Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru

Chapter 124: Pack It Up

The Third Kazekage wasn't a fool. He fully grasped the implications of what Chiyo was suggesting.

Every village engaged in re

"If I don't dare, then who does?"

The two Uchiha were gearing up for a challenge when Orochimaru entered the tent. Immediately, the atmosphere shifted. The chatter died down, and the previously loud and cocky Uchiha grew quiet, their boastful attitudes fading.

Though the Uchiha weren't particularly fond of Orochimaru, they had grown to respect him over the past several days. His strength in battle was undeniable, and more importantly, his command and tactical prowess had led them to victory after victory. No one had suffered serious injuries during the sniper missions, and the success rate of their ambushes had been extraordinary.

And then there was the matter of the weapons themselves. The sniper rifles had exceeded their expectations. None of them had anticipated that a simple-looking piece of metal, using bullets propelled by gunpowder, could achieve such range and power.

"I assume you're all proficient with disassembling and reassembling the weapons by now?" Orochimaru asked, his voice calm but authoritative.

The Uchihas nodded, sensing where this was going.

"Good. Now, disassemble your rifles, pack them into their cases, and return them to me."

Orochimaru held out his hand expectantly.

There were around thirty or forty people in the tent, eight of whom were part of Orochimaru's original team. Upon hearing his words, the Uchiha were visibly reluctant. 

"Lord Orochimaru," Uchiha Retsu spoke up, clearly hesitant. "I feel like this weapon really suits me."

"I agree," another Uchiha, Akihara, chimed in. "It's safe, effective, and combined with the Sharingan, it's perfect for taking out enemies at a distance."

"So what?" Orochimaru asked, his tone neutral.

"So… I think we should continue using them in future battles," Retsu said, summoning the courage to make his case.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable. "Are you refusing to return them?"

The Uchiha remained silent, their faces betraying their reluctance to part with the weapons.

"I never said these were yours to keep," Orochimaru stated firmly.

The Uchiha looked awkward, their silence confirming Orochimaru's suspicion.

"I understand that you've grown attached to them," Orochimaru said, his voice softening slightly. "But this is not a negotiation."

He paused, letting his words sink in.

"I have no intention of mass-producing these weapons or distributing them widely. Once these tools fall into the enemy's hands, they will eventually be replicated. You know as well as I do how quickly shinobi can reverse-engineer something once they get their hands on it. If that happens, we'll be the ones facing the threat of these weapons."

"But…," Retsu began, but Orochimaru cut him off.

"No buts. This is an order."