After leaving Konoha Village, Orochimaru began observing his two students.

It was the first time outside the village for both Natsuki and Nawaki. Everything seemed novel, and they kept glancing around at their surroundings.

But it didn’t take long for a difference to emerge.

Natsuki calmed down quickly.

Orochimaru nodded slightly.

Compared to Nawaki, Natsuki behaved more like a proper ninja.

Looking at it now, Tsunade’s decision to make Natsuki Nawaki’s teammate was indeed an excellent choice.

A team needed a tactical core.

Especially with a personality like Nawaki’s.

Without someone keeping an eye on him at all times, problems were inevitable.

"I’ll assign your tasks."

Orochimaru said.

"Teacher, we haven’t arrived yet. Are there other tasks?"

Nawaki asked, confused.

"There’s only this one mission."

Orochimaru clarified. "I’m referring to your responsibilities during the journey."

He quickly laid out the assignments.

Simply put, Natsuki and Nawaki would act as sensory support—monitoring their surroundings at all times.

Orochimaru rarely spoke this much at once.

Both students listened intently.

These were valuable lessons that might save their lives someday.

"Go, Saburo!"

Nawaki used the Summoning Jutsu and called forth his ninja hound.

Ninja hounds possessed keen senses of smell—extremely useful for detecting strangers.

Natsuki also summoned his ninja hound, Kurohana.

He and Nawaki took positions at the front and rear of the formation, watching for any anomalies.

Orochimaru walked between them, sharing whatever precautions came to mind.

The journey was uneventful. Evening soon arrived.

"During missions, avoid open flames as much as possible."

Orochimaru said as he opened a bento box.

Natsuki and Nawaki were well-prepared and retrieved their own meals.

After dinner, the two discussed the bandit suppression.

The bandits were stationed on a mountain—approximately twelve in total.

Only the leader was a ninja. The rest were ordinary men.

"We’ll climb up from the back of the mountain."

Natsuki suggested. "Use the cover of night for a sneak attack."

His Fushiguro Megumi template required assassinating a Chunin and a Tokubetsu Jonin.

The bandit leader might be Chunin-level. That met the condition—he couldn’t miss this opportunity.

"No objections."

Nawaki nodded.

If he were planning this, he would have simply charged straight in without all the complexity.

"If we’re discovered, we can set fires to create confusion."

Natsuki added. "The leader’s strength is unknown. Whoever spots him must call for backup immediately."

"Good thinking."

Orochimaru praised.

In his view, for a seven-year-old to devise such thorough plans meant Natsuki was a natural-born ninja.

"You two will take the night watch."

Orochimaru added.

"Yes, Teacher."

Natsuki and Nawaki answered in unison.

A new day arrived.

After two consecutive days of travel, they finally reached their destination.

During those two days, Orochimaru had spoken extensively—making Natsuki wonder if he was inherently talkative.

As a teacher, Orochimaru was truly exceptional.

Setting Nawaki aside, he had treated Mitarashi Anko remarkably well.

When he defected, he had even asked for her thoughts. When she refused to follow, he didn’t force her.

When they met again years later, Anko had attacked with lethal intent—yet he still showed mercy and spared her life.

Night fell.

Natsuki and Nawaki exchanged a glance, then headed up the mountain.

The peak wasn’t high, but they were climbing the rear slope—extremely steep.

Fortunately, they were ninjas. A steep mountain was nothing.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at a position just below the summit.

"You take left, I take right?"

Nawaki whispered.

Natsuki nodded.

The two leaped simultaneously, charging toward the two bandits guarding the rear entrance at extreme speed.

They covered the bandits’ mouths, slashed with the kunai in their right hands—and blood spilled.

"How are you holding up?"

Natsuki asked, looking at Nawaki after lowering the body.

"I’m fine."

Nawaki took a deep breath. "Just... not used to killing. First time."

Everyone reacted differently to taking a life.

Perhaps because he had lived two lives, Natsuki felt no discomfort.

"Keep moving."

Natsuki headed toward the left side of the camp.

