111-115

Chapter 111: Orochimaru and the Scroll (Part 2)

Orochimaru allowed Shikane to use his name and power to conduct various experiments in the technology development department, and even endorsed him on the platform, just to see how far Shikane could go on the path he chose.

Although he knew that Shikane's research did not involve the kind of immortality he pursued.

His pursuit of immortality is the ultimate goal.

The immortality that Shikane pursues is only incidental to the research he pursues.

Pursuing immortality of the soul?

This is what Orochimaru was shocked after seeing Shikane's research and seeing through the secrets! Because in his view, the death of the body is equivalent to death.

As for the soul?

Although there are legends of the Pure Land and the God of Death, even the Second Hokage developed the Forbidden Technique of Edo Tensei, which can summon the dead back to the present world, indirectly proving the existence of the soul and the Pure Land.

But the Pure Land is not where Orochimaru wants to go! Before Shikane, he had never thought of this kind of immortality method of eternal soul. However, after Shikane pierced through this path that he had always avoided and resisted, his vision was no longer bound by the so-called physical body, but a gap was opened.

He will not stop the path of longevity he has chosen, but he is happy to see how far Shikane can go on the path he has chosen. The scenery on that road is also what Orochimaru yearns for and wants to see.

Of course, although he insists on his own path of physical longevity, Orochimaru will not turn a blind eye to the results of Shikane's research, and will not learn from others' strengths.

At least Shikane's research, he can also learn from each other's strengths and make up for his weaknesses, and use it in the forbidden technique of longevity he created.

At the same time, Orochimaru also developed a strong interest in tailed beasts, monsters known as natural disasters.

Compared with the three psychic holy places, relying on that special natural energy and immortality to survive for thousands of years, the tailed beast seems to be the evidence that Shikane's research is not imaginary.

A conscious Chakra aggregate!

This is something that Orochimaru confirmed again after reading Shikane's research materials on tailed beasts. So if you trace the origin of the tailed beast, can you find the so-called eternal origin of the Chakra spiritual body?

He who is close to Ryūchidō, and Shikane who is biased towards tailed beasts, their research has too many unsolved mysteries. In the past, he might not care about these things, but now, Orochimaru has a great deal of curiosity and desire to explore these secrets of the ninja world. heart of.

And the one who is most likely to know these secrets, a giant puffing clouds and mist with a pipe in his mouth instantly came to Orochimaru's mind.

White Snake Immortal!

The owner and strongest of Ryūchidō!

It is also a powerful existence that all contractors who practice Ryūchidō Immortal Art and Immortal Mode must face.

However, the White Snake Immortal is not a good talker, it has all the habits that humans know about snakes. There is not much attention and care for the contractors.

If the relationship between Miaomu Mountain and the contractor is a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperative relationship, and the relationship between Shikkotsu Forest and the contractor is casual and one-sided, then the relationship between the two parties is considered harmonious.

Then the relationship between Ryūchidō and its contractor is a bit complicated. At least there are many contractors who have been reduced to food for snakes in Ryūchidō, and the White Snake Immortal doesn't care about the death of those contractors.

Compared to Gamamaru, who always wants to intervene in the future of the ninja world, it is more like a recorder watching the excitement. Contractors are not that important to it. But it is very happy that the contractors of Ryūchidō can bring some trouble to the toad.

Miaomu Mountain needs contractors because of the predictive ability of the Great Toad Immortal of Miaomu Mountain. It will choose the right people at the right time to guide and influence the real events in the prophecy.

This may be a kind of practice.

And Ryūchidō doesn't need to do this, as long as the contractor is not cut off, the White Snake Immortal can record what happened in the ninja world. The only thing that makes it unhappy and annoying is that there is always the shadow of Gamamaru behind those things worthy of recording.

Orochimaru had met the White Snake Immortal and asked him questions about immortality and immortality. In his memory, the White Snake Immortal was very knowledgeable and knew many secrets.

It's a pity that although its human form looks very kind, its true temperament is not so understanding and gentle. Even Orochimaru's question, the White Snake Immortal didn't answer all questions.

If Shikane continues to grow like this, maybe the White Snake Immortal will turn his attention to him? Just like myself back then! When entering Ryūchidō once, he was guided to enter the depths of Ryūchidō, where the White Snake Immortal is.

Shaking his head, he brought his divergent thoughts back to the scroll in his hand.

The scroll contained a bunch of notes collected and recorded by Shennong. These words may be profound and unpredictable in the eyes of others, but they are Shennong's lifelong accumulation in medical ninjutsu and the human body.

Judging from the message Shikane left him, Shennong has also gone a long way on the road to immortality, and the data and knowledge recorded in the data also prove that Shennong has indeed created a way to keep his body and state at its peak for a long time. forbidden technique.

When medical ninjutsu reaches the level of Shennong, the body is like plasticine, which can be controlled and kneaded by one's own will at will.

Rejuvenation and adjusting one's appearance and state to a certain age stage is not just a fantasy.

At least Orochimaru never imagined that medical ninjutsu could reach this level! After all, the medical ninja system was valued by various ninja villages after Tsunade sorted and summarized it, and it shined on the battlefield.

Before that, the ninja village model of one country and one village was the first of its kind.

In the millennium ninja era, most of them were fights between ninja families. In that stage, let alone medical ninjutsu and medical ninjas. It's not mainstream at all.

All ninjas at that time were good at how to kill people efficiently with ninjutsu, not how to save people with ninjutsu.

Tsunade should have reached this point long ago, right?

