Akado Yoroi recalled carefully, only to realize that Orochimaru had never mentioned this person before.
So he's just another waste—someone unworthy of Lord Orochimaru's attention.
If he's someone like that, I should be able to beat him easily—especially after I've already captured him once.
Who would've guessed that my ability is actually capable of absorbing chakra?
Thinking this, Yoroi couldn't help but glance at his right hand. It was wrapped in crimson chakra, vastly different from the pale-blue chakra most shinobi possessed.
As realization struck, a smirk curled on his lips.
"Lord Orochimaru seems to be growing more fond of Kabuto lately. I must prove myself and remind him of my worth."
What he didn't know, however, was that Yakushi Kabuto had long since surpassed him.
"Shiki Uzumaki... now there's a name that sounds both familiar and long-forgotten. Feels like ages since I last heard it," Orochimaru mused quietly while standing upstairs, appearing as a calm Jonin from Otogakure.
No one recognized him for who he truly was.
That was exactly his nature—if he wished to hide, no one could uncover his true identity.
Yet, as he gazed at that fiery red hair, he murmured, "Senju, Uzumaki, Uchiha—all clans blessed with extraordinary power. But compared to the Sharingan—which perfectly records everything—Shiki, your value doesn't seem quite so great anymore."
He mused idly—if it weren't for Uchiha Sasuke, he might have pinned greater hopes on Shiki Uzumaki.
But Kabuto had tested him before. Shiki Uzumaki was guarded and cautious, lacking the burning hatred that drove Sasuke.
To ensure Sasuke would fall into his arms smoothly and without complications, he could naturally afford to let go of someone like Shiki Uzumaki, who wasn't essential to his plans anyway.
Though greedy, he always knew exactly what he wanted—and when to let go.
Originally, joining Akatsuki had been solely to obtain Itachi's Sharingan. In time, though, he realized that man had become someone he could no longer overcome.
"But since you're from the Uzumaki clan, bearing its hope, perhaps you are also someone worth greatly anticipating."
"First match-up: Shiki Uzumaki vs. Akado Yoroi. Anyone got a problem with that?"
After receiving confirmation from both fighters, Ryuunosuke announced, "Alright, the first battle begins now!"
"Who do you think'll come out on top?" Choji asked lazily.
Kiba Inuzuka immediately shouted, "Obviously Shiki!"
Sakura nodded, "Right! Is there really any doubt here?"
Ino shook her head. "Still, his opponent is a ninja from several levels above us. He probably knows way more than we do."
"Just knowing more stuff doesn't automatically make someone stronger, you know? From my own experience, if you truly believe in something and keep striving forward, you can reveal unimaginable power—even down the most despised path."
Lee clenched his fists hard, eyes blazing with determination.
"Yeah, I trust Lee's judgment," Sakura agreed. "After all, back in the Forest of Death, when I needed protection the most, it was Lee who stepped up."
Also changed his opinion about Lee.
"I figure I don't need to take off my weights for an opponent like this," Shiki thought, looking at his pure white pants.
Actually, if possible, he really didn't want to fight using all his strength.
Just like Lee, limiting one's power first could lead to greater improvement afterward.
"Kid, since I've given you a chance to surrender and you refused, instead showing me contempt, then let me show you what's what."
Saying that, Akado Yoroi extended his hand filled with Red Chakra. His eyes fixed firmly on Shiki Uzumaki, as though the next charge would knock down that annoying red-haired brat.
"For fighting you, I won't use my sword. Consider it training," Shiki said indifferently.
If the person in front of him had been truly formidable, he, who had seen the Chunin Exams in the original manga, should have some recollection. However, having no memory of him meant this opponent didn't deserve his full strength.
Moreover, although he couldn't accept giving himself odd rules for training like Lee did,
such self-imposed limitations were still acceptable now, after all, training without difficulty was meaningless.
"That kid Shiki is being arrogant again. His opponents are experienced Genin. He should be giving it his all. Yet he chooses to limit his own strength," Iruka couldn't help but get angry seeing Shiki behave this way.
"I think it's fine actually," Hayate Gekko replied calmly.
"Fine?" Iruka asked in surprise.
"Yeah, because Shiki really is quite strong. Though regarding the arrogance part, I agree with you completely," Hayate Gekko couldn't help but tease.
"He only recently became a Genin. I feel he at least should take these seniors seriously."
"Iruka."
"Ah?"
"Do you know? Not long after I met the kid, I realized his level of chakra control was actually more advanced than mine," Hayate stated calmly.
"In fact, he could have become a powerful ninja, surpassing even me soon enough. So you shouldn't underestimate him easily."
Iruka was taken aback. He suddenly realized his view toward his former students might have been overly conservative.
Whether it was Naruto or Shiki, they were growing at a pace he couldn't keep up with.
"What a conceited brat!" Of course Akado couldn't tolerate such disdain, charging forward angrily.
"You might have misunderstood. My intention is purely for training," Shiki replied, his expression as innocent as a child's.
Yet inside, he thought, Sure, part of it's about training—but showing you who's boss for looking down on me is definitely another reason.
"We'll see then how you train yourself to victory before me!"
Boom! Akado's fist slammed precisely where Shiki stood moments earlier. The solid floor shattered, leaving a large chunk broken away.
But Shiki dodged the attack.
"Not bad… But I bet dodging my attacks is already taking everything you've got. And how many more times do you think you can pull that off?"
Akado Yoroi sneered, throwing another furious punch at Shiki Uzumaki.
In truth, he wasn't aiming to defeat Shiki Uzumaki with his fists. All he needed was contact — once he touched him, the thin layer of chakra surrounding Shiki's body would instantly be siphoned into his own.
That was Akado Yoroi's signature fighting style.
Chapter 142: Helpless
In reality, Akado Yoroi had strength on par with a Chunin. After all, like Kabuto, he was one of Orochimaru's subordinates. If he were really just average Genin-level, he surely wouldn't have been sent to Konoha like Kabuto was.
But—
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