Yo,

I'm back with the next chapter of Change in Winds. Hope you like the chapter and share your feedback.

Enjoy.

Change in Winds

Chapter 18

Initiation

Forest of Death

As Team 7 settled into a small clearing, they took the necessary precautions. Sasuke positioned himself with a clear view of the surroundings. Sakura managed their supplies. Naruto (the blood clone) was on his feet, scouting the area to ensure their safety.

As Orochimaru closed in, he carefully planned his strategy. He intended to exploit the team's momentary vulnerability, using the guise of the Kusa girl to gain their trust and catch them off-guard. Folllwed by isolating and confronting Sasuke with Naruto if possible, having heard of the Uchiha's potential and his desire for power along with the astronomical growth of the Jinchuriki— an attribute Orochimaru found particularly intriguing.

He can also sense a full squad of Anbu lurking around Team 7 as if waiting for something. 'Danzo you sly bastard,' Orochimaru mused, understanding the mummy's plan.

'Unfortunately for you, I would love to take Naruto-kun's body,' he idly mused, waiting for a moment to strike.

As the moment presented itself, Orochimaru, with his sinister intentions masked behind the innocent appearance of the Kusa girl, stepped into the clearing. His entrance was calculated to appear as non-threatening as possible, playing the part of a fellow Genin lost and seeking assistance.

Team 7's reaction was immediate. Naruto was the first to notice the newcomer, his eyes narrowing as he sensed an unusually large amount of chakra in the girl. Sasuke's onyx eyes narrowed as well, analysing the situation, while Sakura stood ready to provide support.

The tension in the air was palpable as Orochimaru, under the guise of innocence, initiated his encounter with Team 7. The stage was set for a confrontation that would unveil the true danger lurking within the Forest of Death, a threat that would test Team 7's strength, teamwork, and resolve in ways they had never anticipated.

The snake sannin felt the Anbu in the shadows tense as if ready to attack and walked slowly, putting his hands up in surrender. 'Kukukuku, it's time to play…'

"P-please, ca-can you help me?" the tall Kusa girl asked, her voice quivering with feigned distress. Her eyes, wide with apparent fear, conveyed genuine relief at encountering another Genin team.

Sasuke, already on high alert due to the tense atmosphere of the Forest of Death, eyed her warily. He knew well that encounters like these could easily be traps. Meanwhile, Naruto observed quietly, and Sakura waited to follow their lead.

"What do you need?" Sasuke asked, his tone guarded, his hand instinctively hovering near his kunai pouch, ready for any threat.

The Kusa girl edged closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper replied. "I… I'm lost, I can't find my teammates, if you can help me find them, I can give you some information." She paused, staring at Sasuke as if sizing him up.

After a moment, she continued. "Something big, a secret about the Uchiha clan. I can share it with you, only if you promise to help me first." She said in a confident tone. Self-assured of the information she holds.

Her proposition, laden with intrigue, seemed designed to ensnare her target. The mention of his clan caught Sasuke's attention, subtly activating his Sharingan as he sought to discern the truth in her words.

Sasuke stared at her confident face, trying to catch hints of lies, but he couldn't find any. Sakura, standing beside Sasuke, looked on with a mix of suspicion and concern. She was aware of the importance of clan secrets, and knew well what happened to the Uchiha clan and what it meant especially to someone like Sasuke. However, she also knew the dangers of trusting strangers in this treacherous exam. Like that Kabuto guy. His words are too good to trust.

The Naruto clone, still silently observing, noted the interaction with keen interest. While he appeared to be passively watching, he was actually analysing the girl's body language, her chakra flow, and the situation as a whole with his wind pulse, things are in favour so far. Though he is curious how Sasuke would react.

"Alright," Sasuke immediately replied, not clearly thinking, "tell me what you know. But know this: if you're lying or trying to trick me, it won't end well for you." He replied with a warning glare, as he can't let any chance to gain an edge on Itachi go. Maybe it's the secret jutsu to attain power and that's how he; he did what he did. They are Uchiha after all, anything is possible for them.

