Konoha: Naruto's abnormal life choices

The massive Rasengan smashed through the snake's head—but just as the creature crumpled, another snake head burst from Orochimaru's body and lunged around to bite.

Naruto Uzumaki was exhausted. This immortal snake freak was beyond revolting. After all that effort, all he got was a worthless pile of shed skin.

Damn it. Because of this crap today, if I get the chance in the future… I'll kill you.

Naruto's rage surged, but Orochimaru's overwhelming pressure forced him to keep his cool. As the second snake head lashed out, Naruto focused his mind and swung his left, flame-coated arm. The heat was so intense it melted the serpent's head instantly.

And just as he expected, a third snake head started to emerge from that disgusting, mutated body.

Time to bluff.

"Lord Orochimaru, please wait! I have something important to discuss with you!"

At those words, Orochimaru paused. The third snake head retracted, returning to his normal face—not a disguise, not a puppet, but the original. Sickly pale skin, long black hair, and golden slit-pupiled eyes gave him an aura of twisted darkness.

And his methods were as terrifying as his appearance.

Facing someone like this—and not being able to beat him—Naruto felt the pressure. If it weren't for the unpredictable consequences of unleashing the Nine-Tails, he would've already used its chakra just to train under real stress.

"I didn't expect you to recognize me," Orochimaru hissed, his voice like a rasping blade.

"One of the legendary Sannin using signature snake techniques? I'd have to be blind not to know."

Naruto let the flaming chakra arm disperse and leaned against a nearby tree, panting. He reached into his ninja tool pouch, pulled out a kunai, and held it in front of his face.

Seeing that, Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "I thought you wanted to talk. If you're still in the mood to fight, we can keep going."

"No, no—this is to block surveillance," Naruto said calmly. "Like, say, the Telescope Jutsu."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. So he's aware of that too. Interesting.

"Hmph, relax. I don't sense the Third's chakra. It's just us here." Orochimaru crossed his arms, radiating a chilling aura.

The message was clear: speak—impress me—or die.

Naruto exhaled slowly. "Based on what I've picked up, I think I know what you're after. You're here for Konoha's secret research and forbidden techniques protected by the Third Hokage."

He kept his tone steady. "And the biggest obstacle in your way… is the Third himself. I can give you useful intel."

Orochimaru's expression flickered. "How do you know that? Are you one of Danzo's informants? But that can't be… the Third wouldn't let Danzo get near a Jinchūriki."

Naruto blinked. What? Danzo's mixed up in the Konoha Crush too?

This village never stops being a mess.

Naruto avoided the question and stayed focused. "Your plan is set for the third exam, a month from now, right? But I don't think that's your best shot. The Forest of Death is actually the perfect location to make your move."

"Oh?" Orochimaru smirked. "Tell me more."

Naruto's face hardened. "A month is too far off. The Kazekage's death might be discovered by then. If that happens, Suna could join Konoha against you. Right now, while you still control the Suna-nin, is the perfect window."

He continued, "From what I've heard, the Third Hokage is planning to attend the second exam in person. The Forest is lightly staffed—just a few proctors overseeing the test. This is your best opportunity."

Orochimaru drummed his fingers against his arm, unimpressed. "And how do I know you're not feeding me lies?"

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "That depends on how much you trust Danzo."

It was a gamble. Naruto was betting that Danzo hadn't just been used and discarded—that there was some real connection between him and Orochimaru.

If he was wrong, he was screwed. He couldn't fight, couldn't run. The only card left would be unleashing the Nine-Tails.

"Fine," Orochimaru said at last, smirking. "I'm bored anyway. I'll wait here in the Forest of Death for a few days. But if the Third doesn't show up... you know what happens next."

Naruto let out a quiet breath of relief.

So Danzo really was in on the plan to assassinate the Third. All because he couldn't get the Hokage seat while Hiruzen was still alive.

"Lord Orochimaru, may I go now?" Naruto asked.

Orochimaru nodded slowly. "You may. But don't try anything funny. I can find you anywhere."

Naruto gave a polite nod. "Of course. One last thing—could you give me your scroll?"

"…What scroll?"

"The one from the Heaven and Earth scroll set. You know, the exam requirement."

Orochimaru stared at him for a long moment.

You're trying to assassinate the Hokage and overthrow the village… and you care about the Chūnin scroll?

Naruto chuckled awkwardly under Orochimaru's glare. "I mean… I still want to get promoted, heh."

With a scoff, Orochimaru tossed the scroll over. "Take it and go."

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!"

Naruto bolted without another word.

His real reason for asking? He needed the scroll to fulfill a mission condition for earning the Rasenshuriken. With Orochimaru out of the way, the strongest threat was removed. Now, there was no one left who could challenge Uzumaki Naruto.

Watching him disappear, Orochimaru let out a quiet chuckle.

If Danzo hadn't been so generous with resources, he might've just stolen that boy's body and learned Scorch Release out of spite.

Oh well.

This time, I'll consider it a favor for Danzo. In exchange, he'd better send me more test subjects.

Suddenly, Orochimaru's eyes sharpened. He sensed a familiar chakra signature.

"The Telescope Technique…"

A cold grin spread across his lips.

"Hahaha… Sarutobi-sensei, I didn't expect you to show up this quickly."

In a flash, he changed his face to that of the disguised Kusanagi ninja again. Lowering his head and pulling the hat down over his mouth, he muttered to no one in particular:

"Notify the Sand-nin inside and outside the village. Tell Tayuya and the others—we're moving ahead of schedule."

"And let Danzo take care of Root."