Chapter 34: Spoilers—The Night of the Massacre

Orochimaru's eyes revealed a strange expression as he stared intently at Uchiha Akira. Then, he extended his long tongue and licked the corner of his mouth.

His expression was akin to that of a lecherous old man suddenly laying eyes on an unparalleled beauty.

Seeing Orochimaru's reaction, Uchiha Akira finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.

He wasn't worried that Orochimaru was interested in him—he was worried that he wasn't. Otherwise, he might have died here today!

"You even know about my Living Corpse Reincarnation... Interesting. Aren't you afraid I'll make you my next vessel?" Orochimaru asked with a wicked smile.

"Aside from occasionally predicting some events, my talents don't compare to Itachi's. In your heart, he's still your most desired target, right?" Uchiha Akira responded calmly.

"No, I'm starting to think you might be a good choice too!" Orochimaru corrected with a shake of his head.

After all, awakening the two-tomoe Sharingan at just six years old was no small feat, and Orochimaru knew exactly what that meant.

"How about it? Why not come with me from now on?" Orochimaru proposed, looking at Uchiha Akira.

Of course, Orochimaru still hoped to obtain Itachi's body in the future. But if that proved impossible, Uchiha Akira's body would be an excellent alternative. That was his current thought.

"Not right now," Uchiha Akira replied, shaking his head at Orochimaru's suggestion.

"You think you have the right to refuse?" Orochimaru's gaze turned cold.

"In about half a year, the higher-ups of Konoha will make their move against the Uchiha clan. That will be the night of the Uchiha Massacre. When the time comes, why not drop by Konoha and watch the show?" Uchiha Akira said, revealing the information about the impending massacre.

"The higher-ups of Konoha are planning to wipe out the Uchiha clan?" Orochimaru was momentarily stunned, finding the news hard to believe.

However, Orochimaru had already come to believe in Uchiha Akira's prophetic abilities by now.

And after considering the current situation between Konoha and the Uchiha, along with the personalities of Hiruzen and Danzo...

It seemed entirely possible that such an event could occur!

"Hahaha, how interesting. Konoha, founded by the Senju and Uchiha clans—first the Senju, now the Uchiha? Truly amusing!" Orochimaru laughed, his face showing a hint of mockery.

Then, he turned and began to leave.

Orochimaru had come to believe in Uchiha Akira's prophetic abilities, and after some careful consideration, he also believed in the prophecy of the Uchiha Massacre.

With only about half a year until the Uchiha clan's destruction, Uchiha Akira would have no choice but to follow him.

So, Orochimaru wasn't in any particular rush.

As Uchiha Akira had pointed out, it would be another two years before he could perform the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique again.

"By the way!"

Just as Orochimaru was leaving, he paused slightly and added, "The reason I came to kill you this time was at Danzo's instigation."

With that, Orochimaru used the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared.

"Danzo? It was he who urged Orochimaru to target me?" Uchiha Akira was surprised by the revelation, but after some thought, it made sense.

No wonder Orochimaru had believed him so readily!

If Danzo was already taking action against a genius from the Uchiha clan, then the idea of the Uchiha Massacre wouldn't seem so far-fetched.

"Hoo..." After Orochimaru left, Uchiha Akira let out a long sigh of relief.

He realized his back was drenched in cold sweat.

To survive this encounter with Orochimaru, Uchiha Akira had used every trick in the book.

First, he showcased his prophetic ability.

To make Orochimaru spare him, Uchiha Akira needed to demonstrate his usefulness. Orochimaru was a pragmatic person who valued those who could be of use to him.

Second, he had revealed the upcoming Night of the Uchiha Massacre.

If the Uchiha clan were to be wiped out, it would make it even harder for Orochimaru to obtain an Uchiha body in the future. Uchiha Akira would be his best backup option.

Lastly, if Konoha's higher-ups were planning to annihilate the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Akira would have no choice but to leave Konoha. Orochimaru wouldn't have to worry about him refusing to leave.

With these three points, Orochimaru had decided to spare Uchiha Akira—for now.

"Danzo..."

After spending another ten minutes alone, Uchiha Akira finally calmed his nerves. His eyes flashed with cold determination.

He hadn't expected Danzo to target him so soon.

It seemed that once he returned to Konoha, he would need to be extremely cautious.

Moreover, his current strength was still far from enough—far, far from enough.

Uchiha Akira's desire for power grew stronger, and he felt an increasing sense of urgency.