Charles entered the system space, taking down the B-rank Orochimaru Fusion card.
In the room, Orochimaru's figure vanished without a trace, leaving Guren wide-eyed in shock. She had no idea how Orochimaru had disappeared.
Would you like to merge the S-rank Orochimaru with the B-rank Sannin—Orochimaru · Fusion?
Yes!
As Charles made his choice, the two ninja cards flew out from the ninja deck, spinning rapidly in mid-air. After a burst of golden light, they fused into a new card—S-rank Orochimaru · Fusion, now at three stars.
Orochimaru's ninja skills increased to a total of nine. Charles placed the new card back in the deployment slot.
He chose the same location where Orochimaru had been earlier, and in an instant, Orochimaru reappeared in the room. Guren still couldn't detect how Orochimaru had materialized.
Orochimaru closed his eyes, processing the new memories that flooded his mind: losing his parents at age five, graduating from the Ninja Academy at six, becoming a student of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, earning the title of Sannin alongside Tsunade and Jiraiya at twenty-three, and witnessing the deaths of Nawaki and Dan Kato, which deepened his fascination with the fragility of life.
During this period, he also took on Anko Mitarashi as a student, observed the young Uchiha Itachi's Sharingan, and later recruited Kabuto Yakushi.
At forty, after conducting forbidden experiments on wood-style ninjutsu, he was discovered by the Third Hokage and subsequently defected from the village.
Afterward, he established his own Hidden Sound Village in the Land of Rice Fields, recruiting numerous followers.
As Orochimaru absorbed these memories, he opened his snake-like eyes and assessed his physical state. He quickly realized that his current body was significantly stronger than in his memories.
Although he had not yet fully mastered Living Corpse Reincarnation and was still using his original body, this one was far more vital, with more chakra and enhanced strength and speed.
However, Orochimaru also noticed that the number of jutsu he could perform had decreased dramatically—he now knew only around twenty jutsu.
This reduction had started when he first arrived in this world, but after this recent fusion, it became even more pronounced.
Despite having fewer jutsu, his physical capabilities were now superior to what he remembered. His overall strength, at least on paper, exceeded that of his past self.
Merging his memories of the Shinobi World with his experiences in this new world, Orochimaru realized that the Hidden Sound Village and its ninjas from the future were likely his subordinates.
However, he had no memories of the Sound Five or the Sound Trio, and Guren was only vaguely familiar to him.
Guren, meanwhile, noticed that Orochimaru's appearance had reverted to something more familiar—this was the Orochimaru she remembered.
Charles, observing that Orochimaru had fully awakened, said, "The base of the Hidden Sound Village was destroyed tonight by S.H.I.E.L.D. The Sound Trio - Zaku Abumi, Dosu Kinuta, and Kin Tsuchi have all died,"
Guren frowned slightly, thinking to herself, 'So those three weaklings were also brought to this world by Lord Charles? But it seems even here, their fate remained unchanged—they couldn't escape death.'
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, licking his lips before slowly asking, "How far can I go, my lord?"
He didn't ask whether he should seek revenge but rather inquired about the extent to which he could act.
Charles responded, "Guren is also one of your subordinates. I want you to take over the Hidden Sound Village; they were originally under your command."
"The Sound Four are currently in the Summoning Realm. You can also take Kabuto Yakushi with you to help manage the Sound Village base. As for the equipment and experimental data here, pack up everything you can take."
"As for retaliation against S.H.I.E.L.D., I think tomorrow is a good day," Charles added, a subtle suggestion in his tone.
Orochimaru nodded, understanding the directive.
"I understand, my lord."
Charles then asked, "How's your research on the Extremis Virus going?"
Orochimaru grinned, "With the new techniques I've acquired, I have some fresh ideas. We might see some samples soon."
Charles nodded approvingly.
"Good. Once developed, it could become a flagship product for the Sound Village. I'll be announcing you as an S-class rogue ninja, officially severed from Konoha. If you have time, you should meet Tsunade and Jiraiya again."
Orochimaru shook his head.
"There's no need, my lord. I believe the day will come when I'll return. For now, I'll take Guren to meet those four youngsters."
"Alright, I'm leaving this matter in your hands," Charles concluded.
With that, Orochimaru, along with Guren, used the Reverse Summoning Technique to teleport to the Summoning Realm to find the Sound Four.
As he arrived in the Summoning Realm, Orochimaru chuckled to himself, "Who would have thought I'd become an S-class rogue ninja of Konoha once again?"
"But conducting human experiments under Lord Charles's watch was so convenient. It's just a pity that I don't have shinobi to experiment on, but werewolves will suffice."
"Ah, back to self-support again…" he sighed.
Guren, hearing Orochimaru's complaint, didn't react but instead admired the blooming roses nearby.
…
Back in the base, Charles ordered, "Red Queen, issue a command."
"Yes, Master," responded the AI.
"Orochimaru has conducted forbidden experiments and research on ninjutsu. He has now defected and is classified as an S-class rogue ninja, on par with Uchiha Itachi."
"Understood, Master!"
The directive was swiftly transmitted to all Konoha shinobi via their phones.
Yamato, who was on a mission, glanced at his phone and froze for a moment, recalling the days he spent as an experimental subject.
Meanwhile, Kakashi, upon reading the message, remained expressionless. He closed his phone and tucked it back into his pocket, thinking this must be like when Itachi left—some sort of mission.
Looking out at the bustling streets, Kakashi considered picking up a gift for his teacher's son. It's strange that the kid isn't focused on gaining more power, but maybe things are fine the way they are now.
The reactions to the news varied among those who received it, but everyone understood that this defection was different from the one they remembered from the past.