Orochimaru thought of Tsunade, who had been separated for many years. Although her blood phobia prevented her from continuing to be active on the operating table, her own medical ninjutsu system was obviously already established when she left. Even if she follows the steps, I believe Tsunade can create success.

If it weren't for the war, he would really like to find Tsunade who is traveling, and try his best to persuade her to participate in the development of his forbidden arts.

But now that he can't get away, the forbidden scroll and medical knowledge of Shennong sent by Shikane is enough for Orochimaru to make up for his shortcomings and gain new inspiration.

What a precious gift!

Looking at the scrolls scattered on the table, opened and unopened, Orochimaru couldn't help repeating it again in his heart. He is now getting more and more itchy, and wants to find a laboratory to verify his new inspiration. It's a pity that he, as the commander-in-chief of the Iwagakushi battlefield, couldn't leave at all, and didn't have time to carefully read the precious materials Shikane sent him.

Thinking of this, Orochimaru sighed, re-rolled and sealed the scattered scrolls on the table, summoned a white snake, carefully stuffed the scroll into its open mouth, and watched it turn into a cloud of white smoke and disappear. on the table.

Ryūchidō and Miaomu Mountain always have some strange varieties, which are not good at fighting, but can play an important role for contractors in other aspects. For example, the abdomen is connected with a special space, and psychic beasts can be used to store things.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 112: Dinner

"See you again!"

A tall figure put his arms around Shikane and Hongdou respectively, with a bright smile on his face.

"Master Jiraiya, please stay away from me!" Hongdou's body rose to a high temperature, and a tiny flame snaked up her palm, scalding Jiraiya's wow.

"It's not cute!" Jiraiya shook his arms vigorously to extinguish the flames on his hands, glared at Hongdou who was standing with his hands on his hips and staring at him without giving in, and said angrily.

"Master Jiraiya!" Uchiha Shisui glanced at Hongdou who was very familiar with Jiraiya with some envy, and bowed respectfully to greet him.

"It's Shisui, you've become a ninja on your own!" Jiraiya said with emotion when his eyes fell on Shisui who was speaking.

As for the Uchiha clan, he didn't have so many apprehensions and suspicions. For him, as long as they were ninjas from the village and hadn't betrayed the village, they were all trustworthy partners.

Of course, it is necessary to remove a certain old guy who always relies on the old to sell the old and always hides in the dark to cause trouble for people, and the group of brainwashed subordinates who do whatever it takes for the task, and even sacrifice their own partners and villagers frequently.

So facing Uchiha Shisui, he still responded with a smile and praised him gently.

He knew that Uchiha had been very close to Orochimaru in recent years, and even almost openly placed his bets on Orochimaru.

He has nothing to say about this.

He has no intention of fighting for the position of Hokage. Since he has no intention of fighting for that position, the village's position and other messy things naturally have nothing to do with him.

Not to mention that he is very dissatisfied with some people in high positions in the village, even if he is not, his personality is not suitable for that position.

So he and Orochimaru have no conflict in this regard. The only thing involved may be that his disciple Namikaze Minato also wants to be Hokage.

But this can't be blamed on Minato, his old man gives a speech at the ninja school from time to time, and always talks about the will of fire, the children in the ninja school are stimulated to howl, at least half of them I have the idea and desire to become Hokage.

Bo Feng Shuimen is a bit more complicated.

But who cares!

It has nothing to do with his Toad Immortal Jiraiya!

He will entrust everything of himself to Minato, which he should inherit. As for how far Minato can go after inheriting his contacts, subordinates, etc., it is not something he should think about.

At least for now, Minato is doing a great job! Excellent enough that everyone on his side is convinced, and even the old man attaches great importance to it.

It's a pity that if there is no Shikane, then Minato may be able to directly skip Hongdou and benchmark Orochimaru by virtue of his active performance on the battlefield and his affinity for succubus attributes.

But with Shikane, even though Minato has become famous and is already a celebrity whose deeds are well known to the villagers and ninja groups, he can only be compared among his disciples.

Compared with Minato, who is extremely active on the battlefield and has made outstanding achievements, Nara Lujiu cannot compare with him in terms of the number of tasks and his reputation outside the village, but he is also very good at contributing to the village.

The blood succession limit of Mudun has reappeared. Although according to the technical development department, there are still harsh preconditions to be able to transplant and awaken successfully, it is already exciting compared to the previous Mudun experiment with ten deaths and no life.

Even if the ninja who awakens the wooden dun now can't reach the level of the first Hokage in the wooden dun, but even Sarutobi Hiruzen and the existing elders of the Senju clan just hoped in their hearts, but didn't think they could really reproduce it. The first Hokage's level of Mudun.

Anyway, I have it anyway, the power is high or low, and the effect is also passable. The characteristics that Mudun should have can also be developed and mastered.

Coupled with Princess Tsunade's teaching to Shikane in the past, the Senju clan has quite complicated feelings towards the master and apprentice Orochimaru and Shikane, and they tend to be kind on the whole.

However, under the arrangement of the second generation, the power of the Senju clan has gradually been delegated to other ninja clans, and the clansmen have also gone to fill the education department established by the second generation, which is seriously short of manpower, and they no longer care about it. up.

Help the blood inheritance families in the village awaken the blood inheritance, and use scientific methods to formulate corresponding training methods and paths for the blood inheritance, so that the blood inheritance ninjas who have awakened the blood inheritance can better strengthen and master their own blood inheritance.

The Sharingan of the Uchiha clan has been like a blowout in the past few years, and the number of clansmen who opened their eyes has skyrocketed.

