At one of Orochimaru's hidden bases, the aftermath of a fierce battle painted a grim picture. The stronghold had been reduced to a ruin — the ground scorched black, the walls carved with deep scars from wind blades and lightning strikes.
Amidst the smoke and rubble, a sharp sound echoed — crack!
A spear of lightning pierced straight through Orochimaru's chest.
Blood spilled from his mouth as his snake-like pupils narrowed. Raising his head with visible effort, Orochimaru's lips curled into a mocking smile.
Across from him stood Sasuke Uchiha, his Sharingan glowing coldly.
"…So, you finally did it," Orochimaru hissed, voice hoarse and bitter.
Even though he hadn't lost his arms like in the original timeline, every time he performed Living Corpse Reincarnation, his soul grew weaker. His power — once vast — had thinned with each possession.
And now, standing before him was the very proof of Indra's bloodline — Sasuke, whose potential had been fully awakened by the Hōgyoku's influence.
This moment was inevitable.
Sasuke had finally struck down his master.
The young Uchiha's voice was calm but laced with pride.
"Orochimaru, you're no longer worthy of being my teacher. You're weaker than me now. You failed to take Itachi's eyes… so you set your sights on me."
Orochimaru chuckled even as blood trickled down his chin. "Ahh~ Sharingan… such a tempting power indeed."
That laugh — faint, serpentine, and mad — made Sasuke frown.
Then Orochimaru's body collapsed into a heap of white sludge, the surface writhing and splitting apart into countless small snakes that lunged toward Sasuke.
"So this is your true form… the White Scaled Serpent," Sasuke said coldly, eyes spinning with crimson tomoe. "If this is your last card… it's pathetic."
Lightning crackled in both of his hands. The usual blue-white glow of Chidori suddenly shifted — turning a deep, eerie violet.
Orochimaru froze mid-slither, sensing something unfamiliar — a power beyond anything he had felt before.
"What… is this chakra!?"
Sasuke's voice was low and sharp.
"Yin Release: Chidori!"
This was no ordinary lightning. It was infused with Yin chakra, transcending the five elemental natures — a manifestation of Indra's divine bloodline beginning to awaken.
The thunder roared.
A violet streak flashed through the air — and before the serpent could react, the strike hit directly at its seven-inch weak point.
Sasuke landed lightly as the White Scaled Serpent's head fell to the ground, its body twitching violently.
But the purple lightning didn't fade. Instead, it burned along Orochimaru's body like cursed fire, devouring him piece by piece.
"Die with my new power," Sasuke said coldly, sheathing his sword. "After this… it's your turn, Itachi."
Even as his body was consumed, Orochimaru's twisted laughter echoed through the chamber.
"Ha… ha… Sasuke-kun, I'll be waiting~ Let's see if you can keep that calm face when we meet again…"
The laughter grated in Sasuke's ears like nails on glass.
"Enough."
He swung his hand — the lightning erupted in a violent blast, reducing Orochimaru's body to dust and ash.
"Hmph."
Sasuke turned, slipping his Kusanagi Blade back into its sheath. His Sharingan faded, returning to onyx black.
"The next one… is you, Itachi." His tone was colder than the steel at his waist.
But before he began his hunt, Sasuke knew he needed allies — a team strong enough to find Itachi faster.
----
Konoha Village – Shinobi Headquarters
Inside the great hall, Chojuro of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen knelt on one knee before Kenya, his voice steady but tense.
"Lord Kenya, that's the situation as we know it."
According to Chojuro's report, the Three-Tails of the Mist had been captured by Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame.
Kenya had already warned Mizukage Terumi Mei about Akatsuki's movements, advising her not to waste lives protecting a lost tailed beast. There were other ways to recover balance.
Even so, Kirigakure had resisted fiercely — but against two Kage-level enemies, they were ultimately forced to retreat.
Now, the Three-Tails was gone.
And recently, intelligence suggested that Matatabi, the Two-Tails, had also reappeared near the borders of the Land of Water — only to vanish again shortly after.
"Most likely," Kenya said quietly, "Akatsuki succeeded once more."
By now, only Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails remained uncaptured.
"Lord Kenya," Chojuro spoke again, his tone hesitant.
Kenya's eyes shifted toward him. "Speak, Chojuro."
"Mizukage-sama believes Akatsuki has become a serious threat. She requests that you personally come to Kirigakure to discuss countermeasures. She cannot leave due to the Three-Tails' funeral."
Before Kenya could answer, Temari — standing at his side — frowned sharply.
"Tch. That woman again. Does she really expect our teacher to run to her? What's she planning, really?"
Her words dripped with jealousy and irritation. She had never gotten along with Terumi Mei, and even now, the excuse sounded too convenient.
But before she could rant further, an Anbu operative burst into the room, kneeling instantly.
"Lord Kenya! Urgent news from the border!"
Kenya raised an eyebrow. "Speak."
"There are reports that Orochimaru has been killed by Uchiha Sasuke. The story is spreading fast, though we're still confirming its authenticity."
The entire hall froze.
Temari and Hanabi both widened their eyes in disbelief.
"Orochimaru… killed? By a sixteen-year-old?" Temari muttered.
It sounded absurd. Even weakened, Orochimaru was still one of the Legendary Sannin — a shinobi who had escaped death countless times.
The Anbu looked up. "Shall we dispatch a team to verify this, Lord Kenya?"
Kenya waved his hand slightly. "No need. I've already sent a very capable operative. She'll act when the time is right."
He then turned back to Chojuro. "Tell Mizukage-sama that I cannot come to Kirigakure for now. There's something far more important that demands my attention. But assure her — we will meet soon."
Then, his gaze shifted slightly.
"Jin'narō," he said softly.
"Yes, Lord Aizen!" Jin'narō appeared out of thin air, his movement so swift and silent that even the Anbu and Chojuro flinched in surprise.
Was that… Body Flicker? No — it was faster. And there was no chakra signature at all.
Kenya's expression remained calm. "Go. Investigate alone. Find the truth behind Orochimaru's death."
"Yes, my lord."
And with that, Jin'narō vanished once again — dissolving into the air like a shadow.
As the room returned to silence, Temari crossed her arms. "So it begins again… another move in your plan, right, Teacher?"
Kenya's crimson eyes glinted faintly in the dim light.
"The most important one yet."