Orochimaru suddenly showed up at the training grounds, saying that Hiruzen Sarutobi had taken a liking to him and wanted him to become my mentor.
Chinya's mind nearly froze for a moment.
It was obvious to Chinya that Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed favored him.
After all, this wasn't the first time. Hiruzen had repeatedly hinted—both directly and indirectly—that Chinya could apply for the graduation exam early and become a full-fledged ninja.
But Chinya had cleverly dodged every hint.
Graduating early just to become an ordinary ninja performing low-level missions? Chinya saw it as a complete waste of time.
Unless Hiruzen explicitly promised that Chinya would be allowed on real combat missions after graduation, he wouldn't gamble on it.
And if he lost that gamble, he'd be stuck picking through garbage for scraps.
What Chinya hadn't expected was that with only two days left until his scheduled graduation exam, Orochimaru himself would actually come looking for him.
And introduced by Hiruzen himself!
Suddenly, Chinya realized—Orochimaru right now was still one of the most respected Sannin in Konoha, a beloved pupil of Hiruzen Sarutobi, and one of Konoha's key pillars.
This Orochimaru hadn't yet suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Sharingan. He was simply a Konoha ninja with an insatiable hunger for mastering every known jutsu.
As for being dangerous? Even now, Orochimaru carried some risk.
Having lost both parents from a young age, and having witnessed the deaths of his close friend Dan Kato and student Nawaki, Orochimaru had already begun leaning toward darkness.
Moreover, later on, he'd also team up with the Konoha elders to study the Wood Release kekkei genkai.
And Chinya, possessing the bloodline of the Senju Clan, was the perfect experimental subject.
However, that whole affair regarding Wood Release research probably wouldn't begin until after the Third Great Ninja War ended, during the selection process for the next Hokage.
Right now, Chinya wasn't sure whether Orochimaru had already started studying the Impure World Reincarnation technique or researching immortality.
In general, the risk of becoming Orochimaru's disciple at this point wasn't high—it was recommended personally by the Third Hokage.
Besides, there was no doubt about Orochimaru's teaching ability.
Just look at future Sasuke Uchiha. As Orochimaru's disciple, he not only trained Sasuke into a formidable force but also laid solid foundations in analyzing enemy capabilities and formulating battle strategies.
Chinya had mastered [Full Sword Forms of Thunder Breathing], yes—but only that, plus the basic jutsu taught at the Ninja Academy.
Therefore, his current training focused purely on refining and integrating what he already knew, without actually learning anything new.
If he became Orochimaru's disciple, surely Orochimaru would teach him something fresh.
Also, Chinya really wanted to learn how to analyze enemy strengths and formulate tactical responses.
With his decision made, Chinya dropped to one knee and pleaded, "Please accept me as your disciple, Lord Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru smiled faintly and said, "Although I am indeed quite interested in you, and the Third Hokage also hopes I'll accept you, that doesn't automatically mean you can become my disciple."
"I'll give you a chance," Orochimaru said, "to face the realization that if you don't kill me, you will die. Pass my test, and then you shall become my disciple."
Chinya stood up and asked, "Understood, Lord Orochimaru. So the test starts now, right?"
Orochimaru gave a slight nod. "Correct. It starts now."
As soon as Orochimaru stopped speaking, Chinya shot backward, creating distance between them. His right hand hovered above his katana's hilt as he concentrated chakra, his hands and feet already crackling with lightning.
Orochimaru was satisfied with Chinya's response. Without hesitation, upon learning about the test, he had instantly prepared himself for battle.
[Thunder Breathing, First Form: Lightning Flash!]
Chinya erupted forward like thunder tearing through the air, approaching Orochimaru at an incredible speed. He unsheathed his blade in a flash—so fast that the eye could barely follow.
However, after performing the slash, Chinya felt no resistance from his katana indicating a successful strike.
He missed.
And Orochimaru was no longer standing in front of him.
Frowning slightly, Chinya realized how fast that Body Flicker Technique was.
Orochimaru's voice came from Chinya's side: "Your speed is impressive, but your weakness is equally obvious. You can't change direction mid-attack; you only move in a straight line. As long as one anticipates your attack and shifts position just slightly before impact, your blow will miss completely."
After making hand seals, Orochimaru aimed his arm at Chinya.
[Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!]
In an instant, several snakes surged forth from Orochimaru's arm toward Chinya.
Chinya immediately shifted directions to face Orochimaru head-on.
[Thunder Breathing, Fourth Form: Distant Thunder!]
Blinding blue lightning burst from Chinya's body as he charged toward Orochimaru with electric speed, unleashing rapid high-speed slashes upon reaching him.
The snakes Orochimaru summoned were electrocuted into crisps before they could even reach Chinya.
Chinya continued his high-speed assault with blade strikes, but Orochimaru effortlessly evaded each one.
While dodging Chinya's slashes, Orochimaru commented, "This technique sacrifices some speed but enhances the intensity of the lightning-released chakra transformation. Its power is also quite impressive."
Meanwhile, while skillfully avoiding Chinya's sword attacks, Orochimaru quickly formed hand seals with both hands.
[Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!]
Orochimaru exhaled a powerful gust of wind from his mouth.
Though classified as a C-rank jutsu, its power depended entirely on the ninja wielding it.
When used by an exceptional ninja, the wind force possessed enough destructive power to topple century-old trees.
Orochimaru certainly qualified as such an outstanding ninja.
The powerful gust blew directly toward Chinya, who was immediately sent flying backward.
Furthermore, due to wind countering lightning nature, the lightning flickering across Chinya's body was blown away by the fierce winds.
Just as Chinya seemed about to be carried far away by the wind, he suddenly stopped midair.
A snake wrapped around Chinya's body, its tail coiled tightly around Orochimaru's arm.
Chinya hung like a kite on a string, dangling in midair.
As Chinya tried to break free from the serpentine grip of Orochimaru's jutsu, Orochimaru suddenly yanked hard, pulling him uncontrollably forward.
Orochimaru landed a heavy punch straight into Chinya's abdomen, sending him flying backward instantly.
"Cough..."
Chinya's eyes widened as he felt like he would vomit stomach acid.
He crashed heavily onto the ground, rolling a couple of times before finally coming to a stop.
Orochimaru still seemed perfectly calm as he remarked, "Your responsiveness under pressure is lacking. When I used [Hidden Shadow Snake Hands], before activating his Wind Release, and while pulling you toward me—you had multiple chances to break free or strike back."
Clutching his stomach, Chinya got up, took a deep breath, reset his stance—then immediately activated his Sharingan.
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