Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

Outside the barbecue restaurant, Shikaku and the others said goodbye to Chiba with satisfied expressions before leading the rest of their group—Ino-Shikacho and Aburame Shibi—away.

Chiba glanced at the remaining people: Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Nawaki.

He hadn't expected that what began as Shikaku's impromptu idea would lead to him becoming a cook on the first day of the new year. Tsunade's unexpected arrival had only increased his workload, making him sigh in frustration.

Jiraiya broke the silence, smacking his lips in appreciation. "I didn't expect your cooking skills to be this good, Chiba. Honestly, the food you made is better than anything I've ever eaten before."

Before Chiba could respond, Tsunade interjected with a proud smile, "Of course! Do you know whose little brother this is?"

Jiraiya rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Who knows if you threatened Chiba into calling you his sister?"

"Hmm? Jiraiya, are you asking for trouble again? Do you need me to loosen you up a bit?" Tsunade's sharp hearing caught his comment, and her glare made Jiraiya immediately sit up straighter.

"No, no! I meant to say you have excellent judgment, Tsunade," Jiraiya said hurriedly, raising his hands in surrender.

"That's better," Tsunade huffed, folding her arms triumphantly.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru ignored their bickering, his eyes fixed on Chiba. "Chiba-kun, have you given any further thought to what I proposed last time?"

Hearing this, the other three turned their attention to Chiba. Even Tsunade, who had heard about Orochimaru's interest in taking Chiba as a disciple, was curious to hear his answer.

Chiba shook his head politely. "Lord Orochimaru, I appreciate your offer, but I've already decided on my future path. I'm afraid I must decline."

For most ninjas, being offered the chance to become Orochimaru's disciple would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. His skill, prestige as a Sannin, and access to forbidden techniques made him an incredibly desirable teacher.

However, Chiba's determination was firm.

Orochimaru's gaze sharpened. "Chiba-kun, may I ask the reason for your decision?"

Chiba offered a wry smile. "The reason is simple. I've chosen to pursue the path of a taijutsu ninja. Unfortunately, our paths are not aligned."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Taijutsu? But you're an Uchiha! Isn't your Sharingan the foundation of your clan's power?"

Orochimaru ignored Jiraiya's remark, his tone remaining calm yet probing. "Chiba-kun, I'm not convinced. I'd like to hear the real reason."

Orochimaru's skepticism was understandable. Exceptional taijutsu ninjas existed, such as the Yotsuki Clan's lightning-style users in Kumogakure or Tsunade's devastating physical strength and regenerative abilities. However, Chiba lacked both the Yotsuki's speed and lightning armor or Tsunade's monstrous strength and medical ninjutsu. In Orochimaru's eyes, Chiba's decision seemed more like reckless bravado than a calculated choice.

Chiba sighed inwardly, scratching his head. He understood Orochimaru's doubt. After all, Orochimaru didn't know that Chiba's choices were shaped by his knowledge of the future.

"Lord Orochimaru, I know a form of taijutsu that rivals even forbidden techniques. If you'd like, I can demonstrate it for you," Chiba said confidently.

If words weren't enough to persuade Orochimaru, he would prove himself through action.

However, to Nawaki, this declaration sounded absurd.

"Chiba, are you looking down on Lord Orochimaru? You're not even a Genin yet! How can you dare to challenge a Jōnin like him?" Nawaki's voice was filled with disbelief.

He admitted that Chiba was strong for his age—far beyond most Genin and even some Chūnin. But Orochimaru was a Sannin, an entirely different level of power and experience.

To Nawaki's surprise, Orochimaru didn't seem offended by Chiba's words. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"It seems you're confident in your abilities, Chiba-kun. Very well, let's see the taijutsu you speak of," Orochimaru said, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Tsunade frowned, sensing the rising tension. "Orochimaru, come on. Chiba is just a kid! Why are you even entertaining this idea?"

Jiraiya grinned, leaning toward her. "Relax, Tsunade. You're here, right? If Chiba gets hurt, you can just heal him. Besides, aren't you curious to see this 'forbidden taijutsu' that Chiba's so confident about?"

Chiba remained calm despite the commotion. Although he appreciated Tsunade's concern, he was determined to see this through.

"All right, let's move to the training ground," Chiba said, locking eyes with Orochimaru, his expression filled with fighting spirit.

This challenge might have been a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it also offered Chiba the chance to test how far his strength had come.