Chapter 73: 73. Orochimaru Was Arrested!
Sasuke missed his brother, but even his future sister-in-law couldn't console him fully. The Uchiha clan could only hope that he would awaken his Sharingan, but what if it was Itachi's influence that triggered it?
After all, Itachi was scheduled to return for a medical examination soon, and Sasuke had already received medical training from Tsunade. Yagami knew that if Tsunade hinted Itachi's condition might be terminal, Sasuke would find it hard to accept.
But to make this believable, he needed full cooperation from those around Sasuke, like Fugaku and Mikoto. Their influence on Sasuke was profound, and they would need to display outstanding acting skills.
Other Uchiha clansmen would also need to adopt heavy, somber expressions, blanketing the entire Uchiha district in a somber atmosphere. Yagami was certain Sasuke wouldn't be able to resist such a setup!
Yagami was plotting enthusiastically while Fugaku observed with mixed emotions. But for Sasuke's future, it was worth a try.
"Then just go forward with it! As an Uchiha, some things he must experience."
Fugaku took a deep breath. Each awakening of the Sharingan in the Uchiha clan was accompanied by a profound emotional shock, often exacting a high toll. If there was a gentler way to unlock Sasuke's Sharingan, it would be beneficial for him.
"All right, just be prepared to cooperate when the time comes. I'll start by…"
Yagami nodded, but before he could finish, a ninja hawk swooped down from the direction of the police prison, screeching loudly.
Yagami and Fugaku's expressions shifted. This was an emergency summons from the clan, issued only in cases of extreme danger.
Exchanging a quick glance, Yagami vanished in an instant while Fugaku remained behind with the clan. Although Konoha's leadership, led by the Third Hokage, was less extreme than Danzo, vigilance was still necessary.
Currently, Shisui was at the Daimyo's mansion taking over Itachi's assignment. With only two pairs of Mangekyō in the clan, and Mingfeng being the one active in the open, Fugaku staying behind was the safest choice.
"The Uchiha clan's signal… from the police department prison. Could something have happened…?"
In the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage stood by the window, looking toward the police department. After a brief hesitation, he ordered a few Anbu to investigate. After all, the prison held dangerous criminals—and his old comrade was still inside.
"It seems I've been discovered. The Uchiha clan truly is different from before…"
Orochimaru, surrounded by police members, smirked, his long tongue sliding across his lips.
"It's rare for all three Sannin to be in Konoha together, but I didn't expect them all to show up today. Orochimaru-senpai, as an S-rank rogue ninja of Konoha, what brings you back now? If you were here for a reunion, I doubt Jiraiya and Tsunade would be pleased."
With Flying Thunder God, Mingfeng arrived almost instantly from the moment he received the clan's signal.
"Is that… Mr. Yagami?"
At the sound of Yagami's voice, the amusement on Orochimaru's face faded, replaced by a hint of wariness. With his snake-like intuition, Orochimaru could sense a significant threat emanating from Yagami.
"I'm honored you know me. It seems you've been keeping an eye on Konoha's affairs."
Yagami approached Orochimaru step by step. Though Orochimaru stayed alert, he made no move to retreat. Along with caution, curiosity and excitement glimmered in Orochimaru's gaze as he studied Yagami.
"Compared to Konoha's intelligence, I'm more intrigued by you, Yagami-kun—or rather, by the power of your Uchiha clan!"
As he spoke, Orochimaru extended his tongue, licking his lips, his gaze fixed intensely on Yagami's eyes, radiating an aggressive hunger. He disregarded the risk of looking directly into an Uchiha's eyes, confident in his own strength, having never faced Itachi's prowess in this timeline. After all, he was one of the Sannin.
"Is it because of these eyes? You came to Konoha for Danzo, didn't you? You've always worked together; surely he provided you with one or two Sharingan to study?"
Yagami's eyes swirled with intricate Mangekyō patterns as he baited Orochimaru further, fully aware of his opponent's interest. Even though he wasn't a master of genjutsu, the Mangekyō's power itself was enough to command respect.
"Ah, Mangekyō Sharingan… truly captivating!" Orochimaru responded with glee. Danzo had indeed supplied him with Sharingan for research, having trusted him to graft the Hashirama cell-infused arm equipped with those eyes. Yet the Mangekyō, a level beyond the standard Sharingan, was clearly much more enticing.
"Then, Yagami-kun… please lend me your eyes for study!"
Orochimaru suddenly attacked, three thick snakes shooting from his sleeves, coiling around Yagami tightly.
Orochimaru's excitement spiked as he felt Yagami securely bound. But as he moved to pull Yagami close to extract his eyes, he realized he couldn't move.
The scenery around him faded away, and Orochimaru found himself in a setting all too familiar.
He was surrounded by glass containers filled with experimental fluids, each containing a child subjected to grotesque trials.
The scale was overwhelming, even for someone as hardened as Orochimaru, who had conducted countless human experiments.
*"This is… a genjutsu! Damn it, was it when I looked into his Sharingan…?"*
Orochimaru suddenly understood; he'd been caught while observing Yagami's Sharingan, and his expression darkened.
"Release!"
Orochimaru hastily formed seals, attempting to break free by disrupting his Chakra flow, but it was to no avail.
While Yagami was not a genjutsu master, his Mangekyō's power greatly amplified the illusion. Moreover, Orochimaru had willingly locked eyes with him, sealing his own fate. Caught fully within the genjutsu, Orochimaru had no way out.
Locking eyes for even that short moment had granted Yagami ample time to weave the illusion. In this world, Orochimaru's every perception could be altered, from his Chakra senses to his physical awareness…
"Orochimaru-san, you are truly bold! To stare directly into the Sharingan—were you daring us to trap you in a genjutsu?"
Watching Orochimaru stand frozen with his eyes closed, Yagami couldn't help but smirk.
He now understood why Itachi and Shisui favored genjutsu in battle. When used effectively, it really did save both time and effort.
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