There is a legendary Ten-Fist Sword that has been passed down in my family for generations.

Late-night snack?

"So it seems my messenger white snake was also killed by you," Orochimaru said quietly.

"So that's why you're angry, sir, and attacked me," Kisame replied, suddenly understanding. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, his face earnest. "I'm truly sorry. I've been afraid of snakes since I was a child, so I reacted a bit strongly and accidentally killed it."

"Heh." Orochimaru's smile was cold and insincere. His serpentine eyes had been fixated on Kisame's stitched index finger and the chakra threads since earlier.

He had once vowed to achieve immortality and master every ninja technique in the world, thus uncovering all the truths of existence.

Yet this ninjutsu Kisame used—he had neither heard of it nor seen it before. Could it be... some kind of bloodline limit?

The thought made Orochimaru increasingly fascinated by Kisame, so much so that he unconsciously licked his lips, as if eyeing an exciting prey.

Kisame sensed danger. Orochimaru, this guy, could it be that he’s already researching Living Corpse Reincarnation, and now has his sights on Kisame’s body as a potential vessel?

Highly likely.

Knowing it was best not to linger, Kisame decided not to tangle further with Orochimaru and instead probed directly.

"By the way, I've heard that you, sir, are exceptionally knowledgeable and wise. I have a question that's troubled me for years, and I wonder if I could ask your advice."

He requested respectfully, even bowing slightly to Orochimaru.

"Oh? Go ahead," Orochimaru's eyes flashed with intrigue. He was curious to see what game Kisame would play.

"It's like this. You've probably heard that the Hidden Mist Village has seven famous ninja swords, wielded by the Seven Swordsmen, symbols of prestige and honor. But actually, my Hoshigaki clan possesses a family heirloom sword, said to be every bit as extraordinary as the seven blades. It’s called... something like the Sword of Ten Tails..."

Kisame fabricated earnestly, and when he mentioned the Sword of Ten Tails, he wore a look of longing.

"What!?"

Orochimaru interrupted him, his composure shattered, his face aghast. "Did you say the sword is called the Sword of Ten Tails?"

At that moment, his breath quickened, pupils dilated, unable to contain his excitement.

He had spent years searching desperately for that treasure, dreaming of it night and day!

"You've heard of it too, sir? Remarkable! I knew I'd found the right person," Kisame exclaimed, his delight apparent.

"Do you have the Sword of Ten Tails with you now?" Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, exuding a venomous, serpentine danger.

"Don't mention it—the Sword of Ten Tails was lost long ago."

Kisame appeared oblivious, sighing as he continued, "My father left some clues on his deathbed, instructing me to recover the family sword. He said the Sword of Ten Tails is actually a Kusanagi blade, a legendary artifact, far superior to the Seven Swords."

"And... did you try to find it?" Orochimaru pressed.

"No," Kisame shook his head. "My father's mind was unclear before he died, so I always thought he was rambling. The mythical Kusanagi sword—how could such a thing really exist?"

"Your father was right. You should have listened to him," Orochimaru said earnestly.

"But you never met my father. How can you be so certain?" Kisame asked, puzzled.

"Because I possess a Kusanagi sword myself," Orochimaru replied. After saying this, he tilted his head back, opened his mouth, and a snake slithered out. The snake then opened its jaws and spat out a sword.

Man spits serpent, serpent spits sword.

The sword was pure white, thick and long, its blade like the leaf of an iris, and its hilt adorned in a manner resembling the joints of a fish’s bones.

Clearly, it was no ordinary weapon.

"As far as I know, there are three Kusanagi swords in the world. The one I hold is called the Heavenly Cloud Sword, forged from the hardest material known, just like your clan’s Sword of Ten Tails," Orochimaru explained, displaying his prized Heavenly Cloud Sword to Kisame.

"Really? Sir, could I... touch the sword?" Kisame slowly approached, hand outstretched, beginning to set Orochimaru up.

He had resolved that if he could touch the Heavenly Cloud Sword, he would immediately activate his cheat ability to devour it, leaving Orochimaru helpless.

However—

Compared to brutes like Tsunade, Orochimaru was far more cunning.

Serpents are born clever and cautious.

After his initial lapse, Orochimaru had regained his composure. His instincts told him something was off about Kisame, and the whole situation felt wrong.

So, before Kisame could get close, Orochimaru suddenly said, "This sword is too sharp and unruly. Sometimes it escapes my control and could easily harm you."

With those words, he swallowed the Heavenly Cloud Sword back into his body.

"Oh, I see." Kisame halted, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.

Orochimaru was indeed difficult to deal with.

Still, at least Kisame now knew that Orochimaru had a Kusanagi sword inside him. If the opportunity arose, he would definitely try to seize it.

At this moment, Orochimaru spoke up, warmly addressing Kisame:

"Hoshigaki Kisame, if you need assistance, why not share your clues with me? I’d be glad to help you search for the Sword of Ten Tails."

"Thank you, sir, but I won't trouble you. I’ll handle it myself," Kisame replied with feigned caution, as if he truly possessed a priceless family heirloom.

Facing Orochimaru, Kisame began to step backward, bidding him farewell:

"It’s been a pleasure chatting with you tonight. We really hit it off. But it's getting late, and I must return to the hotel to sleep, otherwise I won’t be able to get up for tomorrow’s journey back to the village."

"Then farewell, Hoshigaki Kisame," Orochimaru said, his gaze flickering, not insisting he stay.

The prey he had set his sights upon would not escape—it was not urgent.

Just before leaving the alley, Kisame had a sudden impulse to annoy Orochimaru one last time.

He slapped his forehead, as if recalling something important.

"By the way, sir, to thank you for your patient guidance and resolving my long-held doubts, I have a bit of information to share in return."

He looked honest, seemingly very sincere.

"You're too kind. Please, go ahead," Orochimaru said, gesturing invitingly.

"I've heard that you’re the Third Hokage’s most favored disciple, and when he retires in the next couple of years, you’ll be the one everyone expects to inherit the title of Hokage. Many villagers and ninja from the Leaf say so in private."

"Heh, I’m not interested in the title of Hokage," Orochimaru replied, waving his hand dismissively, putting on a show of indifference.

Yet Kisame was not wrong about one thing—he truly was Sarutobi Hiruzen’s most talented and esteemed disciple!