Chapter 48 – Orochimaru's "Gift"
It was clear that no consensus was reached between Izaya and Orochimaru as they stood in the tense silence, the autumn wind rustling their clothes.
After a long standoff, Orochimaru suddenly began to advance slowly.
"Are you going to attack?" Izaya's face tightened with alertness, his body coiling as he prepared to strike first if necessary.
"Boy, don't be so tense," Orochimaru purred, stopping when he was about halfway to Izaya. "I am not currently planning to attack. I merely wish to ask… why did you reject me?"
"I can offer you both status and power. Why would you refuse me without a moment's hesitation? I truly cannot comprehend it." A flicker of genuine confusion crossed Orochimaru's pale features as he finished speaking, crossing his arms over his chest as he studied Izaya.
Because you are Orochimaru…
Of course, that was only Izaya's internal thought. He had no intention of voicing it aloud. After a moment's hesitation, he chose a more diplomatic response. "Your path is not for me. Compared to following you… I prefer to remain in Konoha."
"Remain in Konoha?" Orochimaru repeated, his brow furrowing deeply. "I see…" It took a long time for his expression to smooth back into its usual detached mask.
Only… a sliver of true killing intent now flickered within his serpentine eyes.
It's over. He's serious now.
Feeling the shift in the Sannin's aura, Izaya's heart sank. He understood instantly that his words about wanting to stay in Konoha had struck a nerve and angered Orochimaru. But he was also helpless; while it was an excuse, it was also the truth.
Though Orochimaru was currently with the Akatsuki, he was already laying the groundwork for his future Hidden Sound Village, secretly abducting orphans. If Izaya agreed to the invitation, he would undoubtedly become one of Orochimaru's core subordinates.
But comparing the future Hidden Sound Village to Konoha? Anyone could see which was the superior choice. As for Orochimaru himself, while having a Kage-level mentor was beneficial, Izaya already had similar guidance within Konoha—Uchiha Itachi. Though a newly promoted Kage-level, Itachi's potential was immense, and his future power would rank among the very pinnacle of the shinobi world. Orochimaru, in Izaya's memory, spent most of the Fourth Great Shinobi War… playing dead.
So, Izaya felt his reasoning was sound, both for the present and the future.
"Tch. To think the first promising seedling I've found in so long would reject my invitation so thoroughly…" Orochimaru muttered to himself, his voice a low hiss. "Since I cannot have it… I shall destroy it."
As he spoke, he slowly sheathed the Kusanagi Sword. A killing intent that saturated the very air erupted from him, firmly locking onto Izaya. Then, an overwhelming, domineering pressure—the unique aura of a true powerhouse—burst forth.
Orochimaru was done talking.
Dammit, my luck is just… Izaya inwardly cursed as he felt the oppressive force descend upon him. He could feel a unique malice had been following him since he arrived in Konoha. First, he was suspected as a spy by Uchiha Itachi. Though his slick talking had defused that situation and even turned Itachi into an ally, he'd immediately drawn the attention of Danzō. Then came the Third Hokage, the Hyūga Clan… and now Orochimaru. It was enough to make anyone feel frantic.
"Rotten wood cannot be carved," Orochimaru spat with disdain.
Before Izaya could even process the insult, a purple-black venomous snake shot toward him, its maw wide open. A foul, pungent stench assaulted Izaya's nostrils, carried on a wave of chilling malice.
"Orochimaru's venomous snakes?!"
There was no time to think. Facing the lethal strike, Izaya gathered all the flaming power within his body in an instant, his Sharingan locking onto the projectile.
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!
As Izaya opened his mouth, dozens of flames, glowing with a bright crimson light, erupted and spread around him.
"Go!"
With a sweep of his hand, the floating phoenix fires seemed to grow eyes. One part intercepted the attacking snake, while the other part shot directly toward Orochimaru!
Boom! Boom!
Two explosions rang out almost simultaneously. The aggressive snake was instantly incinerated by the high-temperature flames. On Orochimaru's side…
The same seemed to have happened.
But Izaya wasn't foolish. Though the Phoenix Sage Fire he released was far more powerful than the standard technique, possessing explosive properties, his opponent was Orochimaru. Did he really think he could kill a Kage-level powerhouse in one hit? He had no such delusions.
And his opponent was Orochimaru.
Sure enough, as the smoke from the flames dispersed, Izaya didn't see Orochimaru's body, but a piece of charred, blackened wood.
Substitution Technique? When did he cast it?!
Izaya's mind raced. And at that exact moment!
A black shadow struck him. The speed was so fast he couldn't react!
Gah!
In the next second, a sharp, stinging pain erupted in his mind. Izaya immediately looked down.
It was Orochimaru who had launched the attack, a smile of smug success now gracing his lips.
"As expected, a fine seed. With such powerful Fire Release and a unique Kekkei Genkai… you are like a talent born for fire," Orochimaru murmured, his voice dripping with possessive pleasure. "Perhaps you believe you are a natural fit for Konoha, but… my heart is set on you! This rotten Konoha does not deserve a genius like you! It is not worthy!"
"Feel the gift I have left for you. I believe we will meet again one day…"
Having successfully marked his target, Orochimaru uttered these final words before vanishing from the area.
As for Izaya… his situation was not good.
Clutching his injured wrist with one hand, he frantically scanned his surroundings. Only after a careful investigation, confirming that Orochimaru had truly left, did he allow himself a slight sigh of relief.
But then… a look of deep conflict twisted his features as he stared at the mark slowly appearing on his arm—a pattern of three tomoe.
"The Cursed Seal…"
Now he understood why Orochimaru had left so willingly. With this thing planted on him…
Confronting this "gift" left by the Sannin, Izaya felt a wave of utter helplessness for the first time.
But it was at this very moment that the system finally issued a prompt.
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