Chapter 16: First meeting with Orchimaru

A year later...

In the training ground, two individuals face off in an intense battle. The first, with gray eyes, condenses a blue ball of chakra, stepping cautiously toward his opponent from behind. But the other, with the red Sharingan eyes, perceives the attack and vanishes, leaving behind an afterimage.

"Ha... Ha..."

"I think that's enough for today. It seems your skills have gotten stronger, Hyojin." Shisui said with a smile.

Hyojin smiled bitterly, barely catching his breath, "What's the point? I'm still unable to match you, Brother Shisui."

It turns out that the fighters are Shisui and Hyojin. Over the course of this year, Hyojin has grown a little taller, his black hair, streaked with white strands, now reaching his shoulders. His complexion has become paler.

"Well, that's no surprise. Don't forget that I have the experience from the Third Ninja War. But you're improving quickly; your strength is nearing the level of a special Jonin." Shisui said with a grin.

Ignoring the praise, Hyojin replied, "I'm going home. Do you want to come with me?"

"I'm sorry, but I have an appointment with Elder Uchiha, Henko."

Hyojin nodded, realizing that the young man before him represents the Dove faction of the clan, and Henko is the leader of that faction.

After bidding farewell to Shisui, Hyojin headed home.

When he entered and closed the door, his calm expression changed into one of anger. He clenched his fists and whispered quietly, "This isn't enough... it's unsatisfying."

A year has passed, and I haven't gotten any stronger; I feel like I'm getting weaker. My physical condition is deteriorating, and my face is becoming paler as if I'm sick. With every battle, the time I have for training decreases. Shisui must have noticed that.

But why? Am I sick? I had a medical ninja examine me, and they said I'm fine. Should I ask Shisui to consult Tsunade? Maybe she can solve my problem.

As I searched for a solution, my thoughts wandered, focusing on what could be beneficial to me. Suddenly, one name crossed my mind: Orochimaru. It's true he's not the best in medical ninjutsu like Tsunade, but he's still one of the best medical ninjas in Konoha right now. I don't know if he'll help me, but he might be the only one who can.

But dealing with him is dangerous right now, especially since he's collaborating with Danzo. But I have no other choice.

"Damn it, I've been talking to myself a lot lately..." I said, realizing how troubled my mental state had become.

This can't go on. I'll ask Fugaku to arrange a meeting with Orochimaru. With my knowledge of his nature from the story, I know what might catch his interest.

And then there's the matter of going to Kirigakure. It's been a year, and I've been trapped in the village because of that bastard Danzo. I swear I'll kill him in the future," I said, with barely concealed anger in my eyes.

Because of him, my progress with the Ice Element has been almost nonexistent; I can't even go to a secluded place to train it.

The only accomplishment I've made this year is slightly developing the Rasengan by adding some Ice Chakra to it, but it's an incomplete version, and I haven't even been able to test its power.

Three days later...

I was sitting at home when Fugaku sat across from me, waiting for Orochimaru.

Yes, I managed to convince Fugaku to arrange a meeting with Orochimaru, though it took some effort.

While we waited for a few minutes, Fugaku suddenly opened his eyes and looked toward the door.

After a while, footsteps could be heard, and the door opened to reveal a person with long black hair, snake-like eyes, and a frightening face.

"It better be worth it, my time is precious," Orochimaru said, licking his lips like a serpent.

Fugaku nodded nonchalantly, not showing respect to Orochimaru, and said while standing, "Well, the one who wanted to talk to you is right in front of you. I only brought you here. You can ask him yourself. I'm excusing myself now. Oh, and I warn you not to do anything to him." He said this while glaring at Orochimaru with his three-tomoe Sharingan.

Orochimaru did not respond, instead staring at me. As for me, I was also staring at Orochimaru's face. Our eyes locked, and the situation felt strange.

Seeing this, Fugaku left, closing the door behind him.

"Interesting..." Orochimaru said, moving his tongue like a deviant.

Orochimaru spoke first, saying, "Well, boy, I'm here now. What information do you have for me?" He said, looking at my body with curiosity.

"Please, have a seat first," I said, trying to act calm despite the anxiety building up inside me. After all, I was now standing in front of one of the Legendary Three Ninjas.

Ignoring my emotions, he sat in front of me, waiting for me to speak.

Once he sat down, I said, "I heard you're conducting some... interesting experiments."