DevilHex
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Chapter 855 : A Choice!
🕑 Added 2025-01-20 19:49:01 +0000 UTC“Huh?”
“What was that?”
Two Anbu ninjas became alert and looked to their left. Without wasting any time, both flickered towards the source of the noise.
However, while they were in the middle of flickering, a kunai pierced through the heart of one of them! The eyes of the last Anbu ninjas widened. He stopped his Body Flicker jutsu and thought in disbelief, ‘He was killed while he was flickering? Who the hell…?’
Terror appeared behind his rhino mask as his eyes finally fell on the attacker. He immediately flickered backwards, abandoning his dead teammate and escaping towards the village. At the same time, a kunai with an explosive tag attached to it appeared in his right hand.
Unfortunately, before he could throw it, he was beheaded too. At the same time, Lightning sparks hit the explosive tag, disarming it. As the Anbu's head floated, his last sight was the killer’s pale, serpentine face and golden, slit-pupil eyes gleamed faintly in the moonlight, exuding an eerie, predatory calm.
‘Hmm?’ Orochimaru's eyes fell on the dead Anbu's waist. A black paper attached to his belt was burning. Orochimaru immediately doused it and thought, ‘Weird, what's this tag?’
He observed it for a few seconds but didn't understand. He thought, ‘Oh well, it doesn't matter, but I should hurry.’
Sasuke, who was still training, stopped and looked around. He frowned thinking, ‘What was that sound? Who fell…?’
His eyes suddenly widened as a familiar figure appeared before him. He immediately grabbed his kunai and muttered, “Orochimaru… What are you doing here?”
——
In the Anbu Headquarters, Eagle was sitting in his office. Though he was added to the council, he didn't receive any additional duties. After all, he was already the commander of the Anbu and was looking after the affairs of the Sarutobi clan. His hands were full.
It was a normal day for him when one of the tags in his room began burning. His eyes immediately moved the tag and he realized, ‘The Uchiha clan… Strange, I didn't expect any incident right now. What could have happened?’
Two Shadow Clones appeared next to him. One flickered towards the Hokage's office while the other got hold of four nearby Anbu squads to go to the Uchiha Clan compounds.
——
“Kakashi, this is your next mission. The Daimyo of the Land of Hot Water has…” Tsunade stopped speaking and her eyes moved towards Eagle's Shadow Clone.
Without wasting any time, the Shadow Clone immediately reported, “Lady Tsunade, there seems to be a mishap near the Uchiha Clan Compounds. One of the Anbu I stationed there lit the black communication tag. My other clone is assembling the Anbu ninjas in headquarters and should be leaving any moment now.”
Tsunade was aware of the communication tags created by Fujin. Though it hadn't spread much yet, Konoha's leadership used it to its fullest extent. A frown appeared on her face as she wondered, ‘The Uchiha clan? Does this have something to do with Sensei telling me the truth? Or, is this unrelated?’
Having learnt the truth behind the Uchiha massacre just a few days ago, her mind immediately thought in that direction. She cursed, ‘If those old geezers are still up to something after having committed what they did, I won't forgive them!’
She commanded, “Kakashi, go with them and check what this is about. I'll send more reinforcements soon.”
Kakashi nodded and flickered.
——
Orochimaru smirked as he saw Sasuke’s defiance, his golden, snake-like eyes gleaming with malicious intent. His voice was soft but menacing, “Still as sharp as ever, Sasuke-kun. I see the fire in your eyes hasn’t diminished. But I wonder... How far has that fire taken you? Have you grown strong enough to face your brother yet? To make him suffer the way he made you suffer?”
Sasuke tightened his grip on his kunai, his Sharingan flaring to life, and asked, “What do you want, Orochimaru? I don’t have time for your games.”
Chuckling, Orochimaru tilted his head and said, “What I want? Oh, Sasuke-kun, it’s not about what I want. It’s about what you want. I know the hatred that burns in your heart. The thirst for vengeance against Itachi. And I also know... you’re not strong enough to defeat him yet.”
Sasuke’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Orochimaru took a step closer, his voice turning almost seductive as he continued, “You’ve realized it, haven’t you? No matter how hard you train, no matter how much you push yourself, the gap between you and Itachi is insurmountable. You’ll never reach him on your own. But with me... I can give you the power you crave. The power to crush him.”
Sasuke narrowed his eyes and icyly asked, “And what would you get in return?”
