Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

It was April, and the spring breeze brought a refreshing coolness.

Konoha Village, surrounded by lush forests, had entered its most beautiful season of the year. The No. 2 training ground, usually open to all ninjas, was under strict martial law today.

This wasn't for some grandiose show by the Third Hokage, but to protect the ninjutsu techniques of the escort team members. The ninjas in the escort team were all elite, their skills either inherited from their clans or personally taught by the Hokage. Many of these techniques were considered village secrets.

Occasionally, even the Third Hokage would use these sessions to experiment with new jutsu. As a result, the No. 2 training ground had become one of the most secure places in Konoha.

When Uzumaki Raiden arrived at the training ground, nearly 30 ninjas had already gathered. None of them wore masks today, even though many belonged to Anbu. For this occasion, their identities were laid bare.

The crowd included not only members of the escort team but also the three prominent disciples of the Third Hokage, mingling and exchanging greetings with others.

"Hey, Raiden! Over here!"

Raiden had barely entered the training ground when Jiraiya's sharp eyes spotted him. Jiraiya enthusiastically raised his hands and called out, drawing the attention of many.

"What's he doing here?" Raiden muttered to himself, walking toward Jiraiya. When he approached, Jiraiya threw an arm around Raiden's shoulders and laughed heartily.

"Who'd have thought you'd become the old man's guard? Hahaha, you better work hard!" Jiraiya said, patting Raiden on the shoulder.

"Oh? You're already part of the Third Hokage's guard? That's quite an impressive rise," Orochimaru interjected, licking his lips as he examined Raiden with a smile. His gaze swept over Raiden, as if sizing him up for the first time.

"Rise? You flatter me," Raiden replied, glancing at Orochimaru. Despite the years that had passed, Orochimaru's appearance hadn't changed. Though middle-aged by now, he still looked like a man in his early twenties.

"Heh, I'm genuinely interested in your current strength," Orochimaru said, nodding slightly. "How about joining my team? If you agree, I'll speak to the teacher about transferring you."

"Thanks, but no thanks," Raiden replied with a wry smile. "Serving under Lord Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, is beyond my fledgling abilities."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at Raiden's modesty. "Aren't you already a special jonin? Why are you talking like a rookie?"

Raiden gestured toward the gathered ninjas, many of whom were watching him. "I might have the title of special jonin thanks to connections, but in truth, I'm still just a lowly genin."

"You shouldn't worry about that," Tsunade interjected, folding her arms across her chest. She glanced toward the entrance of the training ground, where the Third Hokage was entering with Hatake Sakumo and Uchiha Shinki.

"So, this is really about me," Raiden murmured, his gaze shifting to the Third Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked among the gathered ninjas, greeting them warmly. When he reached Raiden's group, he stopped and addressed the crowd in a loud, clear voice.

"Everyone, it's rare for Konoha's guard unit to gather like this. Today's purpose is to test the strength of the guard team. To that end, I've enlisted the help of my three outstanding disciples as sparring partners."

"Perform your best and show your full potential. Only then can we identify your weaknesses and work to strengthen them."

"Orochimaru, you'll go first," the Third Hokage ordered without preamble.

Though Hiruzen framed this as a general training session, Tsunade's earlier analysis made Raiden realize the true intent: this was a test specifically designed for him, a way to validate his strength and silence any doubts.

Under the Hokage's command, Orochimaru stepped into the center of the training ground. The other ninjas instinctively moved to the periphery, leaving the center empty.

Orochimaru stood ready, but no one immediately stepped forward to face him. Raiden noticed that many of the ninjas were glancing his way. Even Uchiha Shinki and Hatake Sakumo, standing near the Hokage, had their eyes on him.

"Looks like everyone's figured it out," Raiden thought, stepping forward with his sword in hand.

"I'll go first, Brother Orochimaru," Raiden announced.

The Third Hokage's voice boomed over the training ground: "The first to spar with Orochimaru is Uzumaki Raiden, the newest member of the guard. Watch closely, and offer your feedback after the session."

Raiden couldn't help but feel exasperated. The Hokage had not only turned into a host but also provided running commentary.

"I haven't seen you in years. Let's see how much you've grown," Orochimaru said, licking his lips as his eyes narrowed. His demeanor shifted, and a violent, oppressive killing intent surged toward Raiden.

"Then I'll begin. Be careful, Brother," Raiden replied calmly.

Unaffected by the murderous aura, Raiden disappeared from sight in a flash. In the blink of an eye, the tip of his blade was inches from Orochimaru's face.

Orochimaru barely managed to dodge, tilting his head just enough to avoid the thrust. However, the sharp blade cut off a lock of his hair, which floated gently to the ground.

"What speed!" Hatake Sakumo muttered in surprise, his eyes widening. The Third Hokage was equally astonished, clearly impressed by Raiden's skill.

The surrounding guard ninjas were left in awe. Orochimaru's murderous aura had unsettled many of them, yet Raiden not only remained unaffected but also launched a precise attack that caught Orochimaru off guard.

Raiden, holding his sword steady, warned Orochimaru, "If you're going to fight me, you'd better get serious. Otherwise, you'll embarrass yourself."

"You're right," Orochimaru admitted, his tone shifting to one of respect. "Your strength far exceeds my expectations."

Glancing briefly at the hair on the ground, Orochimaru's expression hardened. Drawing a kunai from the pouch at his waist, he adopted a fighting stance, his knees bent and his body poised.

Faced with Raiden's overwhelming power, even Orochimaru had to take the fight seriously.

(End of this chapter)