The Secret Laboratory of Orochimaru
"Thousands of people, you have done a great service to the village this time, congratulations!" Orochimaru's voice was hoarse and gloomier than before.
"It's nothing. Compared to Lord Orochimaru commanding ninja to fight against Sunagakure on the front line, I am still a little too immature now," Chao Yanqian said with some weakness.
Chao Yanqian had long expected that after the incident of the Red Sand Scorpion was exposed, Orochimaru would completely distrust her. After all, this was very important information, but Chao Yanqian didn't tell Orochimaru instead, she chose to complete the task alone to serve the village.
From Orochimaru's point of view, Chao Yanqian was so eager to contribute to the village because she placed a talisman on herself, so that Orochimaru would not dare to harm her easily.
And this means that Chao Yiqianren was preparing to get rid of Orochimaru.
Therefore, Chao Yanqian wooed Uchiha Chizuru in advance and informed him about Orochimaru's murder of Uchiha Clan ninja. If Uchiha Chizuru reported the incident to the Uchiha clan, their eyes would be locked on Orochimaru, looking for evidence that he was seizing the Sharingan.
With the Uchiha clan's restraint, Orochimaru was bound to hold back at least he would not choose to kill Chao Yanqian at this time.
And Chao Yiqianren would have a little more time to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique and prepare to escape from Orochimaru completely.
But before leaving Orochimaru, he still needed to obtain the First Hokage's cells.
This task was very difficult. Over the past year, Orochimaru had not given Chao Yanqian any chances. As long as she appeared in his laboratory and came into contact with the First Hokage's cells, Orochimaru's gaze would always monitor him closely, preventing him from taking any action.
Therefore, if Chao Yanqian wanted to obtain the First Hokage's cells, he had to find another way, rather than silently waiting as Orochimaru's follower.
Because Orochimaru would never give him that opportunity.
"When I was your age, I could only do missions under Teacher Sarutobi. You should be proud of such a high level of achievement!" Orochimaru licked his lips, a shadow falling over his eyes a sinister look.
"Orochimar is already a powerful figure who commands fear across the ninja world, and I haven't grown up yet how dare I compare myself to Orochimaru ," Chao Yanqian specifically emphasized his immaturity to make Orochimaru think he still didn't dare betray him.
"You are very talented, and your future is indeed promising. But many in the ninja world are more talented than I am yet they were too arrogant and died at the hands of stronger ninja," Orochimaru glanced at Chao Yanqian with a playful tone. "Geniuses who haven't yet matured are still weak."
"I understand that well!" Chao Yanqian replied respectfully. "That's why I follow someone strong like Orochimaru, and constantly learn from you."
"Hehehehe!" Orochimaru chuckled, then asked, "Where are Uchiha Chizuru's eyes? Have you gotten them?"
The discussion concluded, and Orochimaru instructed Chao Yanqian to go to the lab. He didn't yet know that Uchiha Chizuru was still alive.
"I'm really sorry, Lord Orochimaru," said Chao Yanqian with slight apology. "The strength of the Red Sand Scorpion wasn't as great as expected. Uchiha Chizuru's Sharingan could see through all his attacks. he wasn't even injured when the Red Sand Scorpion was defeated. With my strength, I really couldn't take on Uchiha Chizuru."
"Oh? Didn't you say you couldn't handle the Scorpion of the Red Sand, but it was you and Uchiha Chizuru who escaped in the end?" Orochimaru asked.
"In fact, I suggested letting the Red Sand Scorpion go," Chao Yanqian explained. "But I didn't want anyone to know, so I exaggerated his strength."
"Hey! Why did you let the Red Sand Scorpion go?" Orochimaru chuckled lightly and asked in a mocking tone, "If you could catch him, wouldn't that have earned you more credit?"
"From the situation at the time, it was impossible to capture the Red Sand Scorpion alive," Chao Yanqian explained calmly.
"And based on what I know, Chiyo of the Sand loved her grandson very much even helping him cover up the assassination of the Third Kazekage. If I killed the Red Sand Scorpion, I'm afraid Chiyo would come after me for revenge. As you said, Lord Orochimaru, I haven't grown up yet and I'm very afraid of dying so I let him go!"
It was a perfect explanation, but Chao Yanqian knew Orochimaru would never believe him.
Even if there were no flaws in her story, Orochimaru didn't need evidence of his betrayal. As long as he had suspicion,he would not continue to trust her.
However, Chao Yanqian no longer needed Orochimaru's trust. His original intent in joining him was to become his student but unexpectedly, Chao Yanqian had been accepted by Tsunade instead.
With Tsunade as his teacher, his need for Orochimaru greatly diminished he no longer needed his guidance.
If Orochimaru had accepted Chao Yanqian as a disciple, he believed he would've made a different choice. Had he been his student, even if he betrayed Konoha one day, he might've followed him without hesitation.
Maybe that's just fate!
"So, you didn't get anything done?" Orochimaru asked gloomily.
"Of course not!" Chao Yanqian smiled and continued, "I've already made progress in researching a drug to suppress the First Hokage's cells, but I still need to consult Lady Tsunade to complete it. In at most three months, Lord Orochimaru, you will see results."
He hadn't obtained the cells yet, so he didn't want Orochimaru to see himbas useless thus, he told a white lie.
"Three more months?" Orochimaru frowned in thought, then finally nodded and said, "Alright, I'll give you three more months. If you haven't shown results by then, I'll give up on you."
Hearing the threat, Chao Yanqian quickly assured him, "Three months is enough, please rest assured, Lord Orochimaru!"
After returning to the medical squad's camp, Chao Yanqian finally let out a sigh of relief.
Just standing beside Orochimaru was suffocating pressureblet alone lying to him.
Chao Yanqian knew that Orochimaru would never trust him again, so he had only one option in three months: either gain the strength to stand up to him or complete the drug to suppress the First Hokage's cells.
Otherwise, Orochimaru would abandon him and abandonment by Orochimaru meant being silently killed.
Time was running out. Chao Yanqian had to be extremely cautious with every step ahead. One careless move could be his end.