Chapter 129: Orochimaru in Uchiha Clan
-----
Amazon Lily - Uchiha Headquarters
Akira appeared in his room, carrying Hinata in his arms. Beside him stood Naruto, Orochimaru, Karin, Kimimaro, and Jugo. On the floor was Neji, glaring at Akira with such intensity that, if looks could kill, Akira would have been still ok with his incredibly rapid regeneration.
Orochimaru glanced around with curiosity, clearly intrigued to be in a new world. However, his surroundings appeared normal. Turning to Akira, he asked, "Hmm, I didn't ask before, but what's different about this world?"
Akira smiled faintly. "You'll find out soon enough, Orochimaru. Don't worry. For now, I'll introduce you to the clan. Some of them have probably sensed your chakra."
He gently placed the unconscious Hinata on the bed and ignored Neji's fuming glare. "Everyone, follow me," he instructed. Naruto, Orochimaru, Karin, Kimimaro, and Jugo followed him out, leaving Neji—still tied up—and Hinata in the room.
Outside the house, a small crowd was already waiting for them.
"Akira, we came because we felt strange chakra emitting from here. It feels familiar and___" Uchiha Fugaku said calmly. However, his composure faltered when he saw Orochimaru standing behind Akira.
"Orochimaru!" he exclaimed. Around them, the gathered Uchiha activated their Sharingan, even Itachi, who watched Orochimaru warily. The snake-like ninja's reputation as a cruel experimenter in Konoha preceded him. Stories of his inhumane experiments on citizens—even children—were well-known.
Akira, unfazed, expected such a reaction. After all, Orochimaru had done many things worthy of this treatment. However, Akira wanted them to see Orochimaru differently now. Clearing his throat, he addressed the group, "Everyone, calm down. Orochimaru is one of us now. I know you've heard the rumors from Konoha, but let me tell you the truth."
The crowd murmured but quieted as Akira continued, his tone filled with emotion. "Orochimaru is a scientific genius. Hiruzen and Danzo recognized his talent then forced him to carry out those cruel experiments for their benefit."
"When he was no longer useful, they tried to erase him. But like us, Orochimaru escaped Konoha."
His words stunned everyone. Fugaku, Itachi, Shisui, even Orochimaru and his followers were all caught off guard.
"Lord Orochimaru, you've suffered so much!" Karin exclaimed, her voice filled with sympathy.
Kimimaro's fists clenched. "We'll make them pay for what they did to you, Lord Orochimaru!" he vowed fiercely.
Jugo remained silent, but his perception of Orochimaru shifted. Where before he followed him for a potential cure, now he saw him in a different light.
Orochimaru said nothing. It wasn't out of humility—he simply didn't know what to say. Glancing at the Uchiha, he saw a shared look of understanding. Inside, he silently scolded Akira for spinning such a tale.
Fugaku and the others, meanwhile, found themselves believing Akira's version of events. If Orochimaru had suffered at the hands of the same people who betrayed them, it made sense. Slowly, the activated Sharingan around him deactivated, even Itachi's gaze softening.
"I'll trust Akira's judgment," Itachi thought.
Naruto clung to Akira's clothes, nervous in the presence of the snake-like creepy man and the people around. However, hearing Akira's words about Orochimaru being a victim of the Third Hokage and Danzo made him furious.
Akira had told Naruto those two were the reason he'd been unable to help him earlier and that they'd stolen everything his parents had left behind including his money. Clenching his fists, Naruto silently vowed to make them pay someday.
Seeing the crowd calm down, Akira spoke again, his tone confident. "Orochimaru is an incredible scientist. Now that he's with us, I believe he'll help make the entire clan stronger. Let's work together to build a brighter future."
Fugaku stepped forward, bowing slightly. "Lord Orochimaru, I apologize for the way we greeted you earlier. I hope you understand. Welcome to our clan."
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "Thank you, Lord Fugaku. I'll do my best to contribute here."
