On the way to Konoha Hospital.
Jiraiya and Shikaku were walking side by side. Judging from the expressions on their faces, they were talking about important matters.
"Now that the village is leaderless, I still hope that Lord Jiraiya can act as soon as possible to find Lord Tsunade and stabilize the turbulent people in the village. Of course, if Jiraiya assumes the position of the Fifth Hokage, I will not I don’t mind.”
As he stepped forward, Shikaku smiled at Jiraiya.
"Spare me, I can't become a qualified Hokage. Even that guy Danzo might be more suitable than me."
Jiraiya mocked himself in a self-deprecating tone.
Jiraiya was very clear about how good his political acumen was. In the past, when his mentor Sarutobi Hiruzen was still alive, he discussed this issue more than once, but in the end he simply rejected it.
His wandering mind is not suitable for staying in one place.
His succession to the position of Hokage will only make Konoha more chaotic.
"But just in case...if Tsunade-sama refuses, I can only do that."
Shikaku said.
"Don't worry, I will bring Tsunade back, then everything will be fine."
Although he received Jiraiya's assurance, Shikaku still couldn't let go.
At any time, as a planner, he must prepare for the worst. Some things cannot be thought too optimistically.
"In that case, when does Jiraiya-sama plan to set off?"
Shikaku paused and continued to ask.
"Leave early tomorrow morning. Anyway, being anxious now won't solve anything, right?"
"Yes, it is better to stabilize the current situation."
"So, how are the negotiations with the consultant going?"
Jiraiya asked with interest.
"It's still like that. They are still hiding something. I really don't know what kind of bombs are hidden in this peaceful village."
When Lu Jiu said this, his eyes narrowed slightly, showing dissatisfaction in his eyes.
"You just get used to this kind of thing." Jiraiya patted Shikaku's shoulder comfortingly and said with a smile: "However, in the future, please limit the power of those two people. They are only suitable for logistics and transportation. As for other aspects, it’s better not to have confidence in them. In the past, Mr. Sarutobi was too spoiled to them and gave them too much say, which is why so many things happened in the village. There were many things that should have happened It could have been avoided, but it ended up like this.”
Jiraiya had been clear about this from the beginning.
But with his ability, he is unable to change all this.
In terms of relationship, those two consultants were his seniors and peers of his teachers.
In terms of origin, they were disciples of the Second Hokage. Before he became famous and gained a certain status in Konoha, they were already the most prominent figures in the village.
If you want to bring them down, you can only rely on the power of Naruto.
Once the Hokage also covers up what they did, even the Sannin can only look back and sigh.
He has been wandering outside these years, partly to find the son of the prophecy, and partly to avoid the political struggles in the village, not wanting to get involved in these messy things and allowing himself some peace and quiet.
It is better now, it is indeed much quieter, and Danzo, who has always been at odds with him, has also ended his political career, but the sacrifices Konoha has made can be said to be extremely tragic.
Shikaku agreed with Jiraiya's words.
The Hokage passed away and Danzo was imprisoned, so now he, the Jonin squad leader, has to bear the brunt of facing these two high-level advisors.
Shikaku fully understands their difficulties.
"By the way, how is the situation with Uchiha Sasuke? Have you investigated his whereabouts?"
Jiraiya asked this question.
Shikaku nodded and replied: "Not long ago, there was an urgent report from the border. Someone witnessed Uchiha Sasuke and Kakashi together, and then disappeared in Tian Country."
"Kakashi?"
Jiraiya's expression was extremely complicated.
If the evidence were not conclusive, it would be difficult for him to believe that the ANBU minister, whom he regarded as an outstanding junior and served as Hokage's deputy, would be Orochimaru's spy rooted in Konoha.
Over the years, how much information has Kakashi used his identity to convey to Orochimaru?
This kind of loss was unimaginable for Jiraiya.
"So, the person behind the scenes who encouraged Uchiha Sasuke to leave the village was Orochimaru?"
"That's 80% true. I heard that during the Chunin Exam, Orochimaru had already targeted Sasuke. Now that Uchiha Sasuke has suddenly left, I'm afraid his instructions are indispensable behind this. And Kakashi is probably one of them. liaison between them.”
"Is it to get the Sharingan? That guy Orochimaru seems to have not given up on that unrealistic idea. It would be terrible if he gets the power of the Sharingan."
Jiraiya's expression became serious.
