Hiruzen left the Root Division, his rage burning.
Danzō watched his departing figure, his expression dark. Without hesitation, he turned and strode toward Orochimaru's laboratory.
"Orochimaru, how are the experiments going?"
Pushing open the laboratory door, Danzō's eyes widened in disbelief.
The room was in ruins—equipment lay in shambles, smoke rising from the wreckage. Amid the destruction, Orochimaru stood calmly, cradling a dripping-wet child in his arms.
"The experiment was a success," Orochimaru said, his voice composed. "But I heard your conversation with the Hokage."
"This child is the only survivor capable of withstanding the First Hokage's cells. However, simply enduring them isn't enough—we don't yet know if he can awaken Wood Release."
"In light of my sensei's anger, I destroyed all the experimental data."
"I'll be taking the child with me. The experiment isn't over, and I need to continue observing him."
Danzō's eyes flickered with barely contained excitement.
"Orochimaru, hand over the child to me. You understand how valuable he is to me if he awakens Wood Release."
"The data is irrelevant—everything I need is right in front of me!"
His emotions surged—frenzy, exhilaration, greed. He knew the First Hokage's cells held the key to true power. To replicate Hashirama's legacy, Wood Release had to be revived.
And now, the answer lay before him. If he could extract the child's cells and integrate them into his own body, he, too, could endure Hashirama's power and wield the technique that once ruled the battlefield.
"I know what you're thinking," Orochimaru said coolly, "but I'm afraid you can't take him just yet. His condition is still unstable."
"He's still in a deep sleep. I need time to observe him. You may send someone to supervise, but once I've gathered the necessary data and he wakes, you can take him."
His tone left no room for argument—this was his research. No one would take it from him without his permission.
Danzō hesitated before nodding. He needed Orochimaru for this, and pressing the issue now would gain him nothing.
"Fine. I'll assign someone from the Root Division to accompany you. Once your research is complete, the child will be mine."
"Do you have a new research location? Do you need me to provide one?"
"Yes, and it should be close to the village," Orochimaru replied. "You know my situation—I may be called to the battlefield at any time."
His concern was valid. As one of the Sannin, he was a key figure in Konoha's war effort. For now, he had returned under the guise of an injury, but at any moment, he could be deployed again.
Time was not on his side. He needed assistance.
"Danzō, can your subordinates deliver a letter?"
"Hm? A letter? To whom?"
"Call back my disciple, Kazuyama Gekkō. He is my assistant. With him, my research will progress much faster."
Danzō's eyes narrowed slightly. He had always kept an eye on Kazuyama, but with both Hiruzen and Orochimaru watching, he hadn't dared make a move.
And now, Orochimaru was asking him to use the Root Division to summon the boy.
Annoying.
"I'll have someone look for him, but I can't guarantee he'll make it back. You have to understand the situation."
"The intelligence is clear—there's a major battle between Iwa in the Land of Rice Fields and Kumo. Tsunade and the others are also holding Kumo back in the Land of Hot Water."
"Your disciple is in the middle of the battlefield. Hmph, the real question is whether he can even survive, let alone return."
Orochimaru let out a disdainful laugh at Danzō's mockery.
"Just send someone to find him—someone with the Transparent Escape Technique and the Flying Thunder God Technique. Unless he's got a death wish, he'll make it back."
"Even if he gets surrounded and beaten, he'll still escape. I know my disciple's worth better than you do."
Yes, Kazuyama's greatest talent was running away.
But Orochimaru had underestimated his disciple's temperament. After being targeted a few times, the so-called Rokudenashi had gone completely out of control.
At this moment, he was already at the gates of Kumogakure.
"Kazuyama, you need to be careful with Matatabi."
"Otherwise, I'll be mad."
Kazuyama glanced at Chōmei, unimpressed, before silently taking off, spreading his wings and vanishing with the Transparent Escape Technique.
Kumogakure was nearly empty—most of the troops were deployed outside, leaving only a few remaining personnel.
Using his Hive Mind vision, Kazuyama scanned the area for his target—the Jinchūriki of the Two-Tails, Yugito.
She was about the same age as Kakashi. No, actually, a little younger.
Relying on the memories from his previous life, Kazuyama activated "map search mode."
By now, Yugito was already the host of Two-Tails, meaning she likely wouldn't be living among the general populace. Jinchūriki were rarely treated well.
Soon, he spotted her on a mountain peak outside the village.
"Chōmei, I found her!"
"There, that little girl with beige hair."
Chōmei followed his gaze but looked puzzled.
"How do you know it's her?"
"Don't ask. I'm telling you, it's definitely her!"
Without hesitation, Kazuyama accelerated, closing in on Yugito.
At that moment, Yugito was training alone. She lived in isolation on the mountain, but she didn't mind. She understood her situation all too well.
"Huff... huff... I have to work harder! I want to become a strong ninja like Killer Bee!"
Her small frame was drenched in sweat, her determination unwavering. She had no resentment toward her status as a Jinchūriki—only the will to grow stronger.
Just as she finished her training, a sudden wave of dizziness overcame her. Before she could react, she collapsed into a deep sleep.
Kazuyama reappeared, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Kazuyama, what are you doing?"
"What? Taking her with me. Didn't you say you were on good terms with Matatabi? I'm giving you two a chance to meet."
"What? You've got to be joking!"
Chōmei was alarmed. If Yugito activated her Tailed Beast Transformation, the entire area would be alerted. Their situation could turn disastrous.
"Relax. I'm not telling you to show yourself right now. Just trust me—I'm taking her somewhere nice. And that place… it'll be mine soon enough."
Kazuyama had already made up his mind.
He wasn't just here to take Two-Tails.
He had his eyes on something even more valuable—something crucial to Kumogakure.
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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