i am kimimaro

Seven days to travel from the Land of Water to the Land of Rain wasn't much time, so Orochimaru didn't stop to rest much along the way.

For him, this was nothing, of course.

But for Kimimaro and Suigetsu, who were still young and not yet strong enough, it was quite exhausting.

However, Kimimaro took it as training and didn't slack off the entire journey.

When they encountered rivers, he ran on the water, keeping pace with the boat.

When they came across steep slopes, he ran along the cliffside.

Throughout the journey, Kimimaro didn't improve much in other areas, but his chakra control saw significant progress.

Of course, Orochimaru's guidance was indispensable in this regard.

Orochimaru admired Kimimaro's determination to become stronger. This was the mindset a strong person should have.

Seeing Kimimaro train so diligently, Suigetsu felt embarrassed to rest and joined in, though his effort and endurance were nowhere near Kimimaro's.

On the fifth day, they finally entered the Land of Fields.

The Land of Fields was Orochimaru's territory.

He had numerous secret bases across the ninja world, but the Sound Village he built in the Land of Fields was undoubtedly the largest.

After leaving Konoha, Orochimaru bribed the daimyo of the Land of Fields and, with his approval, established the Sound Village.

Now, the village had grown significantly.

"We're here."

Orochimaru stopped and looked at the gate of the Sound Village with a sense of accomplishment.

Although he had never aimed to become Hokage, being outright rejected by the Third Hokage had left him displeased.

Didn't the Third Hokage say he wasn't capable of becoming a Kage?

Well, I'll build my own village and show you! I, Orochimaru, can run a village just as well as, if not better than, Konoha!

With this in mind, and to further his research, Orochimaru established the Sound Village.

After years of secret development, the Sound Village was now on par with the smaller hidden villages.

"This place is much smaller than the Mist Village," Suigetsu muttered quietly. Orochimaru shot him a glance, and Suigetsu immediately fell silent.

Kimimaro looked at the ninja village in front of him and made a scissor gesture with his right hand as a familiar voice echoed in his ear.

"Tourist and Sound Village successfully photographed together. You are awarded a Clow Card: Silence. It has the power to erase all surrounding sounds.

When used externally, it creates a Barrier of Silence. Inside this barrier, anyone who makes a sound will be teleported outside. The barrier's strength is linked to the user's power. When used internally, it allows the user to maintain absolute calm."

Receiving another Clow Card, Kimimaro didn't feel much excitement.

"The Silence Card suits this village quite well," he thought as he followed Orochimaru into the village.

"Orochimaru-sama!"

As they walked, people continuously greeted Orochimaru with looks of admiration in their eyes, showing just how respected he was.

Such charisma was rare.

Of course, those who didn't admire or follow Orochimaru weren't non-existent—he had simply imprisoned them.

If Suigetsu continued to behave as he was, he might soon join their ranks.

Orochimaru led the two into the village's central building. Once inside, the villagers began murmuring amongst themselves.

"More newcomers, and two of them at that."

"Usually, Kabuto-sama brings people back. This time, Orochimaru-sama personally escorted them. They must be important."

"Damn it! More competition for Orochimaru-sama's favor. I won't lose to them!"

"They're just kids. How tough could they be? I'll teach them a lesson and show them who really deserves Orochimaru-sama's attention around here."

"That's right!"

Many of the ninjas were clearly frustrated, feeling that Kimimaro and Suigetsu had stolen Orochimaru's respect.

If Kimimaro knew about their resentment, he'd probably roll his eyes.

The room they entered was brightly lit, and a woman in white, around 20 years old, was busy with something.

Seeing Orochimaru, she immediately stopped what she was doing.

"Orochimaru-sama, you've returned."

Orochimaru gave a slight nod and asked, "Is Kabuto back?"

"There was a complication with his mission, and he hasn't returned yet."

"It seems he's encountered some trouble."

Orochimaru pondered for a moment, then continued, "I have business and will be leaving soon. These two are in your care. Show them around the village. Other than leaving the village, grant them whatever they want."

The woman, named Otoha, curiously glanced at Kimimaro and Suigetsu, then nodded.

The last person to receive this kind of treatment was Kabuto, who was now the second-in-command of the Sound Village.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."

Hearing that Orochimaru would be leaving, Suigetsu's eyes lit up.

If Orochimaru left, escaping would be much easier.

As if reading his thoughts, Orochimaru pointed to Suigetsu and said in a low voice, "If this one tries to escape, capture him and throw him in the confinement room. I'll deal with him when I return."

Suigetsu's heart sank. His plan had been seen through instantly.

"Orochimaru-sama, I wasn't planning to escape. You're the person I admire most! Why would I ever want to leave?"

Suigetsu quickly tried to explain.

Orochimaru chuckled, clearly not believing him.

"Kimimaro, if you seek power, continue your journey with me. That room contains many of my training notes. You're free to enter and use them as you wish."

Compared to Suigetsu, Orochimaru valued Kimimaro much more.

He didn't intend to take Kimimaro as a disciple, but that didn't stop him from teaching him a thing or two.

This treatment was even better than being a student.

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama."

Orochimaru wasted no time and left immediately.

He still had to head to the Land of Rain, and time was short, so he wouldn't linger here.

Seeing Orochimaru leave, Suigetsu finally exhaled. The pressure Orochimaru brought was overwhelming.

"Come with me, I'll show you to your quarters."

Otoha left the lab and approached the two.

"Thank you."

Kimimaro, as usual, kept his words brief, but Suigetsu was the opposite, a chatterbox.

"Sis, how long have you been here? What do you do? Are you the one running the village? Do you think Orochimaru-sama is attractive? Are you married?"

Suigetsu's questions became more and more ridiculous, until finally, a vein appeared on Otoha forehead.

Wham!

She punched Suigetsu on the head, causing a splash of water.

"Ouch! Why'd you hit me?"

(End of Chapter)