Orochimaru tilted his head, his expression a mix of amusement and malice. He answered, “Your body… your talent… your potential. I could help you become a vessel of unparalleled power. All I ask is that you come with me, and I will unlock your full potential and help you take revenge for everything your brother has stolen from you.”
His answer immediately angered Sasuke. Holding his rage back as much as he could, he asked, “So that’s your plan? To take my body and use me like one of your experiments?”
Orochimaru let out a soft laugh, his tone almost mocking. He asked in return, “And if I did, would it matter? You’d have your revenge, wouldn’t you? Itachi would die, and the Uchiha name would live on, stronger than ever.”
He leaned in slightly, his golden eyes boring into Sasuke’s. “Think carefully, Sasuke-kun. Are you really going to let your pride stand in the way of ultimate power?”
Sasuke took a step back, his anger replaced by a smirk. He prepared himself for a battle as he countered, “You’re pathetic, Orochimaru. You lost everything, and now you’re grasping at straws. You’re not worthy of being my teacher.”
For the first time, Orochimaru’s smile faltered. Sasuke continued, his voice filled with scorn, “There’s someone stronger than you in the village, someone who’s beaten you and destroyed everything you built. Tell me, why shouldn't I seek guidance from him instead of following a loser like you?”
Orochimaru's expression darkened for a moment as he recalled a memory he hadn't given much importance to. It was Fujin advising Orochimaru to give up his life and die at his hands so that he could maintain his reputation and no one would learn how disappointing Orochimaru was.
Back then, Orochimaru didn't take Fujin's words seriously as he knew Fujin was simply trying to get into his head. However, the sight of Sasuke looking down on him suddenly brought back those memories. Orochimaru never expected such words to turn into reality!
Orochimaru removed those thoughts from his mind. His dark expression disappeared as quickly. Orochimaru quickly composed himself, his unsettling grin returning. He muttered “Ah, Fujin-kun… He did surpass my expectations by a large degree. I won't lie, his strength is ridiculous, especially for his age. However, what of it?
He can't make you stronger like I can. He has no idea of how to explore your true potential. Even if he agreed to guide you, you'll never become strong enough to kill Itachi. Of course, you could ask Fujin to kill Itachi and take revenge for you. I wouldn't be surprised if he manages to do that.
Is that what you want, Sasuke-kun? To stay back like a weak little coward while others fight your battles for you? Surely my eyes haven't deceived me, have they?”
Sasuke's smirk disappeared, replaced by a frown. Orochimaru's words hit where it hurt the most. Sasuke had approached Fujin once, but was sent flying before he could say anything. After he was released from the hospital, Sasuke tried several times to meet with Fujin. However, he never succeeded in even seeing his face, let alone talk to him.
Whether Fujin could train Sasuke to become as strong as him was secondary, Sasuke wasn't even sure whether he could get Fujin to train him. From Sasuke's perspective, Fujin had no reason to train him. There was nothing Sasuke could offer him. The only hope he had was that Fujin had guided Naruto for no apparent reason, but it was a distant hope. As such, Orochimaru’s offer was far more tempting. Though Sasuke understood he could lose his body and perhaps himself, his safety wasn't high on his priority list.
——
“Who is missing?” Eagle's clone asked impatiently.
Along with the Shadow Clone, 16 Anbu ninjas and Kakashi had appeared near the Uchiha Clan compounds and met with the Anbu Captain stationed there. Following his orders, the Anbu Captain recalled all patrolling units to check who had lit the black communication tag.
As soon as everyone returned, the Anbu Captain reported, “Rhino's squad is missing. They were looking over Uchiha Sasuke!”
Kakashi's right eye widened. He immediately said, “Lead the way to him!”
Eagle's clone added, “Half of the patrol units stay here. Rest come with us!”
Without wasting any more time, most of the Anbu ninjas flickered!
——
Orochimaru asked, “So, what is your decision, Sasuke?”
Comments
Tathagata Das
I would also like to see peak Neji. I am a quite sure that he will improve his mindset and his skills as the author has tried to make him understand that he has many fallacies.