The Uchiha clansmen, who have been trapped in Ergouyu and Sangouyu for a long time, also have the possibility of further improvement with the technical support of the technical development department.

Although after a period of blowout, the circulation of eye drops and other aspects was suppressed by Danzo and the elders, linking them with contributions and tasks to the village, and forcibly stopped the prosperity of the Uchiha clan. But this does not affect the fanaticism of the Uchiha clan at all.

After all, you Danzo and the advisory group did the bad things, and Hokage-sama acquiesced, what does it have to do with Master Orochimaru and the Technology Development Department?

In turn, after experiencing the turmoil of being restricted, Uchiha's desire for Orochimaru to ascend to the position of Hokage became even more fanatical.

Especially the radicals, they are too lazy to talk about other things at the clan meeting, as long as the topic is related to Orochimaru and Hokage, they will be excited, questioning why Sarutobi Hiruzen has not abdicated, and why Orochimaru-sama is not Hokage.

In this topic, there will occasionally be some heated discussions about why the old thing Danzo is not dead yet.

The degree of attention Shisui receives in the clan meeting now is comparable to that of some elite Jonin and elders in the clan. After all, he is the only Uchiha disciple of Master Orochimaru at present, and he is the only seedling that proves that the Uchiha clan has a close relationship with Orochimaru.

The fourth generation of Hokage Uchiha can't count on it. After all, Orochimaru, who is relatively close to Uchiha, is well-received as a candidate for the fourth generation of Hokage.

The fifth generation of Hokage seems to be very difficult, after all, there is Nara Shikamaru! His existence and technology are also very important to the Uchiha clan. He also has a good relationship with Shisui.

So even though some Uchiha sometimes feel that Shisui is like Nara Shikaharu's follower and subordinate, no one has ever expressed dissatisfaction. It is not easy to make the proud Uchiha do this.

Shisui also said at the previous clan meeting that when the time is right, he will let Shikane accept Itachi, the patriarch's child, as his disciple.

If Itachi is good enough then, then the position of the sixth Hokage should be Uchiha's turn, right?

The clan meetings in the past were quarrels and venting dissatisfaction, as well as venting some dangerous emotions and words.

But now, it is still quarreling and venting dissatisfaction, but the topic and style of painting are quite different.

Except for scolding Danzo and venting dissatisfaction, it still has a sense of presence, but the mainstream topic has come to how to use the technology of the technology development department to enhance one's own strength with limited resources.

And the most important thing is Itachi's training method one, two, three!

Anyway, looking at the listed training methods, Shisui felt a little guilty for a while, and after feeling a pair of faint eyes staring at him, this feeling became even stronger.

Without having to deliberately identify and search, Zhishui knew that these eyes came from the old father who was "deprived" of Itachi's right to education, the patriarch of the Uchiha clan - Uchiha Fugaku.

It can't be said that Itachi's right to education was deprived, but Itachi's right to education was forcibly dispersed. Every clan meeting now competes to apply to be Itachi's teacher.

Chapter 112: Dinner

With the proud character of the Uchiha clan, they often go back to prove that they can be qualified to teach Itachi after arguing, in the way of nominal sparring but actually fighting with all their strength.

As for the fact that the strong may not be able to teach well, and may not be qualified as teachers, the Uchiha subconsciously ignored it.

"Let's go, Orochimaru is not here, I'll take you to a dinner." Jiraiya patted his chest boldly. Speaking of eating, Hongdou's eyes lit up instantly, so brightly that Jiraiya was a little scared.

Looking at Hongdou with a happy expression on his face, Jiraiya also thought of Hongdou's sudden increase in appetite, and while shouting in his heart that he had made a mistake, he secretly decided to change the barbecue restaurant dinner plan to a happy ramen dinner plan.

Shikane looked at Jiraiya who was dusty, "Did you return to the village to hand over the errand?"

"Yes, I just met the old man and handed over the task. The other side has also been on the right track, and Yuren Village and Akatsuki have reached an attitude of cooperation and acceptance." Jiraiya said with a relieved and relaxed expression on his face.

I thought that the Akatsuki organization and Yuren Village would be incompatible, but under the circumstances that the Akatsuki organization showed enough strength and could bring a lot of material and financial benefits, the Yuren Village high-level officials who had been silent and hesitant about the existence of the Akatsuki organization finally met with the Akatsuki organization. The three of Yahiko met and reached a cooperation.

Seeing that his disciples were able to walk on the path of practicing his own ninja way, Jiraiya was very pleased. Without affecting Konoha's interests, being able to help his three disciples, Jiraiya naturally kept Shikane's help in mind.

"Is that so? That's great! I'm not confused or timid about my future and Ninja." Zhishui also thought of the three ninjas from the Land of Rain who were about the same age as them. Zhishui was deeply touched by their concept of peace. Seeing that they have a good development, I wish them well.

"Hahahaha!" Jiraiya didn't care about the eyes of the people around him, and laughed heartily again.

"By the way, that Kakuzu..." Jiraiya suddenly restrained his laughter, glanced at Shikane beside him, and said hesitantly.

"I have his handle, besides paying for it!" Shikane thought of what Jiraiya wanted to say when he heard Kakuzu's name.

It's nothing more than whether this person is reliable? How did you meet him?

"Really? It's good that you have confidence." Jiraiya himself is not a character who likes to meddle in his own business. Even Namikaze Minato, he has never forced him to do anything according to his own mind.

