Reborn in Naruto As Orochimaru (AU)

Chapter 33: Action

Tonight, the moon hung dark in the sky, and the winds howled relentlessly. It was a night perfectly suited for clandestine actions, murder, and thievery. The Uchiha clan appeared to be quite animated this evening. The third and second elders, surrounded by clan members, took the streets, seemingly celebrating an event of unknown significance.

"Remain here, and I'll keep watch on Uchiha Sagijima," said an Anbu operative.

The bustling Uchiha streets were inadvertently followed by two Anbu agents. A Uchiha ninja glanced their way, and for a moment, the two Anbu rubbed their eyes, confused.

"How odd..."

Unbeknownst to them, the expressions of several team members became tense.

"Third Elder, Kaze has escaped, and our guards have led a group away," whispered one of the clan members.

...........

"It's here," said a black-clad ninja, a seasoned Jonin with heightened perception. The vicinity of Orochimaru's location showed very few chakra signatures, with only Orochimaru's presence standing out amidst ordinary people.

"He's on the ground floor."

"Prepare the barrier team." A shadowy figure glanced at the two Chunin present. "You stay outside; the rest of us will clear the area first."

The four Uchiha Chunin united their efforts, casting a sealing jutsu upon the ground. In the darkness of the night, a square-shaped barrier emerged silently from the ground, soon encompassing a vast area nearby.

This barrier effectively isolated the detection of chakra fluctuations and mental power, even dampening any sounds. Once formed, it remained imperceptible even to the naked eye amidst the dark night.

Before long, several people inside the hospital were manipulated by using illusionary techniques. These seemingly ordinary individuals, clad in hospital gowns, shuffled dazedly to an open space.

"He's here. So many people, it seems the third elder is making quite an effort for me." Orochimaru occasionally used his mental power to sense the movements outside. He had already noticed the commotion, yet made no move. In the eyes of Uchiha's sensory ninjas, Orochimaru's position remained unchanged.

"Slow down," the Uchiha ninjas cautiously approached the underground warehouse, and Orochimaru's body trembled slightly, beads of sweat forming in his armpits.

This trembling wasn't from fear; it was the excitement of a predator hunting its prey!

They sought to capture me and exploit my power, but I yearn to exterminate them and absorb their strength! The corners of Orochimaru's mouth curved into a bloodthirsty smile, and his serpent-like pupils flickered with an eerie red light amid the dim surroundings!

"Bang!" The door was kicked open, but a Chunin swiftly dodged, and nothing happened. The warehouse was empty, dimly lit, with numerous separate autopsy rooms cluttered about, filled with medical equipment in disarray. Curtains obstructed the view, suspicious bloodstains dotted the area, making the entire vast space resemble a monstrous maw.

"Ha, isn't he just a kid with powerful mental abilities? Why fear when I possess the Sharingan!" Observing the other ninjas leisurely approaching, the Chunin mocked, feeling quite embarrassed that he was still in a combat stance.

"Head, the kid is right in front," the sensory ninja reported.

"Oh, I thought he would prepare a surprise for us, but it seems he's given up," Kaze replied casually, though deep down, he remained vigilant. The last time Orochimaru eluded him had been a great humiliation. He wouldn't underestimate him again.