Chapter 21: The Serpent's Test
Orochimaru's sudden appearance at the training ground, claiming Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted him to take Kagenori as his student, nearly short-circuited Kagenori's brain.
That Sarutobi favored him was evident—multiple times, the Hokage had explicitly and implicitly suggested he take early graduation exams to become a full ninja. Each time, Kagenori had played oblivious and escaped.
He refused to graduate early merely to perform low-level missions—complete time-wasters in his view. Unless Sarutobi guaranteed combat missions post-graduation, he wouldn't gamble on that possibility. Losing meant trash-collection duty.
But he'd never expected Orochimaru to approach him personally just two days before his scheduled graduation exams—and on Sarutobi's recommendation.
Suddenly, Kagenori remembered: Orochimaru remained one of Konoha's most prestigious ninja, Sarutobi's favorite student, a village pillar. He hadn't yet suffered crushing defeat by Sharingan, remaining merely a knowledge-obsessed Konoha ninja.
Yet this period's Orochimaru still held danger. Having lost both parents young, witnessed friend Kato Dan and student Nawaki's deaths, his mindset leaned pessimistic—he'd likely begun descending into darkness already.
Moreover, Orochimaru collaborated with Konoha's higher-ups on Wood Release bloodline research. Kagenori, with Senju blood, represented ideal experimental material.
However, Wood Release research would likely commence after the Third Great Ninja War, during the next Hokage selection. Currently, Kagenori didn't know if Orochimaru had begun studying the Impure World Reincarnation's resurrection method or immortality techniques.
Generally speaking, becoming Orochimaru's student now posed minimal risk—especially under Sarutobi's personal recommendation. And Orochimaru's teaching prowess was undeniable.
Future Uchiha Sasuke had flourished under Orochimaru, who'd also instilled strong analytical and strategic formulation foundations.
Though Kagenori now possessed Thunder Breathing's complete sword forms, his knowledge remained limited to those techniques and basic academy curriculum. His training simply integrated existing abilities without learning anything new.
As Orochimaru's student, he'd undoubtedly gain new knowledge—particularly the enemy analysis and strategy formulation skills he coveted.
Decision made, Kagenori knelt on one knee. "Lord Orochimaru, please accept me as your student!"
Orochimaru chuckled. "Though you interest me, and the old man wishes it, that doesn't guarantee you'll become my student." His voice turned serious. "I'll give you one chance—kill or be killed. Pass my test, and you'll be my student."
Rising, Kagenori asked, "I understand. Does the test begin now?"
Orochimaru nodded slightly. "Now."
The moment he spoke, Kagenori instantly retreated, creating distance. Right hand on sword hilt, chakra concentrating, lightning already crackling across his limbs.
Orochimaru approved—no hesitation, immediate battle preparation upon learning the test's nature.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Kagenori erupted forward, thunder tearing air as he charged Orochimaru at blinding speed, sword slashing faster than sight.
But his blade met no resistance—only air. Orochimaru had vanished.
Replacement Technique.
Orochimaru's voice came from his side. "Impressive speed, but obvious weakness—you can't change trajectories mid-attack. Straight-line movements only. Those who discern your pattern need only shift one body length before impact to evade."
Hands forming seals, Orochimaru aimed his arm at Kagenori. "Hidden Shadow Snake Hand!"
Snakes erupted from his sleeve, streaking toward Kagenori.
Instantly pivoting, Kagenori faced Orochimaru head-on. "Thunder Breathing, Fourth Form: Distant Thunder!"
Brilliant blue lightning enveloped him as he charged, high-speed blade swinging toward Orochimaru. The snakes electrocuted before touching him.
Yet Orochimaru effortlessly dodged his slash. "Sacrificing some speed for enhanced lightning-nature transformation—decent power."
While evading, Orochimaru's hands flew through seals. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
A violent gale erupted from his mouth. Though C-rank, the technique's scale reflected the user's skill. From an elite ninja like Orochimaru, its winds could topple century-old trees.
The hurricane struck, hurling Kagenori backward. Wind's advantage over lightning dispersed the energy crackling around him.
Just as he should have been blown away, Kagenori halted mid-air—a snake coiled around his torso, its tail wrapped around Orochimaru's arm. He dangled like a kite.
As Kagenori struggled, Orochimaru yanked hard, sending him flying uncontrollably forward. A punch to the abdomen launched him backward.
"Cough—!" Eyes wide, Kagenori felt stomach acid rising.
He crashed heavily, tumbling twice before stopping.
Orochimaru remained composed. "You lack improvisational response. When I used Hidden Shadow Snake Hand, before Wind Style, when I pulled you in—each time, opportunities to escape or counterattack existed."
Rising, clutching his abdomen, Kagenori took deep breaths, adjusting his state. Then he activated his Sharingan.