With that, the gathered Uchiha began dispersing. Only Fugaku, Shisui, and Itachi remained behind, lingering near Akira.
---
Akira turned to Itachi. "Itachi, take Orochimaru and his people to the guest house. Brief them on the information about this world."
"Yes, Brother Akira," Itachi replied with a nod. He approached Orochimaru and said politely, "Lord Orochimaru, please follow me."
With that, Orochimaru and his three followers departed alongside Itachi.
Akira then looked at Naruto, who was clinging nervously to the back of his shirt. Smiling softly, he reassured him, "Naruto, there's no need to feel nervous here anymore."
Naruto glanced up at Akira's calm expression, then let go of his clothes, embarrassed. "O-Okay, Brother Akira," he stammered.
Fugaku, observing the interaction, noticed something familiar about Naruto's appearance but chose not to dwell on it. Instead, he turned to Akira and said, "Akira, I thought you weren't planning to return to Konoha yet. Didn't you say the time wasn't right?"
"You're right. We don't have the strength needed to reopen the Ninja World just yet," Akira admitted before smiling. "But there were three reasons I went back. First, I needed Orochimaru. His scientific expertise will be essential for what I have planned."
He then ruffled Naruto's golden hair with a fond smile. "Second, I promised to take care of this child. Unfortunately, I couldn't fulfill that promise before due to the situation back then."
Naruto's face lit up with a wide, joyful grin.
Fugaku studied the boy closely, his curiosity growing. "I feel like I've seen him before," he muttered.
"This is Uzumaki Naruto," Akira said, his tone turning heavy.
Fugaku's eyes widened in realization. "Uzumaki Naruto… Wait, he's the son of Minato and Kushina?!" His voice rose in astonishment as the truth hit him. "He's also the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki!"
Shisui, equally shocked, turned to look at Naruto in disbelief.
Naruto, who had been quietly listening, spoke in a low voice. "Minato... Kushina... Brother Akira, are those my parents' names?"
Akira sighed and nodded. "Yes, Naruto. They were heroes."
The somber mood hung in the air, but Shisui quickly tried to lighten it. "Brother Akira, what was the third reason you went back?"
Akira glanced at Shisui with a faint smirk, avoiding certain details. "The third reason was to find talented children who can take on the next mission. They'll be crucial for the situation ahead."
Akira didn't want to mention the two Hyūga he had... borrowed, opting to leave further explanations for later. "I'll explain everything tomorrow. For now, continue with your current tasks and wait for the details."
With that, Akira placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and led him back toward the house.
---
Akira glanced around his room before stepping inside with Naruto, his mind racing. Damn, how should I handle this situation now?
After a moment of thought, Akira's eyes lit up as an idea struck him. "Naruto, you know Hinata, don't you?"
Naruto tilted his head slightly, looking confused. "Uh, yeah, she's in the same class as me, so we're classmates."
"Good, good." Akira's tone turned serious as he leaned closer. "Naruto, I want to entrust you with something important."
Naruto's face brightened with excitement, eager to help. "What is it, Brother Akira? You can count on me for anything!"
Akira smirked slightly. "Listen, when Hinata wakes up, she'll probably be scared and confused. I need you to stay with her, calm her down, and let her know everything is fine until I get back. Can you handle that?"
"That's easy! I can do it!" Naruto nodded enthusiastically, brimming with confidence.
"Good. I'm counting on you, Naruto." Akira's smirk widened as he turned his attention to Neji, who was still tied up. Grabbing Neji effortlessly with one hand, Akira prepared to leave, his tone casual. "I'll be gone for a while, Naruto. See you later."
"I'll complete the mission before you get back!" Naruto replied, his tone full of determination, though his excitement was hard to miss. He stood up straighter, trying to look serious.
With a smirk of amusement, Akira and Neji vanished, leaving Naruto alone to face his "mission."
.
.
.