Chapter 111 "Immortals Really Exist!"
Chapter 111 "Immortals Really Exist!"
By the end of October, frontline conflicts had decreased, and after the Fourth Raikage returned to Kumogakure, the defenses of the Land of Frost were moved to the rear.
The daimyo of the Land of Earth, the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Fire discussed the commissioned market again. After the news spread, most of the ninjas from the three great ninja villages believed that peace was on the horizon.
In Konoha Hospital, Orochimaru, who had secretly returned to the village, lay quietly in a special care ward.
"Orochimaru-sensei, who on earth injured you to this extent?"
"It's like half of the body's vitality has been drained, and some meridians have also been severely damaged."
"Even after recovery, such injuries will affect strength, as most cells can no longer withstand further strain."
Furukawa Osamu, clutching a folder, briefly explained the results of the treatment by the bedside. Orochimaru, still unconcerned, gave a neurotic laugh: "Osamu, Sages really exist!"
"The Sage of Six Paths isn't just a legend; this world is truly fascinating."
Orochimaru thought of the black rod inserted into his body, and a fanatical look appeared in his eyes. He was almost certain that it was a product of Yin-Yang Release.
Despite the enormous price he paid, Orochimaru was able to confirm some information, and he still felt that the operation was a great success.
"Teacher, what's wrong with your health?"
"I plan to undergo modification with Hashirama cells. This will not only repair the hidden dangers, but also grant me greater power."
After answering the question, Orochimaru stared intently at Furukawa Osamu. At this point, he had no choice but to take the risk and try.
"Does the teacher have a better solution for the rejection reaction?"
Furukawa Osamu remained sincere, frowning as he asked the question before adding in a low voice, "For safety's sake, you can choose to assimilate Hashirama's cells into your body. Although you will lose some power, the risk is much lower."
"No one is better at this than you, Xiu. The subsequent modification surgery will be your responsibility."
Orochimaru gave a kind smile and offered simple instructions. Furukawa Osamu nodded solemnly, assuring him, "The surgery will at least restore your body to its original strength!"
Beneath the Shadow Rock, in the roots of the village, the one-armed Danzo gasped for breath with each turn of the documents in his hands. He still couldn't find a matching "Wood Release": "Who is it? Is someone in the village secretly training Wood Release ninjas?"
Danzo stopped looking through the documents and, recalling that unequal battle, took a deep breath.
Wood Release and black rods alone were enough to take down so many elite ninjas present. Anyone hit by a black rod would have their chakra thrown into chaos.
Ten Root ninjas sacrificed themselves to save him, which pained Danzo, who found his power dwindling.
"Lord Danzo!"
After a Root ninja whispered a reminder, Danzo squinted and stood up. When he returned to the village, he didn't offer much explanation for his empty right arm.
When an old friend summoned him, he naturally wanted to get to the bottom of things, and Danzo was already prepared for this.
Inside the Hokage Building, Danzo saw that Tsunade wasn't in the room, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. He knew that Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking about their past relationship.
"Danzo, what are you planning to do by secretly mobilizing Root ninjas to operate in the Land of Rain?"
"Without reporting or mission settlement instructions, I believe you and Orochimaru are harming the village's interests."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, having removed his Hokage hat, had receded a few more hairlines. Although he looked old, the aura he exuded was as astonishing as ever.
"I'm eliminating threats to the village."
"Although we have suffered heavy losses, Amegakure is destined to become our vassal. If Kirigakure takes action, Amegakure will take over the mission."
"By taking this opportunity to fully incorporate the surrounding small countries into the alliance, our commission market will expand again, which will allow us to train more ninjas."
Danzo watched his old friend puffing on his pipe, knowing that the other had taken it to heart, and immediately narrowed his eyes to add, "This is the meaning of Root ninjas' existence. Tsunade and the others will need some time to bear this darkness."
Judging from the outcome of this incident alone, Hanzo was seriously injured, and the threat posed by Amegakure has indeed been reduced by more than half.
As for the Wood Release and Rinnegan they encountered, Danzo wanted to control that power himself, so he naturally didn't mention the previous deal.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, not wanting to immediately lose their power, once again strongly supported Danzo: "Eliminating the threat to the village is indeed necessary!"
"Hiruzen, the fact that no small country has wavered in the recent battles proves that our policies are correct, and this is inseparable from the support of Root."
Hearing their words, Hiruzen Sarutobi's anger did not diminish. He had just promised his disciples not long ago that Root would not act without authorization, but a few days later he encountered this terrible situation.
"This is the last time!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi solemnly warned, then looked at the three people in the room and earnestly instructed them: "Don't interfere with Tsunade's work. We can assist with the negotiations, but let her decide on the personnel arrangements herself."
The two advisors nodded slightly, but Danzo stood up without agreeing and gave his answer in a low voice: "In the future, I hope that Kakashi Hatake will inherit Root."
