26-30

Chapter 26: The Third Hokage's Partner and the Outcome

The attacker's figure vanished instantly, then a sharp gust of wind sounded behind Shikane.

Thump!

A dull thud echoed where the blade met Shikane's neck.

What's this?

A flicker of confusion crossed the attacker's eyes, visible through the mask. The next moment, he lost control, his feet glued to the ground, his whole body stiffening.

Shadow Imitation Technique!

Under the cover of night, the dimly lit alley provided excellent concealment and reach for the shadows. The close proximity left no time for evasion.

The attacker clearly aimed for a one-hit kill, practically stepping onto Shikane's shadow.

To his further surprise, countless runes spread from the darkness beneath Shikane's feet, snaking along the shadow and covering his body.

"This is... the Curse Mark Binding Technique!" The struggle in the attacker's eyes intensified.

The combination of the Shadow Imitation Technique and the Curse Mark Binding Technique was Shikane's most practiced, near-instantaneous technique.

This combination was originally intended to deal with Jugo's rampages. When facing a berserk Jugo, the only option was swift and continuous forceful control.

Shikane honed this timing and control during months of back-and-forth confrontations with Jugo.

Initially, he needed to team up with Anko to seize the right moment, engaging in dangerous battles to achieve their goal. As they became more proficient, facing a rampaging Jugo became much safer and easier.

Releasing the Shadow Imitation Technique, Shikane turned to face the attacker, half a head taller than him, clad in ANBU attire. The attacker's body was now covered in curse marks, the runes extending to the fingertips of his exposed hands.

"The flat of the blade? So you weren't here to kill me, but to capture me for something?"

Looking at the attacker's blade, Shikane understood the strange, blunt sensation from the earlier attack.

"You managed to corner me in this remote place. Were you specifically waiting for me? You seem quite calm! To wait for me here, you must at least know that I often take this route home after training.

This means you're familiar with the village layout and have gathered some intel on my daily routine.

Judging by your attire, you belong to the ANBU, which serves the Hokage and only follows his orders. But if the Third Hokage wanted to see me, he could simply tell my lazy old man. There's no need for such tactics.

I heard from Orochimaru-sensei that there's another ANBU organization within the village called Root. It's the ANBU training facility, a part of the ANBU.

But the control of this ANBU faction lies in the hands of an elder named Danzo...

Your emotions finally fluctuated. It seems I guessed correctly."

Shikane maintained eye contact with the attacker while speaking, utilizing the mental observation techniques he learned from the Yamanaka clan to carefully perceive the subtle shifts in the attacker's emotions.

When Danzo's name was mentioned, Shikane caught the fleeting emotional response. He sighed, no longer interested in probing further. He knew it was time to leave the matter to the capable adults.

"Quite surprising."

Not long after, a figure materialized from the darkness, landing with a gust of wind. As the familiar magnetic, husky voice sounded, Shikane, who had been hiding in the shadows, finally relaxed completely.

"ANBU? No, a distinct Root scent." Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed into slits as he observed the ANBU, immobilized by the Curse Mark Binding Technique and further reinforced twice.

"Orochimaru-sensei." Shikane greeted Orochimaru.

"It seems he didn't intend to kill you." Orochimaru also noticed the incorrect orientation of the attacker's blade, almost instantly deducing the general situation and the course of the fight.

"He tried to knock me out, but couldn't penetrate my Still Blood Armor's defense." Shikane explained briefly.

"Leave this to me. You can inform Shikaku."

Orochimaru paused for a moment, then summoned a large snake that swallowed the attacker. With a puff of smoke, the snake vanished.

"Any trouble?" Shikane looked up and asked.

"Just a warning from a petty old man. You were caught in the crossfire."

Orochimaru now understood the cause and reason behind the attack, but he didn't intend to explain it to Shikane at that moment. He took Shikane's hand, "Let's go, I'll take you home first. Then I'll go see my sensei."

After safely escorting Shikane back to the Nara clan compound, Orochimaru left immediately. Shikane was left with Shikaku, who sensed something amiss.

As Orochimaru instructed, Shikane recounted everything that happened to Shikaku, leaving the old man with a somewhat grave expression, deep in thought. Shikane then went to rest.

...

In a dimly lit underground location.

An elderly man, leaning on a crutch and shrouded in candlelight, looked at his kneeling subordinate with his one good eye.

"You said Orochimaru went to see Hiruzen?"

"Yes! We monitored Orochimaru entering the Third Hokage's residence and staying there for a long time before leaving." The kneeling ninja replied respectfully, his head lowered.

"I understand." The old man nodded, watching his subordinate rise and retreat.

...

"Hiruzen."

The bandaged old man, leaning on his crutch, pushed open the door to the Hokage's office, his exposed eye sweeping over the Third Hokage working at his desk and Nara Shikaku silently working on the other side. He then focused his attention and gaze back on the Third, who looked up to meet his eyes.

"What brings you here?"

"Last night, Orochimaru's disciple, Nara Shikane, was attacked by the ANBU. Danzo, do you have anything to say about this?" The Third took a puff from his pipe, his aged face obscured by the smoke, making it difficult to discern his expression.