Tathagata Das
The author has reached peak writing but what I and slade are doing now is just a banter lol
Slade
Tobi, That's a much better alternative than snakes. The rivalry would still happen for sure, it doesn't have to be a hatred towards the other tho. Sasuke himself never really hated Naruto, he was just jealous and insecure. Hiruzen has every nature, mastery of every technique in the land of fire, He knows more Uchiha techniques, he has itachi who he can shamelessly blackmail to give up clan secrets to teach Sasuke too lol Hiruzen is basically what fanfic MCs are, they always train a certain way cause they read the. series, welp, Hiruzen knows all those ways too lol so he's a good plot device
Slade
@Tjja97 It's not serious. Exactly. It's stronger versions of cannon, so a stronger Kakashi vs a cripple. Orochimaru can still use most non chakra attacks like Kunai, shuriken, explosives blah blah blah, he can still send chakra to his feet and around his body etc But Kakashi matches him every way physically. It'd be hard for Orochimaru to do much to catch him off guard and with sharingan, Kakashi sees everything he does Plus more. Orochimarus extremely nerfed without his arms. He might escape as usual tho.
Slade
1. as you admitted, you started it. 2. who's upset? I simply matched what you put down. 3. Obviously orochimaru would likely win if he wasn't a cripple, but we had this orochimaru as reference so I replied to that. 4. Say whatever dude, not my problem. I call it how it is, Nejis situation exactly is the same. See a double standard, called it.
Devil Hex
Editing rn. Soon
Grey
Hi, Hex. ETA? PLEASE
Kelevra
The Devil has reached peak writing skills. It think it’s awesome with arguments getting so heated. It really speaks to how great a story has been created.
Devil Hex
Probably 1h
Tjja97
Chill both of y’all it’s no disrespect. I think we’re conflating cannon with this fic which takes a more realistic view. Orochimaru is still dangerous without his arms for various reasons, experience, poison … etc, but do I believe he can have a decisive victory against this kakashi… nah. Still nothing is set in stone and they’re ninja not samurai so anything can happen with trickery on either side. I can feel the passion from both of y’all and glad you’re so engaged to have strong views!
Tathagata Das
update?
Tathagata Das
Yes, I also think it is completely logical, Slade, but what has the author written at the end of Orcochimaru and Sasuke's conversation? It was written that Sasuke was actually tempted by Orochinaru's offer and his own safety wasn't on his priority list. Also, I don't remember clearly, I may be wrong but I think I read in one of the chapters earlier, probably more than a 100 chapters earlier that Sasuke was instead more motivated to go to any lengths to kill his older brother now that there is still Uchiha blood left which means that even if he dies the Uchiha clan will not be extinguished
Tathagata Das
Ok, let's see Also, as I have started the shit talking so I should be at fault here, thus let me explain to you what a friendly criticism means. Yes, it was my mistake to just half heartedly reply to your original comment;I know that Jiraiya was drugged, Orochinaru even had the help of Kabuto then and still Tsunade beat him like a cockroach lol. Here I was mainly jokingly criticisng about the fact that you wrote 'Orochimaru can't do anything to Kakashi'. I know that you were actually trying to convey that Orochimaru has no chance of defeating Kakashi the way he is now, though he can escape. I also agree with that but I was joking about the fact that you wrote ''Orochimaru can't do anything to Kakashi'' , ANYTHING, huh? What you wanted to convey was not properly conveyed that's what I was talking about, that's the reason I wrote that it was the funniest thing I have read all day and that it was amusing instead of writing that it is dumb. It's a ducking anime/fanfic comment section, there is nothing to be so angry about that you are calling me a noob. If I had really wanted to harass/say bad things about you I would have done that previously where you have written many comments which are not agreed by anyone but still I wrote a reply back then in a way that I felt that I understood what you were feeling about the character Neji but I also wanted to insert omething I thought about him.
lind
Sasuke and naruto ricalry still needs to happen, in konoha he wont get much stronger. He needs his hatred to fuel his strength. Tbh I would have even prefered sasuke going to tobi.
Slade
lol I just read the funniest thing. some noob thinking he knows better. Jiraiya was drugged not drunk. It was to suppress and mess with his chakra. He was compromised. Tsunade wasn't faking it, she was still dealing with her phobia and ONLY broke through this same scene. She hadn't fought or trained in over a decade. She was compromised. In the manga she 1 shot orochimaru. The anime nerfed her in that scene. All 3 were far from 100% Jiraiya being drugged messed up his chakra and his body so he couldn't coordinate with himself at all. It may have been 2v1 but losing your arms is still a better option than not controlling chakra. They're war vets who can still fight even if missing a limb, Jiraiya did it against pain. Many ninjas are skilled to still fight well without body parts. Kakashi right now was still top 5 in the village. Kakashi right now would have fended off orochimaru who has no arms, especially since Orochimaru can't fight off genjitsu very well. Sharingan Kakashi who's 100% vs no arms Orochimaru who struggles against genjitsu. Orochimaru is strong mostly because he has so many jitsus to use. But guess who has an ability to copy over a thousand jitsus? oh, right kakashi. Kakashi nullifies almost all the jitsus orochimaru uses especially now when he's injured. lol
Devil Hex
Might not be that op. Changing bodies didn't entirely heal the wounds inflicted by Hiruzen. He might end up actually being weaker than Sasuke (unless he heals his soul/frees his sealed soul). Another problem is that he won't be able to unlock Mangekyou.