The girl nodded, her eyes flickering with a hint of deviousness. "Thank you for trusting me! Follow me, and I'll tell you everything. I wouldn't want your clan secrets overheard," she said, flashing a disarming smile while subtly glancing at the rest of Team 7. She then began to lead the way out of the clearing.

Enticed by the promise of hidden knowledge about his clan, Sasuke followed without consulting his teammates. The allure of learning more about the Uchiha proved too tempting to resist for the driven Avenger. As he moved, his mind raced with possibilities, his fingers tightening subconsciously.

As Sasuke began, many questions went through each of his teammates' minds. Naruto's curiosity was piqued by the girl's claim of possessing a secret about the Uchiha clan. He wondered how a seemingly lost Genin could have access to such sensitive information.

— Naruto —

He knew clan secrets were closely guarded, especially by a clan as prestigious and prideful as the Uchiha. This discrepancy made him question the girl's credibility and motives. Not to mention he found it suspicious that a girl from Kusa, was willing to divulge information so readily.

In his experience, people who possessed valuable secrets were usually more cautious and guarded, like himself and Danzo. The girl's eagerness to share without any real prompting, he didn't deem his team 'helping her' worth such info, definitely a red flag with suggesting ulterior motives.

From the moment he first caught sight of her, his instincts told him that this situation was too convenient to be genuine. The timing and location of the encounter, coupled with the girl's sudden appearance, all pointed to a setup. Naruto's experience in the field (however little) had taught him to be wary of such seemingly fortuitous encounters, leading him to suspect a classic bait-and-switch tactic.

Finally, he speculated about the girl's true intentions. Is she trying to lure Sasuke/them into an ambush, or is there a more complex scheme at play? He considered the possibility that she might be a decoy or a distraction, designed to divert their attention from a larger threat. And he prepared himself for a confrontation, he sent a message to the original about the escalating circumstances.

— Sakura —

Though not combat oriented on the level of Sasuke or Naruto, Sakura is still the top Kunoichi of their class and she was perplexed by Sasuke's immediate willingness to engage with the girl. She knew Sasuke to be cautious and analytical, especially when it came to matters concerning his clan. His quick response seemed out of character, raising questions about his judgement in this high-stakes situation.

And looking at the other tall girl, Sakura questioned the girl's intentions, wondering whether she was genuinely lost or if this was a ploy to manipulate them. The lack of a believable backstory, the lack of concern for her teammates are the concrete evidences that made Sakura wary of the girl's motives, prompting her to consider the potential risks of trusting a stranger in such a dangerous environment.

Sakura knew she was not the leader of the team, not even close. That's mostly Naruto, his instincts and insights helped them a lot after their formation. While Sasuke seemed inclined to follow, Sakura is unsure if it is wise.

She weighed the risks of leaving the clearing against the potential benefits of gaining valuable information, aware that any wrong move could jeopardise their chances of success. Her protective instincts kicked in, urging her to consider the safety and well-being of her teammates.

General Pov

Deciding he had enough, Naruto moved. Before Sasuke could get far, Naruto reached out and grabbed Sasuke's shirt, bringing him to an abrupt stop. Naruto's grip is firm, an unspoken command for Sasuke to halt and reassess the situation.

Sasuke reacted instinctively, turning sharply with a hiss of annoyance at the blonde "let go of my shirt." He didn't appreciate being touched or restrained, especially not so abruptly when his clan secrets are at stake.

Feeling the strong tug, Sasuke opened his mouth again to retort the blonde when his eyes met Naruto's. Sasuke found himself unexpectedly silenced by the intensity of Naruto's gaze, despite his initial irritation. The ethereal glow of chakra surrounding Naruto's eyes only added to the profound effect, leaving Sasuke momentarily lost for words.

Sakura, witnessing the exchange, stepped forward, trying to intervene. "Naruto, what's wrong? Why are you stopping him?" she asked, concern lacing her voice. She sensed the tension between the two and hoped to defuse the situation.

