owlsbooks Chapter 67 His Interpretation of Freedom
Chapter 67 His Interpretation of Freedom
The giant purple summoning snake reappeared: "Orochimaru, I told you..."
"I'll give you 1000 more people... Stop talking, swallow me, and take me away."
Seeing the swarm of insects rushing towards him, Orochimaru felt panic for the first time. Manda stopped arguing, swallowed Orochimaru whole, and then disappeared into the white smoke of the reverse summoning with a bang.
The remaining snakes were overwhelmed and devoured by the insect swarm, and the battle ended.
Naoto walked over, supported by another elder. His face had recovered from its paleness.
He lowered his head in shame and said, "Sir, I'm sorry, I..."
"No need to apologize," the insect clone said calmly. "You've done a pretty good job holding out this long against Orochimaru."
In fact, he never intended for Naoto to defeat Orochimaru in the first place, because that was simply impossible. True strongmen are forged through the trials and tribulations of the battlefield.
Even in terms of combat skills and talent, he was far inferior to Orochimaru, which is why he used his power to intimidate Orochimaru instead of showing his true form to fight him.
Although his physical strength has undergone a transformation, far surpassing Orochimaru before his human modifications, as a bug controller, he is meant to operate from behind and attack from a distance. Why should he risk his life?
He just didn't expect Orochimaru to be so cunning, deliberately provoking them and making them lose their temper. He also didn't expect Orochimaru to show his full strength, escalate the situation, and force him to submit.
But thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. Orochimaru has just led Konoha to victory in a war and made a name for himself, enjoying immense popularity.
His own strength has reached the peak of this body. It can be said that, not only in Konoha, but in the entire ninja world, there are very few people who can reliably defeat him.
With such strength, one would naturally be accompanied by a sense of arrogance.
"Should we send someone to guard this place? It's said that when a reverse psychic appears, it stays in the same spot."
"No need." The insect clone raised his hand, causing the swarm of insects to disappear. He looked at Naoto, who had almost fully recovered, and said, "As for you, you should always keep a drop or two of condensed dew in your body. That way, even if you suffer an injury like today, your injuries will heal instantly, instead of having your combat abilities suppressed by poison."
"By the way, you should also test for poison frequently in the future to gradually increase your body's resistance to poison."
Naoto lowered his head after hearing this, but finally said, "Yes."
"What happened today must not be told to anyone. I have used genjutsu to make the other ninja villagers ignore this place. You all need to restore the area where the battle took place as soon as possible."
As for whether his information will be leaked, that depends on when and how Orochimaru says it.
"yes!"
After explaining all this, the insect split into countless flying insects and disappeared into the air.
Deep within the true underground palace, Aburame Shisei's true form opened his eyes. The crystal ball before him reflected the final scene of Orochimaru's retreat.
Indeed, water that is too clear has no fish.
In the past, the village was cleaned up so thoroughly that the absence of any spies actually aroused more suspicion. Orochimaru's presence here is probably for the same reason.
but……
He raised his hand and looked at his palm.
Feeling the growing power within this body, I suddenly realized that I was approaching the freedom I had always dreamed of.
The freedom that Shisei Aburame understands is actually different from the freedom that others understand.
Even in his past life, he was someone who preferred solitude and only did what he liked.
A person like him might seem aloof, detached from society, and unsociable, with few friends. But true solitude doesn't require expending any mental energy on mutual suspicion and backstabbing with others.
That quiet, that undisturbed state, that freedom from the forceful assignments of others—that was the freedom he longed for.
He can refuse anyone without hesitation, and say no to anyone. If he doesn't want to do something, he won't do anything; he can make all the decisions himself.
However, such a life would not be possible if I continued to stay in Konoha.
First, his cheat ability needs to devour high-quality life and energy in order to accumulate primal energy.
In Konoha, he had to use it very carefully.
During the war, he could slowly steal corpses, but after the war ended, he would have to go there to obtain energy.
Not to mention the subsequent research and experiments on the insects, all of which are related to whether he can break through the existing limitations.
As for Konoha, as a place of justice, if he shows even the slightest sign of injustice, I'm sorry, Konoha cannot tolerate such an evil existence.
In fact, he was not incapable of disguising himself. He had considered going along with the Konoha leadership, showcasing his talents and value, and constantly brainwashing them into believing that he was a Konoha person, a Konoha soul, and possessed the Will of Fire.
But that would be too tiring. Actively pretending and being forced to pretend are two different concepts, and he doesn't have a histrionic personality.
Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi was a ninja hero after all; he had served as Hokage for decades without any real achievement.
No matter how smart or capable he is, how could he convince the Hokage with just a few words?
Would the other party be foolish enough to believe his acting skills, his pretense, and that he would be controlled by him and become a tool in his hands?
Don't be naive. Everyone knows this. Even some leaders of small companies in their past lives had top-notch talent for judging people. They could see through their employees' character at a glance. Even if they couldn't see through them, most would choose to be on guard at all times.
Even if he had superb acting skills and successfully fooled Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But what happens after that?
Even though his strength has improved rapidly and reached its current level, there are still many strong people in Konoha who can rival him, and he will still be subject to various forces.
He doesn't make any choices; others will make the choices for him.
I've always been a loner, sorry.
Orochimaru would be wary of him, Danzo would be wary of him, and even Hiruzen Sarutobi would be wary of him.
Because throughout history, powerful yet solitary individuals have been seen as a sign of danger. People cannot see their weaknesses, their entanglements, or their uncontrollable nature.
Even when they feel he is about to completely break free and become out of control, they will try every means to eliminate him.
His resistance ultimately led to endless suppression and persecution.
Until both sides are exhausted to the last drop of blood, or until his strength far surpasses that of the other side.
But then they will turn around and try to win him over, giving him status and power, and elevating him to a high position.
They wanted to use these things to firmly bind him to their war machine, slowly corrode and assimilate him, and turn him into a part of them.
So rather than being destined to leave, it's better to jump out of the game and escape that cage sooner rather than later.