leave them to me."
Yuan smiled faintly as he met Orochimaru's gaze. They stared for several seconds.
Then Orochimaru burst into a low, amused laugh.
"Heh… Since it is Yuan-kun's request, I won't refuse."
The serpents dissolved into smoke — poof!
The purple-masked captain sneered inwardly.
So, the arrogant brat still fears Lord Danzō after all…
But at that moment—
Splatter!
Several sharp arcs of blood burst into the air. A thick iron scent instantly filled the clearing.
In a single step — a flash of movement like lightning — Yuan appeared behind the six Root agents. His hand had become a blade of chakra, slicing each throat in one seamless motion.
Thud.
Thud.
All six bodies hit the ground together.
The purple-masked captain froze. His voice cracked in disbelief:
"Y-You dare!?"
Yuan walked toward him slowly, smiling pleasantly.
"You should be grateful — Senior allowed you to return with a message."
He leaned close.
"Remember what I said earlier?
Raise a hand against me again… and the only outcome is death."
Even through the mask, the captain's panic was obvious. He staggered back, then vanished with Shunshin.
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Hehe… Yuan-kun, your decisiveness truly exceeds my expectations."
Yuan replied calmly, "Senior will protect me, yes? Crushing a few insects… their master will surely come for revenge."
"Relax," Orochimaru said coolly. "With my warning, Danzō won't dare touch you again."
"Then I must thank Senior in advance."
Orochimaru paused beside a corpse. He examined the clean, razor-thin slit across the throat.
"Incredible… You condensed chakra on your fingertips into a blade this thin — thinner than paper. Not an easy feat."
He looked up, smiling with interest.
"Yuan-kun, your chakra control surpasses even what I expected."
"It's all thanks to Senior's teachings," Yuan replied humbly. "I merely deepened my understanding."
Orochimaru chuckled.
"Over-modesty is a form of arrogance too.
To repel the Fourth Raikage — you already stand on equal ground with me."
Yuan returned the smile.
"Senior's praise is truly an honor."
Behind them, Anko followed in a daze, her worldview collapsing. Yuan had killed six Root operatives in an instant — terrifying enough.
But to hear Orochimaru say he had repelled the Fourth Raikage…
Her legs nearly went weak. Her eyes, when they looked at Yuan, were now full of fear.
Root Base — Underground
Danzō stood upon a high platform in the dim chamber, his face twisted with fury. The purple-masked captain knelt below, having just finished reporting every detail.
"Orochimaru… You oppose me over a mere Uchiha brat?"
Danzō spat venomously.
His lone eye gleamed with murderous hatred.
"Uchiha Yuan… do you think Orochimaru's protection makes you untouchable?
You dare kill Root operatives — I will never forgive you."
His staff struck the ground with a sharp crack.
"Send continuous surveillance. I want Uchiha Yuan monitored day and night."
"Yes, Lord Danzō!"
Some people have died, but never truly disappeared…
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