Konoha Forest —
Guy and Kakashi raced through the trees, leaping between branches at high speed. One led, the other followed closely behind.
But unlike before, their destination wasn't deeper into the forest—it was the Konoha Central Hospital.
Guy glanced at the injured man on his back and muttered with concern, "Lord Orochimaru... you're not going to die, are you?"
He wasn't just being dramatic. Orochimaru's condition was bizarre.
At a glance, his body looked mostly unharmed, but there was an unnatural pink hue spreading across his pale skin—like something was tearing him apart from within. It made Guy wonder just how many blood vessels had ruptured under the surface.
He could even smell the faint, metallic tang of blood seeping from the wounds.
Neither Guy nor Kakashi were medics. The basic first aid they learned at the Ninja Academy wasn't going to cut it here.
And honestly, even a full medical ninja might be helpless in the face of this.
"Not dead yet," came a voice from behind Guy—not Kakashi's, but the very man on his back. "But if you keep jostling me like this, I will be. Put me down already."
Guy froze mid-step, shocked. "Orochimaru-sama?! You're awake?!"
"Pfft—"
Orochimaru coughed, vomiting a few mouthfuls of blood, his injuries worsening from the sudden movement.
He slumped against the trunk of a large tree, eyes hazy but still sharp as he looked at the two younger men. "'Stabilize the wounded. Don't move them unnecessarily.' Didn't your Academy instructors drill that into you?"
Guy and Kakashi exchanged glances.
Yeah, we learned that, they thought. But that doesn't apply to people who look like they're about to die!
Still, seeing that Orochimaru's breathing had stabilized and some color had returned to his face, they wisely held their tongues.
You couldn't apply normal rules to someone like Orochimaru anyway.
He inhaled deeply, then exhaled in a controlled rhythm. To their astonishment, the wounds around his chest and sides visibly began to heal.
A moment later, the Lamp Djinn emerged from within, wearing a smug grin. "Not bad, right? The breathing technique has excellent healing properties."
Orochimaru gave him a flat look, clearly unimpressed.
Hard to be grateful when the person who caused the injury is also the one treating it.
"Don't be like that," the Djinn chuckled, leaning down until their faces were level. "You managed to channel natural energy successfully for the first time. That's huge."
His grin widened.
"You don't need to envy Jiraiya's silly toad mode anymore. Yours is way better."
Bad move.
Orochimaru's expression turned icy. "I can't control that power," he said coldly.
If the Djinn hadn't pulled out at the last second, Orochimaru's mind would have been completely overwhelmed—shattered by the very energy he'd tried to harness.
The Djinn's smugness faded a little. He nodded. "You're right. That one's on me."
In the world of shinobi—whether in victory or defeat—natural energy flows freely and is easy to sense. But that also means the spirit comes under immense pressure the moment it touches this energy.
Aside from the legendary Sage of Six Paths, no one truly possesses the mental fortitude to withstand it alone.
That's why the Sage Modes developed by the Three Great Holy Lands were so valuable to ninja.
However...
To the Lamp Djinn, Sage Mode was meaningless. Toad oil couldn't bring out the essence of the world. Attempting to recreate such a technique forcibly would only cause the host to distort—twisting their body and soul.
What he needed were universal techniques—something more adaptable.
The Djinn glanced at Orochimaru, a playful smile curling his lips. "Pure natural energy is incredibly dangerous. But... you're not the type to give up, are you?"
Orochimaru leaned quietly against the tree, not saying a word.
He'd already tasted the power. How could he go back to mediocrity now? How could he walk away, even if it meant putting his life on the line?
Still... he was annoyed. The Djinn had seen through him completely.
It was like someone had put a plate of meat in front of a starving man—pierced with silver needles—and said, "You're going to eat it anyway."
Orochimaru looked away from the Djinn's smug face in disgust and pushed himself to his feet, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Guy and Kakashi.
"When I was training earlier… you two were watching, weren't you?"
The two froze, looking sheepish. Before Guy could come up with the excuse he'd prepared, Orochimaru continued,
"Don't tell anyone. In exchange, I'll teach you the physical techniques I've developed."
"…Huh?"
Guy and Kakashi exchanged stunned glances.
Not only are we not in trouble… we're getting a reward?
"No problem, Orochimaru-sama! We won't say a word!" Guy promised enthusiastically.
Kakashi nodded in agreement.
Orochimaru gave a slight nod. "I'll pick a day soon and let you know."
It was clearly a dismissal.
Kakashi caught the hint and was about to drag Guy away, but Guy tugged back.
Orochimaru frowned. "What is it?"
With hopeful eyes, Guy asked, "Since you're teaching me Taijutsu… does that mean I can be your disciple?"
Kakashi also paused, curious. Being the student of a Sannin was no small thing—but even though Orochimaru's Taijutsu was impressive, Kakashi had no desire to take on a new teacher, especially not after losing Minato-sensei so recently.
Orochimaru glanced at Guy and said, "You may call me teacher."
Then he turned to Kakashi. "But not you. I'm only teaching you a technique—not accepting you as a disciple. Don't go around saying otherwise."
"…Understood."
Kakashi was puzzled by Orochimaru's favoritism—especially since he was usually considered the more talented of the two.
But Orochimaru offered no explanation, and Kakashi didn't press. He simply nodded and led a thrilled Guy away.
Once the two had vanished into the trees, the Djinn poked his head out again. "I'm a little confused. Kakashi's a genius too, isn't he?"
"But he's Minato's student," Orochimaru said coldly. "If he calls me 'teacher,' doesn't that place me a step beneath Jiraiya?"
"I thought you didn't care about anything except immortality."
"Forget it," Orochimaru grunted. "Have you recovered? We've got more important things to do."
A grin crept onto the Djinn's face. "You know... it's rare to see you this injured. We should definitely take advantage of that."
---
Meanwhile—
In the heart of Konoha, where the Nine-Tails had rampaged just last night, the devastation was still fresh.
It was noon. The sun shone gently over the village—but the mood was heavy, oppressive.
Teams of civilians and ninjas worked tirelessly amid the ruins. White sheets covered countless bodies. From time to time, muffled sobs could be heard—mostly from children.
Those who toiled to clear the wreckage kept their heads down, pretending not to hear. But grief hung thick in the air, impossible to ignore.
Then, from the distance, a lone figure approached—staggering, clearly injured.
One of the resting shinobi spotted him and immediately set aside his water bottle, leaping forward to help.
But before he could reach, the figure collapsed.
The shinobi rushed over and knelt down to check his condition—only to freeze in shock as he saw the man's face.
"O-Orochimaru-sama?!"
What was he doing here? And in such a state?
His shout drew attention fast. More shinobi and civilians rushed over, the commotion growing.
No... it can't be.
After losing the Fourth Hokage... is Konoha going to lose one of the Sannin too?
___________
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