bookbashuk Chapter 98 Orochimaru's Appointment
Chapter 98 Orochimaru's Appointment
Seeing the barely suppressed shock on Hyuga Hiashi's face, Hyuga Kanan spoke again:
"Consider this scroll as a transaction item. I'll be leaving Konoha soon, and I'll give you my address. Once Hizashi returns, give him the item and have him deliver it to me. As for the Hyuga clan, I can make a promise to you: I'll help them once. If you need me, you can send someone to me, and I'll help the Hyuga clan. But remember, you only get one chance. Don't bother me again after that."
Looking at his handsome young brother and listening to the words spoken by the other side, Hyuga Hiashi knew that this was Hyuga Kanan's final act of gratitude to the Hyuga clan.
The Hyuga clan has never truly shown goodwill towards Hyuga Kanan. After rumors spread that he was the worst student at the Ninja Academy, they verbally abused him and even tried to eliminate him through war. The fact that he's now offering a promise to help the clan once in a row is quite magnanimous.
He couldn't ask Hyuga Kanan for anything more. The scrolls the other party had given him already far exceeded the value of the materials the Hyuga clan had to pay, and now they were making another promise.
After gripping the scroll tightly in his hand, Hiashi Hyuga could only sigh, indicating that he understood. He then stood up, preparing to leave.
As he reached the gate, he couldn't help but turn back to look at the other person. Hyuga Kanan was still sitting by the window, the afterglow of the setting sun shining on his young and handsome face, making him appear even more lonely. But in the end, he let out a sigh and strode out the gate and left.
As the sun began to set, Hyuga Kanan felt increasingly calm. His basic goal of returning to Konoha had been achieved; now he only needed to wait patiently.
He believed that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura wouldn't let him off so easily, but they were the perfect targets to train his mind. He would stay in Konoha for a few days and see what kind of training they could provide.
Moreover, the time is almost up, and I need to prepare for the transaction with the other party.
Training Ground No. 12 is just a small training ground with woods and grasslands. It is also the closest remote training ground to the Hyuga clan, and usually no one comes here to train.
The sunset glow had long since faded, leaving only a final sliver of red light that prevented the already dim sky from completely losing its radiance, allowing it to retain a glimmer of light.
Hyuga Kanan moved swiftly and quickly arrived at the edge of the arena, looking at the very simple arena in front of him with some surprise.
Because this place is too desolate and rudimentary.
This No. 12 exercise area was created by cutting down some surrounding trees on the original open space, forming a larger open space. However, it seems that no one has been here for a long time. It is overgrown with weeds, and even the exercise area can only be seen as a rough outline.
Seeing this, Hyuga Kanan sensed it briefly before leaping onto a large tree.
As soon as Hyuga Kanan stood still, a deep, husky voice reached his ears.
"You've arrived, Kanan-kun."
Hearing the greeting in his ear, Hyuga Kanan narrowed his eyes and turned his head slightly to look at the other side.
Straight, long black hair; narrow, golden, snake-like pupils; purple eyeshadow on his nose; pale skin; and a slightly gloomy smile.
Next to Hyuga Kanan is Orochimaru.
Orochimaru appeared even more gloomy than when they met during the day, and even his aura had become cold. His appearance and demeanor were even less approachable than before.
Seeing Hyuga Kanan's expression, Orochimaru didn't mind and continued, "It's good to see you again, Kanan-kun. You don't seem to be used to how I look now."
Upon hearing this, Hyuga Kanan smiled slightly and replied.
"Oh! Orochimaru-senpai's style has changed quite a bit. It seems that Orochimaru-senpai has been hiding a lot of things!"
"Hehe, there's nothing hidden, this is just my usual style. But Jianan-kun, you've given me such a big surprise today, which has shocked and amazed me."
Orochimaru remarked modestly, observing Hyuga Kanan with great interest, his tongue involuntarily licking his lips, his eyes revealing a gleam of inquiry.
"It's just a small improvement, but Orochimaru-senpai has changed a lot over the years. I hardly recognize him anymore."
Hyuga Kanan's spiritual power swept over Orochimaru, and the chilling aura he exuded almost completely masked his human nature. It seemed that Orochimaru could already interact with the snake-like monsters in Ryuchi Cave, as he was enveloped in their serpentine chill.
"A little progress? That's amazing! I think we have a lot in common and many goals."
