84. People’s Physiques Are Different

In the Camp

Sora arrived at Orochimaru's quarters.

Three years had passed. Now 16 years old, Sora had grown significantly. He stood at about 1.75 meters tall, and the youthful softness in his features had gradually faded. However, Orochimaru remained unchanged.

Over the past three years, Orochimaru had begun his research, and Sora had assisted him by gathering experimental materials.

Naturally, those materials came from captured Kumogakure shinobi.

Orochimaru looked up at Sora and asked, "Sora, what brings you here?"

Sora replied, "Sensei Orochimaru, I want to head to the Land of Grass. With you, Master Jiraiya, and Namikaze Minato stationed here, my absence shouldn't make much of a difference. Besides, I have my own matters to take care of."

Orochimaru frowned momentarily, then relaxed. "You're going to the Land of Grass to search for the Uzumaki clan orphans, aren't you? It's indeed time. Lady Mito's health is declining by the day. If you don't act soon, you may be too late."

Then, Orochimaru's expression became more serious. "Have you prepared your backup plan? I still need my current position, so I won't be able to help you much."

Orochimaru was referring to Sora's contingency plan—preventing Uzumaki Kushina from becoming the Nine Tails' Jinchūriki if he failed to find Karin's mother.

He had long suspected that Sora might turn against Konoha for Kushina's sake.

However, since Orochimaru needed to maintain his standing in Konoha to continue his research, he made it clear that he could not openly assist Sora.

Sora nodded. "My backup plan should be ready by next year. Sensei Orochimaru, don't worry about me—I'll handle it myself."

Orochimaru nodded. "That's good. Stay here for a few more days. As a Jōnin, you need an official transfer order to the Land of Grass. I'll submit a request to Konoha now. The situation in the Land of Hot Water is relatively stable, so Konoha shouldn't have any reason to deny your request."

After Leaving Orochimaru's Room

After leaving, Sora summoned Uchiha Kyosuke, Uchiha Keiichi, Uchiha Ryuhei, and Uchiha Jinno.

Thanks to Sora never taking credit for their achievements, all four had risen from Chūnin to Tokubetsu Jōnin.

Furthermore, with the constant pressure from Sora's leadership, the strength of Kyosuke and the others had improved drastically.

"Captain!"

The four Uchiha had been trained thoroughly by Sora. If he said go east, they wouldn't dare go west. If he ordered them to infiltrate deep into enemy territory, they would charge in without hesitation.

Under Sora's command, their unit had earned a reputation in the Land of Hot Water for their sheer recklessness.

They were also known for their ruthlessness—any enemy targeted by Sora's team never survived. Every mission ended in complete annihilation.

Sora looked at the four of them with a smile. "Congratulations. Soon, you'll be free from the hell I put you through."

The four Uchiha exchanged confused glances.

Sora then explained, "I've requested a transfer order from Sensei Orochimaru. I'll be heading to the Land of Grass soon, so you're all free."

Uchiha Keiichi exclaimed in surprise, "So sudden?"

Sora glanced at him and sneered, "Shouldn't you be happy?"

Uchiha Keiichi lowered his head.

At first, he was shocked. But now? He was genuinely relieved.

Since becoming Sora's subordinates, the four of them had lost all sense of freedom. They were either killing or on their way to kill.

At this point, they had become almost numb to it.

Now that Sora was leaving, it was undeniably good news. Finally, they wouldn't have to endure the constant pressure.

Yet, despite that relief, their emotions were complicated.

Sora had always been ruthless and strict to the point of being cruel. But there was no denying one thing—he was reliable.

Except for their very first mission together, Sora had always been the one to charge into the most dangerous situations.

And whenever they were in danger, he would be the first to come to their aid.

Each of them owed their lives to him more than once.

That was why, in their hearts, as long as Sora was with them, there was no mission they couldn't complete.

But Sora was also cold and distant. He never spoke to them about anything outside of missions.

And there was an undeniable rift between Sora and the Uchiha Clan.

Kyosuke and the others had tried to reconcile with him before, but every attempt ended in failure.

All they ever received in return were sharp sarcasm—or worse, a beating.

So even after three years together, their relationship with Sora remained strictly that of superiors and subordinates.

Sora stretched lazily and said, "Even though I only used you guys to vent my frustration, you've followed me for three years. I'll leave you with some advice."

He glanced at them, then continued, "After I leave, don't follow Uchiha Hexiong, that idiot. He's mediocre at best, but he's too full of himself. Just because he's Uchiha, he thinks he's better than everyone else. But the truth is, nobody here respects him—they despise him."

Sora smirked. "Of course, you're Uchiha too. If you don't want to listen, you don't have to. It's not an order. Maybe I'm just trying to push you away."

Then, in a more serious tone, he added, "But if you do listen, consider working under Namikaze Minato. He might actually give you a future. Not that it'll make much difference in the long run."

Sora turned, waving a hand dismissively. "That's all. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other. Next time you see me, feel free to insult me like the rest of the Uchiha."

His voice held a mocking edge. "If it's just words, I won't fight back. Go ahead and take out all the frustration you've built up over the years."

He stood up, ready to leave.

"Captain!" Uchiha Kyosuke suddenly called out.

Sora stopped and looked back at him. "I'm still your captain for a few more days."

Then, his gaze sharpened. "But after that, don't call me 'Captain' again."

"What do you want to ask?"

Kyosuke hesitated, then gathered his courage. "Captain, why can't I reach your level with Thunder Breathing?"

Sora smiled—an unreadable, knowing smile.

He was well aware that Kyosuke had been practising Thunder Breathing for three years.

But neither Kyosuke nor the others would ever reach his level.

Because the most crucial element of the breathing technique was something only Sora himself knew.

Sora answered simply, "People have different physiques."

And with that, he walked away.

Kyosuke stood there, mind spinning in confusion.

"Different physiques?"

Was he saying that Kyosuke's talent was too lacking to reach that level?

That thought was beyond frustrating.

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