96 Chapter 96

"This... Tsunade, I did not know," Hiruzen started, attempting to console his student. But he knew no matter what he said, it wouldn't change things now. Orochimaru had become indifferent since the day he lost his parents and started pursuing eternal life. Although Hiruzen had a slight inkling from the beginning, he trusted his student and believed that being with Tsunade and Jiraiya would eventually change him. That was also the reason why he had let him run away from the village, even when he had a chance to capture him. But now he started regretting his actions.

"Forget it, Sensei. Just don't ever bring up his name. Let's get back to what we were discussing," Tsunade responded, her anger now reined in completely. Kazuki had to praise his sensei for having such mental control because he knew it was not easy. Tsunade gestured for Kazuki to speak about his requirements to resurrect Minato.

"I have almost everything I need to bring back Minato-sama, except for two important things. One is a suitable vessel to recreate his body, and the second is the soul of an immortal. I can manage the vessel, but I will need the village's help in capturing an immortal soul," Kazuki explained quickly, wanting to shift the bleak atmosphere within the Hokage's office.

"Wait, Kazuki-kun, when you say immortal soul, are you referring to the soul of someone who is immortal?" Jiraiya couldn't help but ask in confusion. Although he might not be as well-versed in forbidden techniques as Kazuki, he was the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku, so he had a basic idea of such concepts.

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama, you are right. I need the soul of an immortal who I need to sacrifice in order to completely resurrect Minato-sama," Kazuki clarified. Jiraiya had been very supportive of Kazuki since he had been made aware that Kazuki was trying to bring his student back to life. He had already met Minato and Kushina within Naruto's seal space and he had given his unconditional support to Kazuki regarding the matter of Minato's resurrection.

"This... Kazuki, is this something similar to Edo Tensei that my Sensei created? If so, there should be quite a few drawbacks." Hiruzen had also put aside Orochimaru's thoughts for the time being. Although he was not as supportive as Jiraiya, he understood that Tsunade and Jiraiya would go through with Minato's resurrection even if he opposed it.

"No, old man, Edo Tensei is still incomplete, and like you said, there are quite a few drawbacks. And trust me, in this Shinobi world, Edo Tensei isn't the only technique that can bring back the dead. There are so many ways, but most of these techniques have been lost. Just so you guys know, the legendary Rinnegan also has the power to completely resurrect a person who is dead," Kazuki shared. And when he spoke about the Rinnegan, he could see the subtle change in emotions within both Tsunade and Jiraiya, though it was more prominent in Jiraiya. Kazuki knew they must be thinking of Nagato.

"Kazuki, you must know that the Rinnegan and the Sage of Six Paths are only myths. I don't think they were real. How can one man wield so much power?" Hiruzen, though knowledgeable, didn't believe that this world once had a being capable of reshaping the entire planet and creating the moon using his power.

"Heh, what have you been doing all these years as the Hokage, old man? You had access to the entire Konoha archives, and I think all you did was mug up those ninjutsus. Why didn't you spend more time on the other records? And you still shamelessly call yourself 'Professor'," Kazuki scoffed at Hiruzen after hearing what the old man said. Kazuki had already accessed most of the village archives, and he was surprised at how much history both the original Senju and Uchiha clans held. It even made mention of Kaguya, but her name was not directly mentioned.

"Old man, have you ever wondered where the bijuu came from? Did they just pop out of the sky? No, bijuu were created by the Sage of Six Paths," Kazuki stated. The mention of bijuu made most in the room swivel their heads towards the nature beast of Tsunade, which was now playing around with Tonton. After signing a contract with Tsunade, it had the ability to freely manage its size and could also freely manifest itself around Tsunade within a certain distance.

"Fine, let's say the Sage of Six Paths is real. But you are looking for an immortal Shinobi. Where are you going to find someone like that?" Hiruzen, though skeptical, wanted to know how Kazuki was going to achieve the feat of getting an immortal soul.

"Here, Sensei." It was Jiraiya who pulled out a scroll and passed it over to Hiruzen, who carefully unfurled it and started reading through it. The more he read, the more shocked he was.

"Jashin?" Hiruzen couldn't help but ask for clarification. "Isn't that some sort of evil cult? Do people who follow this religion truly become immortals?" Hiruzen was shocked because this was the first time he had come across a shinobi who could boast true immortality, according to the information in the scroll.

"It's just a single anomaly, and yes, Sensei. Originally, even I thought Kazuki was joking. But then I started investigating using my sources and all the rumors surrounding this one particular Shinobi point that he might be immortal. His name is Hidan," Kazuki explained. He had already shared knowledge about most future Akatsuki members with Jiraiya and his sensei. Jiraiya was already aware that Yahiko was dead, and Nagato and Konan were now part of a terrorist organization called Akatsuki, which was established by Obito Uchiha, who was originally responsible for Minato's death.

"Jashin... Immortality..." Hiruzen murmured, his brows furrowing as he delved deeper into the scroll. The implications were staggering, and he couldn't shake off the gravity of the discovery.

"Yes, old man," Kazuki confirmed. "Hidan is one of the cult members, known for his fanaticism and his macabre rituals. He worships Jashin, the god of death, and is said to have achieved true immortality through his devotion to this deity." 

