Should I continue being a villain in the ninja world after transmigrating?

Chapter 16 The Breakdown of the False Peace

Kakashi's movements were subtle, but none of the people present were ordinary ninjas, let alone Orochimaru, who was carefully observing Mavis.

Watching Kakashi's actions, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, remaining noncommittal.

Of everyone present, apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi, the others were no threat to Orochimaru at all. And even with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Orochimaru would only mock his aging appearance now.

Just as Orochimaru was plotting how to abduct Zeref and Mavis, Mavis, who was behind Kakashi, bypassed Kakashi and walked straight up to him.

He didn't look at Orochimaru's scrutinizing gaze ahead, nor did he pay attention to the complicated expressions on Hiruzen Sarutobi's and Kakashi's faces behind him.

Mavis simply met Zeref's deep gaze, and the two stared at each other silently, as if no one around them mattered.

Mavis looked at Zeref, her expression gradually turning sad, and she said, "Zeref, I thought this peaceful time would at least shake you a little."

Seeing the slight flicker in Mavis's eyes, Jelf's expression softened a little.

He spoke softly, "Mavis, the time I've spent with you these past few days has been a wonderful life I never dared to dream of. If it were me in the past, I'm afraid I would have been willing to pay any price to continue protecting these days..."

"Now is fine! Jelf, now is fine too! As long as you're willing to turn back, whatever we face, I'll face it with you!"

"Mavis said eagerly, her emerald green eyes shining even brighter with excitement."

Looking into Mavis's eyes, Jelf was somewhat lost in thought. No matter how much time had passed or what he had experienced, Mavis always shone with an indescribable bright light, and that dazzling light seemed to be able to illuminate the depths of his soul.

Seeing Zeref moved by Mavis's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi exchanged a glance but did not interfere or interrupt.

They were somewhat surprised that the relationship between Jelf and Mavis did not seem to be purely hostile.

However, if Zeref could maintain a friendly attitude towards Konoha like Mavis did, that would be the most ideal outcome.

Especially when Orochimaru had clearly also set his sights on Zeref and Mavis.

Orochimaru, who was on high alert by Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi, also noticed Zeref's reaction.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, his fingers twitched slightly, but he suppressed his urge to attack and decided to wait and see.

At this moment, Jelf seemed to be moved by Mavis's words and couldn't help but raise his hand and gently stroke Mavis's cheek.

“Zeff…” Mavis paused, her eyes brightening slightly. She reached out and touched the back of Zeref’s hand on her cheek, wanting to say something more, but Zeref interrupted her.

“Mavis, thank you.” Jelf gave a very faint but very gentle smile and said softly, “Even though you fell into hell because of me, you are still willing to give me this kind of tenderness.”

A thin layer of moisture gradually appeared in Mavis's eyes, making them appear even more shimmering. Jelf felt as if his whole heart was about to be drowned in this emerald green water.

Unfortunately... Zeref lowered his eyelashes, withdrew his right hand from Mavis's face, and the gentle expression on his face gradually disappeared.

Mavis was taken aback, and the warmth that had just emerged in her heart seemed to gradually cool down along with Jelf's expression.

"Too late, Mavis." It was the same voice as before, but the words spoken were completely different.

“The god Ankhseram will not let us go. The happiness we enjoy now will only bring us deeper pain in the future.”

Ankhseram God?

This unfamiliar and peculiar name instantly attracted the attention of everyone present.

Orochimaru, in particular, keenly sensed from the expressions of Zeref and Mavis that this must be something very important.

Undeterred, Mavis continued, "Jeref, believe me, I've found a way..."

Before Mavis could finish speaking, Jelf shook his head slightly, his expression gradually turning cold again: "Mavis, then let me say it again. I also have a solution, and it will be even better!"

The negotiations between Jelf and Mebbis, which seemed amicable and friendly just moments before, suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was still speculating about the true relationship between Zeref and Mavis, was taken aback.

He even wondered if he had just lost focus, otherwise how could they have been communicating so well one moment and suddenly become so tense again the next?

It seems that the original plan to successfully negotiate with Jelf is unlikely to succeed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly and said solemnly to Zeref, "Zeref, I am Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of Konoha. Mavis has already told me your origins. If you and Mavis wish to continue staying in Konoha as guests, as long as you promise to abide by Konoha's rules, Konoha will still welcome you."

"Then you'll lose your freedom, be under Konoha's constant supervision, and ideally become a force within Konoha, right, old man?"

As soon as Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, Orochimaru retorted sarcastically.

Orochimaru naturally didn't want Zeref to stay in Konoha, because if Zeref really intended to stay, it would become troublesome for him to learn magic.

Kakashi frowned and tried to persuade him, "Zeref, the person next to you is a rogue ninja from Konoha. No matter what he says to you, he just wants to take what he wants from you."

"Oh my, Kakashi, you really do..." Orochimaru paused, his gaze shifting from Kakashi's serious expression to Zeref's. Seeing Zeref's calm expression, he curled the corners of his lips and continued, "You really know me well, huh?"

Orochimaru's undisguised ill intentions did not bring any relief to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi.

Kakashi also looked at Zeref and felt a sinking feeling when he saw that Zeref didn't react to Orochimaru's words.

Worse than Zeref being bewitched by Orochimaru, Zeref himself chose Orochimaru.

Seeing that words were useless, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, raised his hand and made a gesture, signaling Kakashi and the Anbu members to prepare for an attack.

Under no circumstances should Orochimaru be allowed to obtain Zeref's power!