I'm drawing manga in Naruto

"Is this another clone?"

The relentless attacks left no room for respite, and Akabane's clone technique was so realistic that Orochimaru, with his limited combat experience, could no longer distinguish them.

"Wind Escape·Big Breakthrough!"

He formed a hand seal, and a gust of wind was exhaled from his mouth.

However, Zi Xiao's figure flashed, and she leaped onto the tree branch above the bushes where she was hiding, while simultaneously forming a hand seal.

"Oh no, it's true!"

Orochimaru felt a pang of panic, and at the same time sensed the presence emanating from below—

"Earth Release: Heart Beheading Technique!"

Earth escape...

"No wonder Akabane knew where I was. Oh no."

Orochimaru was about to use the Substitution Jutsu, but it was too late. He was pulled into the ground, leaving only his head sticking out.

"It's still a shadow clone... I've lost."

Orochimaru glanced at it and instantly understood what was going on. Mitarashi Shishou was actually just a shadow clone; the real killing move was Earth Release: Heart Decapitation Technique.

"I used some methods, please forgive me."

Akabane emerged from the ground and watched Orochimaru from the side.

Orochimaru had not researched the Earth Release: Earth Transformation technique and could not use it to escape, so he could only stay there and wait.

He looked up as if deep in thought. After a long while, he sighed softly and said, "It was a mistake to target you first. If we had used shadow clones to stay here and delay you while our real bodies went to help Tsunade or Jiraiya, we might not have lost this battle."

"You did underestimate me, but I'm almost out of chakra. If you stay strong, maybe I won't be able to defeat you."

Akabane smiled lightly.

Orochimaru closed his eyes, not believing this explanation.

In that short period of time, Akabane used Shadow Clone Technique twice, Bloodline Limit twice, Naraku Jutsu several times, and Earth Release three times. Such a chakra level far exceeds the range of a genin.

Talking to him about pushing things to the limit now? You're kidding me!

The tremors outside have stopped, indicating that Tsunade has abandoned her powerful strength technique and is fleeing. Perhaps she is going to rescue Jiraiya, creating a 2-on-2 situation.

But after Tsunade, who has been greatly exhausted, rescues Jiraiya, will she be able to fight again?

Orochimaru was secretly worried.

"Don't overthink it. If you try to escape again, I'll be in big trouble. It's better if everyone stays put."

Akabane glanced at him, not wanting Orochimaru to escape.

Orochimaru is still very inexperienced, but he has no doubt that if he relaxes his guard, there is a high probability that the opponent will escape.

"Akabane-kun, you are a truly formidable enemy. Fortunately, we are all from Konoha."

Orochimaru sighed softly and stopped thinking about it.

"Each each other."

The praise from later great scientists gave Akabane a sense of satisfaction, but that was all.

A word of praise is completely disproportionate to the hard work I put in today.

"Let me out, I won't leave."

Orochimaru moved his head slightly. "It's uncomfortable to be crouched on the ground, and I can't read books."

"Um... wait a minute."

Akabane stood up, looked up, and then waved his hand, saying, "Is the Third Hokage here? I have already rendered Orochimaru incapacitated. In a real battle, I could have killed him, so he's out of the game."

After saying all this, he released his ninjutsu and pulled Orochimaru out of the pit.

Orochimaru looked up in surprise, then turned his head and asked, "Is the Third Hokage over here?"

"He's not here, but he can see him."

Akabane sat down and said calmly.

"Telescope technique? I thought this was a ninjutsu you imagined."

Orochimaru stretched his limbs after escaping his predicament, and then, as expected, he didn't intend to leave. He sat down and began reading intently.

Why do you have books to read every day?

Akabane found it strange and turned his head to look at the contents of the book, but Orochimaru immediately avoided his gaze, seemingly not wanting him to see the title and contents.

"It's just some knowledge of ninjutsu."

Orochimaru's eyes showed some panic, but his voice remained calm.

"alright."

Although Orochimaru's lying skills are not yet fully developed and his eyes dart around when he speaks, Akabane sees no need to investigate further, since it is merely a private matter for the other party.

One read a book, the other rested, quietly waiting for the other battles to end.

I sat there for who knows how long...

"Orochimaru, Akabane, come here."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice echoed throughout the forest, suggesting that the battle outside had ended.

"I have to leave again. Being a ninja is such a troublesome profession."

I finally managed to take a short break, but now I have to get up again.

"Let's go."

Orochimaru put away his book, emerged from the bushes, and headed towards the source of the sound—the place where they had gathered that morning.

Back home, he would be busy again, so Akabane walked slowly, not in a hurry.