However, before she could say more, Naruto's attention shifted to the Kusa girl. His eyes, still holding that icy resolve, answering her unasked question. "We don't follow strangers into unknown territory," he stated flatly. "Especially not in the Forest of Death. We need more proof about your claims."

The Kusa girl, observing this interaction, found her interest piqued by the blonde. His assertiveness, his ability to assess the situation, and the obvious command over his teammates made him stand out as more than just another genin. Her eyes, hidden behind a facade of innocence, studied him with a newfound curiosity.

Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration, his disguise as an innocent genin momentarily giving way to a more genuine reaction. 'She' let out a giggle, a sound that seemed out of place in the tense atmosphere. Clapping her hands lightly, she looked at Naruto with an expression that mixed intrigue with amusement.

"You're quite something, aren't you, Naruto-kun?" she said, her voice laced with a mix of respect and mischief. "Very well, if that's how you want to play it. Remember you're missing out on knowing the truth about the Uchiha Massacre and Itachi." the mad glee in her eyes is insurmountable.

At the mention of the Uchiha Massacre, Sasuke's entire demeanour changed. His eyes, which were already sharp with suspicion, now blazed with a barely contained rage and fury. His Sharingan appearing as if it's getting even darker. The mention of Itachi's name was like a spark igniting a volatile mixture of emotions within him. He glared at the girl, his body tense, his pale fists drawing blood.

"Don't you dare speak his name!" he bellowed, struggling to break free from the blonde's vice-like grip.

Mocking him further, the Kusa girl said with a wide, eerie smile, "There's more to it than what you've been told." She looked directly at Sasuke, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Uchiha Itachi... he wasn't just a rogue ninja. The truth is far darker and more sinister, kukukukuku," she sang out, her laughter chilling.

Sasuke, unable to contain his fury, shook with a palpable anger, breaking loose from Naruto's hold. "What do you know about Itachi? About my clan? TELL ME!?" He raged, stepping forward, his Sharingan spinning dangerously, trying to put the girl in a genjutsu.

The attempt only made the sickening glee in the girl's eyes to deepen as her face morphed into a crooked smile.

Naruto, observing Sasuke's reaction, felt a surge of concern for his teammate. His cold, piercing eyes gained a sharper edge, his Sharingan activating, a reflection of his readiness to protect Sasuke from potential manipulation. He remained vigilant, aware that the Kusa girl's words could be a ploy to destabilise them.

Sakura, meanwhile, looked on in confusion and concern. The gravity of the conversation was not lost on her, but she felt out of her depth, unsure how to react to the revelations being thrown their way.

Hidden in the shadows, the Anbu realised the impact of this on their plans. They quickly relayed a message to Danzo-sama, informing him of the turn of events and the Snake Sannin's escapades. The information was critical, and Danzo-sama's response, or lack thereof, would determine their next course of action.

As the tension in the clearing reached its peak, Orochimaru, still in disguise, revelled in the psychological chess game he is playing with Team 7. His eyes flickered with a sinister delight as he observed Sasuke's barely contained fury and Naruto's unwavering vigilance. He knew he was close to achieving his goal, and the thrill of manipulation coursed through him like a drug.

Orochimaru's mind is a whirlwind of twisted pleasure and anticipation. 'Ah, the sweet scent of desperation,' he thought, watching Sasuke's reaction at the mention of Itachi. 'The boy's thirst for power is palpable. It makes him so wonderfully malleable.' He relished the chaos he is sowing, each word carefully chosen to unravel the bonds of trust within the team.

'Naruto-kun, so protective and sharp,' he mused, noting the blonde's strategic positioning and the intensity in his eyes. 'He's grown more perceptive than I anticipated. Such potential… such power.' Orochimaru's fascination with Naruto's abilities is genuine, and he couldn't help but admire the boy's instincts.

Seeing Sasuke's emotional turmoil, Orochimaru decided it is time to drop a tantalising hint, something that would stun them into inaction, if only for a moment. "You know, Sasuke-kun," he began, his voice dripping with feigned sympathy, "the Uchiha Massacre was not just the act of a rogue ninja. Itachi had… friends, allies even, within the village. One of them was Shisui, a name you might recognize."