"An ANBU attack? What does that have to do with me?" Danzo scoffed, righteously denying any involvement.

"Do you know what Orochimaru did?" The Third seemed to have anticipated Danzo's denial. He rubbed his brow with a hint of headache and said helplessly.

"What could he possibly do?" Danzo stood before the Third Hokage's desk, his eyes disdainfully sweeping over the silently working Nara Shikaku.

"He delivered the attacker to the Interrogation Unit." The Third closed his eyes. "The Interrogation Unit Captain, Yamanaka Shinichi, personally conducted the interrogation. Do you need me to elaborate?"

"What could he possibly extract?" Danzo's eyes narrowed.

"Beforehand, Orochimaru helped to undo the numerous seals and restraints you placed on the attacker." The Third puffed on his pipe, his eyes opening to meet Danzo's through the smoke.

"What is he trying to do? I have a clear conscience!" Danzo snorted.

"Why do you think sensei chose me as Hokage instead of you back then?" The Third suddenly posed an unrelated question.

"That's only because you spoke up before me with that line about staying behind!" Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, Danzo, who had been calm, suddenly became agitated. He shouted angrily.

"No! It's because sensei knew very well that you're someone who only understands ruthlessness but not compromise, someone with a bit of cleverness but no regard for the bigger picture, short-sighted and lacking long-term vision.

If someone like you became Hokage, it would only spell disaster for the village!" The Third replied, each word emphasized.

"You're lying!" Danzo's crutch pounded the ground heavily, the veins in his hands bulging. He was instantly enraged by his old friend's words.

"Take a good look at what you've done! How dare you lay your hands on the people of the village! First Sakumo, then Shikane. What's next? Are you going to target me?" The Third rebuked angrily.

Danzo stared intently at the Third's furious face, then suddenly fell silent.

"From now on, the ANBU directly under the Hokage will be responsible for the village's peace. Your Root will only handle matters outside the village. Additionally, due to your recent mistakes, Root's funding and personnel selection will be restricted accordingly." The Third looked at the calmed Danzo and stated the final punishment matter-of-factly.

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!" Danzo's grip tightened further. Even if Hiruzen Sarutobi scolded him severely, causing him to lose face in front of Shikaku, it would be more bearable than this punishment. This was a blatant reduction of his power!

"I am the Hokage, am I not?" The Third said coldly.

"Hmph!" Danzo turned and left the Hokage's office with a gust of wind as he slammed the door.

"Shikaku, are you satisfied with this punishment?" The Third rubbed his brow tiredly, looking at the departing Danzo.

"I have no objections, Hokage-sama." Nara Shikaku stood

"The funds cut from Root will be under your control, and Danzo has no authority over the personnel from the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, but you can negotiate their selection." The Third Hokage nodded.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, meeting his teacher's probing gaze.

"This is not what you promised me last night." After a moment of silence, Orochimaru licked his lips, a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice.

"Do you know how much manpower and money it takes to create a new department? Although the village's economy has improved and become more prosperous, it's not yet at the point where we can spend lavishly.

Besides, even as the Hokage, if I want to establish a brand new department, I still need to convene a meeting of the Jonin for a vote.

Tsunade's Medical Department wasn't established overnight either." The Third Hokage shook his head.

"But facts have proven that the establishment of the Medical Department was the right decision! Tsunade's proposal back then was also correct! Your delay, sensei, was meaningless and detrimental to the village." Orochimaru retorted bluntly.

The Third Hokage puffed on his pipe again.

"At the very least, you need to show me and the Jonin the value of this department. The Technology Development Department, based on the requirements you've outlined, will require even more financial and human resources than the Medical Department! I can't see its significance to the village." The Third Hokage looked troubled.

Looking at the village's messy finances, he, as the Kage, was also in a difficult position. The Medical Department had only been established for a few years, and the investment hadn't been recouped yet. Now, to launch another money-guzzling project... it's easy to spend when it's not your own money, right?

"This doesn't align with our agreement." Orochimaru's eyes narrowed into slits.

"How about this, I authorize you to establish this department and allow you to recruit personnel independently. I can also provide some initial funding. But if you can't produce sufficient results later on, the financial burden will be your responsibility. Do you agree with this solution?" The Third pondered for a moment, offering a compromise.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 27: The Understanding Between Two People

*Kakashi's Residence*

Kakashi Hatake looked at the visiting Shikane Nara with some indifference.

He had just had a falling out with his teammates over a mission issue. Although he didn't care much about it, Shikane Nara, who rarely interacted with him before, suddenly came to visit, leaving him a bit confused.

"Nara-san, what can I do for you?" After a moment of silence, looking at Shikane who had been observing and scanning the surroundings since he entered, Kakashi finally took the initiative to speak.

He didn't have time to waste with Shikane; he needed to train.

"There's some information that concerns you. I think you have the right to know." Shikane's gaze fell on the thin young man opposite him, wearing a mask, with unruly white hair standing up like a hedgehog.

"Is it mission-related?" Kakashi asked.

"No, it's related to your father, Sakumo-senpai's death." Shikane took out a scroll from his bosom, placed it on the table, and pushed it towards Kakashi.