Orochimaru's lips curled up slightly. He believed that this deal could be very rewarding. In just a few years, Hyuga Kanan's growth rate was astonishing. He could now fight his teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, head-on and even gain the upper hand. Even if it was just a simple taijutsu duel, it still surprised him.
He had been a Kage-level fighter for many years and had made significant progress. Even now, he wasn't confident he could suppress his opponent's aging form in taijutsu combat. Furthermore, he sensed something different about his opponent's body, and when he broke the opponent's Bagua pattern, he felt a distinct aura. This was incredibly appealing to someone who wanted to learn all ninjutsu techniques.
Hyuga Kanan suddenly remembered that Orochimaru was no longer the person who had witnessed the deaths of countless comrades. Now, he simply wanted to learn more and stronger ninjutsu to become more powerful and protect Konoha.
"Well then, Orochimaru-senpai, let's not waste any more time. I think you didn't invite me here just to praise my improved strength, did you? Let's talk about our deal."
Hyuga Kanan decided to trade directly with the other party. After all, the current Orochimaru is very different from the Orochimaru of the future. He cannot rely on his past memories to judge the current Orochimaru. Moreover, the other party is currently engaged in a fierce battle with Ryuchi Cave. He should not reveal too much information to the other party to increase the chance of exposing himself.
"Oh! So direct. Well, I don't want to waste too much time on boring topics."
When Orochimaru saw that Hyuga Kanan was unwilling to talk to him anymore, he readily agreed to her opinion. Although he hadn't managed to extract any more information, there would be other opportunities to probe her slowly in the future, and he would eventually gather more information.
"I can help you collect all the materials you need, but what price are you willing to pay?"
Hyuga Kanan looked thoughtful, his gaze fixed on Orochimaru. A cunning smile flickered in Orochimaru's eyes.
Hyuga Kanan is now genuinely considering what he can offer Orochimaru in exchange. Previously, he thought that providing information that Orochimaru didn't know and was interested in would suffice in exchange. However, he now realizes that Orochimaru isn't the same Orochimaru who would later sacrifice so much for research; he still cares about Konoha and wants to become Hokage.
He realized that he had never really understood Orochimaru. The current Orochimaru was not as talented as before, and was still trapped in the cage of Konoha without breaking free. His deal with him might also be for the purpose of spying for Konoha. He silently increased his vigilance and asked questions.
"So, Orochimaru-senpai, what do you need? You can tell me, and I'll see what I can pay for."
"Hehe, it seems that Jianan-kun hasn't decided what to trade with me either! That's right, it's only our first time trading, so it's perfectly normal that you don't know me."
Orochimaru knew that Hyuga Kanan was a very strange person. Before coming, he had researched Kanan's past in Konoha and learned that Kanan was someone who didn't want to interact much with others, even more so than himself. No ninja in the village could be his companion; he always kept to himself. Even at the Ninja Academy, he didn't interact much with his classmates and rarely fought.
He only started fighting after threatening the opponent's life on the battlefield of Iwagakure. He didn't seem like a ninja at all, or perhaps that's not quite right; it's more like he seemed completely different from the entire ninja system.
The profession of ninja was created for the purpose of fighting. Fighting is what ninjas must do. Hyuga Kanan seems to be very averse to fighting, but according to the information, he is very diligent in his training and spends most of his time training every day.
But this is a very contradictory thing in Orochimaru's eyes. He trains and hones his skills so hard, but he doesn't use them for combat. So what is the purpose of his training?
After all, in the eyes of ninjas, training to increase strength is solely for the purpose of defeating opponents in battle. Chakra cultivation only enhances combat power and has no other effect. They would never have known that Hyuga Kanan's training was aimed at breaking through the shackles of his body, evolving to a higher level, extending his lifespan, and ultimately shattering the void to ascend to immortality and achieve eternal life.
The two are fundamentally different systems. Cultivators generally dislike fighting, as it's a waste of cultivation time. What they pursue is continuous evolution, allowing them to live longer.
Orochimaru stopped thinking about it and prepared to state his demands directly. If that didn't work, he would try other conditions. His deep, hoarse voice spoke again.
"So, Kanan-kun, how about you resume your ninja identity and come help me? What are your terms?"
When Hyuga Kanan heard Orochimaru's request, he couldn't help but roll his eyes. This guy Orochimaru wanted to recruit him directly.
Seeing Hyuga Kanan's expression, Orochimaru knew he had no chance of recruiting him, but he was still somewhat prepared. He was just giving it a try, whether it worked or not.