Fortunately, Kabuto's words eased Shiki's suspicions.
"Shiki, stop with this fake talk. We both desire the sunlight, so naturally we must deeply hate this darkness too, right?"
"I'm really confused now. Walking forward in such an environment, will I truly be able to feel the light? Or will I gradually become someone of darkness myself too? What do you think, Shiki?"
His words carried such sincerity, and even his expression flawlessly portrayed hesitation and inner struggle.
Brainwashing?
For some reason, that single word suddenly flashed through Shiki's intuition.
This was practically identical to the tactics used by cults back in his previous life.
First, they'd complain about common minor annoyances everyone faces, creating resonance. Then, they'd channel that resonance toward the ideology of the cult.
It was a pretty basic brainwashing tactic, but Shiki had to admit—it worked more often than not.
If his guess was correct, Yakushi Kabuto would mention Konoha Village next?
So Shiki nodded along, planning to see whether Kabuto spoke exactly as he predicted.
Seeing Shiki express agreement, Kabuto couldn't help but feel pleased inside.
He thought to himself—after all, he's still a kid. Even if somewhat more mature than his peers, when it comes to personal matters, he still can't display extraordinary wisdom.
Thus, he said, "Shiki, I want to escape from here now. I'll come back after Konoha's shadows disappear. Do you think such a plan is feasible?"
Feasible?
The tone was very gentle. Indeed, it matched the standard for typical brainwashing techniques. If you poured in too much ideology at once, it would definitely raise suspicion in the target.
Shiki gave a cold snort inwardly, thinking that if he agreed with Kabuto's point of view, most likely Kabuto would invite him to defect from Konoha together. Then, during their escape, he would casually suggest there's a place called Otogakure which perfectly meets their needs.
Then,
he'd end up under Orochimaru's control.
Just thinking about it made Shiki furious. But since you want to screw me, let me mess with you a bit too.
Then Shiki twisted his face into an exaggeratedly compassionate and sorrowful look and said,
"No, we shouldn't run away like this. Since we have encountered darkness, we should use all our strength to enlighten them. I'm absolutely sure that if you directly discussed these things with Lord Danzo, perhaps he might change? By then, not only would Konoha become a better place, but you, Senior Kabuto, wouldn't bear the disgrace of being labeled a rogue ninja!"
After saying that, Shiki nearly burst out laughing himself. Suggesting Kabuto have a friendly talk with Danzo about making Konoha a better place?
Letting a spy and a ruthless strategist discuss how to turn Konoha into a bright and wonderful place?
Even Shiki himself couldn't help admiring his own imagination at how ridiculous it sounded.
Chapter 62: Tenten's Concern
Kabuto Yakushi felt genuinely annoyed. Chatting with Lord Danzo about how to develop Konoha into a brighter place?
What kind of suicidal behavior was this?
Kabuto was momentarily speechless from Shiki's remark. A bead of cold sweat unconsciously dripped from his forehead.
As he was about to say more to Shiki, suddenly a unique chakra presence entered his awareness from a distance. Recognizing it as Lee, who had just left moments ago, Kabuto Yakushi could only say, "Shiki, I never expected you to think that way. You've truly outdone me. I should go reconsider this matter carefully."
With several quick leaps, Kabuto Yakushi vanished into the depths of the forest.
Shiki watched Kabuto disappear into the trees and thought to himself, Well, you probably won't be coming after me anytime soon—not someone like me who seems so bright and carefree.
"I'm really sorry, Shiki. I completely forgot about your injured leg," Lee sincerely apologized.
Without hesitation, Lee lifted Shiki onto his back and immediately sped away at a velocity beyond ordinary human perception.
Outside the Hidden Leaf Village, a beautiful woman strolled silently beneath an umbrella. It was hard to believe that such a delicate-looking woman would walk alone on these dangerous roads.
Bandits, thieves, rogue ninjas—who knows what kind of danger someone might run into out here?
That's exactly why every hidden village was always flooded with missions—there were always people needing protection somewhere.
Yet the woman walked calmly, as if untouched by worry, and no one knew how she had arrived there.
Even in this heavy snowfall season, not a single flake had landed on her paper umbrella. On the oiled-paper umbrella was a single sweeping ink stroke.
Up close, the simple-looking brushwork transformed into a fearsome serpent—an image that sent chills down anyone's spine.
The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. A faint smile touched the woman's pale face—measured, enigmatic.
"Kabuto Yakushi, how is Sasuke doing now?"
Kabuto Yakushi stepped before the woman and half-knelt respectfully. "My Lord Orochimaru, Sasuke is in perfect condition. He remains completely consumed by hatred."
"Hmph… Indeed, quite satisfactory."
After saying this, Orochimaru tossed the umbrella into the air. In an instant, the elegant paper umbrella shattered into pieces.
A sharp blade appeared in Orochimaru's hand. Only Kabuto Yakushi knew it was none other than the legendary Kusanagi Blade—one of the deadliest swords in existence.
As torn paper drifted gently downward, Orochimaru transformed back into his original form.
His occasional flicker of a tongue revealed his intense excitement.
For Orochimaru, it wasn't just the Sharingan he desired—it was one full of immense potential, paired with a well-suited body.
At first, he had set his sights on obtaining Itachi's, but eventually realized he couldn't defeat him. That was when he shifted his interest toward the unripe Sasuke.
As his excitement faded, Orochimaru suddenly remembered something he hadn't asked yet.
"Kabuto Yakushi, how about Shiki Uzumaki?"
Kabuto Yakushi's expression darkened slightly. "It seems Shiki Uzumaki has sensed something. For now, I can't convince him easily."
To Kabuto Yakushi, Shiki Uzumaki's words cut deep—hitting him more painfully than he'd expected. At first, he had been fully confident about manipulating that child. But now, the boy had become somewhat unreadable to him.
Orochimaru's expression darkened slightly as he asked, "Has your cover been blown yet?"
"Not yet. However, Shiki has become suspicious. It will likely be difficult to guide him in the future."
Orochimaru gave a slight nod, eyeing Kabuto with his snake-like eyes. "In that case, leave him alone for now. But if he ever discovers your identity, take him out quietly."
After saying that, Orochimaru put away the Kusanagi Blade and turned to leave.
...
"Hey! Shiki! Don't you realize just how severely injured you are? How could you even do those insane training routines with Lee?!"
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