Chapter 2 – Battle Preparations

The camp was bustling with activity. Ninjas were preparing, organizing weapons, checking scrolls, and reviewing strategies. War demanded discipline and precision, and everyone knew that tonight's mission could be the last for many of them.

Sal stepped away to a quieter corner and began reviewing his jutsus. As a chūnin, he had mastered a few techniques beyond the academy basics. His main ninjutsus were:

Wind Palm (C-Rank) – A powerful strike that unleashed a burst of compressed wind, useful for pushing enemies back or deflecting projectiles.

Wind Breath (C-Rank) – A technique that focused chakra in the mouth, releasing a strong gust of wind capable of knocking down enemies or breaking through defenses.

Nothing impressive, but efficient enough.

Still, Sal knew he needed more. The system was his best bet for growth. He opened the interface and carefully studied the chest section:

[Chest Shop]

Common Chest – 100 Change Points

Rare Chest – 1,000 Change Points

Epic Chest – 10,000 Change Points

Legendary Chest – 100,000 Change Points

SS Chest – ???

"So, the more expensive, the better the chances of getting something good…" Sal rubbed his chin thoughtfully. If I save Nawaki, I should earn a lot of points!

While he was reflecting, he overheard a nearby conversation.

— "Master Orochimaru, can I lead a squad? I swear I'm ready!" Nawaki said, his smile brimming with excitement.

Orochimaru, sitting on a rock while sharpening a kunai, glanced up.

— "And why do you think you're ready, Nawaki?"

— "Because I'm a Senju!" he replied proudly. "My sister always says people expect great things from us."

Orochimaru sighed and shook his head.

— "Having an important name isn't enough to win a war. Your strength doesn't come from your bloodline, but from what you do with it."

— "I know, I know. But still, I think I can impress my sister if I do something grand!"

Orochimaru gave a subtle smile, one that seemed to hide something.

— "Instead of trying to impress your sister, try to survive."

Nawaki blinked a few times, then laughed.

— "Haha! That was kind of scary, sensei! But I get it—I won't be reckless."

Sal watched the interaction, deep in thought. So Orochimaru might be less cold than people think…

In fact, he began to wonder if Orochimaru was truly the monster he would become in the future.

Orochimaru hasn't seen enough death yet.

Sal knew Nawaki would die if nothing changed, and that event would scar Orochimaru deeply. Sure, the greatest pain would be Tsunade's, but Orochimaru would carry that wound as well. Add Danzo's influence to the mix, and he would become the dark Orochimaru of the future—the one who would seek immortality and experiment on human lives without hesitation.

Maybe the Orochimaru standing here, now, still has some humanity left.

Before Sal could dive deeper into those thoughts, a familiar voice called out to him.

— "Hey, Sal, any word from Shiraka?"

It was Tanaka. His old friend was looking at him with a serious expression.

Sal felt a pang in his chest. Shiraka…

She was the wife of Lindam, a close friend of the original body, who had died on their last mission. And Sal hadn't even thought about speaking to her.

He looked away for a moment. Even if I'm not the original Sal, I have his memories. That means I also carry his responsibilities.

— "I haven't talked to her yet… but I will."

Tanaka sighed and nodded.

— "Alright. Just don't take too long."

The sun was setting, and the time for the attack was drawing near. War waited for no one.