Naruto: Reborn as Yagura Karatachi

Chapter 207: Chapter 206: Orochimaru Returns



Although Konan wasn't one to easily believe in omens or signs, she thought it over carefully.

It had already been half a year since she left the Akatsuki.

Letters could only do so much; nothing compared to the urge to go home and see everyone again.

Like a single droplet falling onto the surface of a pond, her longing spread wider and wider through her heart.

Closing the book in her hands, she stacked the volumes she had borrowed from the library together and said softly,

"I should go back and see Yahiko, Nagato, and everyone in the Akatsuki."

Gathering her belongings, she stepped outside and locked the door of the temporary housing that Kirigakure had arranged for her.

At the same time, her neighbor across the hall was also stepping out, pushing a baby stroller. Upon seeing Konan, she greeted her in surprise,

"Good morning, Konan! Such a lovely day today, isn't it?"

"Good morning, Misao-san, Shinnosuke, and little Aoi."

The girl in the stroller waved enthusiastically. "Da-da! (Good morning!)"

The five-year-old boy standing next to her looked up at Konan, his eyes sparkling like stars. Shyly tilting his head, he smiled bashfully and said,

"Konan-neechan, you're as beautiful as ever today! Did you put green onions in your natto this morning?"

Konan chuckled, already used to this precocious child's 'flirtations.'

"No," she replied. "I kept breakfast simple today."

Still, it was strange. It felt like this boy had never grown up, always the same cheeky charm.

"Mind your manners!"

Misao-san playfully knocked Shinnosuke on the head, switching roles skillfully, then smiled warmly at Konan and asked,

"Heading out so early? Going to the market for something?"

"No, actually. I'll be leaving Kirigakure for a while—heading back to Amegakure to visit some old friends."

"You're leaving, Konan-neechan?!"

The news hit Shinnosuke like a thunderbolt. He froze, stunned.

"I see," Misao-san said with a kind smile. "Take care on the road, then."

After bidding farewell to the neighbors she had lived alongside for half a year, Konan made her way to find Kasumi, the Kirigakure shinobi who had been assigned to assist her.

Before leaving, she needed to officially inform the Mizukage.

Together, they headed to the Mizukage's office, but Yagura was nowhere to be found.

Instead, they explained their purpose to Elder Genshi.

Understanding Konan's desire to return home, Elder Genshi nodded approvingly.

"You've been with us here in Kirigakure for half a year now. It's time you went back to see your friends, hm?"

Konan bowed respectfully, touched. "Thank you very much."

Spending half a year in a foreign hidden village, living freely without surveillance or restrictions, was a rare honor.

The trust she was shown, the hospitality she received, and the peace and beauty she witnessed firsthand during this time had caused Konan's goodwill and loyalty toward Kirigakure to reach unimaginable heights.

Kasumi then asked, "Elder, where is the Mizukage?"

Konan also turned to Elder Genshi, her gaze full of inquiry.

"You're just a little unlucky," Elder Genshi replied with a soft chuckle. "He left about an hour ago. He went to welcome a guest... someone from Konohagakure."

Kasumi blinked in confusion. "A guest from Konoha?"

Since completing her mission in Amegakure, Kasumi had been promoted directly by Yagura to a higher rank, bypassing the usual process.

Her current position involved duties similar to a political officer, and she was frequently in and out of the Mizukage's office.

From what she knew, relations between Konoha and Kirigakure were currently tense.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had been taking aggressive actions to root out and dismantle Kirigakure's influence within Konoha.

Much like the strategies once used by the Second Hokage, Minato had borrowed and refined them for his own era.

The Yellow Flash, renowned for his exploits on the battlefield, proved to be equally formidable in political maneuvering.

The whole upper echelon of the Mizukage's office had been racking their brains trying to figure out how to deal with Minato Namikaze.

Though, to be accurate... not all of the upper echelon.

The highest authority of them all—Mizukage Yagura himself—seemed completely indifferent to Minato's countermeasures, caring only about securing Kirigakure's own survival within the Land of Water.

Elder Genshi continued, "Yes, an honored guest. One of Konoha's Sannin, who has recently been declared a rogue ninja and is now listed as an S-rank criminal wanted by Konoha—Orochimaru."

Since Orochimaru was now a missing-nin, his status meant the usual tensions between Konoha and Kirigakure didn't really apply.

...

At the western port city of the Land of Water.

This time, Orochimaru had entered the country through official channels. The one who discovered him was none other than the Onime ninja from last time.

Orochimaru had made no attempt to resist.

Surrounded and closely guarded by Kirigakure shinobi, Orochimaru openly declared his purpose: he was here to join Kirigakure.

Early that morning, Kirigakure's border patrol had sent an urgent, top-priority report.

Upon hearing it, Yagura immediately gathered a small group of guards and set out.

They arrived at the coastal trade city—the largest on the western seaboard—and headed straight for the Kirigakure outpost just outside town.

