Naruto: I Level Up by Drawing Cards

"No matter. If it is your Great Elder, I am fairly confident I can persuade him."

"No matter. If it is your Great Elder, I am fairly confident I can persuade him."

Orochimaru's furrowed brows relaxed once more.

Cooperating with Danzo was a poor strategy for him; while it would satisfy his needs, he would inevitably be dragged into Danzo's schemes and fall into a passive position—it was no different than negotiating with a tiger for its hide.

Cooperating with the Uchiha Clan also carried certain risks. After all, the Konoha leadership's wariness toward the Uchiha Clan was deeply ingrained. It would be fine if it went undetected, but once discovered, it would undoubtedly have repercussions. However, it wouldn't be as troublesome as dealing with Danzo, and he wouldn't be forced into such a passive state.

If not for Uchiha Gen, his mantle-inheriting disciple, serving as a buffer, Orochimaru would never have considered the Uchiha Clan.

Looking at it now, cooperating with the Great Elder seemed to be the best choice.

Satisfying one person was far easier than satisfying the appetite of an entire noble clan.

Currently, within the Uchiha Clan, the Great Elder had almost openly declared his intention to make Uchiha Gen, the clan's number one genius, his successor within the clan.

Separating the individual from the entire clan decreased the likelihood of his experiments being exposed. With Uchiha Gen and the Great Elder's relationship serving as a bridge, their interests would be more aligned, and trust would be higher.

"For this matter, arrange a time for me to meet the Great Elder privately tomorrow. A secret meeting will suffice."

"I waited for you today because there is another matter to notify you about. You had best prepare as soon as possible."

Orochimaru seemed to have calmed down and began to leisurely tidy up his experimental equipment. At the same time, a giant python slithered out from his sleeve, its body expanding, and with a 180-degree gape of its jaws, it swallowed the corpse of the Sunagakure Ninja on the operating table in one gulp.

"Was there a high-level meeting today?"

"Yes. Sandaime and the others were holding a small meeting, and the old head of the Nara Clan and I were called in as advisors, so I learned some information in advance. In a few days, the war with Kumogakure will resume, and orders will be issued to all departments and the Jonin."

"Your recent training focus has been on the Phantom Body Flicker Technique, delaying other matters."

Orochimaru pointed toward the table leaning against the wall.

A scroll nearly a meter long and over a foot thick lay flat upon it.

Uchiha Gen walked to the table and unfurled the scroll.

A map with detailed terrain and marked with a wealth of information appeared before Uchiha Gen's eyes.

This was a map of Ryūchi Cave!

Although many parts were still quite vague, it was very useful to Uchiha Gen.

It recorded some powerful giant snakes, as well as many special snakes that, while not strong like the Golden-Threaded Silver-Ringed Snake, each had their own uses.

"Although your current strength gives you the opportunity to handle most dangers, the entire Ninja World now knows of your character. Given your age, whenever there is an opportunity, they will use any means necessary to eliminate you—a huge threat destined to emerge in the future."

"Especially on the battlefield; if there is an opportunity, even the Raikage would personally take action to kill you if he saw you. If you cannot advance further, you can pay a price to contract Manda, which would at least give you some room to maneuver."

Orochimaru watched Uchiha Gen examining the scroll, his voice serious.

The latter put away the scroll, but as if thinking of something, he suddenly looked up at Orochimaru.

He was just worrying about lacking a top-tier expert to test his own strength.

Now that the Phantom Body Flicker Technique was successfully trained, was there any candidate more suitable than his dear teacher Orochimaru?

Uchiha Gen revealed an embarrassed smile: "Yes, Teacher Orochimaru. I also lack a precise assessment of my current strength, and it just so happens that you haven't instructed me in a long time. Why don't we—"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes instantly and stuck out his tongue to lick his lips.

This good disciple of mine is getting cocky.

Or is it that he has made progress again?

"You have successfully trained in the Phantom Body Flicker Technique? It seems this technique is indeed extraordinary, giving you such confidence."

A wicked smile appeared on Orochimaru's face.

"I have learned Cousin Kagami's technique, but I haven't truly unleashed its power yet. I still need to test what its specific upper limits can reach."

Uchiha Gen answered truthfully.

He genuinely felt that he currently had some ability to maneuver and protect himself against anyone below a Kage-level Expert.

"Very well. Then let me see what is so marvelous about the Phantom Body Flicker Technique that Uchiha Kagami, who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Teacher Sarutobi, relied on to make his name."

Orochimaru naturally would not refuse.

On one hand, he also needed to confirm exactly how much strength Uchiha Gen currently possessed, so he could be more at ease on the battlefield in the future. On the other hand, it was naturally because he was curious about the Phantom Body Flicker Technique.

After all, his initial dream was to learn all the Ninjutsu in the world.

Exhausting the truths of all things and obtaining eternal life were all derived from this step.

He harbored curiosity and a thirst for knowledge regarding all Ninjutsu he had never seen before.

Uchiha Kagami was active during the First Ninja World War, and passed away young not long after the war, causing the Phantom Body Flicker Technique to disappear from the Ninja World.

At that time, the Sannin, including Orochimaru, were not even ten years old, missing the period of Uchiha Kagami's activity, and thus had never seen it.

Now, after many years, this technique, which was famous during the First Ninja World War, had reappeared in the Ninja World, and Orochimaru was naturally somewhat curious.

"Let's go into the Forest of Death. It's already late, and if we make too much noise at the outdoor training ground, it will inevitably attract the Police Force like last time."

Orochimaru took off his blood-stained gloves and beckoned to Uchiha Gen.

Soon, two figures vaulted over the courtyard wall under the moonlight and leaped toward the Forest of Death.

Under the starlight and moonlight, a quiet river flowed over a pebble-paved riverbed, and specks of fireflies drifted through the forest.

Birds and beasts hid, while snakes and insects were active.

The Forest of Death at night presented a different face than during the day, yet it was still lively and fraught with murderous intent.

However, while these creatures might have some impact on some Ninjas participating in the Chunin Exams, for this master and disciple pair, whose strength was already at the top of the Ninja World's pyramid, the path was unobstructed.

"I'm quite nostalgic. I remember that not long after I took the three of you in, we conducted an exercise here, teaching you the skills to survive on the battlefield. I never expected that in less than two years, you would already have the ability to face me head-on."

Orochimaru reached out and looked at a brown reticulated python that slithered to his side, smiling slightly.

His Snake Body Modification was at a very high level, and he possessed a natural, superior suppression over these snakes in the Forest of Death.

"Teacher Orochimaru, I am also looking forward to our first battle in the true sense."

Uchiha Gen leaned forward slightly, his right hand resting on the Sengoku Ninja Sword at his waist, assuming a combat stance.

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