143 Where Did Orochimaru Go?

Half a month later.

Konoha, Hokage’s meeting room.

The Third Hokage set down his pipe, exhaled a long plume of smoke, and surveyed the village elders and heads of the ninja clans gathered before him. He spoke slowly, "News has just arrived: the Cloud Village envoys who came to Konoha for peace talks were beheaded by bounty hunters yesterday, and their heads were turned in at the black market for the bounty."

The room erupted in an uproar. Those present exchanged bewildered and shocked glances. While there were certainly strong individuals among bounty hunters and the black market, they primarily subsisted on illicit missions. Could they really be so bold as to provoke two major ninja villages?

"Do not underestimate these desperate men. The perpetrators were two S-rank missing-nin: Kakuzu and Sasori of the Red Sand."

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Tsunade, who wore a look of fury, and said in a deep voice, "If this had happened in another land, it might be one thing, but they were killed within the Land of Fire. We must teach these people a lesson."

No one had any objections. Most missing-nin and bounty hunters were at the level of mid-to-low-tier genin; those with true power were few and far between—hardly even comparable to a minor ninja village. The risk was low, but the rewards for wiping out the black market were significant, rivaling the gains of a minor ninja war.

"The Uchiha, Hyuga, Nara, and other clans will each contribute a set number of elite ninja to form a wartime squad to eradicate the black market," Hiruzen paused, then added, "Danzo shall serve as the commander, with Jiraiya as his deputy, to oversee this operation."

With the other two Hokage advisors absent and himself needing to oversee the village, the only manpower he could draw upon was Orochimaru’s subordinates and Danzo. Setting aside Orochimaru, Tsunade and Jiraiya were not well-suited for missions involving encirclement and assassination; such tasks were better left to Danzo, who was accustomed to "black work."

Fugaku frowned. He held a poor opinion of Danzo and did not wish for his clansmen to be under his command. However, with Orochimaru currently absent and no other clan heads raising objections, he found it difficult to speak up.

Unexpectedly, it was Danzo who raised an objection.

"Jiraiya as deputy commander? I am afraid that is not quite appropriate. He has the duty of guarding the Nine-Tails jinchuriki; how can he be distracted by such trivial matters?" Danzo tapped his fingers on the empty seat across the long table, his single eye glinting with an inscrutable meaning. "And Orochimaru... what is he doing?"

Ever since he left the secret laboratory that day, Danzo had sent men to track Orochimaru’s movements, but a full half-month had passed without a trace. Danzo suspected that Orochimaru had sneaked out of the village again, or was perhaps obsessively buried in some experiment. The former was manageable, but the latter was detrimental to his plans. He had to find a way to verify Orochimaru’s whereabouts, and this was an excellent opportunity.

Jiraiya replied, "Orochimaru is busy with his training and cannot get away."

"What kind of training is so important that it takes precedence over the village's missions?"

A cold, distinct sneer crept across Danzo's lips. He glanced at Fugaku. "Don't tell me he's conducting more experiments."

Fugaku’s expression shifted, only to return to calm. A clear conscience fears no shadows; regardless of what Orochimaru was doing, the Uchiha were certainly not involved this time.

Despite this, the looks from the assembled clan heads turned strange, their gazes toward Jiraiya filled with subtle inquiry. The changes that had occurred in Uchiha Jinshu were not just the focus of the Third and Danzo; they were also curious—and covetous. The fear was not of scarcity, but of inequality. How could they let the Uchiha maintain the advantage of a surgery that could enhance one's power?

Sensing this, Jiraiya inwardly cursed. He truly did not know what Orochimaru was doing; the mention of "training" was merely an excuse.

Danzo’s eyes flashed with triumph. "Jiraiya, it seems you aren't very clear on this either. However, if we cannot find Orochimaru, contacting his subordinate should yield the same result—that Kabuto Yakushi..."

"There is no need for such trouble."

The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, coughed twice, cutting off Danzo. He scanned the room and spoke slowly, "Orochimaru is indeed training, and he has reported as much to me. As for why he cannot get away, it is because he is cultivating Sage Mode."

"Sage Mode?"

The gathered crowd changed color, all seeing the shock on each other's faces. This term, even in Konoha and across the entire ninja world, was an unfamiliar one—even for elite ninja such as them. Was Konoha about to gain another powerhouse capable of using Sage Mode?

Danzo was wary, but he knew very little about Sage Mode. Although he knew this was an excuse by the Third, he could not easily challenge it. It seemed that to uncover Orochimaru’s whereabouts, he would have to target Kabuto Yakushi. A cold light flashed in Danzo’s eyes.

Seeing that no one else had objections, the Third nodded slightly and continued to arrange the mission to purge the black market in the Land of Fire.

...

In a training ground not far from the Uchiha district.

Kabuto Yakushi gripped his knees, panting heavily. His entire body was steaming with sweat, as if he had just been pulled from the water. Yet, only a moment later, his breathing leveled out, and fresh strength surged from his seemingly exhausted body, allowing him to continue training without hindrance.

Seeing this, Might Guy clicked his tongue in wonder. "Aunt Aoi was the same, and you are too. This taijutsu talent is simply too incredible."

Having trained for so long, Guy knew full well that neither of them took any additional medicinal herbs, nor were they relying on willpower alone; it was purely a unique constitution.

To be praised for his talent by a true master of taijutsu made even Kabuto feel somewhat uneasy. But explaining was impossible. He trusted Guy’s character—he wasn't someone to leak secrets lightly—but he also knew Guy’s boisterous nature might lead to an accidental slip. More importantly, Lord Orochimaru had no intention of letting Guy use the cellular fusion fluid; bringing it up would only be a nuisance.

After a few more rounds of training, Guy said, "I can only train with you until here today. I have a mission starting tomorrow, so I cannot let my body become too fatigued."

Kabuto nodded, ceased his training, and followed Guy toward the center of the village.

"Aren't you going to practice for a while longer?" Guy scratched his head, puzzled.

Kabuto naturally didn't intend to continue. He was well aware of his identity—a "traitor" to the Root. Even though he was near the Uchiha district, he could not be careless and leave himself in a defenseless state. He hadn't forgotten that he was captured by the Uchiha Police Force last time.

However, he obviously couldn't tell Guy this. Kabuto replied calmly, "These are Lord Orochimaru’s orders."

"Oh, I see. So it’s Master Orochimaru’s orders."

Guy asked casually and was satisfied with the casual answer. Seeing Guy’s carefree demeanor, Kabuto was rendered speechless. Perhaps only someone so straightforward could refine taijutsu to such an extent; it was truly worth Lord Orochimaru’s high regard.

Orochimaru indeed had no intention of letting Guy use the standard cellular fusion fluid, as it would likely damage the body Guy had spent so long honing. But if a perfect fusion at the cellular level could be achieved, Orochimaru would not be stingy with this disciple.

Orochimaru’s emphasis on Guy even stirred a hint of jealousy in Kabuto, who was usually indifferent to all other matters.

But glancing at Guy, who was happily anticipating his dinner, Kabuto shook his head. It was impossible to dislike such a simple-minded fellow.

Adjusting his glasses, Kabuto leaped lightly and followed behind.

However, what he did not notice was a pore-sized insect clinging to his clothing.