A Small Showdown with Orochimaru
After parting ways with Kushina Uzumaki, Chi Yu returned to Orochimaru's secluded hideout deep within the Land of Fire.
Orochimaru was in the midst of packing his belongings, his serpentine gaze flickering up as Chi Yu stepped inside.
A sly smile curved Orochimaru's lips. "Not going to stay with Kushina a little longer?"
Chi Yu's cheeks flushed faintly. "Konoha's been unstable lately. I thought it safer to send her home early."
Orochimaru resumed packing, then asked casually, "Is that so? Have you made your decision yet?"
Chi Yu frowned. "Decision?"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with knowing. "You probably already understand Kushina's purpose in Konoha. You don't have many friends, and your drive to get stronger... it's mainly for her, isn't it?
Konoha wants Kushina to become the next Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki. Judging by your attitude toward Lady Mito, I suspect you're resistant to this.
I am your teacher, after all—I see the gears turning in your mind.
So you must choose: Will you let Kushina become the Nine-Tails' vessel, or will you find a way to prevent it?
Decide soon. Lady Mito's health declines by the day. When her time ends, resistance will be futile."
Chi Yu met Orochimaru's gaze but said nothing.
Orochimaru seemed unfazed and continued packing.
After a long pause, Chi Yu finally spoke softly, "Orochimaru-sensei, I don't get it. You know I'll leave Konoha someday—it's a cage to me. Why pour so much into cultivating me?
When that day comes, you and I might be enemies."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Chi Yu, I thought you'd understand me by now."
Chi Yu's breath caught.
He knew Orochimaru's reputation and future well. But the current Orochimaru—seemingly loyal to Konoha, advising him carefully—was baffling.
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes bore into him. "The Will of Fire? It's meaningless to me—an obstacle, a chain.
Life's too short to waste time on timid ideals.
But we can't just discard those things outright. You and I both need an identity to survive in this ninja world, don't we?"
Chi Yu nodded slowly. "So... Orochimaru-sensei, will you help me?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "As teacher and student? No. But if you can offer something worthwhile—benefits that move me—then yes, we can cooperate as partners."
A smirk tugged at Chi Yu's lips. "I've made my choice—and already have a plan. I hope we can work together as partners someday."
Orochimaru's smile deepened. "I look forward to that day. Kushina is crucial to Konoha as the second Nine-Tails' candidate. What's your plan?"
Chi Yu's eyes sharpened. "Lady Mito is still alive, and Kushina is just a backup Jinchūriki candidate. Konoha values her Uzumaki lineage for that role. Having another backup container from the Uzumaki clan could be an asset, right?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Have you found an Uzumaki lost abroad?"
"No," Chi Yu replied. "Not yet. But I have leads. I believe I can find them if I search carefully."
Orochimaru's tone turned probing. "And if you can't?"
Chi Yu considered before answering seriously, "Then it depends on my strength at that time."
Orochimaru's smile widened. "You are decisive, Chi Yu."
"I don't think that moment will come soon," Chi Yu said steadily. "I still have time. For now, I just need to grow stronger. The future will reveal itself, and I'll find more solutions then."
Orochimaru nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Strength brings choices.
You're smart, and your power grows. The intel on those three Cloud Ninja has been analyzed. Two are Special Jōnin, one Jōnin. The pirates they disguised as? Spies from Kirigakure investigating the Land of Fire. They confessed.
With such achievements, you'll be a Chūnin by tomorrow. If we were at war, maybe even higher."
Chi Yu wasn't surprised. Capturing the three Kirigakure spies alive and eliminating the Cloud Ninja had been part of his plan to earn promotion.
"Rest well tonight," Orochimaru advised. "Once we reach the Land of Hot Water's battlefield, there won't be much downtime."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei," Chi Yu replied.
He bid Orochimaru farewell and returned to his room.
Lying on his bed, Chi Yu replayed their conversation—a small but revealing showdown.
He was certain now: Orochimaru was preparing to delve into the forbidden art of immortality, no matter the cost.
In that, they were unexpectedly aligned.
---
The next day.
Before dawn, Chi Yu and Orochimaru met with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
True to expectation, Hiruzen formally promoted Chi Yu to Chūnin.
After giving Orochimaru a few instructions, Hiruzen dismissed them.
At the Konoha gate, ready to depart for the Land of Hot Water, Chi Yu spotted someone he expected—but hadn't anticipated seeing so soon.
Kushina Uzumaki.
Chi Yu approached, gently rubbing her rosy cheeks tinged by the morning chill.
"Why didn't you sleep longer?"
"I can't when I think of you going to the Land of Rivers for so long. I wanted to see you off."
"Don't worry about me. I'll write letters—and my snake will deliver them. When you miss me, send letters back the same way."
Kushina extended her little finger. "Then let's make a promise!"
Chi Yu hooked his pinky with hers. "It's a promise."
After bidding farewell, Chi Yu and Orochimaru set off for the battlefield in the Land of Hot Water.