Kakashi instantly exuded a palpable chill.

"Aren't you going to look at it?" Shikane didn't seem to notice the terrifying chill emanating from Kakashi, merely pointing at the scroll with his finger as a reminder.

"My father died by suicide after a mission failure." Kakashi replied dryly.

"Is that really what you think?" Shikane countered.

"Everyone says so, and my father proved it with his death." Kakashi's exposed eyes revealed pain. His father's death had not yet been healed by time, and he felt an inexplicable fear towards Shikane's next words and the scroll lying quietly on the table.

"Ninja missions, especially those carried out by Konoha's White Fang, are usually classified, right?" Shikane leaned his elbows on the table, supporting his chin with his hands below, and said lazily, "For this kind of mission, apart from the higher-ups and relevant personnel, others have no way of knowing the inside story, right?"

Kakashi, who had already carried out many missions in the Anbu and knew the confidentiality procedures, trembled slightly at these words.

"It seems you know too. Then, Sakumo-senpai's mission had just failed, and it spread throughout the entire village, even ordinary villagers who weren't ninjas knew about it. Didn't you ever have any doubts?" Shikane pressed.

"It was leaked by my father's teammates. They believed that his actions led to the mission's failure." Kakashi clenched his fists.

"Any ninja can have failed missions. Even the Sannin, and the village's Kage. I believe Sakumo-senpai was a very mature ninja. When he made his decision, he must have considered the impact of abandoning the mission and the losses the village would suffer.

Unless it was a mission that could lead to a world war, with Sakumo-senpai's merits and strength, he wouldn't and shouldn't have been subjected to such village-wide condemnation." Shikane shook his head.

"It was my father's teammates. They believed that ninjas should prioritize the mission above all else." Kakashi repeated, his tone turning cold again.

"You, who prioritize the mission, do you get along well with your teammates?" Shikane suddenly asked.

"That kind of thing doesn't matter, as long as the mission is completed, right?" Kakashi said with his eyes closed.

"That's why I think you should take a good look at this intelligence. At the very least, you should know why Sakumo-senpai chose to end his life, shouldn't you?" Shikane pushed the scroll to the edge of the opposite table, within Kakashi's reach.

Kakashi's expression changed, but under Shikane's gaze, he finally reached out with a trembling hand, picked up the scroll, and opened it using the seal he had learned and mastered in the Anbu to decrypt intelligence.

Reading the intelligence didn't take long, but the contents of the scroll clearly had a profound impact on Kakashi, who was still just a child. His pupils trembled violently, and tears flowed down his cheeks, leaving two deep trails.

"Is what's written here true?" Closing the scroll, Kakashi forced himself to control his turbulent emotions, looking at Shikane with tear-filled eyes.

"It was extracted through interrogation by Yamanaka Shinichi-senpai and his team from the Interrogation Unit." Shikane brought up the Interrogation Unit.

"Why would they do this?" Kakashi felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. He had always believed that his father's mistakes had led to all of this, but now this intelligence told him that the surging accusations within the village and the mission's failure all stemmed from darkness within the village itself.

"Because Sakumo-senpai's reputation was too high." Shikane answered bluntly, "He was blocking the path of others who aspired to become Hokage."

"Blocking others' path?" Kakashi looked at Shikane in astonishment.

"My teacher Orochimaru, Jiraiya and Tsunade-sama, and someone named Danzo Shimura." Shikane observed Kakashi's fluctuating expression upon hearing the last name and continued his proactive approach, "You should have heard of this name, right? The one who controls the training department for Konoha's Anbu members, the leader of Root."

"I do know Danzo-sama, his name." Kakashi felt like even the strength to speak was fading, every word he uttered feeling incredibly heavy.

"In the words of Orochimaru-sensei, he's someone who bows to darkness and resorts to any means to do dirty work. The Root under his command operates in the same way, under his philosophy." Shikane brought up Orochimaru to enhance his persuasiveness and trustworthiness.

"Was he the one who manipulated and fabricated the rumors?" Kakashi thought back to the gloomy old man he had met during his Root training, the one who wanted to recruit him and bring him fully into Root. He asked through gritted teeth.

"Besides having Root, which shares the same responsibilities as the Anbu, and knowledge of all ninja missions within the village, who else could accomplish this? Even my teacher Orochimaru couldn't!" Shikane affirmed without hesitation.

"What about the Third Hokage?" Kakashi's eyes were bloodshot as he stared blankly at Shikane.

"Let's just say that Sakumo-senpai wasn't the Hokage candidate the Third favored. Perhaps he only wanted to suppress Sakumo-senpai's reputation, but he didn't expect him to be so unyielding." Shikane said softly.

"What's your purpose in telling me all this?" Kakashi suddenly asked Shikane.

"No particular purpose, just wanted you to know the truth, to prevent you from falling into darkness. I learned from my teacher that Danzo-sama has always wanted you to officially join Root. As long as you know who he is and what he's done, then the purpose of my visit has been fully achieved."

