A Sage's Pursuit of Power

Earlier, it was mentioned that this team could match Orochimaru in combat, but only without summoning beasts.

In the ninja world, summoning beasts are mostly used for support in battle. For example, the Uchiha clan has summoning cats, Kakashi has summoning dogs, and Guy has a summoning turtle.

These summoning beasts generally don't have much combat power and are mainly used for information transmission and intelligence.

However, top-tier ninjas often possess more powerful summoning beasts.

Take Hanzō of the Salamander from the Rain Village, for example. His summoning beast is a giant salamander. At its peak, it rendered Konoha's trio powerless. Half of this was due to the giant salamander.

Similarly, the Third Hokage's summoning beast, Enma, possesses human-level intelligence and can transform into various forms to provide weapon support or fight directly. Its strength is comparable to that of a high-level jonin.

At an even higher level are the summoning beasts of the Three Great Sage Regions. These beasts are notable for their enormous size and intelligence, akin to that of humans.

Not to mention, these high-level sage creatures can use various innate jutsu. In fact, just their size alone makes them nearly impossible for 99% of ninjas to handle.

The appearance of the giant snake immediately broke the defense of the pursuit team. Such a massive summoning beast requires high-level jutsu to counter.

But let's not forget, Orochimaru is also involved. Although there are ways to deal with such a combination in the ninja world, this team is not one of them.

"Run... run quickly..."

From a distance, Aoba shouted to warn the paralyzed group. Even several Root ninjas didn't hesitate to flee.

They were also puzzled. Originally, it was just a show between Root and Orochimaru. Why did it now seem like Orochimaru was serious?

"Wood Style: Tree World."

The leading Root captain used a Wood Style jutsu towards the giant snake.

Dozens of enormous trees sprang up from the ground, trapping the giant snake and Orochimaru within. Afterward, the Root captain made no further delay and turned to run.

Aoba, witnessing this scene from a distance, immediately recognized who this was. It was none other than the later Yamato. After all, Wood Style was too conspicuous.

As for the Wood Style level, it was quite apt to say:

Hashirama's Wood Style conquered the world; Yamato's Wood Style is for greening it.

In just one encounter, Orochimaru had completely defeated the entire pursuit team. He did not stop but instead chased after the Root team.

Soon, the valley fell into a calm.

At dawn, activity resumed in the valley. Aoba's figure moved through the ruins and reached the deepest part of the valley.

Here, Orochimaru was waiting. Beside him were two young men, who appeared to be Kimimaro and Jūgo. At this time, Suigetsu and Karin had not yet joined him.

"Long time no see, Lord Orochimaru."

"Tsk tsk, Aoba-kun, it really is you. You're quite the surprise."

Orochimaru licked the blood from his face with his tongue and regarded Aoba with a peculiar gaze.

Orochimaru had complex feelings about this former subordinate.

Aoba was one of the few assistants whose thoughts and actions could keep up with his own. Before leaving, Orochimaru even asked Aoba if he wanted to leave with him.

But Aoba chose to stay in Konoha, which greatly disappointed Orochimaru. However, he was more interested in the fact that Aoba had indeed evaded interrogation by the Torture and Interrogation Department and had only been exiled.

"Aoba-kun, you mentioned in your letter that you have information about Akatsuki and want to make a trade with me?"

"Yes, if my information is correct, Lord Orochimaru, you should have joined Akatsuki a couple of years ago and then left. Am I right?"

This matter was quite secret to ordinary people, but many knew about it. At least Konoha's high-ranking officials were definitely aware.

"It seems Aoba-kun does know something. I am now looking forward to our transaction. However, before we proceed, I need to confirm one thing."

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Aoba began to gather chakra secretly. He was mentally prepared, knowing that trading with someone as dangerous as Orochimaru usually required demonstrating one's qualifications.

In simple terms, showing the strength to negotiate on equal terms.

But to his surprise, after Orochimaru scrutinized him several times, he said:

"Hehe, don't be nervous, Aoba-kun. Considering our past relations, I'll waive the test. Let's start directly. Tell me, what do you want?"

Orochimaru had many valuable items. Aoba would have liked to say, "I want them all." But he knew that wasn't possible. Transactions need to be gradual.

"Well, it depends on what Lord Orochimaru is interested in. Based on my intelligence, you're most interested in Itachi Uchiha and the Akatsuki leader with the Rinnegan, am I correct?"

"It seems Aoba-kun is quite confident in his information. In that case, what I first want to know is the detailed abilities of Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan."

At this time, Orochimaru was obsessed with Itachi. Mainly because Itachi had defeated him with a mere glance.

This made Orochimaru, who was already fascinated by the Sharingan, even more obsessed with him. However, given their previous encounter, he would not make a move against Itachi until he was absolutely certain.

"I know that information. In exchange, I need a Kusanagi Sword."

There are actually many Kusanagi Swords in the Naruto world. Orochimaru possesses more than one.

Though Aoba excelled in swordsmanship, he was of common origin, and thus he doesn't have any chakra metal weapons.

So, he had long set his sights on the Kusanagi Sword. However, most of them were in Orochimaru's possession. Thus, he intended to take this opportunity to get one from Orochimaru.

"Hehe." Orochimaru chuckled and then performed his signature move.

He opened his mouth, and a white snake emerged from it. The white snake then regurgitated a Kusanagi Sword, which fell directly in front of Aoba.

Aoba looked helplessly at the Kusanagi Sword covered in slime. After a moment, he took out a sealing scroll and sealed the sword inside.

"You have obtained what you wanted. Now, tell me what I want to know, Aoba-kun." Orochimaru's tone was somewhat dangerous. He had no doubt that if he dared to run away with the sword, Orochimaru would definitely pursue him relentlessly.

"Of course."