The relationship between him and Minato is not only master and apprentice, but also a family-like identity. It is precisely because of his open-minded personality that Minato and Kushina get along with him as freely and harmoniously as relatives.

He knew a little about Shikane's personality, and coupled with the reputation of the Nara clan, since Shikane was sure that he could control that Kakuzu, then he naturally wouldn't continue talking too much. Say too much to make Shikane think he wants to do something.

"It's Master Jiraiya, welcome!"

Ichiraku Ramen Shop, looking at the still young ramen shop owner, Teuchi, the chef also saw the guests coming in and welcomed them.

"Four people." Jiraiya sat down at the counter carelessly, stretched out four fingers, "I'll treat you!"

Hongdou held the chopsticks in his hand full of fighting spirit. When the steaming soup noodles just came up, he ignored the temperature of the soup noodles and started the CD-ROM action directly. For her who has mastered the Yan Dun and her body has adapted to a certain high temperature, the temperature of the soup noodles is just a sprinkle of water.

Next, the four of them didn't continue chatting on the previous topic, but immersed themselves in eating.

As the sea bowls beside Hongdou piled higher and higher, Jiraiya's face also changed unpredictably. As for Teuchi, the chef, after seeing Hongdou, he was already preparing the ingredients in a hurry, and put bowls of ramen beside Hongdou as quickly as possible.

He has seen the appetite of this kunoichi!

"Welcome to come again next time!"

After waiting for Hongdou to pat her stomach and say that she was 70% full and could leave, the three of them finally breathed a sigh of relief, hurriedly left their seats, and quickly left under Teuchi's farewell.

"Since you have handed over the task of the Land of Rain, who will take over from you to be responsible for connecting with the Akatsuki organization?" When parting, Shikane suddenly asked Jiraiya.

"The old man didn't tell me, but if nothing unexpected happens, it should be handed over to Orochimaru, or Elder Shimura Danzo of the Root Department." Jiraiya thought for a while and replied.

Although Jiraiya hates those dark and troublesome things, it doesn't mean he doesn't understand the twists and turns. His temperament is definitely to delegate power.

Then the next person who is qualified to take over the communication and cooperation with the Akatsuki organization, besides Orochimaru, the current head of the technology development department, is the root department and Shimura Danzo who are in charge of affairs outside the village.

After all, the benefits contained in the medical talisman definitely need a high-level person with enough weight to grasp and control.

"Root?"

Hearing the name of this organization and Elder Shimura, the three of Shikane fell silent.

"Don't worry, if Shimura Danzo takes over, I will warn him not to mess around." Jiraiya also knew the reputation of the root and Shimura Danzo's always radical and unscrupulous style of doing things.

It's hard to say that after seeing the huge benefits contained in the medical charms, Shimura Danzo won't do something unknown.

"Of course, if Orochimaru can take over, that would be great." Jiraiya patted Shikane on the shoulder and sighed.

He can't understand the thoughts of his teacher now. In the absence of Orochimaru in the village, it is hard to say what decision he will make.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 113: Meeting with Hanzo

Land of Rain.

Rain Village.

The buildings of each ninja village have their own unique styles. During construction, corresponding construction will be carried out according to the environment of the area where it is located.

Most of the buildings in Rain Village are mainly made of steel, and some are also made of stone. These buildings tend to be taller and look like towering mountains.

There are large and small pipes climbing on the building, which is because of the special environment of the Land of Rain. In a year, the Land of Rain is in the rainy season for at least two-thirds of the time.

Rain is the most common sight in this country.

Therefore, the sewer system in Rain Village is also particularly developed, and rainwater can be discharged to other places along the sewer pipes.

Located in the center of Rain Village is a tower building that can be regarded as a landmark. Its height exceeds the surrounding buildings, making it stand out from the surrounding buildings.

All Yuren and residents of Rain Village will subconsciously pause when they come under this building, or become silent and quiet with longing or fear.

This is a place similar to Konoha's Hokage Building, and it is the political center of Rain Village. It is also the residence of Sanshoyu Hanzo, who is known as a demigod.

"Please hand over your weapons temporarily."

Under the tower standing in the steel jungle, the Yuren wearing the Rain Village Anbu mask was facing the visiting Yahiko and his party.

"Don't go too far! Our cooperation with Rain Village is equal!" A member of the Akatsuki organization beside Yahiko stood up and argued angrily.

From the moment they entered Rain Village, they were closely monitored all the time, and Hanzo even left them hanging for a long time, so it was easy to be willing to meet, and now there is another slap in the face.

"Sorry, I'm just following orders, please don't make it difficult for us." Facing the dissatisfaction of the Akatsuki organization members, the Anbu ninja in charge of reception in Rain Village said coldly again.

"Hand over the ninja bag." Yahiko waved his hand, and took the lead in taking off the somewhat worn ninja bag he got from the Iwa ninja from his waist, and handed it over.

"Boss!" The Akatsuki members behind shouted helplessly.

"Hand it over, we are guests." Yahiko shook his head. His biggest concern now is to reach a cooperation agreement with Hanzo, and he doesn't want to lose points on these small matters.

Of course, he could see that the ninjas in Rain Village were contemptuous and indifferent to them, but so what? The growth of the Akatsuki organization itself is accompanied by cold eyes and distrust.

When they recruited people at the beginning, not many people looked up to their organization.

Originally, the chain of contempt in the ninja world is like this. The five great powers despise all ninja villages, the five great powers despise other small countries and ninja villages in small countries.

The small ninja villages that are in dire straits despise those ninja organizations that are not large enough or do not have a formal ninja establishment, as well as rebel ninjas and wandering ninjas.