Shikane stood up and said his goodbyes, "I think you need some time alone, so I'll take my leave. It's best if you destroy that intelligence. Danzo-sama was recently punished by the Third Hokage, and he might summon you soon. If you don't want to join Root, you can try directly applying to the Third Hokage to enter the Hokage's Direct Anbu."

...

*Konoha Orphanage*

The orphanage's director, Yakushi Nonou, was nervously looking at Orochimaru, who had suddenly come to visit. Being skilled at gathering intelligence, she understood better than anyone how terrifying and troublesome the pale-skinned man in front of her was.

"Orochimaru-sama, everything here is simple, there's nothing to offer you." Nonou had a gentle and comforting appearance. She seemed to possess a quality that made people feel close to her, easily gaining their reliance and trust.

"I know. I'm here to invite you to join the Technology Development Department that I've established." Orochimaru didn't mind Nonou's wariness and vigilance; in fact, he would have been surprised if she wasn't like this.

"I apologize, but I haven't heard of this department." Nonou shook her head.

"This is the Third Hokage's letter of appointment." Orochimaru took out a scroll and tossed it over, "I believe you should be able to discern its authenticity."

Yakushi Nonou took the scroll, carefully examined it, and confirmed that the letter of appointment was genuine.

"What can I do?" Nonou returned the scroll, "Do you also need a spy like me?"

"No, no, no. What I value are your medical ninjutsu skills." Orochimaru shook his head, denying Nonou's guess, "The Wandering Nun is quite famous in the ninja world."

"I'm affiliated with Root." Nonou said.

"I can transfer you over. During this period, I have the authority to assemble personnel from various departments to build the Technology Development Department. I know you care about this orphanage, and I can provide you with more funding than Root." Orochimaru said softly.

"I know very well that you and Danzo are not the same kind of people. You care about these children, don't you?

Danzo sees these children as leverage to control you. You've done far more for him than he's ever given you. Join me, and you won't have to endure the torment of being a spy anymore. You just need to use your medical ninjutsu to assist and train some personnel." Orochimaru licked his lips, extending the invitation.

"Is it really that simple?" Yakushi Nonou looked at Orochimaru.

"Of course. As long as you can do one thing, I'll fulfill all my promises to you!" A smile appeared on Orochimaru's pale face.

"What is it?" Nonou was relieved; she was afraid Orochimaru wouldn't ask for anything in return.

"You should be very familiar with Root's collection, right? Tell me about them! Whether it's Hashirama cells, other research materials, or any threatening things Danzo has done to the village, tell me everything you know." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.

"You need them?" Nonou frowned slightly but quickly relaxed.

"Root doesn't need those anymore. From now on, all technological development will be incorporated into the Technology Development Department. I just think Danzo will definitely hide some things and won't honestly hand everything over. I don't have the time or energy to play hide-and-seek with him." Orochimaru replied.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 28: The Targeted Uchiha [Please Keep Reading]

Hokage Office.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked at the furious Danzo and the expressionless Orochimaru, his head aching.

"Hiruzen, do you really want Orochimaru to hollow out Root?" Danzo slammed his cane on the ground, his chest heaving with anger.

"I just took some research materials! Those things are wasted in Root's hands anyway." Orochimaru ignored Danzo's murderous gaze and retorted.

"Orochimaru! You should at least respect your seniors! Danzo is your teacher's partner and has made great contributions to the village." A reprimand sounded from outside the door, and the village's two advisors, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, walked in.

"Hiruzen, Danzo's actions were indeed negligent, but your punishment shouldn't leave Root empty." Homura spoke up, standing in front of Danzo.

"No. I only took some materials that Root doesn't need and two people I need. It's completely within the authority my teacher gave me. Root's strength hasn't decreased." Orochimaru countered.

"Hiruzen, although the village's economy has improved, you know we can't afford to establish and invest in a new department." Koharu reminded the Third Hokage, not arguing with Orochimaru.

"Yes, a new department needs to train new talents, new ninjas, and other necessary investments. It's a long-term investment. The village always has to consider the future, right?" Homura also persuaded.

"So what are your opinions?" The Third Hokage looked at Danzo and the two advisors standing together, then at the expressionless Orochimaru, and asked in a deep voice.

"Everything remains the same. It's better for Orochimaru and Root to cooperate." Homura spoke first.

"You also know about those experiments, Hiruzen. They're really not suitable for exposure. If a new department is established, it will definitely attract the attention of everyone in the village, and then many things will be impossible to hide." Koharu persuaded from another angle.

Hearing the two advisors' words, a smile subconsciously crossed Danzo's lips. Just as he understood Hiruzen, these two teammates who had spent years with Hiruzen also understood him. They knew better how to sway Hiruzen's heart.

As expected, Hiruzen hesitated when he heard Koharu's words. At this moment, he felt more and more that he was aging and powerless. The decisiveness of his youth, when he could make decisions with a single word, had gradually faded away.

Considering his age, in the ninja world where the shadow of war always loomed and the survival rate of ninja missions was not high, he was already considered long-lived. Among the Kage older than him, it seemed that only Onoki from Iwagakure remained.

All he wanted now was for the village to develop stably and without any disturbances. Koharu's words undoubtedly shook his heart.