The mention of Uchiha Shisui, a figure of legend, is a calculated move. Orochimaru watched as Sasuke's eyes widened, the Sharingan spinning with a mix of shock and disbelief still trying to put him in a genjutsu. 'Yes, let the seed of doubt take root,' Orochimaru thought with satisfaction.

"But the real intrigue," he continued, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, "lies in the fact that certain… influential figures in Konoha might have had a hand in orchestrating the events. Perhaps even someone you know..."

As Sasuke moved to follow the stranger, Sakura's protective instincts flared, her heart pounding as she weighed the risks of leaving their secure position against the promise of information. When Naruto suddenly acted to stop Sasuke, she felt a mix of relief and tension, readying herself to support her team in whatever way necessary as the situation grew increasingly perilous.

— Sasuke —

As Sasuke listened to the claims about Shisui and the Uchiha massacre, a deep unease settled within him. At this point, Sasuke's mind is cycling through a tempest of emotions. The revelation about Shisui and the implication of betrayal from within the village shook him to his core. His fists clenched, and he struggled to maintain his composure. The possibility that the massacre was part of a larger conspiracy was both terrifying and compelling, fueling his desire for vengeance and answers.

The information was too specific, too informed to be mere coincidence or fabrication from a genin who should have no such knowledge. The details she shared—so intimately tied to the darkest day of his life—struck a nerve. It was as if she spoke with the voice of someone who had not just witnessed the events but had been an integral part of them.

Sasuke's active Sharingan scanning her for any hint of deceit. As he peered deeply, a troubling suspicion began to form: the familiarity in her demeanor, the way she articulated the betrayal—it was all too knowing, too intimate. 'Could this be Itachi's doing?' he wondered. 'Is this another torment, another layer to his twisted game?'

The possibility that Itachi was continuing to manipulate him, using others as pawns to deliver these mental blows, ignited a familiar rage within him. Yet, it also brought a chilling fear—fear of how deep the deception ran and how far Itachi would go to break him.

Her mention of allies within Konoha, people who might have orchestrated the massacre alongside Itachi, compounded his turmoil. The very thought that the treachery extended beyond his brother, that it might include those within the village he grew up in, made his heart heavy with betrayal. The foundation of his world seemed to crumble piece by piece, revealing a network of lies beneath.

As Sasuke grappled with these revelations, his emotions oscillated between anger, confusion, and a grim determination. If what she suggested was true, then everything he knew was a lie, and the betrayal was not just personal but institutional.

With each word she spoke, Sasuke felt more isolated, more driven by the burning need for vengeance and the desire to unearth the full extent of the conspiracy against his clan. The seeds of doubt planted by her words grew rapidly, twisting through his thoughts like dark vines. He was compelled not just to seek power but to use it to expose and punish every hidden enemy, to tear down the veil of lies, no matter the cost.

As Sasuke grappled with the sinister implications of what the Kusa girl had revealed, his mind inevitably drifted to his team—his comrades as a Genin. The camaraderie, the missions, the shared struggles; these memories, once precious, now felt like elements of a larger, more insidious plot. Was his placement in Team 7, under the watchful eye of Kakashi, just another strategy to monitor him, to keep him in check? The suspicion gnawed at him.

The more he thought about it, the more everything seemed like an elaborate trap designed to maintain his loyalty to Konoha, to dilute his thirst for vengeance against Itachi. His interactions with others, the missions he was assigned, the limits imposed on him—all appeared to be mechanisms to slow him down, to keep him from reaching his true potential, from ever achieving—or surpassing—Itachi's level.

This perspective cast a shadow over all his relationships within the village. Each supportive gesture from Kakashi, every protective act by Naruto, even Sakura's concern, now seemed to Sasuke like efforts to tether him to a place that might have been complicit in his clan's destruction. It was as if everyone he interacted with had an agenda, whether they knew it or not, to keep him under control, to prevent him from uncovering the truth and claiming the power he needed to avenge his family.

