Naruto: Born Gifted in Konoha

With Kakuzu and Sasori now part of the Akatsuki Organization, their addition temporarily compensated for some of the group's lack in high-level battle power.

The entire Amegakure Village was already under Akatsuki's control, so resource allocation naturally prioritized the core members.

After careful consideration, Saitama eventually decided to take advantage of Akatsuki's resources to forge himself a tanto.

Expensive and rare chakra-infused metals were incorporated into the weapon, and he enlisted the services of the finest blacksmith available. It took half a month to complete the blade that finally met Saitama's satisfaction.

While crafting this weapon, Sasori also provided minor assistance. After considerable pestering from Saitama, he even contributed part of his personally hoarded precious metals.

Of course, Saitama promised he would definitely return those materials someday in the future—but whether he truly intended to keep that promise remained known only to Saitama himself.

Swish! He sliced the air with his blade in his right hand, producing a pleasant sound—as smooth as Delfi (a famous chocolate brand), very silky.

The weapon was only 65 centimeters long—not particularly long at all.

Its hilt featured a round handguard, with sharkskin tightly wrapped around the grip area to provide a secure hold.

In the Naruto world, there wasn't much difference between knives and swords, so Saitama's tanto was double-edged too.

Because multiple valuable metals had been used in its forging, the tanto weighed quite heavily—solid and substantial in Saitama's grip.

"Saitama-kun! Want to go watch an interesting show?"

Just as Saitama sat on his windowsill, admiring his newly-acquired blade, White Zetsu's voice rang out.

Turning toward the voice, White Zetsu emerged halfway through a nearby wall, half his body still wrapped in carnivorous plant leaves, wearing an amused expression.

"What kind of show?" Saitama asked curiously. Recently, he hadn't left the village at all and had no idea what was happening outside.

"About Orochimaru! I know you and Orochimaru seem to get along pretty well, so I thought I'd invite you to witness something entertaining!"

White Zetsu said with a teasing tone, making Saitama frown slightly.

"I'm somewhat interested now."

Saitama jumped down from the windowsill, grabbed his coat hanging nearby, and pulled it on.

No doubt about it—the Akatsuki Organization's iconic cloaks were undeniably impressive, perfectly matching Saitama's sense of style.

"Last month, Orochimaru returned to the village for some rest and maintenance. He hasn't left again recently."

"But lately, apparently, he's drawn the attention of the former Hokage over something rather unsavory."

White Zetsu continued, possessing the best stealth capabilities in the shinobi world, enabling him to learn many secrets otherwise unknown.

"Is that so?" Saitama stared at White Zetsu's pale face but couldn't read any further emotions from his expression.

But inside, he already had a few guesses about what Orochimaru was up to—he'd always had mixed feelings toward him.

On one hand, Orochimaru treated human life like grass, which unsettled Saitama; yet on the other hand, Orochimaru had always shown him genuine respect and admiration, so Saitama never really disliked him either.

"If it's Orochimaru we're talking about, then this must be related to *those* events during this time period," Saitama mused silently, his clear eyes flashing with lucidity.

"Why don't we go check it out?" White Zetsu spoke again, as if waiting for Saitama's reply.

"It might be worth a visit. If possible, we could even bring Orochimaru into the Organization!"

Saitama nodded and headed toward the exit.

He didn't need to specially report to Nagato or anyone else — this was his free time, and he could do as he pleased.

Zetsu's eyes locked onto Saitama's back before slowly sinking into the wall, following closely behind.

...

Due to Iwagakure's early surrender, Kirigakure gradually found itself at a disadvantage in its war against Konoha.

Though only two of the legendary Sannin remained on the battlefield, their presence still played an immeasurable role in maintaining stability.

Even though Yagura was a perfect jinchuriki, dealing with two opponents who worked seamlessly together and were nearly his equal in strength proved extremely challenging.

Konoha hadn't fully committed its forces to counter Kirigakure, because conflicts with Iwagakure and Kumogakure were still ongoing in certain regions, requiring defensive preparations elsewhere.

Therefore, under these circumstances, Kirigakure's war effort against Konoha had gradually become increasingly strained.

The prolonged war also began to dissatisfy the Water Daimyo (lord of the Land of Water).

Massive supplies were being consumed without gaining even an inch of territory from the Land of Fire.

This was something the Water Daimyo simply could not tolerate.

So he continuously cut back on military resources provided to Kiri — both to pressure them for results and to express his dissatisfaction.

However, this move further lowered the morale of Kiri ninja; hungry and poorly clothed, they slowly started losing their fighting spirit.

The only reason they continued staying on the battlefield was that the Mizukage had yet to issue a withdrawal order.

Faced with such a situation in Mist, Konoha gained additional breathing room.

It was precisely during this period that Orochimaru returned to Konoha Village.

Originally, as a Hokage candidate, he had always been considered the most likely successor.

This wasn't just because he was The Third's direct disciple, but also due to all his battlefield victories over the years.

But now that Minato Namikaze had officially taken the Hokage position, Orochimaru surprisingly wasn't very angry.

He knew he'd never really been popular in the village — especially compared to Minato Namikaze.

Besides, Minato had managed to force Iwa into a truce, leading to a ceasefire with Konoha.

Orochimaru held no ill will toward Minato. As Jiraiya's student, Minato might not have been especially close to him, but Minato should still refer to him respectfully as "uncle."

What truly upset Orochimaru was that Sarutobi Hiruzen — the one person he had always believed would stand firmly behind him — had begun showing suspicion and setting up defenses against him.

To Orochimaru, The Third had always been both mentor and father figure.

After losing his parents at a young age, it was Hiruzen who constantly supported and encouraged him. Yet over time, the distance between them had grown ever greater.

When exactly those doubts began forming, he couldn't say.

Maybe it started when, as a child, he first picked up that white snake. Or perhaps it was when he watched his students die before his eyes as their teacher. It could even have begun when he stood beside Tsunade, helpless as she silently wept.

Orochimaru's understanding of life had begun to shift. He sought to uncover the meaning of existence and discover the origin of all truth!

Thus, he started delving into forbidden knowledge—secrets that the world had long rejected and feared.

*Clink!* Orochimaru set down the scalpel in his hand, indifferent to the crimson blood staining his fingers. He glanced at the operating table with satisfaction.

"What an intriguing specimen! I can feel myself drawing closer to [The Source of All Life]!"

He extended his tongue slightly, licking near his lips. Under the dim yellow light, the purple markings on his eyelids shimmered with a dangerous energy.

This was one of his secret bases located outside Konoha Village, where he stored experimental specimens.

Since returning to the village, this had become part of his daily routine—he would set aside time each day to come here and observe the mysteries of life firsthand.

Lifting his head to glance at the wall clock, Orochimaru wore a contemplative expression.

"About time," he murmured. There was no fear in his eyes—only a sense of relief.

Years of secretive experimentation had made his demeanor even colder.

And prolonged time spent underground had left his skin unnaturally pale.

"No more hiding. That's certainly one small benefit too, Sensei."

Orochimaru murmured to himself, as if he had just solidified a crucial decision.

*Plop!* Walking over to the sink, Orochimaru began washing his hands thoroughly.

His research-stained hands, still smeared with blood, weren't exactly presentable for guests. A quick cleanup seemed necessary.

*Poof!* With his back facing the entrance, Orochimaru seemed oblivious to the sound from outside, continuing to scrub without pause.

*Creak!*

The door burst open, and several figures rushed inside. Among them, a black-clad figure wearing bracers and shoulder armor stood out the most.

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