"Then shouldn't we correct the situation?" Orochimaru, seeing his teacher's hesitation, spoke up with a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "It's precisely because of Root's cold-blooded and unregulated actions that all these tragedies happened! The establishment of the Technology Development Department is to set rules and reduce the village's unnecessary sacrifices. Only in this way can the tragedies stop."

Danzo abruptly looked at Orochimaru.

Root is cold-blooded and ruthless?

He did admit that!

But the person in charge of the Wood Style and other experiments has always been you, Orochimaru! Even if there's my fault, are you, Orochimaru, a good person?

You, a person who is equally cold-blooded and ruthless towards those experimental subjects, how can you say such things?

Are you the Orochimaru I know?

"Orochimaru!" Homura frowned.

"Homura-senpai, the one who caused all this is Danzo beside you! He attacked my disciple. Did he care about the village, me, the Nara clan, or my teacher?

I remember the Ino-Shika-Cho trio were the clans that strongly supported Hiruzen-sensei and helped him stabilize the village, right? Otherwise, should I invite Akimichi Torifu-senpai to discuss this as well?" Orochimaru's cold words stopped Homura from saying anything further.

Homura, stung by Orochimaru's words, glared at Danzo, cursing him inwardly for his unscrupulous actions.

Danzo's face darkened even more. He only wanted to threaten Orochimaru with Shikane to make him behave and focus on the experiments, at least to see some results. He didn't expect this trivial matter, in his opinion, to cause so many changes.

If he had known, he would have sent a Root Jonin that time.

"That's it. I've already promised Orochimaru and Shikaku about the personnel transfer and the establishment of the Technology Development Department." The Third Hokage finally made up his mind, using almost all his past decisiveness to end the argument and make a decision.

When the Hokage started to conclude, the two advisors could only remain silent. Fortunately, the Third Hokage gave them some comfort in the next moment.

"But the village's economy is indeed temporarily unable to bear the establishment of a new department. Apart from providing an initial fund, the subsequent funding will be temporarily self-raised by the Technology Development Department." The Third Hokage added.

"Humph!" Danzo, not getting the result he wanted, snorted coldly, turned around, and left the Hokage office with his cane, feeling humiliated. At the same time, the flame in his heart for that position burned more intensely than ever before.

Seeing Danzo leave, Homura and Koharu sighed and said no more.

...

In the small forest behind the mountain.

The place where Team Orochimaru often trained.

With the disappearance of a puff of smoke, the fierce battle on the field finally came to an end.

"It seems that you haven't stopped training during this time." Orochimaru's somewhat pleased voice sounded on the field.

Uchiha Shisui, Mitarashi Anko, and Nara Shikane, looking a bit disheveled, stood opposite Orochimaru, supporting each other.

"Damn it, we can't even beat one of sensei's shadow clones!" Anko glared at Orochimaru's shadow clone on the field as it turned into smoke and disappeared, revealing Orochimaru's real body standing outside the field.

"We're still just Genin. We need to recognize the gap between us and Orochimaru-sama." Shisui was a bit helpless about Anko's words. He didn't dare to speak as freely as Anko.

"Your performance has already surprised me. Shisui, I've seen your talent. You're good at Shunshinjutsu. I'll organize a set of analysis principles related to Shunshinjutsu for you later."

Orochimaru was indeed pleasantly surprised by Shisui's talent, but he didn't mention teaching him ninjutsu.

"Shikane, your shadow secret technique has already started to involve shape transformation and nature transformation? It seems you've mastered what I taught you very well." Orochimaru's gaze fell on Shikane, obviously satisfied with his progress.

"What about me, what about me?" Anko pouted, crossing her arms with dissatisfaction.

"You're the best at mastering my Orochimaru-style fluid technique." Orochimaru gave praise equally, and his kindergarten principal attribute immediately brought a bright smile to Anko's face.

Shikane and Shisui exchanged glances, reaching a consensus that there always seemed to be a carefree teammate in a team. Let Anko be happy; her happiness was simple enough.

During the break, Orochimaru made a request that made Shisui's eyes widen in surprise.

"You want to visit the clan head?" Shisui was a bit caught off guard.

"Yes." Orochimaru said.

"The clan head will be very happy about your visit." Shisui took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. He knew very well that he was just a messenger now, but it didn't stop him from saying this based on his understanding of the clan head.

At least in Shisui's view, this was the beginning of the village's high-level officials being willing to communicate with the clan. Even if only Orochimaru was currently showing this attitude.

"Tomorrow, I'll go tomorrow night." Orochimaru specified the time and then dismissed the team.

He was also very busy now. The Technology Development Department currently only had a framework, and there were numerous tasks that needed his attention. He was already planning to find a consultant from the Nara clan to handle daily affairs.

"The suggestion you mentioned last time was very interesting. Although Wood Style is a Kekkei Genkai composed of water and earth chakra natures, its vigorous vitality is almost like it's filled with Yang Release.

To suppress the devouring and expanding nature of the First Hokage's cells, we first need to find another force that can counteract and balance it."

Orochimaru walked with Shikane in the underground laboratory inherited from Root, which was currently temporarily serving as the Technology Development Department, and said slowly,

"If we consider the power within the First Hokage's cells as a manifestation of Yang Release, then the Uchiha clan, representing the Yin attribute, should be able to balance this power."