With each revelation, his sense of isolation intensified. The world he knew felt increasingly like a facade, constructed to keep him docile and ignorant of the deeper, darker currents that had swept away his family. This realization left him feeling utterly alone and betrayed, submerged in a sea of deceit where every hand extended to help might just as easily pull him deeper into despair.

The hopelessness of his situation weighed heavily on him. The path ahead seemed fraught with manipulation and hidden threats. Even his own perceptions and memories were now suspect, tainted by the possibility that they had been shaped by others for their purposes, not his own. Sasuke felt a cold resolve settling in his heart. To break free from this web of lies, he might have to sever the bonds he once held dear, to abandon the village that had raised him but possibly also betrayed him.

In this moment, the promise of power—the means to tear down the veil of lies and expose the truth of Itachi and the Uchiha massacre—became his only beacon. Sasuke knew that achieving this would require more than what Konoha could ever offer or allow him. It was a path that would likely lead him into darkness, away from the light of former loyalties and friendships, into a realm where he could finally wield control over his destiny. The realization was both liberating and immensely painful, marking the true beginning of his journey as an avenger.

In the face of such profound manipulation, Sasuke's resolve hardened. He could trust no one. His path was one of solitude and vengeance, driven by the overwhelming need to control his destiny and to no longer be a pawn in someone else's game. His journey, fueled by the dark revelations of this encounter, promised to be lonelier and more perilous than ever.

— Naruto —

Naruto, on the other hand, was shaken to the core. The memory of his encounter with Danzo, with a Sharingan, flashed vividly in his mind. As the Kusa girl's words about the Uchiha massacre and hidden truths echoed in his ears, Naruto's mind raced, connecting dots he hadn't fully considered before.

His thoughts whirled chaotically:

'A Sharingan... on a non-Uchiha. How? Why?' Then, a more disturbing thought struck him. 'That bandaged arm... what was he hiding?' he recalled the heavily wrapped limb, the strange clamps holding it in place. Though he couldn't fully observe it with his Sharingan at the time, a creeping suspicion began to form. 'What if... what if there's more than one Sharingan? What could he be hiding under those bandages?'

The implications made Naruto's stomach churn. He thought about the Root ANBU he interrogated, their sealed tongues, their fanatical loyalty to Danzo. 'It all points to something sinister, something much bigger than I initially thought.'

His brow furrowed as he recalled the bits of information he had extracted from the Ne ANBU. The fragments were like pieces of a dark puzzle, slowly coming together to form a disturbing picture.

'Danzo's always meddling in village affairs, always in the shadows. And now this talk of the massacre being an inside job... Could it be?'

The blonde's eyes widened as an unthinkable thought struck him. 'What if... what if Danzo was behind the Uchiha clan's demise?'

The idea was almost too horrifying to contemplate, but the more Naruto thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. The old war hawk's obsession with power, his possession of a Sharingan - and possibly more - it all aligned too perfectly.

'But why? For the "good" of the village? To eliminate a threat? Or just to gain more power?'

His mind raced through the implications. If Danzo was capable of orchestrating the downfall of an entire clan, what else might he be responsible for? The continued surveillance of Team 7, even after Naruto's warning, suddenly took on a more sinister meaning.

However, before he could fully process this earth-shattering realisation, he sensed a shift in the air. The Kusa girl's demeanour changed subtly, and his instincts screamed danger.

Naruto's mind raced as he pieced together the clues about the Kusa girl's true identity. His intuition, sharpened by countless battles and deceptive foes, honed in on the subtleties that betrayed her façade.

First, Naruto noted the girl's unnaturally deep knowledge of the Uchiha clan. Such detailed understanding was atypical for a genin, particularly from a village like Kusagakure, which had little direct involvement in Konoha's internal affairs. Her specific mention of Uchiha Shisui, intertwined with known village secrets, was highly suspect. This was not the kind of information that would be available to an outsider without significant connections or personal involvement.

