In the evening, Sora finally returned to the vicinity of Kikyōyama, safe and sound.
As soon as he approached, a figure quickly emerged from a hidden spot. It was Fox, who had been waiting here for a long time.
Fox looked Sora up and down. Seeing that apart from heavy chakra depletion and some torn clothing, he had no obvious serious injuries, Fox's tense expression eased slightly. He said in a deep voice, "It's good that you are back."
Sora nodded and asked, "Captain, what is the situation? The others..."
Fox's eyes instantly dimmed, and his voice became much lower. "Our Squad C Five can be considered lucky. Grey Wolf broke an arm. He can recover after a few months of rest. Night Owl was also poisoned by a Suna puppet. I'm afraid he won't be well for a short time either."
"The other two squads... eight people, only the two captains returned."
Sora fell silent for a moment. Although he had anticipated this, hearing the casualty number still stirred some emotions within him. Twelve elite ninjas, six lost in a single mission. The cruelty of war was evident.
Moreover, Grey Wolf actually lost an arm. Combined with Night Owl's condition, their squad's strength was now insufficient to carry out Anbu missions. Sora estimated they would most likely need to be reorganized later.
Then Sora and Fox briefly exchanged their experiences after breaking through the encirclement. Fox did most of the talking. Sora simply mentioned the process of shaking off Pakura's pursuit, omitting the details.
As they were talking, an Anbu messenger wearing an animal mask walked over.
"Green Snake, Lord Orochimaru wants to see you."
What was coming had finally arrived.
Sora was not too surprised. He had long expected that Orochimaru would seek him out after his return.
Sora stood up and said calmly to the messenger, "Lead the way."
A trace of worry flashed in Fox's eyes, but this was Orochimaru's direct order. He had no right to question it. He could only watch as Sora left with the messenger Anbu.
...
Kikyōyama Frontline Command Post.
Orochimaru's narrow golden snake-like eyes examined Sora with great interest. His face wore that uncomfortable smile, as if he was looking at an interesting object.
After a while, Orochimaru finally spoke. "Heh heh heh... Sora-kun, you have finally returned. I have read the mission report. To single-handedly force back Scorch Style Pakura and also kill a Suna Jonin... It is truly an astonishing performance."
"You flatter me, Lord Orochimaru. It was merely a narrow escape. I dare not claim credit." Sora bowed his head slightly. His tone was respectful, but his mind was filled with vigilance.
Orochimaru licked his lips. A glint of sharp light flashed in his eyes. "A narrow escape? To not only retreat unscathed from the encirclement by Pakura and numerous Suna-nin but also to kill one of them in return. That cannot be explained by mere luck."
"At twelve years of age, to have trained the Eight Inner Gates to the Fifth Gate and also mastered Tsunade's Super Strength technique... Sora-kun, your talent is even more outstanding than I imagined."
Sora inwardly thought, 'As expected.' Outwardly, however, his expression remained unchanged. "It is all due to the nurturing of the Hokage and Lady Tsunade. I merely strive in my training and dare not slack off."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Orochimaru took a step forward, closing the distance to Sora.
"The Eight Inner Gates places an immense burden on the body. Ordinary ninjas, even if they can open them, will fall into a prolonged state of weakness afterward. But Sora-kun, you look... as if you are not greatly affected?"
His gaze was like a scalpel, seemingly trying to penetrate Sora's body and see the secrets inside.
'He is probing me! He suspects my recovery ability!'
Sora's heart tightened. He knew the most critical question had arrived. The Azure Dragon Fruit's super recovery ability was a key support for his frequent use of the Eight Inner Gates. But this was also a point that could easily arouse suspicion.
"It might be because of my Uzumaki bloodline. My recovery ability is somewhat better than an average person's. Moreover, I dare not maintain the state of the Eight Inner Gates for long periods."
Orochimaru gave a noncommittal smile and did not continue questioning. But Sora could feel that he was not completely convinced.
"The Uzumaki bloodline? Heh, how interesting."
Orochimaru walked around him, his eyes sweeping over his body. "Sora-kun, would you be interested... in exploring the mysteries of life more deeply? The ninja world is vast. To limit oneself to Konoha, to the so-called Will of Fire... is truly... far too narrow."
These words already carried an obvious tone of recruitment and sowing discord!
Alarm bells rang loudly in Sora's mind. He hurriedly said, "Lord Orochimaru, you overstate the matter! I have received great kindness from the Hokage. I only wish to be loyal to Konoha and dare not have other thoughts!"
At this moment, he had to state his position, and his attitude had to be firm. At least on the surface.
Orochimaru looked at Sora's "sincere" expression. A trace of barely detectable mockery flashed in his golden snake-like eyes before returning to that faintly smiling appearance.
He drew out his tone, sounding somewhat regretful. "Is that so? What a pity... However, people always change, Sora-kun. If you ever change your mind, you can come to me anytime."
"I have a very high opinion of your 'potential'..."
He intentionally emphasized the word "potential." The implied meaning was clear.
"Well, you have just been through a hard battle. Go back and rest first." Orochimaru waved his hand, ending the summons. "We will need your strength in the upcoming battles as well."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru. I take my leave."
Sora bowed respectfully, then turned and walked out of the command post step by step.
Only after leaving the cave and feeling the cool night wind outside did Sora secretly let out a sigh of relief. Orochimaru's final words were less an invitation and more a declaration: I know you are not simple. I am very interested in you. You cannot escape.
'Trouble... Being targeted by this poisonous snake, life will probably not be peaceful from now on.'
Although with his current strength, if he used all his hidden cards, he might not necessarily fear Orochimaru, it was easier to dodge an open spear than a hidden arrow. What was most fearsome about Orochimaru was never his frontal combat power, but his endless stream of bizarre methods and his exploration into forbidden areas of life. Who knew what strange things he might come up with?
After all, his peers either died or were crippled. Only Orochimaru grew younger and became harder and harder to kill!
At the same time, Sora also confirmed that this mission was arranged by Orochimaru to test his strength, or arranged in passing. As for the sudden appearance of the Suna-nin, in Orochimaru's view, it didn't matter whether they were there or not.
He didn't expect that a simple ambush on a rear supply line could defeat the full-force assault of Suna. It would be best if they succeeded, but even if not, he could observe Sora's true strength.
But unfortunately, Sora had always maintained extreme vigilance towards him. What he revealed to him were only some of the cards already exposed.
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