Chapter 380: Departure

A week later, Orochimaru returned to the base and immediately began a new round of research with a clear goal in mind.

The idea of combining the cursed seal with Jūgo's enzyme seemed feasible, or rather, combining the cursed seal with senjutsu chakra.

Driven by this purpose, Orochimaru's enthusiasm burned brightly.

As Orochimaru's assistant, Nanako learned a great deal about senjutsu chakra during the research process, and her interest in it grew.

Until results were achieved, no one could know whether this path was correct or whether it would succeed.

To see what effect senjutsu chakra would have when integrated into the cursed seal, they first needed to acquire senjutsu chakra.

The risk of obtaining senjutsu chakra could be mitigated through data-driven experimentation, but the process was bound to be lengthy.

Additionally, integrating the cursed seal with senjutsu chakra would require knowledge of sealing techniques.

Collecting and comparing data was a tedious and dull task, which Orochimaru left to Nanako. However, knowledge of sealing techniques was currently lacking.

In terms of sealing arts, Orochimaru was not well-versed, but he knew that the Uzumaki clan excelled in this field.

Since obtaining such knowledge from Kushina was impossible, Orochimaru decided to head to the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools. Perhaps there, he might find something useful. Though the chances were slim, it was worth trying.

The Uzumaki clan's village, Uzushiogakure, was destroyed largely because of their expertise in sealing techniques. Feared by many nations for their mastery of these arts, they were eventually attacked and annihilated.

While many sealing technique scrolls were destroyed in the conflict, the remaining ones were divided among the major nations.

The surviving scrolls represented only a small fraction of Uzushiogakure's knowledge.

Orochimaru held little hope of finding anything significant in the ruins, but since he needed this knowledge, he wouldn't overlook any opportunity.

This time, Orochimaru didn't plan to go alone, as Ye Zi's sensory abilities could be helpful.

After assigning the tedious data collection task to Nanako, who accepted it begrudgingly but without complaint, Orochimaru sought out Ye Zi and explained the situation.

Ye Zi agreed to the request.

Recently, he had been working on combining Lightning Release with Yin Release. While he had achieved a tangible form, he couldn't control it well, and its power was too dispersed.

Still, the unique shape of this technique hinted at further potential, but developing it would take time.

The concept of senjutsu chakra, which Orochimaru had shared, also excited Ye Zi. He resolved to master it, no matter the cost.

However, compared to meeting the Great White Snake Sage directly, Orochimaru's slower, risk-averse method seemed more practical, so Ye Zi was willing to wait.

After making simple preparations, Orochimaru and Ye Zi were ready to depart for the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools.

Just as they were about to leave, they ran into Kotoe, who had come looking for Ye Zi.

Seeing their outfits, clearly indicating a long journey, Kotoe froze briefly and asked, "Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes," Ye Zi nodded. This time, he hadn't informed Kotoe or Shin beforehand, as he expected the trip to be brief.

Hearing this, Kotoe bit her lip. The last time Ye Zi left, he had been gone for nearly six months. This time, she had no idea how long he would be away. Instead of staying behind, she wanted to be by his side.

After a moment's hesitation, she couldn't hold back and asked, "Ye Zi, can I come with you?"

Ye Zi was taken aback and instinctively glanced at Orochimaru, whose indifferent expression gave nothing away. It was impossible to tell whether he approved or disapproved of Kotoe's request.

Orochimaru…

Ye Zi fell silent. The purpose of this trip was clear: visit the ruins and return if nothing was found. Bringing Kotoe wouldn't be an issue.

Previously, he hadn't brought Kotoe or Shin because they might have slowed him down. Now, that concern no longer applied.

Ultimately, the reason lay in Ye Zi's willingness. Kotoe held a significant place in his heart, and if he didn't have to refuse her, he wouldn't.

"Alright. Go prepare quickly," Ye Zi agreed.

Kotoe let out a small cry of excitement.

Seeing Ye Zi agree, Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged. To him, bringing one more person made no difference.

"No need to prepare. I'm ready as I am," Kotoe replied quickly, not wanting to delay their departure. She was already dressed in her standard combat gear and had her ninja tools with her, it was a habit from training the children.

Saving the time she would have spent preparing was ideal.

Without further words, Ye Zi, Kotoe, and Orochimaru left the base together.

Outside the base, in the barren lands of the Land of Earth, they were met by strong winds carrying small stones.

Kotoe stood smiling into the wind, secretly delighted that she had caught Ye Zi and managed to join him. She had no idea where Ye Zi and Orochimaru were headed but felt content just to be there.

As they sped across the barren lands, Kotoe asked, "Ye Zi, where are we going?"

"To the Land of Whirlpools. It's pretty far," Ye Zi replied casually, his gaze fixed ahead.

Kotoe was familiar with the Land of Whirlpools. It was indeed a great distance from the Land of Earth, requiring them to cross the Land of Rain and then traverse the entirety of the Land of Fire before reaching their destination. And that was just in a straight line.

"What route are we taking?" Kotoe asked again.

The shortest route was a straight line, directly through the Land of Fire. However, this would likely draw the attention of Konoha's ninja.

Ye Zi and Orochimaru discussed their options. Avoiding unnecessary trouble was preferable, but taking a much longer route wasn't ideal either.

Finally, they decided to cross the Land of Fire, but not along a direct line through its interior. Instead, they would skirt along its borders, taking a more indirect path to the Land of Whirlpools.

"After crossing the Land of Rain, we'll follow the border of the Land of Fire until we reach the Land of Whirlpools," Ye Zi explained.

Hearing this, Kotoe visualized the route in her mind and nodded in understanding.

The group traveled in silence.

A day later, back at the base, Shin suddenly noticed Kotoe was missing. Not only Kotoe, Ye Zi and Orochimaru were also gone.

He went to Nanako to ask about it, and she seemed surprised to learn that Kotoe had gone with them.

After answering Shin's question, Nanako impatiently shooed him out of the lab.

"Seriously…"

Standing outside the lab, Shin sighed helplessly. With nothing else to do, he resigned himself to training the children alone.

Check out the patreon and get 55 chapters in advance -> SaintXI

Currently on Chapter 435 - Tenjin, The Heavenly Protector