The girl's demeanor was excessively confident, her smile too calculated. She lacked the genuine distress one might expect from a ninja genuinely lost and seeking help. Instead, her poise was that of someone playing a role, carefully measuring each reaction and response from Sasuke. This theatricality was a common trait Naruto had seen in deceptive characters they encountered previously.

Naruto's growing sensitivity to chakra nuances played a crucial role. The subtle irregularities in her chakra flow didn't match the natural pattern of a Kusa ninja—instead, they hinted at something altered or masked, possibly through a transformation technique. Orochimaru was known for his mastery over such techniques, using them to infiltrate and manipulate from his bingo book entries.

Naruto remembered the specific warning about Orochimaru's interest in powerful and unique ninjas like Sasuke, making the connection increasingly plausible.

With the realization solidifying in his mind, Naruto prepared to act. However, even as he reached this conclusion, the Kusa girl—now almost certainly Orochimaru—moved swiftly. Her attack was sudden and precise, exactly what Naruto had expected from a legendary Sannin known for his lethal prowess.

Her movements were a blur, a testament to the dangerous power Orochimaru wielded. Naruto barely had time to call out a warning to his teammates as he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation, his instincts kicking in to defend against the cunning and deadly foe now revealed.

'No time to dwell on this now. We're in immediate danger!'

Naruto tensed, ready to act, but the realization about Orochimaru, Danzo and the Uchiha massacre lingered in the back of his mind, a dark shadow that would undoubtedly influence his future actions and decisions.

— Orochimaru —

In the midst of the heavy tension and swirling thoughts of Team 7, he saw his opportunity. The disguised Sannin, sensing the emotional turmoil and distraction of the young ninjas, decided it was the perfect moment to strike.

With a speed that belied his calm demeanour, Orochimaru launched himself at Naruto as he assessed the blonde to be faster than Sasuke. The move was sudden and swift, giving no room for reaction, yet Naruto's tense eyes followed him. Before Naruto could react, Orochimaru's fangs sunk deep into his neck, delivering the curse mark. The pain was sharp and immediate, a burning sensation that coursed through his body, momentarily paralysing him.

As Naruto grappled with Orochimaru in the dense foliage of the Forest of Death, he was abruptly immobilized by the Sannin's chilling grip. Orochimaru's face, a mask of sinister intent, shifted into a grotesque, snake-like visage as he leaned in to whisper menacingly about testing the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki with his 'gift'.

Without warning, he bit down sharply on Naruto's neck, injecting a cursed seal through his fangs. The bite was excruciating, sending a mixture of ice and fire through Naruto's veins, a dark chakra that immediately began to spread across his skin, manifesting an intricate pattern of Celtic knots and stylized keys—etched vividly on his skin.

The cursed seal of Eclipse rapidly spread, etching deep into Naruto's flesh with shadowy tendrils that pulsed ominously with each heartbeat. As the seal took hold, Naruto experienced an overwhelming surge of power that blurred his senses and distorted his perception. Orochimaru retreated, a satisfied smirk on his face, watching the chaos he had unleashed within Naruto.

This cursed seal was not merely a tool of power but a binding, a dark claim over Naruto's fate, intended on turning him into a pawn in Orochimaru's nefarious designs.

Sasuke, witnessing the attack on Naruto, reacted instinctively, his body moving to intervene. But Orochimaru was equally quick to respond. With the same serpentine speed, he whirled around and lunged at Sasuke, his fangs finding their mark on the young Uchiha's neck. The Curse Seal of Heaven, a symbol of Orochimaru's dark power, began to spread across Sasuke's skin, its intricate design pulsing with a sinister energy.

The attacks happened in mere seconds, leaving Sakura stunned and horrified. She watched as both her teammates were inflicted with something sinister, her medical training offering no immediate solution to this dark jutsu. The realisation that they were up against a foe far beyond their current capabilities struck her hard.

Naruto, reeling from the pain and shock of the attack, struggled to regain his bearings. His training and instincts screamed for him to fight back, but the curse mark was disorienting, sapping his strength and clouding his focus. Good thing he is just a blood clone.