After exchanging brief greetings with the stationed shinobi, Yagura went directly toward a very familiar figure.

The moment Orochimaru laid eyes on him, he couldn't hide his excitement—or perhaps, he had no intention of hiding it at all. His golden eyes gleamed with unrestrained interest.

"My, my... you came in person, Mizukage."

"It's been a long time. You haven't aged a bit, Orochimaru."

Yagura's tone was anything but welcoming toward this former collaborator.

Still, remembering that Orochimaru had indeed fulfilled a commission for them years ago—providing real assistance to Kirigakure—Yagura decided to give him a chance to plead his case.

"You survived an encounter with, the Third Raikage, and your teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, let you go as well. By any measure, you could call that outstanding luck."

Orochimaru smiled and asked, "Did you really think I wouldn't survive?"

Yagura smiled back calmly, countering, "Should I have expected otherwise?"

Mangetsu, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle.

He had a pretty good idea what Orochimaru was hinting at.

After all, it wasn't exactly a secret among the small circle closest to Yagura—from Mangetsu to Isobu—everyone knew.

Because Yagura had been a little too obvious, neither side had yet torn through the delicate facade.

And just like that, you'd managed to lure one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin all the way here?

Yagura shot him a glare.

Mangetsu simply stared blankly, pretending to be oblivious.

Yagura had no intention of engaging Orochimaru in a conversation about this so-called "omniscience."

He was already grown up.

But, unfortunately, Orochimaru's arrival at Kirigakure after defecting from Konoha seemed to be very much directed at him.

Noticing Yagura's displeasure, Orochimaru chuckled softly and didn't press the topic further.

As long as today's negotiations went smoothly and he stayed in Kirigakure, Orochimaru knew he'd have all the time in the world to study and understand everything he wanted.

As for the negotiation's success rate? Orochimaru was fully confident. Otherwise, he wouldn't have even come to Kirigakure.

His snake-like eyes shifted to the side, landing on the red-haired puppet master standing nearby. He finally got to the main point:

"Mizukage, your Kirigakure was willing to accept a rogue from Sunagakure like him, as well as remnants of the Uzumaki clan and the craftsmen."

Sasori, having been abruptly dragged out of his lab, was already in a foul mood. Upon seeing Orochimaru, that irritation deepened into a visceral disgust, like a predator recognizing another predator.

And now this damn snake was using him as an example?!

Orochimaru continued, addressing Yagura:

"In that case, I imagine my strength should also be enough to interest you — to serve you."

Yagura gave no immediate response. He could tell Orochimaru was deliberately stirring the pot.

Maybe he was trying to flaunt his value in front of him?

"No need for the useless talk," Sasori interrupted, voice dripping with sarcasm.

"A filthy snake driven out of his own village... You really think you have any value left?"

Orochimaru found himself even more intrigued by this genius puppet master he had only heard of before:

"Oh? Sasori of the Red Sand, what 'value' did you offer for the Mizukage to keep you here?"

Seeing the tension escalate, Mangetsu elbowed Yagura.

"Hey, they're about to fight. Over you, too."

Yagura stared at him, dead-eyed.

"Is this supposed to be my fault?"

Mangetsu simply clasped his hands behind his head, unfazed.

"Well, it's not the first time your 'luck with people' caused chaos."

Ignoring him, Yagura pulled Kabuto aside from Orochimaru's entourage, while Mangetsu instinctively began ordering the surrounding Kirigakure shinobi to clear the area, leaving a wide-open space between Orochimaru and Sasori.

"I don't care what brought you crawling to Kirigakure. Either way, your life stays here!"

With a mechanical clatter of gears and blades, Sasori summoned his masterpiece — the puppet of the Third Kazekage.

"I'll let you experience what it means to be utterly crushed!"

...

"The feeling of total defeat? I'm actually curious," Orochimaru said lazily.

As the summoning smoke dispersed, Orochimaru caught a full view of the puppet and his expression shifted in surprise.

"Is that... the Third Kazekage?"

"My finest work," Sasori said proudly.

"You'll savor it soon enough, you rotten snake."

Yagura, who had remained unfazed the entire time, caught Orochimaru's subtle glance.

The cause of the Third Shinobi World War — the disappearance of the Third Kazekage — was quietly pushed aside for now.

"You can't escape my Iron Sand techniques! Iron Sand Drizzle!"

A sharp sonic boom tore through the air as countless iron sand projectiles rained down.

The sheer speed and scale made dodging impossible. It wasn't something a casual defensive jutsu could withstand.

The storm of iron sand battered Orochimaru's body, tearing it apart until he looked like a mutilated corpse.

When the smoke cleared, all that was left was a kneeling, lifeless figure riddled with holes.

But Sasori wasn't arrogant enough to believe he had finished Orochimaru with one move. He knew better.

He flicked his fingers, manipulating his chakra threads:

"Iron Sand Gathering Assault!"

