Chapter 158.2 : Motivation!!

"I brought up the Rinnegan just to let you know, Tsunade-sensei, that there is still hope for resurrection in the ninja world.

Besides, if it meant sacrificing Nagato's life to bring back Dan and Nawaki, Jiraiya-sensei would be the first to refuse. He sees Nagato as a candidate for the 'Child of Prophecy'—someone who can change the ninja world and bring peace. A meaningless sacrifice like this is something he could never accept."

Kagetsu shook his head again.

"Enough with the wordplay! Just tell me Orochimaru's plan!" Tsunade furrowed her brows and demanded firmly.

Through their exchange, she had already made up her mind. If Orochimaru could present a plan convincing enough, no matter what he asked of her, she would agree to cooperate.

And so, she once again showed her decisive nature.

Using the cells of Nawaki and Dan Kato, we can clone two unconscious bodies through biotechnology. 

Then, by using Edo Tensei or other methods, we can guide their souls back from the Pure Land and fuse them with their clones.

Kagetsu briefly explained Orochimaru's plan.

"It sounds tempting, but none of these steps are simple, right? Are you so sure that you can summon Dan and Nawaki's souls back to the Shinobi World and successfully merge them with their clones?"

Tsunade, relying on her experience, immediately recognized the many obstacles they would face.

In reality, even Orochimaru himself might not be certain. If he had already mastered the correct methods and techniques, given his personality, he wouldn't just send Kagetsu and Jiraiya to negotiate. Nawaki or even Dan would already be standing before her.

Though the thought of disturbing the dead made her uneasy, Tsunade couldn't suppress her overwhelming desire to see her younger brother and Dan again. The longing for them had been tormenting her constantly.

"Actually, Orochimaru-sensei and I have already made some progress. I've studied Nagato's Rinnegan, so I'm qualified to make some conclusions.

A ninja's soul returning to the Pure Land is closely tied to chakra! The reason the Rinnegan can reverse life and death is because of its absolute control over chakra—or rather, its high-level authority over it, allowing it to touch the barrier between life and death.

There's no need to worry about the cloning process. Orochimaru-sensei has absolute confidence in this field. 

With your expertise as well, Tsunade-sensei, we can create perfect clones of Nawaki and Dan.

The greatest challenge in resurrection will likely be the soul itself!"

"It seems that you and Orochimaru are truly determined to make this happen."

"So, Tsunade-sensei, what Orochimaru-sensei means is… will you join this research?" Kagetsu extended the invitation on Orochimaru's behalf.

"I've made my decision!"

Tsunade nodded without hesitation. Once she made a decision, she wouldn't hesitate any longer. 

By joining this research, she could better observe and grasp the direction of the project, as well as determine whether Orochimaru was deceiving anyone in the process.

After speaking, she looked at the shoulder of the person across from her, which she had just firmly grabbed, and said with some regret: 

"Back then, you were just a child. I never expected you to have the strength to withstand my power now."

"Like Orochimaru-sensei, I still value my life," Kagetsu muttered.

Seeing that the issue had been resolved and the atmosphere was now more relaxed and harmonious than before, Kagetsu softly added: 

"Earlier, I thought Tsunade-sensei would have completely destroyed this room and the hotel if she had lost control. I didn't expect you to keep your emotions in check."

"Don't underestimate me!"

Tsunade awkwardly forced a smile. If Jiraiya hadn't rushed in with his concerns, causing her to focus her attention and anger on him, she might have already punched the ground and turned this hotel into ruins.

Now that Kagetsu brought it up, she wasn't keen on admitting this and could only laugh it off and try to change the subject.

"I've made my decision. I'll go back to the village with Shizune! But where I want to go and what I want to do is none of the village's business!"

Tsunade loudly declared in front of Jiraiya and the others.

Looking at Jiraiya, whose spirit had clearly changed, his gaze towards Kagetsu was filled with awe.

He didn't know what exactly Kagetsu had said to Tsunade to cause such a drastic change in her, even agreeing to go back to the village.

This made Jiraiya's curiosity itch. He wanted to know what they talked about but was wary of Tsunade being there. 

So, he kept trying to make eye contact with Kagetsu, hoping he would understand and give him an answer.

"Jiraiya!"

Tsunade's loud shout made Jiraiya, who was exchanging a look with Kagetsu, flinch. He thought Tsunade had caught onto their silent communication and was about to make an excuse when Tsunade's next words instantly made his expression turn serious.

Tsunade said, "I heard that your disciple, Nagato, from the Land of Rain, is the wielder of the Rinnegan?"

Jiraiya silently glanced at Kagetsu. Kagetsu, however, had his head tilted back, staring at the ceiling as if something up there was so beautiful it captivated him.

Even though Jiraiya's eyes were sore from staring at Kagetsu, he received no response. 

On the other hand, Tsunade's expression grew more and more displeased. Jiraiya had no choice but to helplessly say, "Did Kagetsu tell you?"

"Then it's true?" Even though she had agreed to cooperate with Orochimaru, getting this confirmation from Jiraiya made her feel more confident about the plan and gave her an unexpected sense of trust in Orochimaru.

"Yes, but…"

"I know, I won't tell anyone." Tsunade interrupted Jiraiya before he could finish. Standing up, she said, "I'm tired of staying in this country. Everyone, take a rest. Tomorrow morning, we'll leave by boat! Kagetsu, we're sharing a room with Anko."

Watching Tsunade leave with Shizune and Anko, Jiraiya shuffled his way toward Kagetsu.

"What did you tell her?" Jiraiya whispered, leaning toward Kagetsu's ear.

"You can ask Tsunade-san yourself, or if you see Orochimaru-sensei, you can ask him," Kagetsu replied, standing up and signaling the conversation was over as he saw Jiraiya off, still fuming.

****

Please support me on my ko-fi account and read upto 15 early chapters,

https://ko-fi.com/pirateking24/tiers