Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

Orochimaru is no ordinary individual; he is one of the legendary Konoha Sannins, adored and idolized by many.

Never before had he been spoken to in such a manner. His strength is immense, even among the Sannin, and his usual collaborators are of Danzo's supreme caliber.

Now, this young Uchiha before him does possess some skills, yet he has not shown his true face, which somewhat irks Orochimaru. This dissatisfaction has now transformed into a kind of power within him.

Why should he tolerate this? Ice-cold lights flicker in Orochimaru's narrow, snake-like eyes.

He feels that this youngster is far too arrogant.

So what if he possesses the Rinnegan?

The power of the Rinnegan is indeed formidable, but that doesn't mean a pair of eyes can change everything.

Orochimaru knows that the Uchiha clan consumes a significant amount of chakra when using their dojutsu.

This Uchiha youngster is not only maintaining the brightly glowing barrier around them but also continuously attacking him, which clearly shows that his chakra is nearly depleted.

Orochimaru thinks that Aoba is merely pretending to be strong in front of him, masking the reality of his insufficient chakra. If the fight continues, Aoba might not have much left to hope for, yet he still puts on a strong front and posture simply to make him yield.

Thinking deeply, Orochimaru realizes several simple truths and can almost be sure that soon, this young Uchiha will again discuss negotiations with him.

It's all just a pretense for now!

With this thought, Orochimaru's already cold gaze becomes even sharper. Since this Uchiha youngster wants to assert dominance, Orochimaru feels obliged to comply. After all, he is one of the legendary Sannin. With his understanding of his strength, there are hardly any in the ninja world who could kill him easily.

This also explains why he thinks the Uchiha youngster created the barrier at the start – to make him feel trapped.

Well, then, he could play along!

Orochimaru quickly forms hand seals, each seal casting a different illusion in the air, his hand-sealing speed incredibly fast as his hands are still in perfect condition.

But just as Orochimaru finishes forming the seals, he doesn't use any ninjutsu. Instead, he throws his right hand forward.

"Sen'ei Tajashu(Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands)!"

Suddenly, Orochimaru's right hand transforms into numerous stout snakes, their fangs sharp as blades and their gaping maws charging toward Aoba. The multitude of snakes instantly envelop Aoba.

In reality, Orochimaru's hand-sealing was just a feint; he had no intention of using ninjutsu. His real intent was to use Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands to bind this Uchiha youngster, enabling them to negotiate. At this moment, Orochimaru merely wants to teach this Uchiha youngster a lesson, not truly defeat him.

After all...

Orochimaru is well aware.

The Uchiha youngster before him is no ordinary member of his clan. His eyes are not just any Sharingan or an upgraded Mangekyo Sharingan but the legendary Rinnegan, akin to the eyes of the Sage of the Six Paths.

Such eyes possess unexpected magic.

He knows from the battle so far that these eyes can generate attraction and absorb chakra, but whether there are other abilities, still needs to learn.

The unknown is always terrifying.

In battles among ninjas, sometimes it's not about strength but about information intelligence, things many have traded their lives to obtain.

That is what ninja battles often consider – the disparity in information.

Know the enemy and know yourself in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.

Orochimaru is aware of this.

So is Aoba.

The higher the level of the ninja, the more they understand the importance of information. Even Jiraiya sacrificed himself to obtain some information about Pain!

Now, Orochimaru, not fully aware of his opponent's strength, needs more means to probe further. Continuing to fight rashly is extremely dangerous.

After all...

Orochimaru judges that this Uchiha youngster is merely putting on a facade, and in reality, he does not have enough chakra to sustain all he is maintaining.

However...

Orochimaru is not willing to bet lightly, as the stakes are too high. A slight misstep could cost him his life here, and he is in a barrier he cannot break through.

If they could negotiate, that would be the best solution.

Negotiating does not mean Orochimaru has given up or shown weakness to Aoba; rather, he wants to put himself in a safer, more comfortable position to start planning anew.

Currently, in this barrier...

It's simply too irritating.

There's no space to breathe.

For a moment...

Aoba looks at the snakes slithering towards him, his Rinnegan unphased as if these snakes are of no concern to him.

Suddenly...

Under Orochimaru's watchful eyes, Aoba slowly raises his right hand.

Instantly...

A solemn expression crosses Orochimaru's face.

"Again?"

Orochimaru instinctively feels that Aoba raising his hand means another unavoidable pull is coming.

But such a reaction doesn't make sense.

Isn't this young Uchiha lacking in combat experience?

Orochimaru thinks that after deploying Many Hidden Shadow Snakes Hand, the normal reaction should be to dodge the attacks, not to attract them. This isn't a typical ninja response and could plunge him into even greater danger.

After all...

Orochimaru's purpose with Many Hidden Shadow Snakes Hand is to bind Aoba, not just as a simple attack.

If he can bind the young Uchiha and prevent any further use of ninjutsu or taijutsu, then the battle can end, and they can move to negotiations.

Orochimaru is confident in his Many Hidden Shadow Snakes Hand; the snakes have sufficient force to apply pressure and bind continuously, and each snake is soft yet tough, not easily forced open.

Attracting these snakes is like digging one's own grave.

Idiotic, right?

At this moment, Orochimaru increasingly feels that this Uchiha youngster is merely relying on the power of the Rinnegan.

Orochimaru needs to understand why this Uchiha can activate the Rinnegan...

But he believes this person needs more combat experience.

He's just relying on the powerful abilities of the Rinnegan.

Those eyes...

It will be mine one day!

Orochimaru firmly thinks.

But just then, an unexpected turn of events occurs.

Aoba's raised right hand doesn't deploy the previously used Bansho Ten'in but instead utters four words unfamiliar to Orochimaru.

"Shinra Tensei(Almighty Push)!"