Kelevra
It would be a good boss battle for Fujin
Devil Hex
3h
Devine Satanus
ETA?
Jack Nathaniel Mikhail
Thanks for the chapter DH sama
Jack Nathaniel Mikhail
🐍 orochi and the year of the Snake is coming soon 😁
Disa
It could have been awesome to see an outcome when Orochimaru successfully get Sasuke’s body. I want to see Itachi’s reaction, and possible fight against Orochi with Sharinguns. Just imagine what a beast he can be with Sasuke’s body
Tathagata Das
Lollll, I just read one of the funniest things ever. Did you not see the show where orochimaru fought the other two sannins without any hand. I know that Jiraiya was drunk and Tsunade probably pretended to still have her phobia upto a certain point till the battle. But still if Kakashi has not significantly improved then it is not possible for Kakashi to harm Orochimaru very much or force him to retreat even without his snake summon. But to say that Orochimaru can't even lay a finger on Kakashi was amusing to read.
Tiger Bond
I feel dumb for forgetting the Akuro identity with regards to training Sasuke. It would allow for him to still go rogue, but not under Orochimaru. There’s potential for some phantom society involvement, and Fujin would retain greater influence over the other main character just like with Naruto in the village. Very good point bro 👍
Nyd. Studio
Shipuden can't happen with sasuke in the village🤷🏽♂️. How do you want him to dress?
Nyd. Studio
Fujin wasn't attached to the village at the beginning. But now, he does care about the 3rd, hoka and renjiro.
Slade
Sasuke training and getting fast tracked by the higher ups is clearly the better alternative. Sasuke has clan members to look after, what's he gonna do, leave them to fend for themselves? Sasuke also got a reality check and is no longer so arrogant that he ignores everyone else. Sasuke eventually left because of the gap between him and Naruto at the time, he believed he himself was lacking. But now, he just credits Fujin for training him. Fujin who beat orochimaru many times already. Unless Sasuke is an idiot, he would understand that the village is his best option. Itachi trained in the village. Orochimaru trained in the village. Fujin trained in the village. Naruto trained in the village. why would he think he can't get stronger in the village? especially since Fujin proved it
Slade
without arms Orochimaru can't do anything to kakashi, he might be able survive but he's not so strong to the point he can beat a ninja of kakashi's level without arms.
Kwabena Kumi
Honestly no disrespect that's not gonna happen even without arms orochi is deadly....he can't do significant damage to him...maybe if he use sharingan but he can only use it once or twice but orochi also has counter measures to it as well
Rubén López
One point they consider is that they think Fujin might think that eliminating a clan is a valid thing, although he is not twisted like Orochimaru, they think he could be another Danzo. Although Fujin himself has almost no real initiative to do heavy things, but it is something that is forced.
Rubén López
Proud Fujin, even the character he shows in front of everyone doesn't have any of that XD. The only mental image I remember is that he thinks he'll feel offended if it's something direct like Danzo's, and that some know it could be his scheming mind. I don't think so. And the more internal Fujin who isn't exactly too different from the Fujin of Konoha except that he has to pretend certain things as if they were important, and that's a big yes, because they consider him a greedy one more oriented to pry.
DoubleD19
Would be interesting to see Kakashi and Orochimaru battle. Even have Kakashi do some significant damage to him. All with Sasuke watching. This would allow to Sasuke to see Kakashi in a new light and maybe deem him worthy of being his teacher once again. They could explore the jutsus Kakashi's father(white fang) passed onto him.
lind
Sasuke following orochimaru still is the story that flows the best, there is literally no other alternatives.
Kelevra
He understands why they would lie about the Uchiha massacre though. I don’t quite follow your train of thought to be honest
Kelevra
I don’t think Sasuke ever actually intended for Orochimaru to take over his body
Steve414290
Maybe Sasuke will still go with Orichimaru but halfway through they 'randomly' come across Akuro, it could be fun. Up to you hex how you take it from here
Steve414290
Doesn't make sense for Sasuke to accept Orochimaru's proposal if he can't accept asking Fujin to kill Itachi, if Orochimaru steals his body it won't be him anymore doing the killing and he can't trust Orochimaru to not take his body until he gets his revenge.