"Do you want to use the Uchiha as experimental subjects?" Shikane asked sensitively.

"Of course not. The current Uchiha don't have anyone who can resist the First Hokage's cells. I heard that the Uchiha clan has eyes called Mangekyo Sharingan beyond the three-tomoe Sharingan. The representative figure is the legendary Uchiha Madara, who was on par with the First Hokage.

I think if we want to resist the devouring and assimilating power of the First Hokage's cells, the Uchiha as experimental subjects must at least have the ability to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.

Otherwise, I don't see any difference between the Uchiha and other experimental subjects." Orochimaru shook his head. He wasn't completely unrestrained in his experiments yet, especially when it involved the sensitive and thorny Uchiha clan.

"Is that why your attitude towards Shisui changed so quickly?" Shikane recalled the change in Orochimaru's attitude towards Shisui.

"He's just a candidate." Orochimaru licked his lips. "He's still a long way from reaching the level I'm satisfied with."

"The Uchiha clan is a paranoid clan! If they think we're studying their Kekkei Genkai, it's hard to say what they might do." Shikane was worried, remembering the Uchiha clan's increasingly unstable emotional state as they awakened their Sharingan.

"Are you worried that I'll resort to violence?" Orochimaru sensed something from Shikane's emotions and smiled. "What you said is quite good. Inheriting the Hokage position means gaining the resources of the entire village.

Although I'm not sure what my teacher's thoughts are, it's better to tie more people to my boat, right? As one of Konoha's prominent clans, the Uchiha's wealth is second only to the Hyuga. I just want to discuss funding issues with Fugaku tomorrow."

"Under the pretense of helping research how to awaken the Sharingan correctly in the Uchiha?" Shikane didn't expect Orochimaru to remember some of their previous conversations.

"It's a good excuse." Orochimaru nodded. He felt it was easier to get funding from the ninja clans than from Danzo. As long as he could produce the results they needed.

This was a technological advantage!

"I remember asking you about your ideals. You said you wanted to research all Kekkei Genkai and the origin of chakra." Orochimaru suddenly said, "The origin of chakra is on hold for now, but Konoha has three Kekkei Genkai clans that have been passed down for a thousand years!"

Chapter 29: Fugaku's Sway and Tremble

"Are you sure Orochimaru wants to visit me?" Uchiha Fugaku looked at Shisui in front of him, his expression hesitant.

"It was indeed Lord Orochimaru who told me." Shisui nodded affirmatively, feeling somewhat pleased in his heart. He felt like he had become a bridge between the village's higher-ups and his clan, easing the tension between them, and he was happy about it.

"Did he say what it was about?" Uchiha Fugaku suppressed his excitement and asked further.

As the head of the Uchiha clan, he didn't care about a visit from a village official. What he cared about was the significance behind Orochimaru, the most promising candidate for the Fourth Hokage, personally visiting him.

"Lord Orochimaru didn't say, but I guess it might have something to do with the Technology Development Department." Shisui shook his head but still offered his guess.

"The Technology Development Department?" Fugaku pondered. This department, founded by Orochimaru, had attracted a lot of attention lately, including from the heads of various ninja clans and the Jonin Council.

Compared to the independent Jonin Council, a clan head would be more willing to consider the implications of this action.

In Fugaku's eyes, believing that Orochimaru would most likely become the future Fourth Hokage, this meant that the Third Hokage was taking the opportunity to pave the way for his disciple's path to becoming Hokage.

A department with the authority to mobilize, recruit, and train ninjas and personnel, so far, there were only a few in Konoha Village.

One was Konoha's Anbu, and the Root, which was considered part of the Anbu; another was the Medical Department established by Tsunade; and the Intelligence and Interrogation Department, which was responsible for handling and extracting intelligence and conducting interrogations.

And then, there was Orochimaru's Technology Development Department.

"Please tell Orochimaru that I will wait for him at home." Fugaku nodded. He was indeed not good at making decisions, but that didn't mean he couldn't see the current situation or was unwilling to ease the tension.

Since he took over as the clan head, his greatest wish was to integrate the clan into the village and have the next generation produce an Uchiha Hokage!

All the clan members dreamed of this wish.

However, he hoped that this wish would be achieved through peaceful means. The radicals in the clan, on the other hand, were thinking of taking it by force if the village didn't agree.

The Fourth Hokage was probably hopeless, even if the Third Hokage was willing to take in an Uchiha disciple for training now, there wasn't much hope. But the Fifth and Sixth Hokage, that was still something to look forward to.

As long as Orochimaru could become the Fourth Hokage!

"Mirror-senpai died too early!" Looking at Shisui in front of him, Fugaku sighed inwardly once again.

...

The next day.

Orochimaru's team finished their training in the woods.

Having received definite news from Shisui, Orochimaru immediately took his team and followed Shisui to the Uchiha clan's territory.

"It's Lord Orochimaru!"

"What is he doing here?"

"I heard he's here to visit the clan head."