"Give me some food, I didn't have breakfast... Ugh, Tsunade, you deserve to have a flat chest."

Before they even arrived, Akabane heard Jiraiya's voice.

Orochimaru left the forest and saw Jiraiya tied to a wooden stake, while Tsunade ate a boxed lunch next to him, tempting Jiraiya as she ate.

"Orochimaru, this is yours."

Tsuna pointed to another portion on the ground, her voice muffled by the food. Beside her, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were already waiting.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, but Danzo gave a cold laugh and said, "Do you think you're qualified to eat?"

"I...I'm not qualified to eat this. This belongs to Jiraiya."

Orochimaru said somewhat apologetically.

"Hahaha, Orochimaru, you've finally realized that I'm better than you."

Jiraiya laughed loudly, then struggled on the wooden stake, "So give me the lunchbox, I'm starving."

"Oh why?"

"I can't believe it," Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously.

He really didn't expect Orochimaru to say that, because according to the rules, people tied to trees are sent back to school.

This lunchbox represents more than just food; it represents a chance to become an apprentice. If he doesn't become a third-generation apprentice this year, he may not become one in the future.

"This……"

Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, then hesitated, as if he were rehearsing his words.

“Let me speak for him. Simply put, he thinks it’s understandable that Jiraiya is so stupid, but he can’t forgive himself for being careless and getting defeated by me.”

Akabane dispelled his drowsiness and explained things to Orochimaru.

"What??"

Jiraiya froze, his previous smug expression vanishing completely. He looked at Orochimaru, and the result—the expression on Orochimaru's face—undoubtedly confirmed it.

"In that case, I don't deserve to eat either, since I failed to salvage the situation and was defeated."

Tsunade hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Mission complete. Go back and cultivate on your own."

Danzo turned and left.

"Well... alright then, Third Generation Lord, we'll take our leave."

Zi Xiao understood that this was an internal matter of Class Six and had nothing to do with them.

Akabane was delighted with this, as it would be a good time to go back and rest, lest any further trouble arise.

Chapter 33 What is the gate for?

"I'm curious, how did you defeat Orochimaru?"

Back in Konoha Village, Zixiao remained silent for a long time before finally unable to resist asking the question.

"Yeah, I'm curious too."

Shuo Mao also looked over.

We've been in the same class for years, so who doesn't know what Orochimaru's abilities are?

He has consistently ranked first in all subjects for several years. Although academic performance does not necessarily equate to ability, as a genius described by the Third Hokage as appearing only once every few decades, his combat skills must be quite impressive.

Of course, the bigger reason is—

"Because I usually seem very lazy and I'm always engrossed in comics. Don't you believe I have that ability?"

Akabane smiled slightly, put his hands behind his back, and sped forward. "Do you think I, Akabane, would let you guess so easily that I am a genius of the Kurama clan?"

"Hey, are you not going to answer?"

Zi Xiao chased after him, but he found that Chi Yu was walking faster and faster. Finally, he used the Instantaneous Movement Technique and disappeared quickly.

The two left behind exchanged a glance and remained silent for a moment.

"Looks like he's angry."

Zi Xiao tilted her head, as if she had a guess.

"It could just be a morbid sense of humor."

Sakumo sighed. Based on his limited understanding of Akabane, this guy might actually be after that.

To find out the answer, you'll probably have to ask Orochimaru.

"Back so early? Is the testing finished?"

Kurama Chiaki was somewhat surprised to see Akabane return.

He was unaware that Akabane had already completed Danzo's test yesterday and become Danzo's student.

After a moment's hesitation, Akabane revealed part of the situation: "It's done, and the master has accepted us as his disciples."

"Excellent! By becoming Lord Danzo's disciple, you will surely surpass your father in the future."

Kurama Chiaki was extremely excited.

Danzo was the head of the Anbu and a strong survivor of the Great War. Apart from the Hokage, he was the most prestigious and powerful person in the village.

of course……

Aside from hidden NPCs like Mito Uzumaki, whose existence is probably only known to the clan leaders.

"Yes."

Akabane nodded slightly.

Every parent dreams of their child becoming successful. Neither Kurama Chiaki nor Kurama Saki were particularly talented, and their achievements in life were limited to this level. However, they saw a brighter future in Akabane.

"Let the kids go paint. It's not easy for them to have some free time. They won't have this much free time when they have to go on a mission in a few days."

Kurama Saki stopped Chiaki from continuing her nagging, saying it was a waste of time.

The family is warm and cozy, and most importantly, there are people to prepare meals and change clothes.

This is life!