Hyuga Kagami's expression changed slightly upon hearing the words, but he quickly regained his composure and replied respectfully, "The assessment went smoothly. The Third Hokage has already arranged for me to join the Anbu."
It surprised Hyuga Kagami somewhat that Orochimaru already knew about the Special Jonin assessment, which had just concluded. Clearly, Orochimaru had more than one spy within the village.
Orochimaru put down his cup of sake and stared sharply at Hyuga Kagami. "Kagami, your recent progress has exceeded my expectations. Is there some secret to your growth? Or has your research on the Byakugan yielded results?"
Hyuga Kagami's recent growth had been substantial. For those unfamiliar with him, it might seem like a natural awakening of his bloodline. After all, he was at the prime age for rapid power growth, as were others like Guy and Asuma, who had also been improving rapidly.
But Orochimaru was different. He knew Hyuga Kagami well and understood that he didn't possess exceptional natural talent. So his progress aroused suspicion.
Naturally, Hyuga Kagami wouldn't admit anything. He shook his head. "Research on bloodline limits is not something that yields results overnight. You of all people should know that."
Orochimaru squinted with a vague smile. "Is that so..."
Orochimaru knew Kagami had only been conducting research for a few years—far too short a time to yield significant breakthroughs. He had even checked Hyuga Kagami's lab, which only contained basic genetic data with no signs of live experimentation.
And indeed, Hyuga Kagami had conducted a single live experiment—on himself—which left no traceable data.
After a moment, Orochimaru smiled. "It seems I underestimated you. You not only have the potential to be a researcher but also an outstanding shinobi."
"Thank you for your kind words."
As if remembering something, Orochimaru grinned again. "I recently ran into an interesting fellow who was asking about you."
"Who?"
"Sasori of the Red Sand from Sunagakure." Orochimaru locked eyes with Kagami. "Have you two met before?"
Hyuga Kagami nodded calmly. "We crossed paths once."
Clearly, Sasori and Orochimaru had both joined the Akatsuki recently, and given Orochimaru's status as one of the Legendary Sannin, it made sense that Sasori would inquire about Kagami.
Hyuga Kagami had anticipated this, so he wasn't surprised.
Seeing Kagami's composed demeanor, Orochimaru continued, "He seems quite intent on eliminating you. How did you provoke him?"
Hyuga Kagami surmised that Sasori wouldn't have told Orochimaru about his own defeat in detail, so he briefly recounted the mission where Konoha attempted to capture Sasori. However, he omitted the part about acquiring the Third Kazekage puppet.
"I suppose escaping from him with my life hurt his pride."
At that, Orochimaru burst into rare laughter.
Unbeknownst to Kagami, Orochimaru and Sasori didn't get along despite being a duo. Both obsessed with immortality, Orochimaru pursued biological science while Sasori focused on mechanical augmentation. Their clashing philosophies often sparked conflict.
"I didn't tell him anything about you," Orochimaru said after calming down, "but he likely has other sources. Be careful. He's obsessive, and I wouldn't want to see you among his collection of puppets."
Hyuga Kagami gave a bitter smile. "Being targeted by someone like him is far from enjoyable."
---
**Uchiha Compound**
Seeing Shisui returning, Itachi quickly ran up to him. "Shisui-nii, how did the assessment go?"
Shisui patted his head. "It went fairly well."
"Does that mean you're a Special Jonin now?" Itachi beamed, then added, "What kind of assessment was it? Tell me!"
Shisui began recounting some amusing moments from the test.
After listening attentively, Itachi asked, "I bet you beat all your opponents easily, didn't you?"
Shisui's expression faltered slightly, then he shook his head. "I lost in the final round. But Lord Hokage thought my performance was exceptional and granted me the promotion anyway."
"You lost? That's impossible!" Itachi exclaimed.
Shisui's title as Uchiha's top prodigy was earned through actual combat accomplishments, not mere reputation. Itachi couldn't believe anyone in the assessment could defeat Shisui.
"I didn't expect to lose either," Shisui said with a wry smile. "But the person who beat me is someone you know—Hyuga Kagami."
Itachi looked thoughtful. "Kagami-senpai, huh..."
From a young age, Itachi had been extraordinarily perceptive. He noticed details others often missed. During their earlier encounter with the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, he had sensed that Hyuga Kagami wasn't afraid at all. At that moment, he realized Kagami was no ordinary Chunin.
Shisui then spoke solemnly, "Itachi, the village is full of powerful people. We must not let the power of the Sharingan blind us. Always remain humble."
Itachi nodded seriously, even if he didn't fully understand.
Looking at the busy Uchiha clan members nearby, Shisui asked with a hint of sadness, "What do you see in them?"
Itachi observed for a moment. "Pride."
"Exactly. They are proud to be Uchiha." Shisui paused and added, "But that pride is overwhelming—so overwhelming, we may not be able to bear it."
In his battle with Hyuga Kagami, Shisui hadn't used his Mangekyo Sharingan abilities. In fact, he even held back on conventional techniques.
He did so not just because he sensed the village's growing distrust of the Uchiha, but because he could feel a dangerous undercurrent within the clan itself.
The damage Konoha had suffered was common knowledge, even outside the village. Naturally, the Uchiha were aware as well.
Ambitious members had always existed in the clan, but they had remained dormant due to the presence of powerhouses like the Sannin, the Fourth Hokage, and the Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails.
Now, only Jiraiya remained, and he was often away. The Fourth and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had perished. Only the Third and a few elders like Danzo still held sway.
With fewer people to fear, many Uchiha could no longer suppress their ambition.
Shisui knew he couldn't extinguish this dangerous fire completely. All he could do was contain it. By choosing to lose to Hyuga Kagami, he hoped to remind his clan that there were countless powerful individuals in the village. Blind ambition could only lead to the Uchiha's downfall...