"Having said that, there is nothing we can do here. Let's stabilize the village first, and let's talk about Orochimaru's matter after that. I just don't know what action the Demon Country will take when they learn this news."
Shikaku thought about this.
"Are you planning to use the Kingdom of Demons to deal with Orochimaru?"
Jiraiya heard what Shikaku said and heard the underlying meaning.
He looked thoughtful, as if he was also thinking about the feasibility of it.
"Ah, yes, it must be difficult for the Uchiha clan in the Kingdom of Demons to tolerate their own clan's blood being stolen by others. It would be great if they could instigate them and let the Kingdom of Demons eliminate Orochimaru. .”
Although this idea is a bit taken for granted, Shikaku does not completely deny the feasibility of this method.
The Uchiha clan is a ninja clan that attaches great importance to family honor.
In order to prevent the family's bloodline from being stolen by others, after learning this news, they will definitely not sit idly by and ignore it.
Even if he sits idly by, Konoha can secretly guide public opinion and point the finger of the Demon Country at Orochimaru.
In this way, it can not only solve Orochimaru's serious problem, but also consume the energy of the Demon Country and divert its attention.
Of course, the premise of all this is to attract enough attention from the Kingdom of Ghosts.
If the Kingdom of Demons does not pay enough attention to this aspect, then no matter how it guides, it will not be able to sow discord between the Kingdom of Demons and Orochimaru.
"It is not that simple to let the Kingdom of Demons fall into a trap. Moreover, since they did not take Uchiha Sasuke away with them when they visited Konoha four years ago, I am afraid that Uchiha Sasuke will not care about the people over there. As far as the Uchiha clan is concerned, it is not a vital existence."
What's more, they belong to two camps. The Uchiha clan on both sides cannot be said to be completely frictionless, but the relationship may not be as friendly as they imagined.
When Konoha Uchiha suffered genocide, the Uchiha clan in the Kingdom of Demons did not react excessively. They only took away the heritage belonging to Konoha Uchiha in the name of a visit. Other than that, they did not make any suggestions. The request did not mention the orphan Uchiha Sasuke.
Just like the Hyuga clan today, although they all inherited the Hyuga name, they are essentially two families, not a whole.
"That's true, but let's talk about this later. In that case, Naruto will ask Lord Jiraiya. Although the security personnel have been reorganized, the current situation in the village..."
Shikaku sighed.
Nowadays, the village is in dire straits, and many ninjas are busy, including ANBU, so there is also a shortage of personnel to protect the Jinchūriki.
Without a ninja of the Sannin level personally taking charge, Shikaku would really not be able to feel at ease.
In the absence of Hokage, the power of the Nine-Tails is an indispensable deterrent to Konoha.
"Naruto, I'm here to protect you personally. Your job is to stabilize the village... If those two consultants cause trouble, you can use force to solve the problem if necessary."
"Hopefully it won't come to that."
"If the two of them were really courageous, they wouldn't always be on the sidelines in high-level meetings. But just in case, we can't take them lightly. They may have various shortcomings, but they can learn from them. The students who stood out in that era and became the Second Hokage, their strength cannot be underestimated.”
Jiraiya smiled slightly, patted Shikaku's shoulder, and walked towards the inside of Konoha Hospital.
◎
Ever since he woke up, Naruto had been lying quietly on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling above his head.
Although the smell of disinfectant in the ward had a calming effect, Naruto felt irritable.
Medical bandages were wrapped around his abdomen, chest, arms, and neck.
The ribs in my chest are still aching.
Perhaps because he felt stiff, Naruto reluctantly gritted his teeth and slowly sat up from the hospital bed.
The bones creaked, and despite the pain, Naruto persisted, at least it wasn't as painful as it was at first.
"The way you are, it's better to lie down."
The sound came from one side.
The door to the ward was pushed open, and Shikamaru and Sakura walked in.
Like Naruto, Shikamaru was wrapped in bandages, but since his injuries were mostly superficial, he recovered faster under the treatment of medical ninjas.
"Shikamaru, Sakura..."
"Why, did you just wake up and not come to your senses?"
Shikamaru asked with a smile.
"I'm sorry, I did not……"
Naruto didn't remember what happened when he fell into coma, but he could still vividly remember what happened before he fell into coma.
He lost, lost to Sasuke.
Obviously, his attempt to prevent Sasuke from leaving failed.