Nawaki went right.

It was late. Apart from the patrolling guards, the bandits were deep asleep.

Natsuki approached a wooden cabin and spotted a sleeping figure through the window.

He threw a poison-coated senbon.

The needle struck the bandit’s throat.

The man instinctively opened his eyes, clutched his neck, tried to cry out—but couldn’t.

Eventually, he fell into eternal silence.

Natsuki continued forward, eliminating three more bandits the same way.

But then—a piercing scream rang out nearby.

The entire camp jolted awake.

It seemed Nawaki had been discovered.

Natsuki guessed what happened but didn’t rush out to help. Instead, he concealed himself in the shadows.

A roar echoed in the next instant.

A massive water dragon surged forth, rampaging through the camp.

Nawaki’s Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet.

Right then—a figure appeared behind Nawaki.

A fist swung toward the back of his head.

Nawaki reacted, but could only defend hastily.

He spun, crossed his arms, and blocked the blow.

Seeing the attack fail, the bandit leader immediately swept his leg—striking Nawaki’s shins.

Nawaki grimaced and fell backward.

"Fire!"

A sudden shout made the bandit leader instinctively look over.

The entire camp was engulfed in flames.

"There’s another one?"

The leader hesitated immediately.

For Nawaki to use Water Dragon Bullet at such a young age meant his background was extraordinary.

Now there was a second attacker? Continuing this fight might cost him his life.

Nawaki didn’t know what the man was thinking. He seized the opening and formed hand seals.

Water Release: Wild Water Wave!

He opened his mouth and expelled a torrent of water.

"Get lost!"

The bandit leader drew his sword, cleaved through the stream, and turned to flee.

Natsuki finally made his move.

One-Sword Style: Iai — Lion’s Song!

He transformed into a blur of wind in the darkness, accompanied by a terrifying edge—and pierced straight through the bandit leader.

The man’s body shuddered. He looked down instinctively.

A blade tip protruded from his chest.

Natsuki’s Sword of the Thunder God had impaled him from behind, straight through the heart.

With his death, the remaining bandits lost all will to resist and were swiftly dealt with.

"How are you doing?"

Natsuki asked, watching Nawaki limp over.

"Bruised."

Nawaki sat on the ground, rolled up his pant leg, and examined his calf.

"I have medicine."

Natsuki retrieved a bottle, poured out some liquid, and applied it to Nawaki’s injury.

Nawaki winced but endured without crying out.

In the ninja world, besides medical ninjas, there existed another profession: apothecaries.

They didn’t know medical ninjutsu—but they understood how to concoct medicines.

In fact, apothecaries were the mainstream.

Medical ninjas were simply too rare.

Carrying various healing medicines was standard practice for any shinobi.

And the most famous medicinal herb merchants in Konoha were the Nara clan.

[You have awakened the Nfirea Template.]

Natsuki’s hands paused.

Who?

He examined the newly awakened template.

[Name: Nfirea Bareare]

[Era: Final]

[World: Overlord]

[Rank: C-Rank]

[Ability 1: Innate Talent — Unlocked]

[Effect: Can use all ninja tools without any restrictions.]

[Ability 2: Blue Healing Potion — Locked]

[Effect: Promotes physical self-healing, recovering from injuries at a gradual pace.]

[Unlock Condition: Successfully concoct it once independently according to the formula.]

[Ability 3: Red Healing Potion: Blood of God — Locked]

[Effect: Promotes physical self-healing, recovering from injuries at an extremely rapid pace.]

[Unlock Condition: Successfully concoct it once independently according to the formula.]

[Ability 4: Stamina Recovery Potion — Locked]

[Effect: Recovers stamina, relieves fatigue, and can even sustain demanding physical activity.]

[Unlock Condition: Successfully concoct it once independently according to the formula.]

Natsuki’s pulse quickened.

Three formulas flooded into his mind.

These potions were genuinely incredible.

The only problem?

The formulas were extremely complicated.

<><><><><><>

Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247

~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter!

~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]