Chapter 345: Chasing Orochimaru?
Chapter 345: Chasing Orochimaru?
Explosive Tag!
Unbeknownst to the thick, earth-yellow snake, an explosive tag had been secretly attached to its mouth.
As the snake opened its mouth, the explosive tag ignited.
Boom!!!
A massive explosion and flames engulfed Orochimaru.
After the blast, the surrounding vegetation was flattened, and a huge crater appeared on the ground, equivalent to the power of an advanced Fire Jutsu.
Yet, Orochimaru was still alive!
Having taken an explosive tag at such close range, even with his soft-body modifications, it was impossible for him to escape unscathed.
His abdomen was already stained red with blood.
Clutching his bleeding abdomen, Orochimaru muttered,
"Third Hokage!"
Only the Third Hokage could have set such a trap.
Holding his wound, he strode towards the direction where Kakashi was.
Kakashi, who was preparing to intercept, showed no signs of movement.
It wasn't that he was planning to go easy on Orochimaru, but rather, under the terrifying killing intent and genjutsu of Orochimaru, he was directly suppressed.
In his field of vision, the figure approaching was not Orochimaru, but a terrifying giant snake with golden vertical pupils.
Even though he knew these were just genjutsu, he couldn't shake them off.
It must be said that Orochimaru was indeed formidable.
The younger version of Kakashi had no chance against him. If it weren't for the explosive tag set up in advance by the Third Hokage, he might have been defeated.
The Third Hokage's intention was clear: he would not allow Orochimaru to harm the village's future.
This warning was what prevented Orochimaru from killing Kakashi on the spot. Otherwise, would he really let him go unpunished?
Clutching his wound, Orochimaru tried countless times to strike, but Kakashi, who couldn't move, passed by him and disappeared into the forest.
A while later...
"Kakashi, you look terrible!"
Dong Ping's voice echoed from the cave where Orochimaru had emerged, and then he walked out with Hyuga Cangyue.
"Hmph!"
Kakashi scoffed.
Although they were once classmates, their relationship wasn't very good, so this reaction was normal after meeting.
Dong Ping's appearance was also a way of telling Kakashi that he was keeping an eye on him as a 'pawn' and wouldn't let him die.
Kakashi naturally understood this, so he accepted the favor in his heart, but it wasn't appropriate to show it on the surface.
However, Dong Ping's appearance also served as a reminder to him.
Now, he could go collect the information that had been prepared in advance and bring the person back.
Orochimaru's desertion was just the first half; the second half of the grand drama needed preparation.
As they passed by each other without even making eye contact, the Root ninja hiding in the shadows witnessed everything.
Root Ninja!
Their people had been lurking in the shadows, and everything that had just happened was within their sight.
If it wasn't for Hyuga Cangyue's presence, Dong Ping would have never failed to notice them.
The mockery towards Kakashi was not only a signal to Orochimaru but also a deliberate performance for Root to see.
This way, Root would not suspect their connection with the Skyguard.
A multi-faceted strategy!
But the show had satisfied Dong Ping's desire for a dramatic scene, and now it was time to see how chaotic the village would become.
However, Dong Ping never expected that the drama would come to his doorstep.
Two hours later, at the Hokage's office.
"What?" Dong Ping stared at the Third Hokage, who seemed to have aged several years, "You want me to chase and kill Orochimaru?"
He genuinely hadn't anticipated that they would assign this task to him.
He hadn't considered this possibility.
From the perspective of the Third Hokage, having let Orochimaru escape, it was natural not to want to kill him.
Now that Orochimaru was already injured, sending Dong Ping to pursue him might result in a fatal outcome.
He wouldn't show mercy (as an outsider would perceive).
Although the Hokage clan had always been displeased with Dong Ping's rebellious nature, they would never underestimate his strength. If they truly tasked him with killing Orochimaru, the latter would be in grave danger.
"Orochimaru possesses too much intelligence and secret techniques of the village... He must be brought back, and if necessary, killed!"
Tenkai Kokonoe took over the conversation, her gaze filled with displeasure as she glanced at Hari.