"Why do you need to apologize? You've already tried your best, and you've made yourself look like a mummy..."
With a smile on her face, Sakura put down the fresh fruit she bought.
Although she was smiling, Naruto could see the loss and reluctance on Sakura's face.
"Sakura, I..."
"It goes without saying, Naruto, Shikamaru has already told me, I'll be fine."
Sakura took a deep breath and looked at Naruto seriously, as if revealing some determination.
"Yes...really?" At this moment, Naruto suddenly remembered something and asked: "By the way, how is Hinata? Is her injury okay?"
"Well, it's okay. He is now being sent to the Hyuga clan for recuperation. Sasuke showed mercy in the end, maybe because he wanted us to feel his determination, but it is true that he did not kill him in the end..."
Shikamaru walked to the window and looked at the scenery outside.
"Then in this case..."
As if aware of Naruto's compassion, Shikamaru's expression suddenly became serious.
This serious look made Naruto's heart skip a beat.
"What, what's wrong?"
"Stop chasing Sasuke. Soon, when the Fifth Hokage succeeds to the throne, a wanted order will be officially issued for him and he will be treated as a traitor to the village. I didn't want to say these words, but you and I are My friend, I don't want to lie to you - there is no way Sasuke will come back."
Shikamaru's expression was more serious than ever.
Naruto's expression immediately stiffened.
Even Sakura lowered her head, as if she was sad about this incident.
"But……"
"It's nothing. Although Sasuke saved our lives, it's true that he hurt his companions. Besides... forget it, it's nothing."
Although I really wanted to tell Naruto the facts I guessed, the current situation was really not suitable to tell Naruto such things.
It's better to wait until Naruto calms down and then reveal a little more to him to dispel his idea of pursuing Sasuke.
"Sakura, let's go, let him be quiet here for a while."
Shikamaru felt Naruto's sinking will and said to Sakura.
"Well, let's leave first, Naruto, you can have a good rest here."
Sakura nodded and left the ward with Shikamaru to visit the other wounded.
Shikamaru and Sakura left, leaving Naruto alone in the room again, sitting on the hospital bed, his shoulders shaking slightly, as if he was sobbing.
"Don't act like a little girl and cry when something like this happens?"
These inappropriate words reached Naruto's ears, causing him to raise his head and look toward the window.
A white-haired man in his late fifties appeared there, making fun of him.
"A lustful immortal?"
"It's been a long time since we said goodbye to the Kingdom of Ghosts, Naruto. I didn't expect that little devil who refused to admit defeat would also cry secretly."
"I'm not crying!"
Seeing Naruto's embarrassed look wiping his tears, Jiraiya burst out laughing.
Naruto stared at Jiraiya fiercely, unhappy that the other party was adding insult to injury.
"what's so funny?"
"No, I'm not making fun of you, it's just that your mummy appearance is a bit funny. However, that Nara boy is right. It's impossible for Uchiha Sasuke to come back. You'd better give up completely."
Naruto was about to retort when Jiraiya fired another bomb:
"More than that, the ninja who prompted him to leave Konoha and assisted him in defecting was the 'Kakashi-sensei' you have always respected!"
"?"
It seemed that because Jiraiya's words were too shocking, Naruto sat on the bed in shock. He didn't react for a long time, thinking that his ears heard it wrong.
"Don't show such disbelief. Not only you, I was also shocked when I first learned about this information. And Kakashi's charge of defection will soon be determined - assisting Orochimaru, assassination The Third Hokage!"
Jiraiya's speech made Naruto even more unbelievable. His mouth opened wide and he didn't know how to react. His brain obviously couldn't process such a complicated situation in a short time.
Today is not April Fool's Day.
◎
Passing through the dark and narrow corridor, there are iron cells holding prisoners on both sides.
These prisoners were skinny, with gloomy eyes. They were wearing heavy shackles on their hands and feet. They stretched out their black and gray hands to grasp the iron bars, and stared straight at the two people walking in the aisle with their big bulging eyeballs. people.
Sasuke looked at the mental appearance of these people. Their energy levels could be said to be extremely poor. The sounds coming out of their mouths were incomprehensible at all. They sounded like wailing or screaming.
It seems that for a while, the hoarse voice of someone shouting for mercy and help can be heard.
Kidomaru led the way, paying no attention to the prisoners on both sides. Having grown up in the Sound Ninja Village since he was a child, he had long been accustomed to these scenes.
