Chapter 472

You secretly copied the Impure World Reincarnation Technique, studied it quietly, and conducted research in secret. Damn it—Orochimaru is too bold.

It's all because of the old man's inaction.

The more Tsunade thought about it, the angrier she became.

She glared at Orochimaru, her eyes practically stabbing into him.

Orochimaru, however, was entirely unfazed, acting as though her anger didn't exist. Smiling, he took two steps forward and asked:

"So, was this news told to you by Shinki?"

Orochimaru couldn't think of anyone else who could have discovered that he had secretly copied the Impure World Reincarnation Technique and studied it, except for Shinki.

"It was Shinki who told me," Tsunade replied, her anger growing. "Orochimaru, what do you think you're doing? My grandfather and second grandfather clearly stated that no one in the village is allowed to learn this technique. Why did you secretly copy it, learn it, and study it?"

"Because I want to explore the origins of life and achieve immortality."

Orochimaru raised his hand with a frank expression, explaining his reasons without hesitation.

Tsunade: "..."

You're hopeless.

Unfortunately, getting angry was pointless. Orochimaru had already done it. Could she now prevent him from using this forbidden technique? Or force him to stop studying it?

Impossible.

As someone who grew up alongside Orochimaru—as his classmate, partner, and comrade-in-arms—Tsunade knew him far too well. This guy had nerves of steel.

Taking a deep breath, Tsunade tried to calm herself before glaring at him once more.

"Orochimaru, promise me this: don't use this technique carelessly, and don't use it against anyone. Otherwise, I will hunt you down at all costs."

"Maybe my strength isn't enough to stop you, but I will find someone who can."

If I can't do it, I'll ask someone else—my man will handle it.

Tsunade had no problem with such an approach.

This was an open threat. While Tsunade herself couldn't handle Orochimaru, Shinki certainly could.

"Fine," Orochimaru agreed with a smile.

He had no intention of using the Impure World Reincarnation Technique to harm others. His research on it was solely for his pursuit of immortality—a goal he had never hidden.

Orochimaru's easy cooperation left Tsunade feeling stuck. Even though she was still furious, she had no outlet to vent.

She sank back into her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Chiyo of the Sand Village hopes our village will use the Impure World Reincarnation Technique to help her. I contacted Shinki, who thought it might be feasible, and he mentioned your name. But I need to know—are you confident in using this technique?"

"Of course," Orochimaru replied with unwavering confidence. However, his curiosity was piqued.

Why did Chiyo want the village to use this forbidden technique for her? Was it to see her son and daughter-in-law again?

Tsunade sighed in relief when she heard Orochimaru's confident response. Rubbing her temples, she explained:

"Chiyo's grandson went down a dark path—much like you. His heart is filled with darkness. Chiyo hopes her grandson can heal, so she wants him to meet his deceased parents."

"I see."

If it was just for a meeting, the Impure World Reincarnation Technique could easily fulfill Chiyo's request.

"When do you plan to start? Let me make it clear upfront: using this technique requires significant materials and sacrifices. Without these, the Impure World Reincarnation Technique cannot succeed."

"Not right now," Tsunade replied. "I'll call you when we're ready. As for the necessary materials, Chiyo will handle the preparations herself."

It wouldn't make sense to ask others to handle the forbidden technique's logistics. Chiyo would need to take care of it personally.

Konoha had already done Chiyo a favor by agreeing to her request. If not for Shinki emphasizing the need for aligned allies, Tsunade would have outright rejected the idea.

"And one more thing," Tsunade added, standing up and placing her hands on her desk. She fixed Orochimaru with a stern glare.

"You, Orochimaru, are not allowed to access the forbidden scrolls again. Not that it matters—I've already handed them over to Shinki. You probably won't find the techniques in the new forbidden scrolls interesting anyway."

"It doesn't matter," Orochimaru said with a shrug.

He had already learned what he wanted. The rest wasn't worth his time.

If he ever needed something, he could just approach Shinki. If necessary, he'd bypass Tsunade altogether.

Tsunade might adhere strictly to the rules, but Shinki was more pragmatic. If certain conditions were met, what was a forbidden technique in the grand scheme of things?

Orochimaru was confident Shinki would accommodate his requests, so he wasn't worried about losing access to the scrolls.

For now, he had no intention of reading them again.

Under those circumstances, agreeing to Tsunade's demands was easy. It cost him nothing.

Meanwhile, out at sea, Shinki cast his fishing line again.

"The Impure World Reincarnation Technique... It seems Chiyo is desperate."

He threw his freshly caught fish into a bucket, re-baited the line, and tossed it back into the water.

Chiyo's plan made sense. Her grandson, Sasori, had descended into darkness. The most direct and effective way to help him was to let him meet his deceased parents, addressing his lingering regrets and reshaping his extreme mindset.

"This is the fallout of inadequate sealing techniques."

Unlike Naruto, who had his parents' chakra and consciousness preserved in a seal, Sasori had no such solace. Naruto had been able to meet Minato and Kushina when he was on the verge of losing control.

The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were simply unparalleled.

By contrast, the Sand Village's sealing techniques... well, it was better not to mention them.

Among the five major ninja villages, theirs was the weakest in that regard. Even the Rock Village had better techniques. And compared to the Cloud and Mist Villages, which had inherited part of the Uzumaki clan's knowledge, the Sand's techniques were laughable.

"Pakura, it's time for a test. We're having grilled fish for lunch—don't burn it. This is your challenge and your chance for self-reflection."

Shinki handed the fish he caught to Pakura, deciding on grilled fish for lunch.

How to grill fish without enough firewood on the boat?

That was up to Pakura.

If you manipulate fire, you can grill fish. As long as your control is good enough and your bloodline techniques are precise, you can do it.