It was clear that they were dissatisfied with Danzo's private release of Orochimaru.
Having interacted for many years, they were all well aware of Hari's capabilities.
The current Orochimaru was absolutely no match for Hari, especially when the latter had the home-field advantage. Unless the Leaf Village was completely wiped out, there was no way Orochimaru could escape.
Not to mention, if Hari immediately summoned the Shinzo Clan to pursue him, Orochimaru wouldn't stand a chance, let alone the Third Raikage and Da Yemu combined.
Yet, it took them some time to declare Orochimaru an S-rank rogue ninja and dispatch a pursuit team.
While others might not have noticed anything amiss, these individuals certainly did, which was why Tenkai Kokonoe and Mizuki En were genuinely dissatisfied.
Orochimaru was no ordinary person, and his desertion would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the Leaf Village.
A deadly blow!
This was the sentiment shared by both Mizuki En and herself.
Orochimaru was too dangerous.
If the Leaf Village's defenses, resources, and intelligence were leaked, war could reignite at any moment.
It wasn't that the two were ruthless; they genuinely felt it was necessary.
As for Danzo, he felt a bit uneasy and remained silent.
After hearing the mission, Dong Ping contemplated whether to accept it or not.
Although he was eager to witness Snake Uncle's survival skills, he was also afraid that his intervention might disrupt the subsequent plot.
Without Orochimaru, the future Fourth Kazekage wouldn't have the chance to send him off, and the Leaf Village would never collapse... The story simply couldn't continue.
The plot was one of his greatest strengths, and losing it would be a significant setback.
Before revealing his full capabilities, maintaining the original plot was definitely more beneficial than harmful to him.
"Recently, the Daimyo's office sent a letter to the Leaf Village, requesting our protection for the Tea Country's Daimyo during their visit to the Fire Country..."
Tenkai Kokonoe, expressionless, brought up another matter.
The underlying message was clear: If you don't accept this mission, don't blame me if I create obstacles for you in this matter.
"I'll take the mission. At the very least, Orochimaru will understand the consequences of leaking the village's secrets, but I can't guarantee success!"
Dong Ping nodded.
After all, he genuinely wanted to witness the Sly Snake's abilities.
Previously, as fellow Leaf Village ninjas, they never had the chance to face each other.
But now, with Orochimaru being an S-rank rogue ninja, he could finally engage him in combat.
"Alright, and I'll reply to the Daimyo, informing them of our current manpower shortage and suggesting they seek other options."
Tenkai Kokonoe, ignoring the aged Hari's face shrouded in smoke, nodded in agreement and assured that the Fire Country's Daimyo would take care of the Skyguard One.
Danzo, who had initially felt a bit uneasy, couldn't help but feel a surge of joy when Dong Ping agreed.
Orochimaru's desertion was entirely his doing.
Initially, he only wanted to undermine Orochimaru's reputation, preventing him from becoming the Hokage and ideally getting him imprisoned. He planned to release Orochimaru once he ascended to power, making him his assistant.
No one understood Orochimaru's capabilities better than Danzo, and his plan was meticulously calculated.
Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.
Orochimaru flipped the table and chose to betray the Leaf Village.
Who the hell could've predicted that?
As a disciple of the Hokage and one of the Sanin, Orochimaru's decision to abandon everything and defect was shocking.
Consequently, Danzo had been feeling uneasy, fearing that Orochimaru might expose him.
But now, learning that Dong Ping was going to pursue Orochimaru, an idea immediately came to mind.
If he collaborated with Orochimaru to ambush Dong Ping, he might have a chance to eliminate this thorn in his side, a constant source of worry.
Even if the mission failed, Orochimaru would be the one to suffer, conveniently resolving this hidden danger for Danzo.
It was a brilliant plan!
Danzo had made up his mind to cooperate with Orochimaru.
However, before he could take action, he witnessed Kakashi and a bound young man being escorted in by a group of Shinzo Clan elders.
The second half of the grand drama was about to begin!
(End of Chapter)
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