https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-232-Don-t-Trust-the-Words-of-a-Beautiful-Woman/12553574/
Chapter 231: The Reason for Kakashi's Bachelorhood
Chapter 231: The Reason for Kakashi's Bachelorhood
The lush forest whizzed by in a blur as Orochimaru sprinted through it at full speed. For a fleeting moment, he felt a sense of dizziness. The last time he had fled in such a miserable state was when he defected from Konoha all those years ago.
Orochimaru had thought that from then on, the sky would be the limit, and he would be free as a bird. Who would have thought that over a decade later, he would find himself in an even more dire situation, fleeing for his life once more, and in a far worse state?
Upon further reflection, Orochimaru realized that the source of his current predicament was none other than himself. It was his insistence on collecting the cellular remnants of Hagoromo Otsutsuki and attempting to resurrect him during the Chunin Exams using the Impure World Reincarnation technique. Not only had Hagoromo broken free from his control, but he was now specifically targeting Orochimaru for assassination.
For the first time, Orochimaru felt deep regret. Why had he been so impulsive as to attempt the resurrection of Hagoromo Otsutsuki?
Orochimaru's expression suddenly turned grim as he snapped back to reality. "He's here," he said in a gloomy tone.
The messenger snakes he had left behind at the previous base had just cut off contact with him.
Apparently, Hagoromo Otsutsuki had arrived.
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto Yakushi said anxiously, his eyes darting toward Orochimaru.
Having personally experienced Hagoromo's suffocating pressure and witnessing how the usually calm and collected Lord Orochimaru, who had remained unflustered despite being hunted by both Konoha and Akatsuki, was now unusually anxious and worried, Kabuto's heart filled with dread.
As Orochimaru's assistant, Kabuto was well aware of his master's extraordinary talent, intellect, and wisdom, which far surpassed that of anyone else in the ninja world.
From the Creation of All Things Jutsu to the Cursed Seal and the Impure World Reincarnation technique, each of Orochimaru's innovations was groundbreaking and awe-inspiring to thousands of ninjas.
Yet, when he heard that person's name, Orochimaru had uncharacteristically chosen to retreat without hesitation.
It seemed that there truly was someone powerful enough to be feared above all else.
What terrified Kabuto even more was that this person was now coming after them.
What should they do? Kabuto, usually known for his clever strategies, now felt a profound sense of helplessness.
In comparison, Orochimaru, who had experienced countless trials, remained calm.
Unable to sense the messenger snakes within the base, he did not hesitate. He opened his mouth wide, and a disgusting stream of viscous fluid poured out, followed by thousands of snakes that slithered out of his mouth.
Soon, Orochimaru's path forward was filled with a dense swarm of snakes.
Orochimaru glanced at Kabuto, who was standing next to him.
Unlike other subordinates who could be easily replaced, Kabuto held a unique value to him.
Thus, a large snake suddenly lunged forward and swallowed both Orochimaru and Kabuto, completely concealing their presence.
At Orochimaru's command, thousands upon thousands of pythons scattered and rapidly spread out in all directions.
Orochimaru's Base.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki, sensing the massive surge of telepathic communication waves not far from the base, remained unfazed. "I've been expecting this move," he said.
As he spoke, he placed his hand on a large snake that had originated from the Ryuchi Cave.
With the infusion of chakra, the snake's eyes transformed into replicas of the Rinnegan, and its originally fierce demeanor instantly faded as it lazily curled up at Hagoromo's feet, awaiting its new master's orders.
The Animal Path of the Rinnegan could override telepathic contracts, temporarily converting a telepathic animal into one's own possession.
Just like now.
Orochimaru had thought that all the messenger snakes he had left in the base had been killed.
Little did he know that at this moment, the messenger snakes, now bearing the Rinnegan, were crawling out of the base and tracking down the thousands of pythons where he was hiding.
Only a snake understands another snake.
No matter where Orochimaru fled, be it to a gutter or a cave, the army of messenger snakes under the control of the Rinnegan would find him.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki walked out of the base and observed the chase unfolding between the snakes. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Kakashi Hatake."
Ali had spotted Kakashi's familiar figure earlier, but she hadn't paid much attention until now.
With the lake finally calm, she had time to recall this person who had once left a deep impression on her memory.
She thought back to the day he had spent with her in Konoha Village and the time during the prisoner exchange when he had ultimately chosen to hold back.
And now, she recalled the intelligence that he was still single, with his greatest hobby being reading adult magazines.
Ali shook her head slightly, a hint of apology in her voice as she muttered to herself, "If it's because of me that you've lost interest in real women, then I truly apologize."
"No need to apologize. The reason I'm single is that I haven't found the right person, not because of anything else!"
A steady voice, with a hint of emphasis, suddenly sounded behind Ali.
Ali's expression changed, and her body subconsciously tensed, ready to move.
But then she felt a cold sensation on her slender neck.
A kunai had appeared, pressed horizontally against her skin.
Ali froze, her eyelids drooping as she said, one word at a time, "Kakashi... Hatake."
"It's me," Kakashi acknowledged, keeping the kunai pressed against Ali's neck. "We meet again, Ali."
After greeting Ali, Kakashi continued, "Although this encounter is not exactly friendly in nature, Ali, there's no need for you to spread rumors about me the moment we meet."
"Rumors? What have I said wrong?" Ali asked, even as she slowly raised her hand, which had been reaching for her ninja pouch, under Kakashi's watchful gaze, indicating that she wouldn't resist.
Kakashi's kunai didn't move as he briefly replied, "About the reason I'm single."
Ali immediately understood and smiled lightly. "So, it's about that. Looks like I was overthinking things."
"Thanks for understanding," Kakashi said.
At this moment, the Eighth Division, led by Yamato, and the Seventh Division, minus Naruto, had also arrived.
The group listened eagerly, as if they were hearing juicy gossip, to the exchange between the two.
Among them, Kiba Inuzuka, always curious, whispered, "What's the relationship between Teacher Kakashi and that woman?"
"I know!" Sakura, the only other person present besides Kakashi who had seen Ali, whispered excitedly, "That woman is Ali, someone Teacher Kakashi used to like!"
Upon hearing this, Yamato's eyes lit up like light bulbs. "No wonder! I've long heard that Senior Kakashi once had someone he liked. So, it's her!"
"But," Sai raised his hand, looking confused, "these two just said that they don't have any relationship."
Without needing the emotionally perceptive Sakura to explain, Shino, with his hands in his pockets, said nonchalantly, "My father and mother often say they love bugs more than each other when they argue, but it doesn't stop them from continuing their life together."
Sakura nodded in agreement and added, "Haven't you noticed? Teacher Kakashi is talking a lot more than usual when facing the enemy this time."
"I see. So, words don't always reflect one's true feelings. That's what we call speaking against one's heart!"
Sai's eyes widened as he finally understood, and he quickly jotted down this newfound wisdom in his notebook.
Hearing the scratch of the pen on paper, Kakashi turned back with a helpless look and swept his gaze over the group.
"Hey, could you keep your voices down a little when you're whispering?" he asked.
(End of Chapter)
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