The next morning, after washing up, Riku left his home alone.
Passing through the quiet, somewhat desolate streets, he headed straight toward Konoha's infamous Forest of Death, a fertile expanse said to have been created by the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama. The forest's terrain was vast and complex—so intricate that even hundreds of ninja struggled to uncover the secrets buried within.
It was precisely this complexity that made the forest a preferred location for ambitious individuals to establish bases. Naturally, Orochimaru was no exception. The place where he and Riku had agreed to meet was deep within this forest.
"Hyuga Hoshimi, you truly didn't disappoint me!"
As soon as Riku stepped into the forest, a chilling, domineering voice echoed through the trees. Following it, he soon saw a long-haired man with purple eyeshadow and golden slit pupils, a sinister smile curling across his face.
It was Orochimaru. Today, he wasn't wearing the familiar green Jonin vest; instead, he was dressed casually. Even so, a murderous aura radiated from him. Cold King Orochimaru, though retired from the battlefield, remained a top-tier ninja whose presence alone could freeze hearts.
Riku instinctively knew he was facing someone far beyond his current ability.
"Good morning, Lord Orochimaru!" Riku said, forcing calm into his voice despite the chill crawling down his spine.
"Hmm, punctual as always. I like that. Let's go, ambitious Hyuga brat—our transaction begins now." Orochimaru's step drew closer, deliberate and measured.
Riku frowned subtly, instinctively taking a step back. "Lord Orochimaru, shouldn't you provide some compensation first?"
Orochimaru's tongue flicked, as if amused. "Ah, so the brat feels taken advantage of. Bold… I like it."
He paused, eyes glittering with curiosity. "Don't worry. I still hold the title of one of the Sannin—I won't go back on my word. Kid, you want the Sealing Jutsu, yes? Take it. What you seek is right here."
With a flick of his hand, Orochimaru tossed a scroll toward Riku. Without hesitation, Riku caught it, embracing it with both hands, and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!"
His gratitude was sincere. Regardless of the scroll's contents, this act gave him hope.
"Aren't you going to check it?" Orochimaru asked, eyebrow raised. "What if it's empty? You'd suffer a huge loss."
"No need," Riku said, lowering his gaze with a calm smile. "I trust you, Lord Orochimaru."
Orochimaru chuckled, licking his lips. "Precocious. Let's see if your body is as stiff as your mind, like those old men I've dealt with."
Riku swallowed nervously but smiled, bracing himself. "Please, Lord Orochimaru, handle this carefully. I hope the procedure won't alter my appearance too much, or my clan might notice."
His words seemed to amuse Orochimaru. "Follow me."
The two descended into an underground base. The entrance was narrow, barely enough for one person, but after several dozen steps, the corridor opened into a spacious chamber. Flickering lights revealed a training ground, already occupied by a dozen ninja. Clearly, they were Orochimaru's subordinates—or experimental subjects.
Clapping his hands, Orochimaru's hoarse voice echoed. "Brat, before the experiment, show me your strength."
"Of course, Lord Orochimaru," Riku replied confidently. This was his chance to demonstrate his worth. The more he impressed Orochimaru now, the more he could gain later.
Understanding this, Riku leaped into the center of the training ground.
Orochimaru, as usual, licked his lips and pointed toward a young ninja, around twelve or thirteen. "Yujiro, test this brat's skills."
Yujiro froze briefly at the command, then bowed. "I won't disappoint you, sir!"
As he faced Riku, his initial relief at the boy's small stature quickly shifted into burning jealousy. "Another genius trying to win Lord Orochimaru's favor? Shameless… I'll make him regret stepping here!"
Riku sensed Yujiro's malice and tensed. Activating his Byakugan, he immediately scanned the young ninja's chakra.
"Genin peak… not easy, but manageable," Riku thought, boosting his confidence.
Without hesitation, Riku surged forward, unleashing the Gentle Fist technique.
Unlike Naruto, who often relied on bursts of raw power, most Genin were proficient in Taijutsu. Among them, the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist was particularly advanced. Riku had mastered it to level 5, a standard expected of Chunin from his clan.
Within a minute, Yujiro's chakra points were struck with precision. His chakra became chaotic, his body stiffened, and Riku's subsequent combo left him unable to retaliate, collapsing to the ground.
Riku hovered, eyes fixed on his opponent.
[Taijutsu: Hyuga Gentle Fist Proficiency +28]
[Free Experience Points +20]
"Such skill at this age… a rare Hyuga genius," Orochimaru murmured, eyes fixed on Riku's pristine white pupils. If it weren't for the conspicuous blue cursed seal on his forehead, Riku would have been flawless.
"Come here, Hyuga brat," Orochimaru said, voice laced with desire. "I hope you make a perfect experimental subject."
Riku, sensing Orochimaru's undisguised greed, smiled in relief. "Of course, Lord Orochimaru!"
The underground chamber's flickering lights reflected in Riku's eyes as he prepared himself. He had a long journey ahead—full of danger, training, and the constant risk of becoming Orochimaru's subject. But with determination and skill on his side, he felt ready.
The experiments would test more than his physical limits; they would push his mind, spirit, and loyalty. And Riku had resolved that no matter what happened, he would not falter. He would seize this opportunity, sharpen his skills, and carve his path to greatness—no matter the cost.
With a nod from Orochimaru, the first stage of the trial began. The other ninjas watched, their eyes wide, hearts pounding. Riku was small, but his aura radiated confidence. He wasn't just another brat vying for attention; he was a force that demanded respect.
The clash of chakra and Taijutsu echoed through the underground hall as Riku stepped forward. The journey had only just begun.