Chapter 263

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While Kyomu was training in Sage Mode at Ryuchi Cave, the state affairs of Ryū no Kuni were temporarily handed over to his subordinates. Primarily in charge was his teacher, Sakumo, assisted by Tsunade, Fugaku, and others.

Yugito and Mei, the two empresses, had some authority, but only to oversee and review, without actual administrative power. This division of power ensured that even if Kyomu left the country for ten years, there would be no chaos.

"Tsunade, how is Itachi's condition?"

In the Anbu laboratory, accompanied by Sakumo, Fugaku came to visit. Since Kyomu had decided to let Itachi absorb Black Zetsu's body, half a year had passed.

"He is in the final stages," Tsunade said, putting down her experiment log. "For more details, you need to ask Orochimaru."

As she spoke, Orochimaru walked out of the laboratory, smiling at Fugaku. "Are you getting impatient, Fugaku-dono?"

Fugaku didn't have a good opinion of Orochimaru. In Ryū no Kuni, Orochimaru was the most unpopular figure, for various reasons. However, Orochimaru didn't care and continued with his own ways.

His greatest passion was research. Although he couldn't conduct human experiments, the superior experimental subjects of White Zetsu spore clones didn't slow down his research progress.

Moreover, Orochimaru had friends like Sakumo and Tsunade. With them around, Orochimaru could occasionally have conversations and gather socially.

"Itachi is my son," Fugaku said sternly. "Orochimaru, I have the right to ask."

"Of course," Orochimaru nodded, handing over a folder from under his arm. "Fugaku-dono, take a look. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Fugaku took the folder and looked at the dense records of various data, feeling overwhelmed. However, for the sake of face, he didn't ask Orochimaru about the details, focusing only on the results, which he could understand.

Clasping the folder shut, Fugaku returned it to Orochimaru. "Thank you."

"I thought Fugaku-dono wouldn't say thank you."

"Hmph, what kind of person do you think I am?" Fugaku's expression was slightly unnatural.

"Alright, Orochimaru, stop teasing Fugaku," Tsunade interjected. "Fugaku, Itachi's condition is excellent. If you want to see him, you can do so anytime now. However, in another half month, Itachi's Rinnegan will enter the final stage of development, and he might be unavailable for a year or more."

Fugaku nodded. "I'll go see Itachi now. You all can continue your discussion."

After Fugaku left, Sakumo, Tsunade, and Orochimaru got down to business. Fugaku was aware of the matter but wasn't involved in this specific conversation.

"Tsunade, Orochimaru, this is the message Kyomu sent back from Ryuchi Cave this morning. Take a look."

Sakumo handed a document to Tsunade.

After a brief glance, Tsunade frowned and asked Sakumo in a low voice, "What exactly is Kyomu planning?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but since it involves soul research, I think..." Sakumo made a hand gesture, pointing downward.

Tsunade understood, and Orochimaru grinned, licking his lips with satisfaction and surprise. "I didn't expect Kyomu to still have such ambitions. He truly aims higher."

"But this behavior is dangerous. Even a slight mistake could spark a major war," Tsunade added. "We shouldn't be overly optimistic."

Orochimaru, concerned only with his research, shrugged. "Our job is to follow Kyomu's orders. He can handle the rest."

"And there's this," Sakumo said, taking out a sealing scroll from his pocket and unsealing it on the table.

"Yoei?" Tsunade exclaimed. "Is Kyomu really planning to..."

"It seems so. Kyomu never goes anywhere without his sword, especially one with the ability to split and absorb souls, and guide them to the Pure Land."

Tsunade didn't respond immediately. She grabbed the sword's hilt and felt its coldness before slowly lifting it.

"Even the restrictions on us using the sword are lifted?" Tsunade murmured.

She knew Kyomu's sword, Yoei, couldn't be wielded by anyone else. Even if one could lift it, it required considerable effort. Kyomu described it as the "spirit of the artifact."

"It seems so. Now we can use all of Yoei's abilities," Sakumo nodded.

"It seems Kyomu has made up his mind," Tsunade said, putting the sword back on the table. "Orochimaru, will you take charge?"

"This might involve human experimentation," Orochimaru's eyes gleamed, hinting at some hidden agenda.

"Don't think I don't know what you're up to," Tsunade warned. "This is Kyomu's taboo. You better think carefully before deciding."

"Actually, using lab mice for soul experiments isn't impossible, but the effects will be much weaker," Orochimaru revised, not giving up. "And conducting experiments on myself shouldn't be an issue, right?"

"Orochimaru, you..."

"I know my limits and have no death wish. There won't be any problems," Orochimaru confidently said. "Besides, I believe no one understands soul research better than I do."

"Then proceed as you see fit," Tsunade granted Orochimaru significant autonomy.

Tsunade tossed the sword back to Orochimaru. "I'll handle the Rinnegan project. You and Kabuto focus on this. Let Amado and Nono assist me."

"Alright," Orochimaru said, catching the sword. "The sooner, the better. I'll start organizing now. Make sure the funding is in place; this might cost a lot."

"What are you planning?" Tsunade asked, knowing Orochimaru too well. Whenever he asked for money, he had ulterior motives.

"Since we're researching souls, the study of cloning should also be on the agenda, right?" Orochimaru explained. "If we can cultivate human tissues, we can cultivate whole bodies. The only remaining challenge would be the soul's ownership. This research project provides the perfect opportunity to advance our cloning studies."

Tsunade pinched her forehead. "Orochimaru, your research violates human ethics."

