In Orochimaru's eyes, Tengen's blood-red pupils seemed to expand, consuming his vision.
When he came to, the underground lab was gone. He stood in a surreal, crimson space, steeped in an ancient, mysterious aura.
"This is a genjutsu." Orochimaru said, his face tightening. In mere moments, he'd been ensnared.
Kai. He attempted to dispel the illusion, but nothing changed. He remained trapped.
"Orochimaru-sensei." Tengen said, materializing nearby, his gaze calm and steady.
Seeing Tengen, Orochimaru reasoned that defeating him within the genjutsu might break the illusion. But as he moved to act, countless chains materialized, binding his body.
A grotesque, fanged humanoid creature appeared before him.
"Sensei, welcome to my Tsukuyomi world. Enjoy the first layer: Tongue-Ripping Hell." Tengen said.
Two more creatures, identical in their ghastly appearance, emerged. They pried open Orochimaru's mouth, and a small imp wielding iron tongs clamped onto his tongue, slowly pulling it out.
Agony tore through Orochimaru's body. When his tongue was ripped free, a new one grew in its place, and the cycle of torment began anew.
"Second layer: Scissor Hell."
"Third layer: Iron Tree Hell."
"Fourth layer: Mirror of Damnation Hell."
Orochimaru endured layer after layer of torturous realms, each inflicting unbearable pain and suffering. This Tsukuyomi was far more devastating than the one Itachi would later wield, its mental destruction catastrophic.
In the Tsukuyomi world, time and space bent to the caster's will. A fleeting moment outside could stretch into months or years within.
For Orochimaru, it felt like centuries of torment.
At the ninth layer, the horrors, imps, boiling vats, vanished. Tengen reappeared beside him.
"So, Sensei, do you still think you can keep me here?" Tengen said, then faded from view.
The crimson space shattered.
Back in the underground lab, Orochimaru's eyes snapped open, radiating fear and lingering dread. The ordeal felt like millennia, pushing him to the brink of collapse.
His already pale face turned ghostly, his eyes dull from the mental trauma.
"Tengen." He hissed, glaring at the figure nearby, his teeth clenched.
"I'm sorry for putting you through that, Sensei." Tengen said, bowing slightly.
"Rest assured, I won't breathe a word about this place. I hope you'll keep my Sharingan a secret as well." Tengen continued. "I'll take my leave now. Until next time, Sensei."
With that, Tengen exited the lab.
Encounters with Orochimaru were inevitable. Even as a newly minted Chunin, Tengen would likely undertake missions under him. Eventually, Konoha would grant Tengen independence.
More pressing was the looming Third Shinobi World War. The Sunagakure's Kazekage had vanished, stirring unrest, and the Second War's aftermath had faded. The great villages were regaining strength, each vying for dominance.
Konoha, situated in the fertile Land of Fire, was a prime target, its abundant resources coveted by others. Conflicts over these riches would spark clashes among the villages.
As Tengen departed, Orochimaru slumped against a chair, cautious and weary. His mental wounds would take time to heal, a testament to Tsukuyomi's terror.
"Tengen… and the Sharingan…" Orochimaru muttered, his eyes flickering with complex emotions.
The lab fell silent.
Outside, Tengen gazed at the dark building, a faint smile on his lips.
Having witnessed his power, Orochimaru wouldn't act rashly without confidence in defeating him. Their relationship was fractured, publicly, they'd maintain a facade of teacher-student harmony, but in private, Orochimaru's demeanor would be cold.
"Sensei, as time passes, I'll only grow stronger." Tengen said with a grin, then left.
He hadn't yet checked the HD video retrieved from the lab.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, a tense exchange unfolded.
"Hiruzen, I believe Tengen is perfect for Root." Danzo said, his bandaged eye fixed on the Third Hokage.
"What are you saying, Danzo? You want Tengen in Root? Are you joking?" Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
After the Chunin Exams, Hiruzen held Tengen in high regard. His genius in taijutsu and ninjutsu was undeniable. Tengen had taken Minato's Rasengan, infused it with his own insights, and created the Blazing Rasengan, a fire-natured evolution. What might happen with other chakra natures?
Minato himself was eager to consult Tengen.
"Danzo, I know what Root is like. Tengen won't join you. I won't allow it, nor will Tsunade, Jiraiya, or Orochimaru." Hiruzen said firmly.
The Hokage and the Sannin held unmatched sway in Konoha. Their collective opposition would doom any proposal.
"What if the ninja who destroyed one of Root's headquarters was Tengen?" Danzo said suddenly.
***
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