Jiraiya nodded solemnly. "It's a dangerous path he's chosen, but it seems to have granted him a form of immortality. If we can capture him, Kazuki may be able to use his soul for Minato's resurrection."

Tsunade clenched her fists, her expression resolute. "Then let's make preparations to capture Hidan. We'll need to move swiftly and carefully. We can't afford any mistakes."

Hiruzen folded the scroll with a sigh, his mind racing with thoughts of the challenges ahead. "Indeed. We must tread carefully, but if this is our best chance to bring Minato back, then we cannot hesitate."

"I will let you handle this matter, Jiraiya. I need him alive; remember that. I'm sure Kazuki has already notified you of Akatsuki. Although Hidan is yet to join them, according to Kazuki, there are high chances that they might be monitoring him. So, I will assign Shishui's ANBU squad under your command for this mission, just in case. His Mangekyou Sharingan will act as a good counter if Obito tries to intervene," Tsunade instructed, her tone firm and resolute.

Jiraiya quickly nodded. He understood the importance of the mission. If he ever wanted to meet his student again, then Hidan needed to be captured. He harbored no guilt whatsoever about sacrificing someone like Hidan, who had reaped thousands of lives in the name of his god.

"And Jiraiya-sama, beware of Nagato and Konan. They may have been your students at one time, but now they aren't the same," Kazuki cautioned Jiraiya. He knew the Toad Sage was someone who cared for others, even if they were to end up stabbing him in the back.

Jiraiya was yet to figure out how Kazuki was able to get all this information, but he simply couldn't ask him. So he nodded in acknowledgment and quickly left to prepare for the mission.

"Well, in that case, let me take my leave too, Sensei. I'm sure my uncle is worried about me, and I also need to finish quite a few things regarding the new barrier. Here, I hope you can raise these structures in the designated locations within the next three days, so that I can work on them later," Kazuki said as he passed a scroll over to his sensei. After Kazuki involved himself in the barrier construction, the project had been moving forward at a rapid pace. By Kazuki's current estimation, they should be able to complete the new barrier within the next two months.

After Kazuki left the Hokage's office, saying his farewell, Tsunade and Hiruzen began discussing another matter. The old Tsuchikage had been delaying paying the entire war reparations that were agreed upon. Originally, Tsunade had only removed the fuinjutsu trap that was set up within their village and had planned to keep Kurotsuchi and Han imprisoned until the Tsuchikage completely fulfilled his part of the treaty.

However, after he paid about 60%, Hiruzen insisted on releasing Kurotsuchi and Han as a gesture of goodwill and nurturing new relationships between the two villages. After long deliberation and constant requests from Hiruzen and Jiraiya, Tsunade consented to return the captives. But now, the old fence-sitter has been stalling regarding the remaining war reparations, and the remaining 40% was quite a large sum, as Tsunade had strong-armed Onoki into paying reparations for not one but two wars.

"Sensei, have you received a reply from the Tsuchikage yet? It was because of your insistence that I released the captives. Does he think that I dare not do anything to Iwagakure? And what stupid reason has he come up with this time?" Tsunade's frustration was evident, fueled by her sense of betrayal over her past decision.

"Sigh, the Tsuchikage has sent me a letter stating that their village is currently in a tough spot due to the recent war and has asked for a three-month extension regarding the remaining payment," Hiruzen confessed, his tone laced with shame. He couldn't shake off the feeling of disappointment in himself every time he tried to compromise for the sake of peace, only to be met with further defiance.

"That damned Onoki. I should have just let Kazuki blow Iwagakure to smithereens. He thinks he can play with me, huh? Shizune, release a mission on behalf of the village under my name. Hunt down every merchant and trader in the Stone Country who steps out of their border. List it as a long-term A-rank mission. I will see how that old fence-sitter likes it when his village's economy is crippled. He tries to fool me by saying that they are in a tough spot. Then let me really put them in a tough spot," Tsunade declared, her voice steely with determination. She was not going to let Onoki get away this time. She had already generously given the Tsuchikage leeway when he made excuses, but this was the third time he had defaulted on payment, and Tsunade had had enough.

"Tsunade, don't be hasty. I am sure it is not his intention to default on the reparations," Hiruzen cautioned, attempting to temper Tsunade's wrath. He still believed in resolving issues through moderate means, fearing the consequences of escalating tensions further.

Tsunade's frustration simmered beneath the surface, her patience worn thin by Onoki's repeated delays. "Old man, I've been patient enough. This isn't just about the money anymore; it's about respect and accountability. Onoki needs to understand that he can't keep brushing us off with empty promises."

Hiruzen nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I agree, Tsunade. But escalating tensions further could lead to another conflict. We just came out of a war; are you planning to start a new one?."

"Sensei, this is something that the Tsuchikage should be worried about. He should understand that there will always be consequences," Tsunade said, her tone laced with frustration and determination. Her patience had worn thin, and she was adamant about holding Onoki accountable for his actions.

"In that case, let me go and have a talk with the Tsuchikage myself. In case he still tries to defer payment, then we can opt for your option," Hiruzen decided, his voice firm with resolve. He knew the importance of resolving the matter peacefully, so he decide to take the matter into his own hands.