In the dimly lit basement, Sasuke sat shirtless in the middle of a complex sealing circle. Kakashi meticulously applied the sealing technique, his bloody fingers moving with precision.
The intricate crimson pattern extended from the cursed seal on Sasuke's neck, radiating to every corner of his body. The aura surrounding the technique was palpable, filling the room with an ominous energy.
Even though Sasuke understood the process, he couldn't help but feel impressed. The effort Kakashi put into this sealing was evident.
This wasn't a task for the faint-hearted—after all, staining the sealing ritual with 200 milliliters of blood was no small feat.
Kakashi, Sasuke's teacher, wasn't one to just talk the talk; his actions proved his resolve.
"Sasuke, brace yourself," Kakashi instructed, his voice calm yet commanding.
Sasuke nodded, his senses heightened. He wasn't afraid of the physical pain that might come from the procedure. Instead, his caution stemmed from the suspicion that Orochimaru was lurking nearby.
"The Seal of Evil…"
Kakashi's solemn voice broke the tension as he activated the sealing ritual. His bloodied hand pressed against the back of Sasuke's neck, triggering the formation of the seal.
In an instant, Sasuke's body reacted violently. His blood seemed to surge toward the cursed seal, almost as if it had a life of its own. Black sealing marks began to form, encircling and trapping the Heavenly Curse Seal within their grasp.
The pain was indescribable—like countless venomous insects gnawing away at him from the inside. Sasuke roared in agony, his body trembling from the overwhelming torment.
But the ordeal was brief. Within three seconds, the sealing process was complete.
Though his body ached and his energy was depleted, Sasuke didn't lose consciousness. His strengthened willpower kept him awake, though he was left weak and exhausted.
> Quest Completed: You have received the following reward: Storage Sealing Technique.
"Sasuke…" Kakashi's voice brought him back to the present. "The cursed seal should now be suppressed by the Seal of Evil. However, remember, this seal relies heavily on your determination. If your will falters, the cursed seal may resurface."
Sasuke nodded, his face serious as he absorbed Kakashi's words. At the same time, he felt a surge of knowledge as he mastered the storage sealing technique granted by the system.
Now, Sasuke could seal weapons or other materials into blank scrolls, an invaluable skill for any shinobi.
"You've learned an advanced sealing technique," Kakashi remarked with a mix of pride and surprise. "You've grown, Sasuke."
Just as Sasuke reached for his shirt, ready to leave, a sinister voice echoed through the room.
"You've certainly grown, Kakashi. I didn't expect you to master such a complex technique…"
The voice belonged to none other than Orochimaru.
An oppressive, chilling chakra filled the room, causing both Kakashi and Sasuke to stiffen.
"Orochimaru!"
Kakashi immediately turned to face the enemy, his Sharingan activated and his body tense.
Sasuke, too, reacted quickly, his dark eyes transforming into the crimson Sharingan with two tomoe.
Initially, Sasuke believed Orochimaru wouldn't bother showing up, especially with the sealing ritual complete. But he had underestimated Orochimaru's obsession with him.
"Sasuke, run! I'll hold him off, even if it costs me my life!" Kakashi shouted without hesitation. Lifting his headband to fully reveal his Sharingan, he prepared for battle.
The sound of chirping birds filled the room as lightning danced in Kakashi's hand—his signature jutsu, Raikiri, ready to strike.
"I won't run, Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke responded firmly. Orochimaru's presence didn't intimidate him. On the contrary, Sasuke welcomed the opportunity to grow stronger under pressure.
Besides, Sasuke had his own plans. He had anticipated this encounter and knew how to deal with Orochimaru if things went awry.
Kakashi, unaware of Sasuke's thoughts, felt a mixture of pride and despair. He regretted his past complacency, realizing it had left him ill-prepared for moments like this.
"Orochimaru," Kakashi growled, his voice filled with anger and determination.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with malicious intent as he shifted his gaze to Sasuke's Sharingan.
"What beautiful eyes," Orochimaru murmured, his tone dripping with greed. "Though it's a pity they only have two tomoe… But even with this level of power, Sasuke can suppress the curse seal. It seems his potential surpasses even Itachi's."
Kakashi's expression darkened. "Your goal is Sasuke's Sharingan, isn't it?"
Orochimaru didn't bother denying it. "Kakashi, you already have the Sharingan. Why shouldn't I also claim it? Uchiha blood is simply irresistible."
Sasuke's face grew colder. He despised how Orochimaru spoke about him as though he were nothing more than an object.
But Sasuke knew Orochimaru's confidence wasn't baseless. This legendary Sannin wasn't someone to take lightly.
"Sasuke," Orochimaru began, his voice turning seductive, "you've already tasted the power of the cursed seal. If you come with me, I'll unlock its true potential for you. I'll even help you achieve your goal—to kill Uchiha Itachi."
Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm. "Don't listen to him, Sasuke! He's only after your Sharingan!"
But Sasuke didn't react as Kakashi expected. Instead, he appeared calm, even thoughtful.
> Warning Detected: Orochimaru's malicious offer has triggered a reward multiplier.
Quest: Reject the invitation. Reward: Perfect Awakening Pill.
Sasuke's mind raced. The Perfect Awakening Pill was a mysterious item rumored to unlock the full power of the cursed seal. It was an enticing reward, but Sasuke knew better than to fall for Orochimaru's schemes.
Still, Sasuke couldn't help but feel amused. Orochimaru's persistence was almost comical.
"Sasuke, have you made up your mind?" Orochimaru pressed, his voice smooth and confident.
Sasuke smirked. "If you're so eager to help me, why don't you bring me Itachi's corpse? When I see it, I'll know you're serious."
Both Kakashi and Orochimaru were stunned by Sasuke's response.
Orochimaru's face darkened with frustration. "If I could defeat Itachi, do you think I'd be here bargaining with you?"
Without another word, Orochimaru turned and left, his expression grim. He wasn't done with Sasuke—he would return, no matter what.
> Quest Completed: You have received the following reward: Perfect Awakening Pill.
As Orochimaru's oppressive chakra faded, Sasuke allowed himself a moment of relief. He had managed to outwit Orochimaru while securing a valuable reward.
Kakashi, on the other hand, was left to ponder the implications of their encounter. He silently vowed to become stronger—not just for himself, but to protect those he cared about.
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