And under all this, there is the chain of contempt at the bottom, that is, bandits, bandits, and ordinary people who have lost their homes.

As Rain Village, which once resisted Konoha and Sandyin, Yuren's sense of pride and pride is heavier than that of other small ninja villages.

After all, as long as Hanzo, who is known as a demigod, is still there, then Rain Village will have a place in the ninja world.

Seeing Yahiko's choice to settle things peacefully, Kakuzu in the team shook his head slightly. As an old fritter in the ninja world, although he has not held a high position and it is difficult to match the brainwaves of those high-level people, he has lived for so long and experienced many things and met many people, so he naturally has his own set of understanding.

Is it normal to be sensible on someone else's territory?

normal!

But what if you have the strength?

The behavior and actions of Rain Village since the Akatsuki organization entered the village are undoubtedly collecting and testing the information of the Akatsuki organization.

Under the step-by-step temptation of Rain Village, Yahiko seemed to not want to make trouble and retreated step by step, which can easily be understood by Rain Village as timidity and weakness.

Once this impression is formed, the so-called equal cooperation will naturally not exist. What Rain Village thinks more about in the future is probably thinking about dismantling and absorbing the Akatsuki organization, and bringing the healing symbol business under the management of Rain Village.

As for whether Yahiko can play tricks on those people in Rain Village, looking at Yahiko's innocent eyes full of innocence and ideals, Kakuzu shook his head again.

If this child is not eaten up by Rain Village, it will be considered that Hanzo has pity on him if he can leave him a few bones.

But what does this have to do with me?

Kakuzu didn't bother to remind and teach Yahiko what to do. From his understanding of Yahiko during this period of time, the other party is completely a passionate person, and his brain is not a person with only one muscle, but also a person who is not good at intrigue, and even does not know how to intrigue at all.

Advice and teaching cannot change Yahiko's thinking.

So Kakuzu didn't bother to waste his words on Yahiko. Anyway, the task Shikane entrusted to him was to protect the one named Xiaonan, and to calculate the accounts of the healing symbols, and to ensure the safety of materials and funds.

As for whether Yahiko and the Akatsuki organization were cheated or not, and how badly they were cheated, it has nothing to do with him. That's something Shikane and Konoha behind him should worry about.

The group entered the seemingly magnificent steel building. After being stopped again, only Yahiko and the three leaders were allowed to enter Hanzo's office.

"Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, residents of the Land of Rain, with the support of Konoha behind them, did you betray the Land of Rain?" A somewhat old voice sounded in the ears of the three of Yahiko.

Following the source of the sound, I saw a middle-aged man with a gas mask and a strong figure, looking at the three of them sharply from behind the desk in front of him.

Feeling that the other party's gaze was like a knife, and his body kept sending him dangerous warnings, the three of Yahiko took a deep breath, and confirmed that the imposing man in front of him was Hanzo, who was regarded as a god in Rain Village.

What surprised Yahiko and the others even more was that the other party revealed the secret that Akatsuki and Konoha had a relationship.

Thinking of what my teacher said when he left, "Hide it as long as you can", the three of Yahiko looked at each other, and they all saw the loss and panic in each other's eyes.

"We did not betray the Land of Rain, we just hope it can get better!" Yahiko stared at Hanzo's sharp eyes and stepped forward, raising his eyes to look at the man on the seat who looked capable but inexplicably felt a sense of desolation and old age. men staring at each other.

"The speech of the careerist!" Hanzo sneered.

"We are not power-hungry!" Yahiko corrected Hanzo's words once again.

"Not power-hungry, then you're just naive kids? Naive people can't survive in this ninja world." Hanzo showed a hint of disdain for Yahiko's words.

"I know about your Akatsuki organization, and I also know that you've taken in quite a few rogue ninja and Rain ninja who are outside the village's control. You're dedicated to achieving peace in war, and you're working hard for this so-called peace. Why are you doing this?"

"Why?" Yahiko was taken aback by Hanzo's question, but he replied without hesitation, "Why do we need war? Look at this country, war only brings loss and pain..."

"Such high-sounding words?" Hanzo interrupted Yahiko, his eyes filled with an indescribable emotion, both disappointment and relief.

For a powerful figure like him, who had spent half his life fighting in the ninja world, Yahiko's understanding and pursuit of peace were too idealistic and naive. So naive that he didn't even want to continue listening.

"Listen, kids, war and peace in the ninja world aren't something that can be achieved with naivete. To dare to interfere in the wars of the Five Great Nations, what's needed isn't so-called understanding, but sufficient power!

Because the First Hokage of Konoha was powerful enough, he and Uchiha Madara were able to join forces to end the thousand-year feud between ninja clans.

I'm telling you all this just to let you know, don't let your actions drag the Land of Rain into the wars of the great nations."

"These don't sound like words that the 'Demi-God' admired by the Land of Rain would say."

Another voice suddenly sounded from behind Yahiko. It seemed that Hanzo's words had shattered the filter around him, filling Nagato's eyes with disappointment.

"Admiration?" Hanzo's gaze fell on the speaker, Nagato. Seeing his red hair, his eyes darkened slightly.

"Tell me, what does Konoha, the village behind you, want you to do?" Hanzo quickly regained his composure and asked.

"Konoha wants to cooperate with us, selling a large number of healing talismans in exchange for supplies and money that can help the civilians of the Land of Rain survive." Yahiko explained.

"Konoha would be so kind? Why would Konoha approach you for this and share the profits with you?" Hanzo was puzzled. When he learned of this news, he racked his brains but couldn't figure out Konoha's motive.

