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Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Who Gets the Bento Box

"Sakuma Akaba's mastery of genjutsu surpasses my expectations."

In the Hokage Tower, the Third Hokage observed the crystal ball while holding his pipe, letting out a faint sigh.

Initially, he had full confidence in Orochimaru, believing that even if Jiraiya got captured easily, Orochimaru could still mount an effective counterattack alongside Tsunade.

But now it seemed unlikely.

"The essence of genjutsu is deception—combining illusions and clones for double deception, then following up with real shadow clones. Hmmm," commented Danzo Shimura with a subtle expression of admiration before softly sighing. "What a pity."

"Perhaps he'll change after experiencing more."

The Third Hokage said calmly.

To them, laziness was Akaba's biggest weakness.

At this moment, the battle scene within the crystal ball shifted again. The image showed Orochimaru stirring at last, though his opponent now was someone entirely new.

Mitashigo Shishio!

"A Shadow Clone or another genjutsu?"

Orochimaru had barely regained consciousness but didn't have much time to think as his opponent charged straight at him.

Instinctively, he threw a shuriken, which passed right through his target.

"A Shadow Clone!"

Orochimaru got up, planning to move away, when another Shishio appeared in an instant.

"Another clone?"

Continuous harassment without even a moment to catch his breath, coupled with Akaba's incredibly convincing clone techniques, overwhelmed Orochimaru's limited combat experience.

[Wind Release: Great Gust!]

With hands forming hand seals, a powerful gust blew from his mouth.

However, Shishio flashed away swiftly, jumping onto a branch above the hiding bush, simultaneously making hand seals himself.

"Oh no—he's real!"

Panic surged in Orochimaru's mind as he sensed a presence rising from below.

[Earth Release: Decapitation Jutsu!]

Earth Release.

"No wonder Akaba knew where I was. This is bad."

Orochimaru tried using the Substitution Jutsu, but it was already too late. He was pulled underground, leaving only his head exposed.

"I lost to Shadow Clones after all."

Orochimaru looked around, instantly understanding what happened. Mitashigo Shishio had actually been a Shadow Clone; the true threat was the Earth Release: Decapitation Jutsu.

"I played a few clever moves. Sorry about that."

Akaba emerged from the ground beside Orochimaru with a smile.

Orochimaru shut his eyes skeptically.

During that short period, Akaba had used two Shadow Clones, activated his Kekkei Genkai twice, performed *Narakami no Jutsu* multiple times, and executed three Earth Releases. His chakra output exceeded anything a Genin should be capable of.

Saying he's near his limit now? Come on!

The tremors outside had stopped. That meant Tsunade had given up on her high-cost Strength of a Hundred Seal and was running away—probably to save Jiraiya. It could even out into a two-on-two battle.

But after such heavy consumption, would Tsunade be able to fight again after rescuing Jiraiya?

Orochimaru couldn't help but feel anxious.

"Forget about it. If you try to escape again, it'll be a real hassle for me. It'd be better if everyone just stays put."

Akaba glanced at him, determined not to let Orochimaru slip away.

Though Orochimaru was still inexperienced, Akaba had no doubt that the moment he let his guard down, there was a high chance Orochimaru would disappear.

"Mr. Akaba, you're truly a tough opponent. Luckily, we're both from Konoha."

Orochimaru lightly sighed and gave up any further thoughts of escape.

"Same to you."

Being praised by someone he considered a future great scientist gave Akaba a slight sense of satisfaction, though not much.

One compliment wasn't nearly enough to match how hard he'd worked today.

"Just let me out. I won't run away."

Orochimaru shifted his head slightly. "It's uncomfortable hiding underground, and I can't read my books like this."

"Yeah, wait a second."

Akaba stood up, glanced upward, then waved his hand and said, "Is the Third watching? I've already immobilized Orochimaru. In an actual fight, I could have killed him by now, so he's effectively eliminated."

Only after saying that did he release the jutsu and pull Orochimaru out of the pit.

Orochimaru looked curiously upward, then tilted his head and asked, "Is the Third here?"

"No, but he can see us."

Akaba sat back down and calmly replied.

"The Telescope Technique? I thought it was just something you imagined."

Orochimaru stretched his limbs after being freed, then indeed showed no intention of leaving and sat back down to focus on reading.

"Why do you always have books to read?"

Akaba found it odd and turned to look at the book's content, but immediately Orochimaru shifted away, dodging his gaze as if unwilling for him to see the title or content.

"Just some basic Ninjutsu knowledge."

Orochimaru's eyes appeared somewhat uneasy, though his voice remained calm.

"Fine."

Although Orochimaru's lying skills weren't fully developed yet—he kept avoiding eye contact while speaking—Akaba saw no need to dig further; after all, it was just a personal matter.

One read his book while the other rested, quietly waiting for the other battles to conclude.

They sat there, time slipping away with no clear end.

"Orochimaru, Akaba, come over here."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice echoed throughout the forest. The external battles seemed to have already ended.

"Time to go again. Guess this is just another day in the life of a ninja."

He had barely gotten a short break before needing to get up again.

"Let's go."

Orochimaru packed up his book, crawled out from the bushes, and followed the sound toward the place where they had gathered earlier that morning.

Back there meant more busy work, so Akaba slowed his steps, unconcerned with hurrying.

"Feed me! I didn't eat breakfast aaaah! Tsunade, no wonder you're still flat-chested!"

Before even arriving, Akaba heard Jiraiya's voice.

As Orochimaru exited the forest, he saw Jiraiya tied to a wooden post while Tsunade sat beside him eating a bento box, mocking him playfully while eating.

"Orochimaru, this is yours."

"Look at the other bento box on the ground," Tsunade mumbled with her mouth full of food. Beside her, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were already standing by.

Hiruzen remained silent, but Danzo gave a cold smirk. "Do you really think you deserve to eat?"

"I-I don't deserve to eat. This one is for Jiraiya."

Orochimaru mumbled, clearly embarrassed.

"Hahahaha! Orochimaru, you've finally realized it! I'm definitely better than you!" Jiraiya burst into laughter and struggled against the wooden post he was tied to. "So give me the lunchbox; I'm starving!"

"Oh? Why?" Hiruzen asked curiously.

He honestly hadn't expected Orochimaru to say that—according to the rules, anyone tied to a post would be sent back to the academy.

This bento box meant more than just food—it represented the chance to become The Third's disciple. If he failed this year, he might never get another opportunity.

"This..." 

Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, hesitating slightly, as if carefully choosing his words.

"I'll explain for him. To put it simply, he believes that it's understandable for Jiraiya to be this foolish, but he himself cannot forgive losing to me so carelessly," Akaba shook off his drowsiness and explained on Orochimaru's behalf.

"What??"

Jiraiya froze, all his previous confidence instantly vanishing. He looked at Orochimaru, whose expression clearly confirmed Akaba's explanation.

"If that's the case, then I guess I don't deserve to eat either since I couldn't turn things around before getting defeated," Tsunade hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Mission accomplished," Danzo said coldly. "You're all dismissed to continue your training." With that, he turned and left.

"Well then," Shiso sighed slightly, addressing The Third, "we'll take our leave now."

Akaba was quite happy with this outcome. Might as well head back and get some proper rest instead of sticking around for more trouble.

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