Iron sand from the ground and the air converged.

At that moment, Orochimaru stopped pretending. What Sasori had destroyed was merely a discarded snake skin.

Orochimaru's true form slithered out from the discarded husk, dripping with yellow venom, a sinister grin tugging at his lips.

"Magnet Release: Iron Sand, was it? I've been dying to witness it firsthand, hehehe."

The gathering iron sand needed time.

Orochimaru, never known for compassion, seized the opportunity — his lower body transforming into a serpentine form as he launched himself toward Sasori!

Puppet masters were strong because of their puppets. Their actual bodies, however, were fragile.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Massive iron sand blocks slammed down, but Orochimaru dodged them effortlessly, his movements slippery and unpredictable.

He quickly closed the distance, his Hidden Shadow Snake Hands lunging straight for Sasori's face!

CLANG!

Poisoned blades sprang from the puppet's arms, severing the snake heads mid-strike — even rotting the serpentine flesh with poison.

So this was the deadly toxin recorded in the intel about Sasori. Terrifying indeed.

Snakes naturally had strong resistance to poison, yet even they suffered under Sasori's crafted venom.

Learning from this minor setback, Orochimaru immediately retreated.

Sasori gave no quarter, pursuing relentlessly.

A single slash cleaved Orochimaru's discarded skin — only for the severed upper body to regenerate its lower half midair, shedding yet another poisonous husk in the process.

A repeat of the earlier trick, rendering Sasori's counterattack ineffective.

...

Orochimaru's gaze was filled with amusement and provocation.

"To craft puppets to this perfection... You're a world apart from ordinary puppet masters. Truly magnificent."

Sasori's disgust deepened into genuine revulsion.

"You're absolutely disgusting. Are you even human anymore?"

Realizing his iron sand attacks weren't enough, Sasori shifted tactics.

The massive iron blocks broke apart, forming hundreds of sharp iron spikes.

Orochimaru raised his sleeves — from which countless snakes poured out, each wielding a sword in their mouths.

The iron spikes shot into the writhing mass, tearing and piercing through the serpents in a bloody explosion.

Still, the seemingly endless snake horde pressed forward, forcing Sasori to counter.

Toxic smoke spewed from the puppet's mechanisms, shrouding the battlefield. Every snake that entered the smoke collapsed, dead.

With the obstruction cleared, the iron sand reconverged in the sky, forming two massive geometric shapes.

This damn snake was incredibly hard to kill. Sasori's patience wore thin.

"I'm done playing games. Let's move to the finale."

The iron sand cylinder and pyramid collided!

An enormous burst of magnetic chakra rippled outward. Orochimaru, finally sensing real threat, dropped his casual facade.

"How cold. I was hoping we could have a little more fun."

"Enough already," Yagura called out, ending it.

Sasori reluctantly retracted his chakra threads. The suspended iron sand collapsed harmlessly to the ground.

Frowning, Sasori turned to Yagura.

"Seriously? You're planning to keep this dangerous creature in the village?"

Yagura shrugged casually.

"Orochimaru's survival skills are top-notch. You can't kill him. And when it comes to pure offense and speed, you're not quite on the level of Third Raikage."

Sasori's face darkened, forced to swallow the bitter truth.

Although Orochimaru hadn't seen Sasori unleash the ultimate technique, the Iron Sand World, something else had piqued his interest even more:

"As expected... you really know everything about everyone."

Mangetsu nearly burst out laughing behind them.

You snake, stop treating Yagura's "secret knowledge" like it's some grand revelation — everyone in their circle already knew!

Orochimaru noticed Mangetsu's suppressed laughter but didn't quite grasp the full context, so he chose to focus on more pressing matters.

"So... does this mean you agree to let me join Kirigakure, Mizukage?"

Yagura, feigning helplessness, responded:

"Sasori even brought out the Third Kazekage to entertain you. How could I possibly let you leave?"

It was tacit approval.

The negotiation had succeeded.

Orochimaru smiled, pleased.

"My, my... Don't worry. I'm not the type to blab about other people's secrets."

"You'd better not," Yagura said meaningfully.

"I'll explain the conditions for your experiments later. But if you want to join Kirigakure, there are two requirements."

His gaze flicked to Kabuto, who was currently restrained by Mangetsu

."First, that kid — Kabuto — he can't stay with you."

"..."

Orochimaru fell silent, his reaction prompting a sneer from Sasori.

Before even stepping fully into Kirigakure, Orochimaru had already lost a key asset he'd nurtured so carefully.

Was this part of Yagura's "omniscience" too? Knowing the incredible potential Kabuto possessed?

Wait a second... had Orochimaru even mentioned Kabuto's name out loud yet?

"Secondly," Yagura continued, raising two fingers, "you must learn the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques — specifically the strongest one: Dead Demon Consuming Seal. And when I require it, you will use it without question."

----------------

Pls Drop some Power Stones

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