If there was anything about these three people, or the Akatsuki organization they founded, that was worth Konoha's attention, it would be the political power of the Hidden Rain Village.

"They need us! Akatsuki can help them mass-produce low-cost healing talismans." Yahiko answered seriously.

"And the cooperation with the Hidden Rain Village is because you believe that the village and you also need the supplies and benefits brought by the healing talismans."

"You want me and the Hidden Rain Village to endorse you? Hmph!" Hanzo immediately narrowed his eyes. "Of the supplies and money obtained from trading the healing talismans, excluding Konoha's share, the Hidden Rain Village wants ninety percent!"

"This?"

Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato looked at each other, stunned by Hanzo's exorbitant demand. They were momentarily at a loss.

As the three of them had not received formal education, with the expansion of the organization, they gradually realized their own inadequacy in many situations.

If it weren't for Jiraiya and Tsunade to consult, and the recruits being mostly like-minded followers, their organization might have disbanded long ago.

"Your demand is too high." Yahiko shook his head. Although no one had taught him how to negotiate, under Jiraiya's guidance, he understood that if they agreed to Hanzo's terms, Akatsuki would become subordinate to the Hidden Rain Village.

Maintaining Akatsuki's independence was crucial to doing what they wanted to do.

This was the most important lesson Yahiko had learned from Jiraiya.

"Without me and the Hidden Rain Village, do you really think you can keep the healing talisman business going? You came to the Hidden Rain Village because currently, only I and the village can provide you with protection and ensure the smooth operation of the healing talisman trade, right?

In that case, isn't it only natural for me and the Hidden Rain Village to take the largest share? Leaving you one-tenth is already giving face to Konoha behind you."

Hanzo snorted coldly, dissatisfied with Yahiko's refusal. His eyes swept back and forth over the three, his gaze deep.

"Akatsuki can ensure the smooth operation of the trade. We've already reached our first deal with the Hidden Stone Village." Yahiko looked directly at Hanzo. "We sought cooperation with the Hidden Rain Village only because you protected the Land of Rain from falling during the war."

"Cunning brat!" Hanzo's body vanished in an instant as his words fell.

"Watch out!" Nagato, who had been keeping an eye on Hanzo, immediately pushed Yahiko in front of him aside and stood in front of him, crossing his arms in a defensive posture.

Bang!

A fist collided with Nagato's crossed arms in a flash, and Nagato's body flew backward like a cannonball, crashing into the steel wall behind him.

"Nagato!"

Yahiko and Konan exclaimed, instantly creating distance. They helped Nagato up from the ground while looking at Hanzo with cautious and angry eyes.

"With only this level of strength, you dare to speak so boldly? Instead of letting the Hidden Stone and other great ninja villages show you the cruelty of the ninja world, let me give you this final lesson!

The ninja world is a world of the strong preying on the weak! As long as I capture you here, Akatsuki will be destroyed, right? Of course, I and the Hidden Rain Village will still continue the cooperation with Konoha. But no longer with it in the lead! As long as we extract the method for mass-producing low-cost healing talismans from your heads, the Hidden Rain Village will be able to play both sides in this war and become a neutral nation!

Your biggest mistake was agreeing to come to the Hidden Rain Village to discuss cooperation! Even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit! Surrender, I don't want to kill you."

"So the so-called 'Demi-God' admired by people is like this? It's truly disappointing!" Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato's faces showed undisguised disappointment.

"This is how the world is! Conspiracy, betrayal, the strong preying on the weak."

Hanzo turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to their disappointed looks and critical words. These couldn't shake his resolve at all.

However, Hanzo was surprised that Nagato was able to react and push Yahiko aside in time, blocking his attack.

Although he hadn't used his full strength in the office, relying only on taijutsu, someone who could push someone away and block an attack in one swift motion must have at least reached the level of a Jonin.

Looking at Nagato's still young and tender face, Hanzo couldn't help but feel a bit of appreciation for talent.

He always had a soft spot for talented young people and was willing to give those who failed a challenge a second chance.

The samurai Mifune from the Land of Iron and the Three Sannin from Konoha were all spared in such situations. Of course, the Land of Iron behind the samurai and the Land of Fire behind the Sannin also played a role.

Especially in the latter case, when it was clear that the Hidden Rain Village was destined to lose, Hanzo didn't kill the Sannin out of anger, partly because he didn't want to provoke Konoha too much, but also because of his appreciation for their talent.

But all of this was predicated on not threatening his position in the Land of Rain!

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 114: The Black Cavity*

A small white snake swiftly slithered out of the darkness, coiling up the leg of the table and finally appearing in front of Shikane.

Noticing Shikane's gaze on it, the snake blinked its eyes, and its mouth suddenly stretched into an alarming arc, vomiting out a palm-sized scroll. After completing this, the snake coiled itself around the table, staring unblinkingly at Shikane, awaiting his next command.

"From Kakuzu, huh?"

Shikane looked at the messenger snake used for communicating with Kakuzu. He set aside his current tasks and used a special unsealing technique to open the scroll, carefully reading its contents.

Typically, Kakuzu wouldn't contact him unless something significant had happened.

After thoroughly reading the intelligence recorded on the scroll, an unusual expression flashed in Shikane's eyes. He hadn't expected the meeting between the Akatsuki and Hanzō of the Rain to end in such a way.

"Was it a test skirmish?"

Shikane speculated on the information.