"Is he impressed by Shisui's talent and wants to officially take him on as a disciple? Although he's not an Uchiha, it's still acceptable."

Many Uchiha clan members were surprised to see Orochimaru and his group in the Uchiha clan's territory. Few people were willing to come to the Uchiha clan's territory, especially the higher-ups of Konoha.

The most frequent visitors here were Anbu figures delivering missions and intelligence.

"Lord Orochimaru." Uchiha Fugaku bowed slightly to Orochimaru at the door, inviting him into the house.

"Is this your child, Itachi?" Orochimaru saw the child being led by a woman and went forward to pat his head. "Shisui told me about him, a very talented Uchiha."

Fugaku's face immediately lit up. To him, having his child's talent and strength recognized by a ninja of Orochimaru's level was an honor!

This kind of thing was common in the ninja world.

For example, the title of Sannin originally came from the recognition of the Rain ninja demigod, Hanzo. Regardless of the circumstances under which Hanzo granted this recognition, or whether Orochimaru and the others considered it a humiliation, the recognition of the strong to the weak was one of the fastest ways to gain fame in the ninja world.

The group sat down at the table in the courtyard. Orochimaru's golden eyes swept over the family of three opposite him, and he took the initiative to speak, "Fugaku-kun, you should know about my Technology Development Department, right?"

"Yes." Fugaku nodded. The establishment of this department was almost known to everyone in the Jonin Council, and he couldn't say he didn't know about it.

"Would you like to invest in it?" Orochimaru asked abruptly.

"Invest? Are you referring to needing manpower or something else?" Fugaku's heart tensed up. He wasn't afraid of providing some manpower, but he was afraid that Orochimaru would want the Uchiha clan to take sides just with empty words.

The Uchiha clan hadn't reached a point of desperation yet, and they were still one of the prominent clans in the village. As the clan head, even if he leaned towards Orochimaru, he couldn't immediately agree to something like taking sides.

"Manpower, resources, money." Orochimaru laid out the conditions very frankly. "The establishment of the Technology Development Department definitely requires some results.

Currently, there has been some progress with the First Hokage's Wood Style, but I think it's not enough. If the Uchiha are willing, I'm willing to provide some technical support to the Uchiha."

"I don't quite understand what you mean. By technical support, are you referring to ninjutsu?" Uchiha Fugaku frowned slightly.

As a prominent clan, the Uchiha didn't lack ninjutsu, and they were more adept at using their Sharingan in combat. The Sharingan's ability to copy techniques had allowed them to accumulate a fearsome number of ninjutsu over thousands of years.

"Mangekyo Sharingan!" Orochimaru softly spoke words that made Uchiha Fugaku's face change drastically.

"Mangekyo Sharingan?" Fugaku's voice even cracked with excitement. He looked at Orochimaru's face in shock. If it weren't Orochimaru sitting opposite him, he would have asked him to leave as soon as those words were spoken.

"I can help research how to allow the Uchiha to awaken their Sharingan smoothly, as well as methods to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan. As long as you provide the relevant information and resources." Orochimaru affirmed his words.

"This is somewhat unbelievable." Fugaku's hands were trembling. Itachi looked at his father in confusion, not understanding why his usually stern and composed father suddenly became so agitated.

But being intelligent, he deeply engraved the term "Mangekyo Sharingan," which had shaken his father, into his heart.

"Nothing is impossible. Think about it, if the Uchiha could possess a Mangekyo Sharingan, even if it couldn't compare to Uchiha Madara's, it could at least further solidify the Uchiha's position as a prominent clan, right?"

Orochimaru's voice was calm and unwavering, but to Fugaku's ears, it sounded like the most seductive demon.

"I need to convene a clan meeting." Fugaku frowned and pondered for a moment, then sighed dejectedly and bowed slightly to Orochimaru across from him.

"I await your news. Also, let me tell you a secret, the Senju clan's Wood Style experiment has already had one success. An experimental subject has already acquired the Wood Style kekkei genkai." As Orochimaru got up to leave, he suddenly stopped, turned his head, and once again spoke words that made Fugaku's heart stir and difficult to control.

Wood Style?

The Senju clan, which had almost completely integrated into the village through extensive intermarriage with other clans, had acquired Wood Style again?

Fugaku thought, somewhat losing his composure.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 30: The Tree of God Transformation

Several months after the establishment of the Technology Development Bureau.

"I find that I still underestimated you, Shikane." Orochimaru stood inside the brand-new Technology Development Department, looking at the peculiar plant with a thick interest in his eyes.

"Orochimaru-sensei's research data saved me a lot of trouble." Shikane looked at the plant born in his own hands, and also had a sense of satisfaction after the inspiration burst was realized.

The plant in front of me is more than three meters high, with its roots deeply rooted in the ground, and the lines of the trunk and branches are twisted and powerful.

There are fine, curse-like patterns on the pale tree body, and a looming human face faintly emerges from the tree body.

"I didn't expect you to use grafting and fruiting methods to reduce the assimilation power of the original cells. Compared with the so-called Hashirama experimental body, your work can be called a masterpiece."

Orochimaru said so, and also thought so, Shikane's research did open a new door for him, expanding his horizons beyond the field of human experimentation.

