CHAPTER 203

"Well, Konoha and Kumogakure finally reached a truce. It's good to hear some positive news!" Jiraiya said with a smile.

"I also hope that peace can last forever," Chao Yanqian replied with a smile.

Then Chao Yanqian and Jiraiya chatted about Konoha, and Jiraiya eventually got up and left.

Chao Yanqian and Jiraiya talked about many interesting things that had happened in Konoha in recent years, making Jiraiya reminisce about life in the village. Chao Yanqian also took the opportunity to subtly extract useful information from Jiraiya.

Generally speaking, the meal was fairly comfortable.

Although Jiraiya was quite curious about the real purpose of the Chao Yanqian's visit to the Land of Water, he clearly understood that even if he asked, the Chao Yanqian wouldn't tell him. Rather than being upset about this with Mikunami, it was better to conduct a secret investigation, and Jiraiya planned to continue tracking Orochimaru.

As for the gifted child of the Kaguya clan, Jiraiya never doubted his loyalty.

Jiraiya, who had mastered Sage Mode, naturally understood its power. Moreover, based on what he had learned, Chao Yanqian's Sage Mode was clearly more refined than his requiring no assistance from summoned animals and capable of long-term maintenance.

Jiraiya didn't think Orochimaru could get the better of Chao Yanqian and even planned to use the opportunity to capture Orochimaru when he was weakened after their battle, then bring him back to Konoha.

In the next few days, Chao Yanqian had been using the [Flying Thunder God Technique] to travel between Konoha and Kirigakure, quietly waiting for the foolish rebellion of the Kaguya clan to officially begin.

With Chao Yanqian's current skill, even sneaking into Kirigakure wouldn't result in easy detection. However, to observe the Kaguya clan's uprising in its entirety, he found a location outside the village that allowed him to overlook the area.

"How foolish... trying to overthrow an entire village with the power of a single clan," a hoarse, magnetic voice came from the dense forest not far away.

"Lord Orochimaru, it's been a long time!" Chao Yanqian said, still watching the battle within Kirigakure. Without turning around, he continued, "It feels like just yesterday we parted ways, and yet years have passed. I'm glad to see you still carry your distinct presence."

Hearing these words, Orochimaru visibly paused. As footsteps approached, his hoarse voice followed: "Impressive, Yanqian. Even back then, your potential was obvious. But I never expected you to grow this powerful so quickly. Every time I meet you, you surpass expectations."

"Is that so?" Chao Yanqian smiled slightly, forming a hand seal at his chest. Immediately, wood rose from the ground, forming the shape of two chairs.

"Please, have a seat, Lord Orochimaru," Chao Yanqian offered politely.

"Wood Release..." Orochimaru's eyes sharpened instantly, unable to conceal the greed on his face.

Chao Yanqian could now use Wood Release thanks to the power of the First Hokage's cells. However, like Yamato, the Wood Release he produced was ordinary far from the level of the First Hokage's that could suppress Tailed Beasts.

Chao Yanqian was now very curious about how Uchiha Madara had perfectly integrated the First Hokage's cells and could wield Wood Release comparable to Hashirama's.

The First Hokage's cells fused into Chao Yanqian's chest had begun as a pale patch, but as the fusion progressed, the coloration gradually matched the rest of his skin.

It did not result in the grotesque face of Hashirama appearing on his chest, as it had for Madara.

Though having someone else's face on one's body is disturbing, many in the ninja world would likely accept such a side effect if it meant acquiring Wood Release on par with the First Hokage.

"It seems your research has paid off," Orochimaru said admiringly as he sat down.

"I owe it to your past experiments, Lord Orochimaru," Chao Yanqian smiled, then asked, "After all these years of research, have you still not found a stable method to integrate the First Hokage's cells?"

"It's not that easy, unfortunately," Orochimaru replied, his expression souring.

"Speaking of which, including me, there are now three people in Konoha capable of using Wood Release," Chao Yanqian added, clearly trying to provoke Orochimaru.

"Three people?" Orochimaru's interest was piqued.

"Besides me, there's Shimura Danzo… and one child," Chao Yanqian explained with a smile. "Do you remember those fifty children? Forty-nine of them died, but one survived and successfully integrated the First Hokage's cells, gaining the ability to use Wood Release."

"Oh? Is that so?" Orochimaru responded in surprise.

Although Orochimaru longed to fuse Hashirama's cells, his method yielded too low a success rate to risk fusing them into his own body.

Now that he had mastered the [Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique], Orochimaru hoped to find a ninja who could use Wood Release and then take over their body.

For instance, Orochimaru was currently very interested in Chao Yanqian's body. If he could study it carefully, he believed he could uncover many secrets.

After Kakashi transplanted the Sharingan and Orochimaru witnessed Uchiha Itachi's talent firsthand, he became obsessed with acquiring a Sharingan as well.

In fact, after being defeated by Itachi, Orochimaru's obsession with the Sharingan only deepened.

"Is Lord Orochimaru also interested in the Kaguya clan's bloodline?" Chao Yanqian suddenly changed the subject.

"They're a combative clan,but foolish. Trying to overthrow a village with just their clan's strength is idiotic," Orochimaru said with disdain.

Watching the Kaguya clan launch a suicidal attack, Orochimaru was unimpressed. The clan lacked top-tier strength and had no detailed strategy.

"It might not be limited to Kirigakure. A similar event might happen in Konoha soon," Chao Yanqian said cryptically.

"Konoha?... You mean the Uchiha clan?" Orochimaru asked, immediately intrigued. He had long been interested in the Sharingan and had investigated the Uchiha extensively. If rebellion was brewing in Konoha, it would surely come from them.

"Konoha's defenses are unlike Kirigakure's. If you're still interested in the Sharingan, Lord Orochimaru, I can help collect a few pairs," Chao Yanqian offered.

"Oh? And what do you want in return?" Orochimaru asked suspiciously.

"After I acquire the Sharingan, I'll come find you," Chao Yanqian replied, handing Orochimaru a specially marked kunai.

Orochimaru hesitated slightly as he looked at the kunai.

Accepting it meant that Chao Yanqian could appear before him at any time. Refusing, however, would appear weak.

After a moment's thought, Orochimaru finally took the kunai. As long as he made it through tonight, he had countless ways to either hide the kunai or set a trap that would kill Chao Yanqian the moment he teleported in.

"Are you also interested in the Kaguya clan's bloodline?" Orochimaru asked.

"The bloodline doesn't interest me," Chao Yanqian said calmly, eyes still on the nearing battle. "I'm only interested in the boy named Kimimaro."

"Oh? You're after him too?"

Visit patreon.com/DavidOris to get 30+ chapters