Devil Hex
Nah, didn't sound rude. It was a valid feeling. I was just assuring you 😅
Devil Hex
Nah, about to 😴😴😴
Luso
I don't like that. Fujin is shameless but he is human and human have emotions and desires. He didn't leave the village in the beginning because he would die, what stopping him now? Maybe he will use this for that, and I don't blame him. He could get jutsus from Hiruzen easy by training Sasuke but he refuse. Fujin is getting stronger and stronger, it is natural that he does not accept disrespect from others. Especially when he knows the things they've done
Kwabena Kumi
Thanks for the chapter
Kwabena Kumi
Will there be another chapter today?
Burntliquid
Orochimaru somehow escaping from here is one thing but if sasuke still gets kidnapped and trains with orochimaru imma be upset
Kelevra
Well he should also be getting stronger In order to protect his friends and be Hokage. And as they say. You’re the strongest when you’re protecting something.
Aetherist
Thanks for the chapter. 👊
Kelevra
Indeed pretty risky time for Orochi to came to the village, I believe even Jiraiya is still there. And Kakashi might not be as weak as in canon but he isn’t much stronger when you take into consideration all the strong characters are stronger
Kelevra
Don’t need summoning contract for being reverse summoned by Jugo
Kelevra
Funny thought of how to cover up Sasuke left with Orochimaru would be Fujin taking him on a training trip allowing Fujin to stop taking missions and basically do whatever he wants for 3 years 😂
Mohammed Sheekh
Apologies if I sounded rude, I'm just very invested right now
Aetherist
In fact, running away shouldn't be a problem for Orochimaru, he always has the Reverse Summoning Jutsu ready, the question is when to use it. If Fujin shows up and marks him with the Flying Raijin Jutsu seal, he's dead meat. I really hope Orochimaru doesn't train Sasuke, but I don't think Hex wanted Fujin to train him, so if Sasuke accepts the snake's proposal, it will be a bit like the plot of the Original series, giving Naruto a reason to get stronger and "rescue" Sasuke, instead of getting stronger just to survive a confrontation with Akatsuki.
Kelevra
Fujin is an understanding individual and doesn’t let feelings cloud his judgement. But you can make sure he’ll definitely take advantage of the situation whenever he can. He’s shameless like that.
Devil Hex
Don't worry :) PS: Escaping (especially with reverse summoning) ain't that difficult to plan. Kinda had Orochimaru escape from even worse positions. Of course, he could also end up dying. Who can say? 😈
Luso
He canceled the Summon contract.
Mersh
Maybe it’s not plot holes, maybe Orochimaru loses this body and becomes even weaker.
Mersh
Poor Anbu being cannon fodder.
Devil Hex
Nah
Mohammed Sheekh
Kakashi is also a lot stronger than his Canon self so he's not gonna get one shotted? Especially with armless orochimaru, then you got tsunade rushing over soon enough
Luso
If Sasuke betray Konoha, what will the Hokage tell to justify it? The village can't hunt down Sasuke because of Itachi, Naruto and friends want to save him so they don't care. But what can they said to a monster like Fujin? Will they lie to him? Are they going to ignore it without explaining why? If they do those things how will Fujin react? He knows the truth but he is also proud and with good reason and you see everyone is lying to you and trying to deceive you Dark thoughts can appear. They don't know that Fujin knows the truth.
Kelevra
It would also be kinda poetic to see the end of orochimaru the same place he came from
Mohammed Sheekh
That's if he came to send a message, pretty sure orochimaru is on a clock so he needs sasuke on his side immediately, which means taking him
Kelevra
Orochimaru can near always escape through reverse summoning
Kelevra
Fujin is currently indisposed in his basement I believe, perhaps Orochimaru has even been waiting for such a time?
Qweku_v
Thanks
Mohammed Sheekh
Orochimaru in the hidden leaf, where fujin left thousands of flying raijin tags all over the place. Plus chakra exhaustion isn't a problem for fujin anymore so orochimaru is dead meat. Not to mention tsunade and kakashi being in the village too I will be very surprised if he left this place alive, hex you gotta be careful with the plot holes man
Light Pvp
Is Fate in play?
Hibrael Pereira
Thanks for the chapter
