Orochimaru observed the scene before him without any emotional disturbance.
His golden serpentine pupils instead revealed a profound sense of curiosity.
He could sense that Ryoma's presence had not vanished.
This level of threat was just enough to place Ryoma in a state of intense life-or-death crisis, thereby further stimulating his abilities.
Snake Uncle sensed that at the very moment Ryoma was swallowed,
An aura far exceeding Ryoma's current strength emanated from the giant snake's mouth.
But it disappeared almost immediately.
Vanishing along with it was the life force of Snake Uncle's oversized pet.
"You become more and more fascinating, Ryoma-kun," Orochimaru whispered in his raspy voice.
The giant python's mouth was suddenly torn apart by something, its head splattering blood everywhere.
Beneath Ryoma was an expanded shadow domain.
Several Shadow Corps soldiers with bluish-green skin and bat-like wings were now carrying Ryoma away from the giant snake summoned by Snake Uncle.
Looking at the lifeless giant snake on the ground,
Then at the extremely weakened Ryoma, who seemed completely drained,
Now being carried into the sky by several shadowy forms likely created by his Kekkei Genkai,
Snake Uncle's scientific curiosity was becoming almost uncontrollable.
"A Kekkei Genkai ability I have never seen before. Such a creative power!" Snake Uncle muttered excitedly to himself.
At that moment, several Konoha Anbu ninja and members of the Konoha Military Police Force from the Uchiha clan arrived one after another at this part of the forest.
Seeing the chaotic scene, Ryoma floating in the air carried by a group of bat-like creatures, and Orochimaru standing calmly not far away,
The arriving ninja were all utterly confused.
What was going on?
Was this commotion caused by Lord Orochimaru and a kid?
Could Lord Orochimaru simply be demonstrating ninjutsu to this kid on a whim?
And why was that guy still floating in the air?!?
The lead Anbu looked at Orochimaru, voicing the confusion shared by everyone.
"Lord Orochimaru, we sensed combat fluctuations in this area and came to investigate. This is...?"
Orochimaru said with a calm expression:
"It's nothing. I was merely testing this child's potential. He said he had developed several new jutsu and wanted my opinion, so I intervened slightly to see the power of these new techniques. Isn't that right, Ryoma-kun?"
Seeing Orochimaru's smiling face, Ryoma quickly replied:
"Y... yes, Lord Orochimaru is helping me test the power of my new jutsu."
Orochimaru nodded with satisfaction. This kid knew how to play along.
Ryoma was inwardly gnashing his teeth.
This was being forced by circumstances!
This was why backwardness meant taking a beating!
With Orochimaru's explanation, not only the Anbu ninja, but even the nearby Uchiha clansmen were astonished.
That kid floating in the air, so young, had already gained the favor of Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin?
What an enviable talent!
"In that case, we won't disturb you any further, Lord Orochimaru."
After speaking, the lead Anbu ninja directly led the group of Anbu to disappear.
The Uchiha Military Police Force members also left together after understanding the situation.
Now the area contained only Ryoma and Snake Uncle once more.
As for Ryoma, he was still floating in the air.
Don't ask why.
The answer was fear!
Orochimaru observed Ryoma, who was floating in the air with the help of the Flying Corps from the Night Bat group.
He gave Ryoma what he considered a friendly smile and said:
"Ryoma-kun, as you just heard, I am Orochimaru, a student of the Third Hokage. Therefore, I would not harm you. Moreover, I have fought alongside your parents."
As if to dispel Ryoma's concerns, Snake Uncle immediately added:
"My earlier intervention was merely to test your strength and the potential of what appears to be your Kekkei Genkai ability. The facts prove you are excellent, Ryoma-kun. Your Kekkei Genkai has brought me many surprises."
Looking at Ryoma, Orochimaru said slowly with a magnetic and sincere tone in his voice:
"Ryoma-kun, I am very interested in you. How about it, would you like to come with me?"
Hearing the olive branch Orochimaru extended, Ryoma hesitated. This seemed to be an invitation to join Snake Uncle's team.
This was a powerful ally, but also a very dangerous one.
Should he cling to this powerful figure during the Third Shinobi World War?
Ryoma was also conflicted and could only resort to a delaying tactic for now.
"Um, Lord Orochimaru, could you give me some time to consider? I feel I need to discuss this with the elders of my clan before I can give you an answer."
Hearing Ryoma's reply, Orochimaru was not angry. "I almost forgot you are from the Nara clan."
After speaking, he turned and walked away.
After a few steps, Orochimaru looked back at Ryoma, who was watching him leave.
He offered further inducement:
"Ryoma-kun, if you wish to further develop your Kekkei Genkai, come find me. Perhaps I can help you. In exchange, you would only need to assist me with some research concerning your body. Of course, I would not harm you. After all, your body is so... fascinating to me."
"Perhaps I am in need of a child like you by my side. Ryoma-kun, with your abilities, taking you as a disciple is something that could also pique my interest."
With that, Snake Uncle vanished on the spot.
Watching Orochimaru leave, Ryoma finally let out a long sigh of relief.
What a terrifying man... er...
What a terrifying person!
Wait, did Snake Uncle just say he wanted to take me as a disciple?
Enough, enough. First, return to the clan grounds to heal. I feel completely drained, my head is spinning.
...
Back at the Nara clan grounds, Ryoma had recovered somewhat.
Snake Uncle truly hadn't intended to kill him earlier. The wounds looked scary but were not fatal.
It was just that last burst of forced potential had consumed too much.
It directly drained Ryoma dry, hence the extreme weakness.
However, being beaten up by Orochimaru this time was not in vain.
Ryoma had genuinely gained a lot.
Not to mention summoning the Flying Corps soldiers corresponding to the second mask, the Night Bat group.
Most importantly, at the moment he was swallowed by the snake,
Ryoma had completely ignited his potential. Perhaps it was also due to his lingering fear of snakes from his past life.
Ryoma actually established an extremely special connection with the ninja mask inside the snake's mouth.
It was a feeling of instant and thorough comprehension.
That barrier had finally been broken, under Snake Uncle's urging!
Steadying his mind, Ryoma awakened the ninja mask once more.
A black-robed figure gradually materialized in the void before Ryoma.
Dark green hair fell loosely over broad shoulders. The skin of its entire body, unlike the bluish-green of the shadow soldiers, was pink.
Two golden horns atop its head, crimson eyes, and a mouthful of fangs looked utterly terrifying. Its robust physique radiated power, creating a strong sense of oppression. A grayish-white katana, the same color as the armor it wore, was sheathed at its waist.
As the figure solidified, Ryoma grew even more excited.
He had already guessed who it was that killed Snake Uncle's giant python at that critical moment and helped him escape danger.
The Shadow General—Ninja!
The leader of the Ninja Corps had finally been summoned by Ryoma.
After solidifying from the void and seeing Ryoma, Ninja immediately knelt on one knee before him.
"Ninja, pays homage to my King!"
Hmm~!
Declared~!