Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: [Continuation]
Chapter Title: Orochimaru's Treachery
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"Lord Asura!" Gota arrived at the stone chamber's entrance and reported softly to the figure inside. "A Konoha ninja chased us into the cave. We've captured him."
Inside the stone chamber, Menma was flipping through the Ibuki Clan's historical scroll. Hearing this, he slightly raised his gaze.
He had already guessed that Kakashi would come chasing after them.
And the next part of the story—Yamoto rescuing Kakashi, and the two of them being taken away by Yukimi—should still play out.
"Clan Leader! Yukimi! Yukimi took those two away!" Sure enough, moments later, a clan member came running in a panic to report.
"What!" Hearing that Yukimi had let the two go, Gota's face paled dramatically. A flash of anger crossed his eyes as he looked uneasily toward the imposing figure in the stone chamber. "I'm sorry... my lord... I failed to discipline her properly..."
"No matter." Menma shook the scroll in his hand, his tone casual. "I've already guessed that Konoha ninja's identity. He won't harm Yukimi."
He paused, his voice low and steady.
"Kids, you know—it's normal in their rebellious phase. She'll come back home in a few days. For now, you should focus on figuring out how to deal with Orochimaru."
Hearing Lord Asura mention Orochimaru again, Gota's expression grew grave.
Meanwhile.
In the bustling marketplace of a city on the forest's outskirts, the escaped Kakashi and Yamato were strolling alongside Yukimi through the crowded streets.
Yukimi, who had never left the underground before, was experiencing her first shopping trip. Her wide eyes sparkled with wonder at everything in the teeming market.
She'd glance at this, peek at that, and even bought a bolt of cloth to make a new dress.
Kakashi and Yamato set their mission aside for the moment, wandering with Yukimi and even pulling out cash to buy her some snacks that caught her curiosity.
Watching the brilliant smile light up Yukimi's face, these two ninjas—long accustomed to life in Anbu and Root—found themselves caught up in her joy.
Temporarily free of all burdens and worries, the three of them played like close friends, having a blast in the market.
At the same time.
"Huff... huff..."
Clutching his wounded abdomen as blood seeped out, Orochimaru slowly approached the Ibuki Clan's tree hollow.
"Lord Orochimaru!" A swirl of smoke coalesced into two Ibuki clansmen, who rushed forward anxiously to support him.
But Orochimaru struck suddenly, seizing one of them and lunging to bite his neck!
"Ah! Lord Orochimaru!" The captured clansman screamed, trying to activate his smoke transformation—but Orochimaru's curse seal held him in check, preventing its use.
Feeling his blood draining away, the Ibuki clansman was sucked dry in an instant, his body shriveling rapidly.
With fresh blood replenishing him, Orochimaru licked his lips. A bit of strength returned to his body, and satisfaction gleamed in his eyes.
He rolled his neck, then bared his bloodied maw at the other clansman, frozen in terror.
Whoosh—
Just as the bite was about to land, a wind blade slashed in, forcing Orochimaru to release his grip and leap back.
"Who’s there!" Orochimaru looked up, malice churning in his golden snake eyes.
From the dim depths of the cave, the Third Death God glided out like a specter, its sickle gleaming with icy menace.
"Asura..." Orochimaru's snake eyes narrowed in deep wariness.
At the same time, the mystery of "Asura" felt even more unfathomable.
How did he know about the Ibuki Clan?
How did he get here before me?
What is his true goal?
Countless questions raced through Orochimaru's mind.
"Lord Orochimaru! You!" Smoke gathered into Gota's form. Staring at the desiccated clansman, even with prior warning, he couldn't conceal his shock and fury.
"Ah, it's Gota..." Orochimaru rasped coldly. "Are you betraying me?"
The other Ibuki clansmen dispelled their mist forms, standing behind Gota. Gone from their faces was any trace of former worship for Orochimaru—replaced by utter loathing!
Orochimaru had deceived their entire clan! Slaughtered so many of their children! And now he sought to wipe them out completely!