In the conflict between the two sides, it was clear Hanzō hadn't used his full strength. At least, that wasn't indicated in the intelligence.

Hanzō's most feared techniques—his poison and his giant salamander—didn't make an appearance. After all, once released, the poison wouldn't discriminate between friend and foe.

Kakuzu, in the report, complained about losing one of his hearts, which prompted Hanzō to back off. Of course, Konan was unharmed under his protection, but Yahiko and Nagato had sustained some injuries.

Especially Nagato, who had used some form of explosive power similar to a forbidden technique, resulting in serious backlash. In the end, Kakuzu expressed the need for a face-to-face meeting with Shikane soon.

After reading the message and putting the scroll away, Shikane pondered for a moment and then sent a reply to Kakuzu.

He knew exactly why Kakuzu wanted to meet. Losing a heart was like losing a life. With only one heart remaining, Kakuzu's strength had diminished, and he was starting to sense danger.

The Earth Grudge Fear technique that Shikane had forcefully modified and upgraded now had very particular requirements. The hearts of ordinary ninjas, once connected to the Earth Grudge Fear, would be drained of their power almost immediately, withering away due to incompatibility.

In simple terms, the ninja hearts that Kakuzu once used to replace his own had now become mere fodder for the upgraded Earth Grudge Fear. They could rapidly replenish his chakra, but they couldn't continuously supply it, and certainly couldn't give Kakuzu another life.

As for ninja bloodlines, Kakuzu had tried capturing them before. Once connected to the Earth Grudge Fear, their hearts lasted slightly longer than those of ordinary ninjas, providing more chakra.

This left Kakuzu facing a rather awkward issue: he temporarily couldn't survive without Shikane. Only the hearts provided by Shikane could satisfy the Earth Grudge Fear.

...

The Land of Rain.

Akatsuki’s Base.

Deep within the vast network of caves, under the dim flicker of torchlight, Konan was doing her best, using all her medical ninjutsu knowledge to ease Nagato's injuries and pain.

"Don’t waste your energy, Konan. I know my body better than anyone. There’s no need to waste chakra on me," Nagato said, forcing a pained smile as he spoke to Konan, who was crying while using the Mystical Palm Technique on him.

"We can do it! We can! Teacher Shennong said that if medical ninjutsu is mastered to a certain extent, it can reverse aging and even death!"

"It’s my fault!" Yahiko, lying bandaged on the other side, spoke in a raspy voice, like someone severely dehydrated, showing only half of his face and one eye.

"I was too naive! I shouldn’t have brought you both with me! Hanzō was right—this world is cruel, a place where the strong devour the weak."

"Yahiko?"

Hearing Yahiko’s words, both Nagato and Konan looked at him with concern. As the core of their group, Yahiko had always been cheerful and determined. This was the first time he had shown such painful and despairing emotions, causing the other two to feel a growing sense of unease.

"Don’t worry, I’m fine." Yahiko turned his head and muttered in a low voice to reassure them, even though each word caused him to wince in pain. "I just came to realize, once again, how cruel this world truly is.

"Hanzō gave us an important lesson.

"Peace requires strength!"

Footsteps echoed down the passageway, drawing the trio’s attention toward the source of the sound, their expressions filled with caution. After everything that had happened in Amegakure, they were all on edge.

When Kakuzu’s figure finally appeared in the firelight, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Kakuzu!" Konan’s voice carried a note of gratitude.

Although Kakuzu always acted cold and distant, they all knew he had been contracted by Konoha for a specific mission. Yet, in that chaotic situation, he had fought alongside them against Hanzō, ensuring they didn’t meet their end in Amegakure. For that, they were grateful.

"This place isn’t safe. Amegakure won’t let you off so easily," Kakuzu said.

"I know," Yahiko replied from the stone bed.

"If there’s no way out, I’ll only be responsible for taking Konan."

Looking at Yahiko lying on the stone bed, Kakuzu felt a slight emotional stir. After all, for Yahiko to have built up the Akatsuki organization, besides the Rain citizens’ desire for peace, it was also largely due to his charismatic personality.

Naive or not, this seemingly young leader had a character that far surpassed most people, even ninjas.

"That’s fine," neither Nagato nor Yahiko expressed any anger or disappointment upon hearing Kakuzu's words. Instead, they seemed relieved.

"I’m not leaving," Konan said, her voice calm but filled with determination that all three men could sense.

"I’ve already informed Nara Shikane." Kakuzu ignored Konan's words, and just as he was about to continue speaking, a black cube suddenly appeared before him.

The cube began to expand rapidly, forming an irregular black cavity within moments.

The three were stunned by the sudden turn of events. Both Konan and Nagato immediately positioned themselves in front of Yahiko, ready for a fight.

Footsteps echoed from within the black cavity.

Kakuzu, who had already formed hand seals, froze when he saw the figure stepping out of the cavity.

Seeing the newcomer, both Konan and Nagato’s faces mirrored Kakuzu’s surprise.

"You’re in a sorry state, Mr. Kakuzu!" Shikane, stepping out of the black cavity, waved playfully at the dumbfounded Kakuzu. Then, shifting his gaze to Konan and Nagato, he smiled and greeted them as well.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 115: Conditions

"Nara Shikane?"

Kakuzu stared at Nara Shikane, who had appeared alive before him, momentarily stunned. He realized that since meeting Shikane, this man’s actions had repeatedly left him surprised.

"Surprised to see me here?" Shikane glanced at Kakuzu, whose eyes were wide open, and then looked at Nagato and Konan, both equally dumbfounded. He shrugged slightly.