Sasuke, equally affected, gritted his teeth against the pain, his Sharingan flaring fruitlessly in response to the threat. The curse mark is a violation, a dark intrusion that he could feel spreading through his body, poisoning his chakra coils threatening to overwhelm him.

Orochimaru, having successfully marked both Naruto and Sasuke, stepped back, a look of twisted satisfaction on his now peeling face. His plan came to fruition, and he revelled in the chaos he unleashed.

As things escalated, the hidden ANBU squad observed the unfolding drama with growing concern. Their hands moved in a flurry of silent, precise gestures, communicating in a secret sign language known only to Konoha's elite operatives.

'Situation escalated,' signed the squad leader, his fingers dancing in the shadows. 'Target revealed. Jinchūriki and Uchiha at risk.'

'Orders?' another ANBU responded, her mask tilting slightly as she awaited instruction.

The leader's hands moved again, decisively. 'Hare, report to Yami-sama immediately. Boar, Owl, reposition for closer observation. I'll maintain current position.'

With a barely perceptible nod, the ANBU codenamed Hare vanished in a swirl of leaves, racing back to Konoha to deliver the urgent news. Meanwhile, Boar and Owl silently leapt to higher vantage points, their chakra suppressed to near-undetectable levels as they positioned themselves for a clearer view of the confrontation below.

In the clearing, Orochimaru's eyes glinted with malicious amusement as he observed the growing realization on Naruto's and Sasuke's faces. With a chilling chuckle, he began to shed his disguise, the face of the Kusa girl melting away to reveal his true visage.

"Kukukukuku... How delightful," Orochimaru taunted, his voice dripping with dark pleasure. "Sasuke-kun, your eyes betray your hunger for power. And Naruto-kun, your growth is truly... fascinating."

Sakura, her voice trembling but determined, called out, "Who are you? What do you want with us?"

Orochimaru's eyes slid past her, dismissing her presence entirely as he focused on the two boys. "Silence, little girl. The adults are talking," he hissed, his attention never wavering from Naruto and Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun," Orochimaru continued, his tongue flicking out in an inhuman gesture, "I can give you the power you seek. The strength to avenge your clan, to surpass your brother. And Naruto-kun... oh, the potential you hide. It's intoxicating."

Sasuke is in too much pain to retort while the blonde clone waited for his original's orders.

The ANBU observers tensed, their hands flashing in rapid communication.

'Prepare to intervene,' the leader signed. 'Priority: kidnapping the Jinchūriki and Uchiha.'

As Orochimaru's killing intent flooded the clearing, Naruto and Sasuke found themselves rooted to the spot. The air crackled with tension as Orochimaru prepared to escape, the fate of Team 7 hanging in the balance.

Meanwhile, Original Naruto

The original, after having parted ways with the Hokage, found himself assisting Team 10 in a skirmish against another group from Amegakure. In his opinion, this Ame team lacked the finesse and subtlety usually associated with their village, relying more on brute force and an arrogant demeanour.

The clash was brief but intense, with Naruto providing crucial support to Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji. His intervention turned the tide in Team 10's favour, leading to a swift victory. However, upon checking the enemy team's scroll, Naruto and Team 10 discovered that it was identical to the one they already possessed.

"Looks like it's not our lucky day," Shikamaru remarked dryly, his eyes already scanning the area, thinking several steps ahead as he formulated their next move.

Ino, meanwhile, was less focused on the scroll and more on Naruto's presence. She blushed, her gaze lingering on him. "Thanks for the help, Naruto," she said, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Naruto, acknowledging her thanks with a nod, couldn't help but think. 'If only she put as much effort into being a kunoichi as she does into... well, other things.' He knew Ino had potential; she just needed to channel her energy in the right direction.

As Team 10 regrouped to plan their next step, Naruto prepared to continue his exploration. However, before he could take his leave, a sudden message from the blood clone reached him. The link between them allowed for silent communication, and the urgency of the message was not lost on him.

'Emergency, rouge sannin encounter. Immediate assistance required,'

Naruto's expression turned serious as he absorbed the information. The realization that his teammates were in immediate danger sent a jolt of alarm through him.