"Until then, I will continue the will of Tobirama-sensei. The war has concealed the darkness hidden within the Uchiha clan, and I can feel that power."
Hiruzen Sarutobi once again appeared thoughtful, offering no clear response. As a teacher, he indeed had to take care of the remaining matters.
In the evening, at the memorial monument, after offering flowers as usual, Furukawa Osamu followed Uchiha Shisui to Obito's grave.
"Senior, the clan has indeed been somewhat indifferent in this matter."
"Perhaps I'm overthinking it. Some of our people are losing their compassion after pursuing power too much."
"The Uchiha clan should have been a clan full of love..."
Furukawa Osamu didn't comment. At Obito's grave, you can see many "gifts" from his classmates, with Might Guy's bodysuit being the most eye-catching.
Among these gifts, very few came from the Uchiha clan; only Shisui and a few others regularly came to tend to Obito's and other clan members' gravestones.
"If you have any questions, you can report them to Tsunade-sensei."
"Shisui, you can find like-minded clansmen within the clan. The most important thing for a ninja is teamwork, which is a basic lesson taught in school."
Shisui smiled slightly upon hearing Furukawa Osamu's words; he had indeed united some of his peers: "Senior, thank you. With you here, I won't feel lost."
"Work hard, and if the opportunity arises, you can become the captain of the Dark Division at the age of 12."
"Prepare your group members in advance. This is a special permission given to you by the teacher. There are other places available with Chief Fugaku."
Furukawa Osamu patted Shisui on the shoulder and gave him a serious warning. Upon hearing that he was the squad leader, Shisui immediately felt a bit of pressure, but thinking of his ideals, he solemnly replied, "Senior, I will be prepared."
Obito Uchiha was unaware that most people had forgotten him. After nearly two months of struggle, he finally regained full consciousness.
In the dimly lit underground cave, Obito opened his eyes and, using the faint light, made out the monster before him: "Ah!"
Obito screamed in terror. Madara Uchiha, whose right cheek and entire body were covered by Black Zetsu, stared at his chosen successor and said calmly, "Welcome back to the world, Uchiha clansman."
Madara Uchiha, now wielding his spare Sharingan, scrutinized Obito with his left eye, finding him unsatisfactory. However, remembering Nagato's recent awakening, he ultimately suppressed his impatience.
"Sharingan? Are you also from the Uchiha clan?"
"Grandpa, your body... I mean, those black things."
With his head full of white hair, Madara Uchiha recalled his encounter on the Iron Country peninsula and almost lost control of his emotions. After catching his breath, he replied in a low voice, "Just a few scars. These were all caused by your destined rival."
"I have no interest in knowing who my opponent is; all I want now is to go back to the village."
Upon hearing Obito Uchiha mention the village, Madara Uchiha's eyes twitched. As long as Osamu Furukawa was around, he didn't even dare to gather intelligence anymore; White Zetsu were just food for the enemy.
If he hadn't absorbed a wave of life force using the Gedo Mazo in the Land of Rain, he wouldn't be able to wake up now.
"Grandpa, thank you for saving me, but I really have to go now."
Obito tried to get off the bed, but a sharp pain shot through the right side of his body, forcing him to lie back down.
"I will make you repay this kindness."
"How much do you know about the Sharingan? What do you know about the power of the double-tomoe Sharingan?"
"Just keep this old man company and have a chat..."
As soon as Madara Uchiha finished speaking, Obito sat up again. Seeing the old man's withered body, dark skin, and right half of his face, he showed a look of sympathy: "Alright, I probably can't move my body yet, so I'll keep the old man company and chat with him."
"Do you know about the Sage of Six Paths? Sages are real people, and the Uchiha clan are their descendants..."
Madara Uchiha knew that Obito's academic performance was not very good, so in order to pique his interest, he started by telling him "mythological stories".
Unfortunately, Obito was completely baffled by all this talk about Kaguya, the goddess, and the combined power of the Uchiha and Senju clans. His face showed utter confusion: "What are you all babbling about?"
Obito had originally intended to persevere, but Madara Uchiha's monotone voice became a "lullaby," and as he listened, he fell asleep on the bed.
"Lord Madara, I told you, this guy is a complete idiot."
"It seems the same approach won't work. Let Kirigakure prepare to act and execute the previously formulated plan when the time is right."
Madara Uchiha gave a brief instruction and then fell silent, knowing that capturing Rin Nohara was no easy task.
Realizing that his previous actions had been observed by Furukawa Osamu, Uchiha Madara repeatedly recalled the previous battle. Black Zetsu, sensing the emotional fluctuation, took the initiative to comfort him: "The power of the Rinnegan can suppress Sage Mode, Lord Madara. I will keep an eye on Nagato."
"As for the Sharingan, it can also be used by White Zetsu."
"The combined power of these two eyes is something no one in the ninja world can resist."