"Ugh—"
From the remains of his shattered body, Orochimaru emerged, his form covered in a layer of slimy, viscous mucus.
Snap, snap, snap!
The sound of steady footsteps echoed ominously as Nagato's Deva Path clone approached. His cold, emotionless gaze locked on Orochimaru as he stopped a few meters away.
The distance between them was short—close enough for a Shadow-level ninja to close in a split second for an ambush. Yet Nagato's Deva Path clone stood there unfazed, radiating an air of supreme confidence.
"Orochimaru, you've seen my power," Nagato's Deva Path clone stated icily, his voice as chilling as his presence.
"I have indeed. The legendary Rinnegan... its power truly lives up to its name!" Orochimaru's voice quivered with equal parts fear and awe, his long tongue darting out reflexively as his eyes burned with greed.
"Join Akatsuki, the organization I founded, and I will forgive this offense. Refuse, and you will die here today." Nagato's Deva Path clone emanated an aura of utter finality.
"Join Akatsuki?" Orochimaru's lips twisted into a grotesque smile, exaggerated and unnerving. "Very well, I will join."
Despite his outward acceptance, Orochimaru's mind was spinning. He had seen enough to know he was no match for the man in front of him. Yet, escaping was within his capabilities. However, he wasn't ready to give up on the Rinnegan—the very object of his deepest desire. Joining Akatsuki offered an opportunity to stay close to his target, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Nagato's Deva Path clone, seemingly unconcerned with Orochimaru's ulterior motives, threw him a ring engraved with the character "空" ("Void").
"Every Akatsuki member has a code name. From now on, yours is 'Kū,' representing rebirth," Nagato said flatly.
"Void? Rebirth? How fitting." Orochimaru inspected the ring carefully for traps before sliding it onto the little finger of his left hand. His smile widened into something almost snake-like.
"I will take you to Akatsuki's branch base in the Land of Rivers," Nagato's clone declared, turning to lead the way.
Orochimaru's predatory gaze lingered on Nagato's back. He considered launching a surprise attack but ultimately restrained himself. There was too much he still didn't know about the Rinnegan's abilities, and failure could cost him dearly.
Swoosh—
A White Zetsu clone silently emerged from the ground nearby, its sudden appearance catching Orochimaru's attention.
"What is it?" Nagato's Deva Path clone asked, showing no concern that Orochimaru could hear their exchange.
"I have news," the White Zetsu clone began. "The two members sent to eliminate Uchiha Fugaku failed their mission. They've both been killed."
"Failed?" Nagato's clone frowned slightly.
"The mission encountered unexpected resistance. Uchiha Fugaku's strength is far beyond our previous estimates. I suspect he has reached Kage-level," White Zetsu explained.
"Kage-level strength?" Nagato mused, his cold eyes narrowing slightly.
Nearby, Orochimaru's interest was piqued. From the fragments of their conversation, it became clear that Akatsuki had targeted Uchiha Fugaku for some reason. However, the mission had not only failed but had also cost them two members.
"Fugaku..." Orochimaru muttered under his breath. His mind raced. The revelation that Uchiha Fugaku had attained Kage-level strength both intrigued and amused him.
"It seems I underestimated him. Kage-level, and yet he's kept it hidden for so long... Sarutobi-sensei, it appears you may be in for a difficult future," Orochimaru mused aloud, a wicked smile curling on his lips.
"Take Orochimaru to the branch base," Nagato's Deva Path clone instructed White Zetsu. "I will deal with Uchiha Fugaku myself."
Nagato's clone rose into the air, leaving Orochimaru awestruck as he witnessed yet another incredible ability of the Rinnegan. As the clone disappeared into the distance, Orochimaru's excitement grew. Every display of the Rinnegan's power only deepened his resolve to make it his own.
"With him personally taking action, Uchiha Fugaku's chances of survival are slim," Orochimaru remarked, shaking his head. Despite Fugaku's newfound strength, Orochimaru doubted he could stand against someone wielding the Rinnegan.
Elsewhere, Uchiha Fugaku had rejoined Uchiha Asami and the others.
"Captain, you're back!" Uchiha Asami greeted him.
"Yes," Fugaku replied with a curt nod. His tone turned serious as he continued. "I was attacked by two rogue ninjas who targeted me for my bounty. I managed to kill them, but I suspect they had accomplices. Furthermore, Orochimaru knows of our presence here."
Hearing this, Uchiha Asami and the others looked alarmed.
"Orochimaru... knows?" Asami whispered.
"Yes," Fugaku confirmed. "We must leave the Land of Rivers immediately."
"Understood!" Realizing the gravity of the situation, Uchiha Asami and the others sprang into action.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
The group moved quickly, heading towards the border of the Fire Country.
As they advanced, Fugaku's expression suddenly hardened.
Activating his enhanced perception, a skill gained from assimilating the Mountain Clan's abilities, he picked up on a faint, almost imperceptible chakra signature in the distance.
A presence was following them.
(End of this chapter)
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