"I'm merely using biotechnology to create a perfect life form with my own bloodline. I don't think Kyomu would oppose it," Orochimaru shook his head. "Consider it as me using biotechnology to produce my offspring."

Tsunade was at a loss for words, as was Sakumo. The two exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond.

Orochimaru's thought process was different from ordinary people.

When it came to offspring, most thought of the traditional male-female way. But Orochimaru chose the unconventional route of biotechnology.

It wasn't madness, but such a notion wasn't readily accepted or understood.

"Do as you see fit. As long as you don't cross Kyomu's boundaries, funding won't be an issue."

"Then I'll get to work."

Orochimaru left, and only Sakumo and Tsunade remained in the Anbu laboratory hall.

"Is there anything else to discuss?" Tsunade asked Sakumo, noticing he hadn't left yet.

"Nothing urgent, just about my daughter-in-law Hanare's pregnancy..."

"You should have mentioned that earlier," Tsunade said, slapping her forehead. "I'll check on her tomorrow."

"Thank you, Tsunade," Sakumo said with a satisfied smile, turning to leave.

He was going to be a grandfather!

Kakashi had proven himself, and Hanare was expecting.

Although other medical ninjas could check on Hanare, Sakumo trusted Tsunade the most.

"Kakashi is going to be a father..." Tsunade murmured. "A new generation is about to be born. I, an old-timer... Oh well, staying busy helps forget everything."

Shaking her head, Tsunade returned to her work, becoming a workaholic once more.

...

Kara Organization Base

"Naruto!"

"Mabui-nee!"

Naruto ran over excitedly. "Where have you been? You didn't tell me before you left."

"I was on a mission," Mabui said, ruffling Naruto's hair. "You've grown taller in this short time."

"Of course! I'm a man now!" Naruto said, proudly thumbing his chest. "Just wait, Mabui-nee. I'll grow strong and protect everyone soon."

"That would be wonderful," Mabui smiled. "Little man, you didn't slack off while I was away, did you?"

"Of course not!" Naruto replied seriously. "I've been training hard. I've mastered all the C-rank jutsu and am now learning intermediate and advanced techniques."

Mabui beamed with pride. "That's the spirit of a hero."

Naruto's talent was always evident, especially with the education and training he received from a young age. His potential was nurtured to its fullest, his foundation strong, and his progress remarkable.

But whether in strength or other areas, it was crucial to start early. The more one delayed, the more unpredictable the variables became.

Jigen was ready to make his move on Naruto.

"Mabui, how did the mission go?" Jigen approached them. "Did you encounter any Ryunin?"

"No, there were no issues during the mission," Mabui reported briefly. "I recruited a dozen new members for the Kara Organization. They are reliable and fairly strong."

"Are they former ninjas from the Four Great Nations?"

"No," Mabui shook her head. "After the Fourth Great Ninja War, ninjas from the Four Great Nations almost completely disappeared. The remaining ones either feared Kyomu and his Ryunin and chose to hide their identities, or their beliefs collapsed, choosing to integrate into the empire Kyomu established. It's impossible to recruit them."

"Then who did you recruit?"

"Some religious followers. They are the best believers for our Kara Organization."

Jigen nodded, although he didn't care much about outer members. He assigned Mabui this task to appease her and make his lies more convincing.

The time had come to reveal his true intentions.

"Mabui, you've done well," Jigen said, turning to Naruto. "Yesterday, I received a directive from the gods. They want Naruto to receive the Kama Seal. Since you weren't here, I didn't ask Naruto for his opinion. Now that you're back, you should decide."

"Can I finally receive the power transfer like Mabui-nee?" Naruto asked, eyes filled with longing.

Since joining the Kara Organization base, apart from Mabui, Akatsuchi and Suigetsu had received the Kama Seal, significantly boosting their strength.

According to them, the Kama Seal had no side effects, making it a perfect power system.

Besides Akatsuchi and Suigetsu, the elderly and decrepit puppeter also experienced a second spring. Not only did he receive the Kama Seal, but his body was also modified by Jigen, greatly enhancing his power.

Furthermore, Naruto's companions from various nations, like Deidara, had also received the Kama Seal. After practicing with it, they had gained far more power than they originally possessed, making Naruto envious.

Jigen had been actively suppressing the Kama Seal's side effects. As long as he didn't manipulate it, the Kama Seal remained one of the most perfect power forms.

With layers of deception, not only did Mabui drop her guard against the Kama Seal, but Naruto also began to yearn for it.

In fact, it wasn't so much yearning as a following-the-crowd mentality.

Everyone else had it and used it well, so Naruto didn't want to be left behind. This was an influence of collective strength.

"This is good news," Mabui said. "I have no objections, and it seems Naruto has been waiting eagerly."

"Yes, Jigen-jiisan, why did Deidara get it before me? It should have been me first," Naruto pouted.

"Because your personality was unstable before and easily swayed by power," Jigen explained, appearing to be concerned for Naruto. "But now, it seems you've stabilized your mindset and are ready for the Kama Seal's power."

"Haha, I knew I could do it!"

"Since you both agree, shall we proceed now?"

"Yes!" Naruto was excited, and Mabui saw nothing wrong, letting Jigen lead Naruto toward the giant tree.

"Jigen-jiisan, you seem very happy," Naruto observed on the way.

Jigen, the leader of the Kara Organization, was usually stern.

"Of course. You are the one most favored by the gods."

Not only the most favored but also the best vessel for the revival of Otsutsuki Isshiki!

(End of Chapter)