"Not yet successful." Shikane shook his head.

"Just one last step, isn't it?" Orochimaru smiled. "I've already had someone inform Fugaku to bring a few Uchiha Jonin over."

The two looked at the special tree cultivated and manufactured in the field with Hashirama cells as the main body, and each remained silent.

But soon, this silence was interrupted by the arrival.

Several swift figures flickered and ran in from the door, led by Uchiha Fugaku, and several Uchiha clansmen with powerful auras. Shisui followed Fugaku.

"Master Orochimaru." Uchiha Fugaku first greeted Orochimaru, and several Jonin in the family were immediately attracted by the tree in the center of the laboratory.

"This is..." Fugaku felt a surging life breath from the tree.

"This is what I promised your Uchiha clan." Orochimaru said.

Fugaku's eyes lit up, and he subconsciously looked at Orochimaru with an excited expression, wanting to ask something, but he seemed to be scrupulous about something and didn't speak.

"What do we need to do?" Fugaku suppressed his inner excitement and said to Orochimaru.

"The pupil power of Sharingan is needed, in other words, the ultimate Yin power represented by Sharingan."

Shikane stood up at Orochimaru's signal and taught the Jonin brought by Uchiha Fugaku how to do it.

The Uchiha Jonin who were informed of the process by Shikane all looked at their patriarch, and after Fugaku nodded in agreement, they followed the process Shikane said, opened Sharingan, and pressed their palms tightly against the tree. on the body.

"My chakra is being devoured by this tree!"

Several Uchiha Jonin's faces changed almost instantly, but their palms seemed to be stuck to the tree, and they only felt that there were sharp thorns piercing the skin of their palms, and together with their flesh and blood, they devoured their own Chakra is exhausted.

They couldn't stop that powerful devouring power at all. At this moment, they even sensed that this tree was alive! It is a strange life form between plants and animals.

"Don't worry, this is normal. It's sampling you. This process will stop when your body reaches its limit. It won't be swallowed up by it." Shikane comforted Fugaku who looked nervous and seemed to want to make a move, and several Jonin.

Within a few minutes, the three Uchiha Jonin who came with full of energy and spirit had already turned pale, sweating profusely, and their bodies felt severely dehydrated.

Just when the three Jonin couldn't bear the massive disappearance of their Chakra anymore, the terrifying swallowing power from the palm suddenly decreased a lot.

The three Jonin even vaguely felt from the perception of Chakra that the tree in front of them burped slightly.

When the suction from the palm finally began to subside, the three Jonin immediately forcibly pulled their palms off the tree. The figure staggered back a few steps unsteadily.

"Is this really an experiment that can help us evolve Sharingan?" One of the Jonin named Uchiha Akagi looked at Shikane with some anger and anger.

As Jonin, they have the right to participate and know about the affairs of the clan. Even if Fugaku is the patriarch, he cannot ignore these Jonin in the clan in many matters.

So the Uchiha clan's Jonin knew about the cooperation with Orochimaru. Even if some people objected, Fugaku and others forcibly suppressed them with the reason that Mokuton was successful and Uchiha must also consider the future.

In the past few months, Uchiha has invested a lot of money in the Technology Development Department, which has even affected the training of the clansmen in the clan.

This has caused Fugaku, the patriarch, and the Jonin who originally stood by Fugaku's side to feel the vague pressure from all sides within the family.

When he received Orochimaru's notice, Fugaku almost breathed a sigh of relief. He could firmly choose to stand for Orochimaru at that time, but after several months of investment at all costs, if there is no gain, then there is no doubt that he will be strongly questioned by the clan, especially the hawks headed by Uchiha Satana.

He didn't know if it would be successful this time, but he was definitely the one who wanted to succeed the most!

"Wait a minute."

Shikane and Orochimaru stood on both sides and began to seal, and a large amount of Chakra flowed to the roots of the tree along the soles of the two people's feet.

The sound of gulping and swallowing resounded in the laboratory, which made everyone present feel a little creepy.

Under the surprised gazes of Fugaku and others, the branches of the tree began to bloom and bear fruit quickly. Three green, cherry-sized fruits were hung on three branches respectively, dangling in front of everyone.

"According to your position, pick a fruit that belongs to you." Shikane instructed the three somewhat helpless Uchiha Jonin.

The three people who were reminded immediately followed Shikane's reminder and carefully took off the three cherry-sized green fruits. At the moment of picking, a certain familiar feeling from the fruit made the three of them a little dazed.

Touching the fruit is like touching a part of your body.

"Then, do you want to eat it?" Uchiha Akagi held the fruit that belonged to him, feeling a little eager to try. He felt that the fruit in his hand had a special attraction to him, as if as long as he ate it, his strength would improve.

"My suggestion is better not. It represents the other side of your emotions! It will construct a very real illusion dream with a time limit based on your thoughts and personality.

If you can break through, you can gain growth in pupil power. If you can't break through, you will either be completely immersed in the dream and unable to extricate yourself, and your spirit will be annihilated; or your spirit will be severely traumatized, and the possibility of future pupil power promotion will be greatly reduced. "

(End of this chapter)