A New Snake In The Shinobi World

Nono had spent most of her life as a spy. When she finally returned and asked Danzo to let her resign, she opened the orphanage and distanced herself from her previous life. Naturally, this meant she was completely unaware of recent events in Konoha, let alone the battle in the Land of Frost

Therefore, when she heard Orochimaru claim that using the potion he provided would allow her to gain Magnet Release abilities, her initial reaction was utter disbelief.

By the time she snapped out of her shock, Orochimaru had already vanished.

That night, as she stared at the scalpel floating in front of her, she was completely bewildered.

"This… Is this really Magnet Release?"

There was no doubt about it. The potions Orochimaru gave her included three enhancement serums—basic, intermediate, and advanced—along with a genetic fusion liquid that combined five elemental chakra natures and granted the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai.

With these four potions, Nono could acquire a powerful body, mastery over all five chakra elements, and a Kekkei Genkai in a short period of time.

With such immense potential, a little practice could elevate her strength to roughly the Kage level.

Speaking of the Kage level, it's worth noting, it's just a concept.

Having a Kekkei Genkai doesn't guarantee Kage-level strength. Without sufficient combat talent, even someone who possessed both Sharingan and Wood Release could still end up being useless in a real fight.

Although such individuals are rare, they do exist.

Fortunately, Nono wasn't one of them. Her exceptional talent was what allowed her to become a high-ranking spy in the first place.

Orochimaru, however, couldn't expose the existence of the gene fusion liquid during his time in Konoha.

Given his relationship with the Third Hokage at the time, if the Hokage had discovered it, would Orochimaru have been able to refuse if asked to hand it over?

Unwilling to surrender something so critical, Orochimaru chose to keep it hidden.

But now, as a rogue ninja—a free man—he no longer answered to anyone. He could decide for himself who received his creations. No one could restrain him anymore, nor did anyone have the right to.

He could share his Kekkei Genkai research with whomever he wished.

Both Chana and Nono worked under him. To minimize risks, Orochimaru decided to help them improve their strength.

However, Chana, despite being from the Uzumaki clan, was not a ninja, and Orochimaru didn't have the time to train her in using these abilities. So, he didn't grant her any enhancements.

Nono, on the other hand, was different.

As a skilled medical ninja, she could make full use of any ability Orochimaru bestowed upon her.

Of course, Orochimaru wasn't naïve. Trusting someone entirely was always risky, and granting someone too much power was a gamble he wasn't willing to take.

Thus, he had a limit. An advanced enhancement, mastery of five chakra natures, and a single Kekkei Genkai was enough.

After leaving the orphanage, Orochimaru returned to his laboratory to pack up. He was preparing to relocate and establish a new lab elsewhere.

"Dad, you're back!"

As Orochimaru entered, a young boy who looked around ten years old ran up to him eagerly.

Orochimaru had lazily named the boy "Mi," which meant "Snake."

The child bore a striking resemblance to Orochimaru as a youth—pale skin, golden slit-pupils, and delicate features. The only difference was his short gray hair.

But what stood out the most wasn't his appearance. Despite being only a year old in reality, he looked like he was ten.

Moreover, his memories and genes had been meticulously designed by Orochimaru.

Not only did he possess independent thought, but he also had extensive knowledge and combat prowess far superior to a clone.

In his mind, Mi believed he was not an artificial creation but Orochimaru and Tsunade's biological son.

He remembered a happy childhood and receiving the full legacy of his "parents."

Orochimaru had poured more effort into creating him than any clone. Crafting a believable and detailed memory alone took him half a year.

Hearing Mi's words, Orochimaru affectionately patted his head. "Pack your things. We're leaving early tomorrow."

"Yes, Dad!"

Watching the boy dart away to gather his belongings, Orochimaru found the whole situation amusing.

A son, huh? And being called "Dad"... how peculiar.

The night passed without incident, and the next morning, Orochimaru left the orphanage with Mi and a group of twenty clones.

His plan was to establish a new laboratory in the southeastern region of the Land of Fire.

Orochimaru was quietly building an army using cloning technology.

Meanwhile, the major ninja villages remained entangled in their fight for resources, seemingly oblivious to Orochimaru's movements.

The Third Ninja World War had been triggered when Sasori of the Red Sand killed the Third Kazekage, prompting Sunagakure to declare war on Konoha in the name of revenge.

This time, however, things were different.

The war erupted because Kumogakure declared war on Konoha, claiming they sought to avenge the Third Raikage.

They suspected that Konoha's expulsion of Orochimaru had been a ruse, believing that his defection was a cover to secretly shift him to clandestine operations.

After all, who would willingly drive someone as skilled and intelligent as Orochimaru to his death?

To Kumogakure, Konoha's actions didn't make sense unless it was all part of a larger deception.

But in truth, Konoha was entirely innocent in the matter.

Even Hiruzen and Danzo were unaware of the full extent of Orochimaru's capabilities. What he had revealed to the village was merely the tip of the iceberg.

Konoha was furious at Kumogakure's baseless accusations.

Having been forced to disband an alliance and hand over valuable resources, Konoha's patience had worn thin.

The Third Hokage, already under pressure from internal matters, finally snapped.

"If you want war, then war it is. Do you think we're afraid of you?"

Thus, in the early days of Konoha's 44th year, the Third Ninja World War officially began.

Kumogakure's forces launched attacks on Konoha, while Konoha mobilized its own troops in response.

However, neither side anticipated what awaited them.

As their armies clashed in the neutral territories between the two nations, they encountered an unknown force.

This mysterious group wore black cloaks and masks. They were not only formidable but also numerous.

Both Kumo and Konoha were stunned.

"Ninjas from foreign nations who have entered the Land of Sound without authorization, leave our territory immediately."

The cold, emotionless voice sent chills down their spines.

As the warning ended, dozens of masked figures bearing Sound Village forehead protectors raised their kunai in unison.

The Kumo ninja gripped their swords tightly, eyeing the imposing group warily.

"Hey, this is a conflict between major powers. What are you small-timers doing here? Stay out of it!" one Kumo ninja snapped arrogantly.

"First warning issued," the clone leader responded without a hint of emotion.

"What?" The Kumo ninja froze, then burst into anger. "Are you deaf? If you don't back off, we'll destroy your little ninja village right here and now!"

"Second warning issued."

"Bastard! You're asking for death!" the Kumo ninja roared, charging forward with his blade drawn.

"The target is hostile. Enemy confirmed. Kill without mercy."

"The target is hostile. Enemy confirmed. Kill without mercy."

***

Check the Reading List on my profile for other books i'm working on.

For every 300 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 70+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves.