A New Snake In The Shinobi World

Could the Flying Thunder God Technique alone kill the Third Kazekage?

Danzo had his doubts and truthfully, so would anyone else.

After all, the Flying Thunder God was primarily an auxiliary jutsu, not an offensive one. Its reputation might sound impressive, but when used alone, its capabilities were often overestimated. It was excellent for dealing with lower-ranked ninjas or ambushing unsuspecting targets, but taking down a Kage-level opponent was another matter entirely.

Still, the fact that the Second Hokage had gained the moniker "The Fastest Shinobi in the World" with this technique spoke volumes about its uniqueness. In the hands of someone skilled, it was indeed a lethal tool.

Combined with Orochimaru's own abilities, it made sense that he could exploit a moment of vulnerability to take down even the Third Kazekage.

So when Orochimaru mentioned it to Danzo, the latter didn't question it further. In fact, neither did anyone else. Even the Third Hokage, upon hearing the news, merely expressed surprise rather than doubt.

---

The next morning, Danzo sought out the Third Hokage to explain the situation.

His explanation was straightforward: he had been keeping an eye on Orochimaru, intending to recruit him as an ally. During their exchanges, Danzo had noticed Orochimaru's exceptional talent and decided to share the Scroll of Seals with him, believing it might deepen their relationship.

It was a flimsy excuse, but it served its purpose.

The Third Hokage had long been aware of Danzo's behind-the-scenes attempts to influence Orochimaru. Their complicated history meant Sarutobi often chose to turn a blind eye to Danzo's scheming. However, hearing Danzo come clean about this particular act actually came as a minor relief.

The Scroll of Seals was a restricted collection of techniques reserved for Hokage and trusted officials. While Danzo had access, he lacked the authority to share its contents without Sarutobi's permission.

"Danzo," the Third Hokage said sternly, his expression dark. "The Scroll of Seals contains techniques forbidden by the Hokage himself and our predecessors. You understand what that means. How could you justify allowing Orochimaru access without consulting me first?"

Hiruzen emphasized the word "Hokage," leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Danzo remained composed. "I believed it was too trivial a matter to trouble you with. And besides, Orochimaru is your disciple, not an outsider."

Hiruzen gaze didn't soften. "Regardless, I expect this to never happen again. Am I clear?"

Danzo frowned slightly but nodded after a moment of silence. "Understood."

Though irritated, Danzo knew better than to directly challenge the Hokage over this matter. He was technically in the wrong, after all.

Seeing Danzo relent, Hiruzen let the matter drop.

But as Danzo left, Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

Orochimaru had learned the Flying Thunder God?

It was a truly astonishing feat.

The Flying Thunder God wasn't forbidden because it was dangerous to others, it was dangerous to the user. The technique's rapid spatial displacement required such precise chakra control that even slightly less talented ninjas often suffered severe physical strain or injuries just attempting to learn it.

For Orochimaru to master it so easily…

Hiruzen shook his head. He had always known his disciple was gifted, but Orochimaru's potential continued to surpass his expectations.

---

While this conversation unfolded, Orochimaru remained unaware of Danzo's explanation to the Hokage. He was too preoccupied with his own plans.

Since Nonō was preparing to leave the village in three days, Orochimaru decided to meet her at her temporary residence.

When she opened the door, he handed her an ornate box without preamble.

"Take this," he said.

Nonō blinked in confusion, holding the surprisingly heavy box. "What is this…?"

"Consider it an advance payment for your services," Orochimaru replied.

"Payment?" Curious, Nonō opened the box and gasped. "T-Ten million ryo?!" She covered her mouth in disbelief. "Orochimaru-sama, this… this is too much!"

"Opening an orphanage requires significant funds," Orochimaru said, his tone calm and matter-of-fact.

"But the village supports the orphanage," Nonō argued, hastily closing the box and offering it back to him. "I can't accept this, especially not from you."

"Take it," Orochimaru insisted, pushing the box back toward her. "Even if you don't need it now, you may need it in the future. Think of it as a safety net. Start the orphanage, and I'll contact you in a few days."

Nonō opened her mouth to respond, but Orochimaru didn't give her the chance. Turning on his heel, he walked away without waiting for an answer.

For him, money was the least of his concerns. If it could secure Nonō's loyalty or at least her goodwill, it was a small price to pay.

Behind him, Nonō stared at the closed box in her hands, her emotions swirling.

Ten million ryo. Most shinobi wouldn't see that much money in their entire lives, and Orochimaru had handed it to her without hesitation.

He wasn't asking for anything in return except her commitment to building the orphanage.

"Lord Orochimaru…" Nonō murmured, watching his retreating figure. "What kind of person are you, really?"

Her curiosity about him deepened.

---

Orochimaru didn't return home after leaving Nonō's residence. Instead, he headed straight to his lab in Konoha.

The purpose was simple: to begin integrating the Magnet Release.

On the battlefield, he hadn't had the time or resources to focus on it. Now, with his lab fully equipped, he could finally begin the process.

As he prepared the gene fusion formula, Orochimaru decided to create several semi-finished samples of the gene fusion serum for future use. He was already so practiced at crafting these formulas that it took him only a few days to complete everything.

Magnet Release was an intriguing ability, he thought. It had immense potential not just for combat, but for utility as well.

The Third Kazekage's use of iron sand had been impressive, but Orochimaru believed it was just the tip of the iceberg.

"Iron sand?" he mused aloud, watching a scalpel hover in the air, suspended by his newly-created magnetic field. "How underwhelming."

If developed properly, Magnet Release could create gravitational fields, manipulate materials on a molecular level, or even emulate the powers of a figure like Magneto from certain stories he'd read.

The possibilities were endless.

Sitting in his lab, Orochimaru smirked as the scalpel spun lazily in the air.

"It's time to take this to the next level."