Land of Fire – Ninja World
The morning sun had not yet reached its peak, leaving the air crisp and cool as a gentle breeze rustled the treetops. Bai Ye walked along the shaded forest path, exuding an unusual sense of tranquility.
There was something different about this moment.
Perhaps it was the simple pleasure of walking through the wilderness.
Or perhaps it was the presence of two strikingly different women flanking him on either side, adding a distinct charm to the journey.
"So, you're really looking for that Orochimaru?" Mitarashi Anko muttered.
She had just returned from a mission when she ran into Bai Ye and Tsunade, who were on their way out of Konoha. After a brief conversation, she decided to tag along, intrigued by Bai Ye's objective.
"What kind of feelings do you have for Orochimaru?" Bai Ye asked, his gaze flickering toward Anko.
Was it lingering loyalty toward her former sensei?
Or was it resentment over the way he had abandoned her?
Bai Ye was not one to entertain uncertainty when it came to the people around him. He had no patience for those who harbored unresolved emotions for others—especially not when those emotions involved men like Orochimaru.
If Anko still held some attachment to him, Bai Ye had no intention of wasting his time. He had no interest in women who pined for other men.
He wasn't here to play savior or to console her.
Nor did he have any inclination to put in the effort to "fix" her and ensure she didn't end up as an overweight, bitter woman in the future.
He had his own principles.
Women should chase after him—not the other way around.
Even Tsunade, who had willingly stayed by his side, had done so on her own accord.
Of course, things like captive maids were another matter altogether.
They were his property—belonging to Uchiha Bai Ye.
"There's no emotion left," Anko finally said, her voice neutral.
"I just have a question for him."
"…If anything, I want to kill him."
Bai Ye raised an eyebrow.
"You hate him that much?"
Tsunade seemed mildly surprised.
Despite Orochimaru's defection, she knew him well enough to be certain that he wasn't someone who would toy with a woman's emotions.
She then shot a skeptical glance at Bai Ye.
If they were talking about someone who led women on…
Well, this guy right here was an undisputed expert.
Anko let out a bitter laugh.
"It's complicated," she admitted.
"Put yourself in my shoes. Imagine your sensei—Hiruzen Sarutobi—using you for years, only to discard you when you were no longer useful."
"Imagine that before he left, he branded you with a seal—one that could kill you at any moment."
"Wouldn't you want to kill him?"
"…And imagine knowing that seal was active, slowly draining your life away, and there was nothing you could do to stop it."
A heavy silence fell over the group.
Anko's hand subconsciously brushed against the side of her neck.
The Cursed Seal of Heaven.
Even after all these years, the mark remained—a constant, painful reminder of the man who had abandoned her.
When Orochimaru had taken her in as his student, she had been eager to prove herself, willing to assist in his experiments, to do whatever he asked of her.
But the moment he no longer had any use for her…
He left her to rot.
And then there was the mark.
The incomplete Cursed Seal he had inscribed upon her flesh.
It was a scientific breakthrough—one that utilized Jugo's unique ability to absorb natural energy as a foundation.
But for Anko, it was nothing short of torment.
Every time she used chakra, the mark reacted, causing unbearable pain.
It was as if Orochimaru's presence still clung to her, even in his absence.
Bai Ye observed her expression, his mind analyzing the situation.
So, she wanted Orochimaru dead.
Well, that certainly made things interesting.
He had originally thought of eliminating Orochimaru for the fun of it…
But now, perhaps there was an added layer of amusement to be had.
Still, he couldn't help but admire Orochimaru's foresight.
The snake sannin had likely left Anko behind on purpose—knowing she would be safer in Konoha than at his side.
And if Orochimaru ever needed a backup plan for his own resurrection…
Well, Anko's body was always an option.
Truly, his calculations were impeccable.
"Orochimaru is a freak," Tsunade muttered, shaking her head.
"But if we're talking about terrible teachers…"
She sneered.
"My sensei is way worse."
"My teacher not only attacked his own disciple's family—he went after his teacher's family as well."
Anko blinked.
She turned to look at Tsunade, her expression unreadable.
A long pause followed.
Then, she exhaled deeply.
"…I'd love to argue with you," Anko admitted, "but I can't. My teacher never did anything that extreme."
"One thing's for sure, though—neither of our teachers were good people."
Tsunade let out a dry laugh.
"Agreed."
She didn't bother elaborating further. Instead, she turned to Bai Ye, her voice dropping to a low murmur.
"I've asked you once before… I'll ask again."
"…Are we really doing this?"
Bai Ye rolled his eyes.
He wasn't in the mood to entertain Tsunade's sarcasm.
The journey continued.
By noon, the three of them had arrived at a secluded cave.
Bai Ye glanced at the map in his hands before leading them inside.
The interior was dim, the passageway winding deeper into darkness.
But the further they walked, the more the surroundings changed.
Flickering torches lined the walls, casting eerie shadows along the corridor.
It resembled one of Orochimaru's former strongholds—the kind he had often used while conducting his research.
And at the end of the passage, a single door stood open.
Inside, a man in a black robe stood with his back to them, meticulously arranging glass vials on a table.
A crimson cloud pattern adorned his robe.
Even without seeing his face, the moment he spoke, his identity was clear.
"What a surprise."
His voice was hoarse, unmistakable.
"I didn't expect visitors."
Slowly, he turned around—his golden eyes narrowing as he took in the sight before him.
"Tsunade."
"Anko."
His slit-like pupils contracted.
His gaze then shifted to the third figure in the room.
And the moment he recognized the man standing before him…
His expression changed.
Uchiha Bai Ye.
Konoha's Guard Captain.
Orochimaru's eyes flickered with intrigue.
He exhaled, his lips curling into a faint smirk.
"…So?"
"Lord Bai Ye—"
"Are you here to arrest me?"
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