"This is a display of wealth!"
Orochimaru swallowed hard, eyes widening with envy. In that moment, he was forced to respect the power of the boy before him.
How could this kid wield so many rare and potent tools? Things Orochimaru had once desperately hunted.
He'd shed years tracing the Grass Pheasant Sword, one of the Six Legendary Tools. Others—like weapons he had only heard legends of—were unmatched in value. Each was unique.
But Tian Yu? He casually produced twenty identical artifacts at once.
It felt like the arrogance of a spoiled warlord.
Tian Yu lowered the Eye of Three Tomoe, expression unreadable.
"I forged them all myself," he said simply.
Showing off his treasures was deliberate—it was part of his negotiation.
"If you want one to call your own, I can build it."
Orochimaru's pulse raced. Could that be possible?
"What… do you want in return?"
Tian Yu smiled faintly and leaned in close.
"My terms are simple: you must assist me…"
Orochimaru froze again—stunned by the audacity of the proposal.
But madness flared in his eyes. If that device was real… it was worth anything he had.
He licked his lips, energy crackling.
"I… agree!"
His tone dripped with excitement and desperation.
Tian Yu relaxed, smiling as if greeting a partner.
"A wise choice. I'll owe you a favor."
He stepped back, hand extending, recounting Orochimaru's real reason for coming to Konoha:
"Wariness toward Sarutobi Hiruzen. His ninjutsu is tricky—defeat him and you still might lose."
Outside, golden afternoon sunlight painted the forest in blood‑like brilliance.
---
Meanwhile, a support squad led by Anko Mitarashi, Deputy Examiner, logged a measured pace through the Forest of Death—all heading toward Tian Yu.
"How far?" she asked.
"About three kilometers southwest," replied Hinata Hyuga, eyes activated in white‑eye mode.
Kiba groaned nearby, draped in dog fur gear with Akamaru perched above.
"We signed up for Chunin exams—not rescue missions!"
Hinata bowed her head, apologizing. Kiba waved it off.
"No blame. If you didn't insist on helping Tian Yu—Shino and I wouldn't follow either. We're teammates."
Shino glared silently but nodded in agreement.
Anko glanced at Hinata with admiration.
"He's been invaluable. A sensory ninja with chakra control and courage."
Moments later, she turned serious.
"I've seen your performance, Hinata. Even if you don't make it to the tower in time—this mission will secure your Chunin promotion."
Kiba's ears perked.
"Really? You're doing that for us?"
Anko nodded.
"Of course. If anything happens… well, you'll have Tian Yu to thank."
Kiba and Shino whooped in relief.
---
Hinata, sweat dampened around her brows, continued scanning the area.
"Hinata… you look pale. Are you okay?"
"I can manage… Just detected two powerful auras. One I know—that's Tian Yu. The second is… terrifying. I've never sensed anything like it."
Anko patted her shoulder kindly.
"You've done well. Now, focus. We've locked onto their battlefield."
Hinata raised her gaze. Through Tenshin mode, the world snapped back to clarity—and she stared through the trees in disbelief.
Because what she saw—
Was more terrifying than she ever imagined.
End of Chapter.
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