Chapter 74: The Two Men's Division of Labor (Part 2)

Orochimaru's lips curled into a genuine smile. He was very satisfied with Hanma's sincerity and openness.

Whatever he asked for, be it people, money, or plans, Hanma provided them all. What other partner could be better?

Orochimaru stopped speaking and closed his eyes, deep in thought.

Hanma didn't disturb Orochimaru; at this moment, giving Orochimaru enough space to think was essential.

If it were just impulsive passion without clear thoughts and guidelines, it would only lead to more trouble and tragedy.

Orochimaru went over Hanma's plan again in his mind and slowly said, "Hanma-kun, I agree with your ideas. Next, let me talk about my plan."

"I plan to establish a forward base in the Land of Hot Water first, settling the Mist ninja clans we can persuade over there."

The Land of Hot Water, also an island nation, was not far from the Land of Water and was famous as the foremost resort in the ninja world.

The ninjas coming here were primarily for leisure and vacation. Placing the persuaded Mist ninjas there was quite appropriate.

"I have long been interested in the bloodline limit clans from the Mist. According to my information, the Mist has many bloodline limits."

Hanma nodded in agreement. Indeed, if the Mist developed well without the intervention of extraordinary individuals, they could still exert considerable strength.

Ice Release, Dark Release, Boil Release, Lava Release, Storm Release, Crystal Release, and even the suspected Bone Pulse inherited from Kaguya, all highly versatile, many of which were even suitable for peaceful uses.

"I also have a suggestion. From what I know, Konoha still has some powerful clans that have declined due to the Second Hokage's policies. You might try to contact them; perhaps we can win them over."

Hanma seemed to gain insight, thinking that Orochimaru was referring to clans like the Kurama and the Tsuchigumo.

A mysterious smile appeared on Orochimaru's face as he stared at Hanma and slowly said, "But there's still an important issue to address, Hanma-kun."

"If you betray Konoha together with me, how will you face Tsunade?"

This question from Orochimaru was quite sharp.

Currently, Tsunade still had deep feelings for Konoha.

She had not experienced the death of her lover nor developed hemophobia. Also, due to Hanma's strong intervention, the Third Hokage had granted her request to establish a medical department early.

At this moment, Tsunade didn't harbor any resentment towards Konoha.

Faced with conflicts arising from a lover, teacher, and the village founded by her grandfather, Tsunade's reaction would indeed be unpredictable.

Hanma looked at Orochimaru with a calm expression.

"What we're doing is a grand undertaking to overthrow the entire ninja world. I remember what you said; there's a tremendous secret hidden in this ninja world from a thousand years ago. Taking over the Mist is only the first step to uncovering the true face of the ninja world."

"Our journey is far from over. If someone falls behind, I can only express regret, even though I don't want that to happen."

Orochimaru's eyes grew brighter.

[This is the attitude needed to do great things.]

[If Nawaki doesn't understand his mentor, Orochimaru can only feel this way too.]

"As for choosing the Mist, it's mainly because of the geographical isolation of the Land of Water. The system of one nation, one village created by the First Hokage is now thoroughly decayed."

"Given the current situation in the ninja world, taking action against the Daimyos still requires a relatively closed-off area, and the geographical location of the Land of Water is just too suitable."

Hanma added.

Orochimaru gave Hanma a profound look; this was a highly sensitive topic.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had numerous marriages with the Senju Clan. If Hanma and Tsunade were truly united, then the nobility of the Land of Fire could be considered Hanma's relatives.

If Hanma took action against the Daimyo in the Land of Fire, it would almost certainly ignite the entire Konoha.

In reality, the Kages of the various nations were not fools. None of them were willing to grovel just for the sake of so-called legitimacy.

The one-nation-one-village system had its historical significance.

With the onset of the Warring States era, the ninja's power had explosively increased in this chaotic war.

Various unheard-of, brutal, strange, and powerful ninjutsu were produced during the war.

Even the Multi-Shadow Clone technique was invented by Senju Tobirama.

One can imagine how scarce ninjutsu techniques were in the era before the Warring States.

The overwhelming strength of Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, and the first five Kages showed the Daimyos what true power was.

After the establishment of the one-nation-one-village system by the First Hokage, the Daimyos of each nation brought the clans of the first Kages into their mansions, offering them important positions and even engaging in direct bloodline marriages.

This was why the subsequent generations of Kages had to maintain humility and respect towards the Daimyo's mansion.

Because only there could they gain the most legitimate legal recognition, coming from the ancestors of their clans.

Otherwise, why would the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, in the original timeline, obediently mine for gold despite the Land of Wind Daimyo's policy of cutting the budget?

This man, who could seal the One-Tail in his son and even send his uncle to assassinate him, wouldn't be scared off by such worldly views, would he?

Don't make me laugh.

Tsunade's title of princess wasn't from being the granddaughter of the First Hokage but from the conferment by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.

That's why even Danzo and enemy ninjas respectfully called Tsunade "Princess."

"After we take the Mist, I'll send the Uchiha squad to control all officials in the Daimyo's mansion of the Land of Water. Using genjutsu, we'll brainwash them completely, turning them into selfless tools of governance."

"This way, we can freely allocate the tax revenue of the entire Land of Water. These nobles waste too much money, which we can use to rebuild the village, invest in scientific research, and create a virtuous cycle."

Orochimaru looked at Hanma with satisfaction. Having such resolve and ambition was why he was willing to cooperate with him.

"Since Hanma-kun trusts me so much, let me give you a surprise."

"In my earlier Wood Release experiment, one child survived, successfully integrating the First Hokage's cells. I moved him away before Danzo could search my lab."

"Moreover, with the star you gave me earlier, I've cultivated the first batch of mutant insects, continuously optimizing them."

"If we can obtain further results, Yume Shijimi, whom you mentioned earlier, has a great chance of joining us."

Hanma looked at Orochimaru in surprise. The first scientist of the ninja world truly lived up to his name.

As long as you provided Orochimaru with useful materials, he would certainly give you a result.

The child who inherited Wood Release should be Yamato, whose existence would inevitably stir up some waves in the ninja world.

Hanma eagerly anticipated the Third Hokage's reaction when he heard about a Wood Release ninja appearing in the Mist after they had established control; it would be quite the spectacle.

As for Yume Shijimi, she was an unparalleled toxic insect user from the Yume Clan, capable of manipulating nano-sized poisonous insects, making her a true biological weapon.

If used properly, she would be more formidable on the battlefield than Hanzo's salamander.

Hanma took out a thick stack of banknotes and handed them to Orochimaru.

"Then let's start the action."

"Rest assured, Hanma-kun, I won't keep you waiting long."

Orochimaru extended his long tongue, licking his lips.

At this moment, his sinister aura reawakened.