"I've to go," Naruto said abruptly to Team 10, his voice laced with urgency.

Without waiting for a response, Naruto vanished in a burst of speed, leaving a trail of warm air in his wake. His mind is racing, already strategizing the best way to reach his team as quickly as possible.

Team 10 was left in the clearing, processing Naruto's sudden departure. Ino's eyes were wide with concern, while Shikamaru's expression turned thoughtful, understanding the gravity of the situation.

Naruto, now moving at full speed towards his team, was a blur among the trees. The news of Orochimaru's involvement changed everything. He is not just a formidable opponent; he is a direct threat to the safety of his teammates and possibly the entire village.

He didn't think much when his clone reported a Kusa Genin with large chakra reserves walked in. Seeing he was almost halfway there in a few minutes, he put aside the thought of using Hiraishin.

Naruto's Mindscape

In the depths of Naruto's consciousness, a surprise scene is unfolding. Kyuubi, resting in his cage, is a silent observer to the events of the outside world through Naruto's senses.

But as moments passed, a satisfied smirk came on his face, with his deep, rumbling voice that resonated with power and smugness, "Finally," he growled softly, his massive form shifting into a much taller figure within the confines of the cage. "The last fragments of my Yin chakra... returned to me."

The great fox's eyes gleamed with a mix of triumph and anticipation. This recovery of chakra is significant, something unexpected, but very useful.

As this internal revelation occurred, Naruto, completely unaware of Kyuubi's recovery, prepared to use his Hiraishin technique to teleport and replace his blood clone as things turned worse. He was focused entirely on the task at hand, his mind racing through the steps of the jutsu.

But just as he was about to activate the technique, a voice, ancient and profound, echoed in his mind, halting his actions. It was a voice that seemed to come from the very depths of the world, resonating with a power that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

"Geræd for Onginnung habbað beon gefylled,[Requirements for Initiation have been met,]" the voice intoned, its words vibrating through Naruto's very being.

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. The voice was unlike anything he had ever heard. It carried a weight and authority that transcended normal comprehension.

"Onginnung Ninshu Seiwa: Chowa Ichi - Yugo [(Tranquil Harmony of Ninshū (Ninja Creed) Step 1: Initiation)]," the voice continued, the words enveloping Naruto in a sensation that felt like the merging of past, present, and future.

As Naruto stood frozen, trying to grasp the significance of these words, the system began its intricate process. A beam of ethereal light emanated from an unseen source, scanning Naruto's body from head to toe.

The system continued its assessment:

"Līchamlicu gesceaft: Selost"

[Physical condition: Optimal]

"Mōdes stæððignes: Fæst"

[Mental state: Stable]

"Gefōhta gearwung: Gestaðolfæst"

[Emotional readiness: Confirmed]

"Chakra hordas: Ūtnemende"

[Chakra reserves: Exceptional]

"Underþēow gedeemed gecoplic for onginnung."

[Subject deemed fit for initiation.]

As the process unfolded, Naruto felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. It was as if every cell was being awakened, infused with ancient knowledge and power.

"Onginnung Ninshu Seiwa endebyrdnesse. Nīwung sprǣce gemearc. Ingong Akashic Gewritu. Geþēodung andweardan worulde dǣda."

[Commencing Ninshu Seiwa protocol. Updating language parameters. Accessing Akashic Records. Integrating current world data.]

The voice seemed to shift, its tone evolving as it processed millennia of informationation in mere moments. Then, it transitioned to modern speech:

"Uzumaki Naruto, you are deemed worthy to be the heir to the legacy of Ninshu. The fate of the world hangs in the balance."

Suddenly, Naruto felt a strange sensation wash over him. It started as a tingling at the base of his skull, quickly spreading throughout his body. His vision began to blur, the edges of his sight darkening as if a veil is being drawn over his eyes.

And Cut.

That's it for this Chapter folks.

See y'all in the next chapter.

Suggestions are welcome.

Black Infinity1289,

Ja Ne.