"It's right ahead, Sasuke-sama."
After Kidomaru turned a corner, he said respectfully to Sasuke behind him.
Sasuke walked forward without changing his expression, turning a deaf ear to the screams of the prisoners on both sides, and just followed Kidomaru with a cold expression.
Not long after, Kidomaru opened the door in front of him.
A miserable green light came out of the room and shone on the faces of Sasuke and Kidomaru.
Opposite culture tanks are placed on both sides of the road. Through the transparent glass, you can see that the culture tanks are filled with green luminous liquid. In the liquid, there are twisted alien shapes that cannot be described as any known creature.
It's like biological mutation, scary and evil.
At the end of the road, a slender figure stood.
His pale skin was as transparent as a candle, his long black hair was hanging down, and he was surrounded by an atmosphere that was too evil to be judged.
Especially the look he directed at him was full of enthusiasm and greed, which made Sasuke tense up and feel extremely uncomfortable.
"You came here earlier than I thought, Sasuke-kun. I've said it before. Playing house in a place like Konoha won't help you grow at all. This is your real home."
The long-haired man chuckled.
"You're still just as disgusting as you were during the Chuunin Exams."
Sasuke looked at Orochimaru without fear, his eyes revealed coldness, and the three Magatama Sharingan, which exuded huge intimidation, appeared from the pupils, resisting the strong pressure from the surroundings.
Unlike during the Chunin Examination, he was already able to move freely according to his own will under Orochimaru's murderous aura, and he could even find opportunities to fight back.
When Kidomaru heard that Sasuke was being disrespectful to Orochimaru as soon as he opened his mouth, his face turned pale and he winked at Sasuke crazily.
So far, he has seen countless ninjas who became forgetful because they obtained the curse seal, and behaved in front of Orochimaru. In the end, they became frequent visitors to the operating table and were never seen again.
He didn't want Sasuke, whom he had just bet on, to be given up by Orochimaru for this reason.
"Don't worry, Kidomaru, I don't mind. After all, Sasuke-kun can directly enter the second state with his own power, which really makes me happy."
The only disappointment is that Sasuke did not awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
According to his initial prediction, knowing the truth and the double erosion of the curse seal should be enough to create the dark emotions that allow Sasuke's Sharingan to evolve into the Mangekyo Sharingan.
However, this 'miracle' did not occur.
Could it be that, regarding the Mangekyou Sharingan, are there any prerequisites that have not yet been completed?
What is missing from this?
Although Orochimaru was confused, he did not say such words.
As long as Sasuke is in his hands, it is only a matter of time before he gets the Mangekyo Sharingan, or even the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
Even the reincarnation eye... this is not impossible.
"Thank you for your magnanimity, Orochimaru-sama."
Kidomaru immediately knelt down on one knee and apologized to Orochimaru, with nervous sweat still on his forehead.
He both admired and feared Orochimaru.
"Then, you four sound ninjas, please follow Sasuke-kun."
As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, Sasuke said coldly:
"It doesn't matter. I heard Kakashi say that this place can give me strength, so I came here. If you can't meet my requirements in this regard, then I don't have to obey your orders."
"Don't worry, Sasuke-kun. Before I teach you how to practice, you must first master the power of the second state of the curse seal, which will help you practice in the future. As for the second state, the four people have unique insights and will give you You are a great inspiration and help.”
To let the curse seal further control my body is the real reason! Sasuke snorted in his heart.
The curse mark on his neck was created by Orochimaru.
The deeper into the power of the curse seal, the more unable to escape Orochimaru's control.
Especially the so-called state two, although it can gain powerful power, it also means that if you abuse this power, you will become more dependent on Orochimaru to survive.
He had already noticed it when he was fighting Naruto.
The darkness in his heart was not only guided by the Sharingan, but also by the curse mark on his neck, which was also the culprit that guided the dark feelings in his heart.
Orochimaru knows very well the conditions for opening the Mangekyō Sharingan! Sasuke confirmed this fact.
"Then, Kidomaru, Sasuke-kun is entrusted to you for the time being. Come to me after you have mastered the power of the second state."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Kidomaru said respectfully.
Then he stood up and said to Sasuke beside him: "Lord Sasuke, please give me your advice next time. The four of us will train you strictly."
"It better be so."
Sasuke dropped these words and turned to leave.
