Chapter 27: Baptism by Blood
Kagenori endured rigorous training within Orochimaru's base. The Sannin's methods differed from typical instructors—he imposed crushing regimens from the outset, ensuring mental preparation. What seemed manageable initially revealed itself as relentless physical and psychological torment, fostering despair about future prospects.
Yet Orochimaru's teaching proved masterful. He immediately identified Kagenori's flaws, tailoring training to strengthen weaknesses. If only he summoned fewer snakes...
After nearly a month underground, ordinary snakes no longer threatened Kagenori. Now training with weighted restraints against actual Ryūchi Cave summons—chakra-enhanced serpents far surpassing ordinary snakes—he frequently found himself humiliated.
Having learned the standard Shadow Clone Technique (not the forbidden Multiple Shadow Clone), Kagenori attempted Naruto's clone-training method once. The experience nearly knocked him unconscious—clone memories and fatigue transferring to the original body created debilitating exhaustion.
Still, it paled compared to the system's Thunder Breathing simulation—remembering that still made him shudder.
Now he used shadow clones solely for ninjutsu theory study, transferring knowledge to conserve time.
Daily, he pushed physical and chakra reserves to depletion. Each evening, Orochimaru provided a special nutrient solution he'd developed—replenishing bodily needs while eliminating fatigue. Drinking it nightly allowed full recovery by dawn, enabling this brutal cycle.
Today, Orochimaru unusually absented himself from the base, merely instructing "train independently" before departing. Yet Kagenori didn't slacken—training was for himself, not others.
Completing morning exercises, he removed weights and wiped sweat, planning lunch before afternoon ninjutsu practice. With Orochimaru handling meals previously, he'd just begun preparing udon when the Sannin returned.
Now wearing standard ninja attire, Orochimaru announced, "I've acquired a C-rank mission for you. We depart immediately."
Setting aside vegetables, Kagenori blinked. "So suddenly?"
Crossing arms, Orochimaru leaned against the doorframe. "It's time. This mission exterminates a bandit group—testing this month's training results."
Shaking water from his hands, Kagenori agreed, "I'll fetch my sword."
Orochimaru tossed him a ninja tool pouch containing five kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags. "My thanks, Orochimaru-sensei."
As someone impoverished, Kagenori couldn't afford such gear—especially explosive tags, costing multiple times kunai prices. Eating, drinking, and living under Orochimaru's provision, now receiving equipment, left him feeling somewhat embarrassed.
Retrieving his katana, he followed Orochimaru from Konoha. Leaving after so many years felt disorienting. Memories of his parents brought melancholy—they'd been wonderful, loving parents. Without those four happy years, he might not have survived this brutal ninja world, likely becoming a hopeless shell.
Having known happiness, he now fought for himself, for Kushina, for their future.
Sensing his mood shift, Orochimaru asked, "Remembering something?"
Taking a deep breath, Kagenori forced a smile. "Nothing—just excitement about leaving the village for the first time since returning."
Orochimaru chuckled. "Really..." He recognized recollection, not excitement—likely about his parents, since Kushina remained alive.
Their destination was the Land of Rice Fields, a small nation bordering Konoha without its own ninja village. Due to its daimyō's negligence, banditry flourished. Orochimaru had accepted this C-rank mission to eliminate bandits who'd pillaged multiple villages.
From a mountain peak, they observed the raucous village below—now overrun by bandits, all villagers slaughtered. The bandits appeared to be holding a celebratory feast.
"Your mission: eliminate all bandits here," Orochimaru instructed. "Restrictions: no Thunder Breathing. Permitted: swordsmanship, ninjutsu, taijutsu, Sharingan. Understood?"
Nodding, Kagenori confirmed, "Understood."
"Begin."
Body Flickering away instantly, Kagenori entered the village alone. Scouting confirmed the situation—houses filled with corpses, no survivors. The remaining bandits gathered centrally for feasting.
Their concentration simplified his task. After brief preparations, he stealthily approached the celebration site.
Bandits drank freely amid looted goods, their clothing stained dark with dried blood, boasting loudly about murder counts and methods.
Drawing a kunai, Kagenori observed the reveling bandits with lethal intent.