"Space-time ninjutsu?"

Kakuzu immediately came to a logical conclusion about Shikane’s sudden appearance, but his expression quickly darkened.

As a living relic of the ninja world, he had, of course, heard of the rare and powerful space-time ninjutsu.

At the very least, he had heard rumors about Minato Namikaze of the Leaf Village, who had gained immense fame for mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Although Shikane’s display differed from the stories he had heard about Namikaze, Kakuzu couldn’t think of anything other than space-time ninjutsu that could have brought Shikane from the Leaf Village to the Land of Rain so quickly.

What troubled him the most was that Shikane had appeared so precisely by his side. Was this an implicit threat? Or had Shikane done something to him?

Every technique has its requirements. What were the conditions for using space-time ninjutsu?

"You guessed correctly, Kakuzu-san," Shikane tilted his head and responded.

"Did you do something to me?" Kakuzu’s face tightened, his tone a bit frantic. He was almost certain.

"Are you asking if I’ve marked you for precise location with my space-time ninjutsu?" Shikane immediately understood the crux of Kakuzu’s agitation.

"Isn’t that the case?" Kakuzu grumbled, convinced Shikane was up to something sinister.

"Did you forget someone?" Shikane said as he crouched down, spreading his right hand towards the ground.

Under the intense gaze of Kakuzu, Nagato, and Konan, a small white snake joyfully slithered out from beneath Kakuzu’s robe, wriggling in an S-shape toward Shikane’s palm. It coiled into his hand and gazed unblinkingly into Shikane’s eyes.

"Your tracker... is it the snake?" Kakuzu felt embarrassed, but something told him Shikane was still hiding something. It seemed like everything so far was his own analysis based on the circumstances.

"I received your message, did some simple preparations, and rushed over." Shikane sidestepped Kakuzu’s comment, not even offering a vague hint before changing the subject entirely.

"Do you really care that much about Nagato and his group?" Kakuzu was skeptical. From their previous interactions, it was clear that Shikane wasn’t the kind to be overly compassionate.

"I’m just fulfilling a request. Though Jiraiya-senpai isn’t my teacher, he and Tsunade-senpai have both helped me a lot." As Shikane spoke, he walked toward Nagato and Konan.

"Jiraiya-sensei?" Hearing Jiraiya's name, both Nagato and Konan’s tense bodies relaxed slightly.

"Uh!"

In that moment of relaxation, Shikane suddenly injected a needle into Nagato’s neck from the palm of his hand.

In the next instant, paper shuriken flew through the air, propelled by Konan’s hands as they sliced toward Shikane.

Despite Konan’s rapid reaction, Shikane moved even faster. As if anticipating the attack, a dark shadow rose abruptly from beneath his feet, swallowing the paper shuriken like a wave engulfing the air.

"Don’t attack, Konan!" Nagato, clutching his neck, slumped to the ground and weakly ordered Konan to stop forming hand signs.

"Nagato?"

Konan, still wary, kept her eyes on Shikane, who had raised his hands in surrender and taken two steps back. She knelt down, supporting the collapsed Nagato onto a stone bed.

"I’m fine! He’s treating me," Nagato shook his head at Konan, trying to ease her worry.

"Treating you?" Konan was stunned as she looked between Shikane and Nagato, noticing that Nagato’s previously pale and gaunt face now had a hint of healthy color.

"My wounds... they’re healing!"

Nagato had initially been startled when Shikane attacked. His injuries were so severe that they limited his movement, and Shikane’s shadow had immobilized him in an instant, leaving him no time to avoid or use his Rinnegan abilities.

But after the injection, he immediately felt something unusual—rather than poison damaging his body, he sensed a force rapidly nourishing and healing his battered frame.

Within a few breaths, the once unbearable pain in his body had significantly lessened under the influence of this power.

"It seems there’s still a lack of trust between us. I thought we had at least established some degree of mutual trust." Shikane lowered his hands, teasing the embarrassed Konan.

"I’m sorry," Konan awkwardly apologized.

"Given all you’ve been through, being cautious is understandable." Shikane wasn’t interested in dwelling on it. He didn’t intend to waste time on such matters.

"I’ve heard from Jiraiya-sensei and Kakuzu-san that you’re very skilled in medical ninjutsu?" Konan, her eyes bright with hope, shyly looked at Shikane.

"You want me to treat Nagato and Yahiko?" Shikane’s gaze shifted to the bedridden Yahiko and Nagato.

"Though it’s a lot to ask, please! If you can save Yahiko and Nagato, we’ll agree to any conditions you may have!" Konan bowed deeply.

"As long as you save Yahiko, I’ll accept any terms you have!" Nagato rose from the stone bed, joining in.

"Even your Rinnegan?"

Shikane’s sudden question made Konan, Nagato, and even the onlooking Kakuzu widen their eyes in shock.

"You want my eyes?" Nagato paused, his right hand instinctively touching the Rinnegan hidden beneath his bangs. Glancing at Yahiko on the stone bed, he nodded toward Shikane. "If you can save Yahiko, you can take them."

"I won’t agree to that! Cough, cough!" Yahiko’s raspy voice interrupted, "If that’s the price, I’d rather not be saved."

"I see, so you rushed here because of the Rinnegan?" Kakuzu thought to himself, a few things finally clicking into place.

Kakuzu had suspected that Shikane’s unusual interest in these three youngsters had something to do with the Rinnegan. If it weren’t for the fight with Hanzō earlier, he wouldn’t have even realized Nagato possessed the legendary eyes.

(End of Chapter)