Kidomaru had no choice but to follow, and thanks to Orochimaru's connivance, he also developed awe of Sasuke in his heart.
◎
Iron country.
The earth is freezing cold, the north is roaring, it’s another cold day.
"Tsunade-sama, please stay."
In the snow of the forest, three root ninjas followed closely behind Tsunade, and the leader was the root's Jonin Yamazhazu.
He led the two accompanying Root Ninjas, who stuck behind Tsunade like cowhide plaster and never let go.
"I said, I won't assist you in any human research. Anyway, what you are hosting is not a serious human experiment."
Tsunade turned around and said impatiently to the three of them.
As a medical ninja, she is not opposed to human experimentation, but the premise is that it is a formal and safe human experiment. Human experiments like the root, which unscrupulously take living people and cannot guarantee life and death, will only make Tsunade feel... Feeling unhappy.
Therefore, even though she was born in the same village, she never had a good look towards Genbu.
His teacher was too indulgent towards Danzo.
Sooner or later, there will be a big fall on this.
"Sorry, this is not what we came here for."
Shanfeng smiled bitterly.
Moreover, human experimentation and so on are basically an excuse made up to frame Tsunade, in order to keep Tsunade in the Kingdom of Iron so that she cannot get in touch with Konoha.
As long as they wait for their leader Danzo to become the Fifth Hokage, he can let Tsunade go.
But the plan could never keep up with the changes. Danzo was convicted of attacking and controlling the Hokage. Unless Danzo killed all witnesses, this matter could not be concealed at all.
Moreover, even if it was possible to do this with the strength of the Roots, neither Danzo nor the rest of the Roots would dare to act so recklessly.
Because that would only lead to the destruction of Konoha.
This is completely different from the result that the root and the martial arts faction want.
What they want is to strengthen Konoha in another way, not to destroy the village of Konoha.
"Then why are you little brats bothering me? Even if you capture Shizune, I won't give in to you. Or do you want to convince me by force?"
Tsunade clenched her fists, and there was a crackling sound in the air. She looked at the three people in the mountain with a scrutinizing look, showing disdain.
Then, Tsunade continued:
"If that's the case, then call out all the people you have hidden. Just the three of you are not my opponent."
With Tsunade's strength, she naturally realized that there were many root-level ninjas hidden in the darkness of the snowy forest, and they were not weak in strength.
"You, you are joking."
The wind in the mountain was full of cold sweat.
Putting aside the gap in strength, the gap in experience alone was enough for ninjas of the Sannin level to beat them.
The Sannin are all Konoha ninjas who have come through the war years and have experienced two extremely cruel ninja wars.
Even though Tsunade's main job is medical ninja, it doesn't mean that medical ninjas are easy to bully. If you think that way, it can only be said to be a big mistake.
"Then get out of here. If Shizune loses a finger, I will twist off your heads and use them as balls."
Listening to Tsunade's disgusted tone, Shanfeng felt calm.
As a member, he naturally understands the underlying virtues.
For the things they do secretly, it would be really weird if people could like them.
Therefore, Shanfeng and others have long been accustomed to Tsunade's harsh words.
"Actually, the reason why we came to Tsunade-sama this time is to..."
Shanfeng stopped mid-sentence.
Because he saw two figures walking on the snow, slowly approaching them, and their expressions changed drastically.
He waved his hand suddenly, and with a swishing sound, the root ninjas hiding in the darkness jumped out at the same time, surrounding Tsunade in an instant, protecting her in the center, and all stared at the uninvited guest with vigilant eyes.
Tsunade naturally noticed the unusual smell in the air, turned around and glanced at the visitor, and suddenly asked with interest: "Why, is it some kind of lively festival today, and you even came to join in the fun?"
The person coming was none other than Bai Shi.
Behind him, followed a white-haired boy in white clothes, holding a long gun wrapped in white cloth in his hand, his eyes were sleepy, the bubbles coming out of his nostrils were growing larger and smaller, and he was snoring quietly.
The mouth also follows the bubbles in the nostrils, which suddenly become larger and smaller.
Shiraishi stopped five meters in front of the circle formed by the root ninjas. He looked at the group of root ninjas who were staring at him with unkind eyes. A kind and friendly smile suddenly broke out on his face:
"Long time no see, Tsunade-sensei... Well, it seems that I came at the wrong time. So, do you want me to help you clean up all these vicious guys?"
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