Chapter 188: Daimyo's Decision

The Daimyo's expression turned serious at the sudden words, not because of the person speaking, but because of what they implied.

"Are you suggesting that Konoha is deceiving me?" He fingered the scroll in his hand, his tone sharp.

Obito Uchiha descended silently from the ceiling, landing without a sound. Spreading his hands, he said, "My words might not be the most trustworthy."

"But why not investigate for yourself, Daimyo-sama?"

"You do have your own ninjas, don't you?"

His words dripped with sarcasm, especially when he emphasized "your own," making the comment particularly grating.

The Daimyo gave him a cold look.

What does he mean by that? Is he suggesting that Konoha is no longer under my control? A tool gone out of control is indeed a serious matter.

Obito Uchiha chuckled as chakra spiraled around him, forming a vortex before he disappeared into the void.

He didn't dare linger.

The Daimyo's expression grew more solemn, his gaze distant. As the ruler of a nation, his considerations were entirely different from those of a ninja.

Obito Uchiha might be a criminal wanted by Naruto Uzumaki. But in his eyes...

He was a useful tool.

In the half-month since Obito had approached him, he had already solved many problems for the Daimyo—efficiently, quickly, and without leaving a trace. So, this faceless tool held value in his eyes. He certainly wouldn't hand over such a valuable asset.

Moreover, his words...

They did carry some weight.

The Daimyo quickly made up his mind and summoned his personal guards.

Three days later, an investigation report was placed before him. It contained testimonies from ninjas who were more loyal to the Land of Fire, mainly Mitokado Homura and Koharu Utatane. Their account differed slightly from the official story provided by Konoha, particularly regarding...

The part about "Danzo," where the two former senior advisors subtly implied that Danzo had not betrayed Konoha but had simply angered Naruto Uzumaki, leading to his downfall. Additionally, the information about "Naruto Uzumaki wanting to control life and death and become a god of death" was only revealed when the Daimyo's ninjas specifically inquired about it.

Konoha had concealed many things.

The Daimyo frowned.

He began to consider Obito's suggestions.

A figure who has escaped the constraints of the "ninja" system and now genuinely threatens his authority.

"Naruto Uzumaki..." he muttered, gritting his teeth as he pronounced the name.

In the Land of Rice Fields, Sound Village...

"Back already?" Orochimaru said, surprise evident in his voice.

Karin remained silent, merely poking her head out to scrutinize Naruto carefully, assessing his condition from head to toe.

"It wasn't too much trouble," Naruto shook his head. "But I did encounter something rather interesting."

"Do you know about the technique 'Izanagi'?"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "Izanagi, that Uchiha forbidden technique... So, Naruto-kun, you faced Danzo?"

Naruto waved his hand, summoning a scroll and holding it up. "He's dead, and his soul is in here."

"So you killed him, huh?" Orochimaru grinned widely. "Looks like you caused quite a stir in Konoha, Naruto."

"The village is quite damaged. Konoha will send me the bill later; you can pay it for me first," Naruto said nonchalantly as he shook the scroll. "Now, explain Izanagi to me."

Orochimaru smiled wryly and furrowed his brows. "Naruto-kun, you're really something."

"Should I start calling you Naruto-sama?"

Naruto tossed the scroll lightly, not replying.

"I only have a basic understanding of Izanagi," Orochimaru admitted, shaking his head. "But it's typically considered a genjutsu."

Naruto interrupted, "It's not a genjutsu. It's a technique similar to manipulating the rules of reality."

Orochimaru was stunned, deep in thought.

Rules? It was a term he had heard before, but it was rarely discussed. In the system of ninja power, concepts like this were seldom encountered.

"Too bad there aren't many Sharingan left," he sighed. "It would be difficult to research this further."

"If you could convince Sasuke..."

Naruto cut him off again. "I'm entrusting this matter to you."

"Besides that, there's something else of interest."

"Danzo knew I was planning to establish the Soul Society."

Orochimaru was taken aback.

Why does it matter if that information got out? Given Naruto Uzumaki's status and personality, he wouldn't care about public opinion. The words of weaker beings wouldn't even reach the ears of such a powerful entity.

So why did Naruto look so serious?

Orochimaru quickly realized something and narrowed his eyes, licking his lips. "Naruto-kun, you didn't publicize your plan?"

"Only..."

"Those in this base know?"

Naruto nodded.

"Although I collaborated with Danzo a long time ago," Orochimaru said, shaking his head, "I know when to choose sides. He may have provided some interesting things, but I certainly don't want to suffer a fate worse than death at Naruto-kun's hands."

He glanced at the scroll in Naruto's hand. He had long suspected that Naruto, with his expertise in manipulating souls, had a method to capture a person's soul even after death. Now... Danzo had unwittingly confirmed this suspicion.

"Aside from Sasuke and you," Naruto asked him, "is there anyone else in this base who knows about this?"

Orochimaru tilted his head, his voice hoarse. "Aside from us..."

"Kabuto also knows."

Naruto's expression grew serious.

"But recently," Orochimaru shook his head, "he requested a transfer to the northern base."

"You know me, Naruto-kun, I always prepare multiple paths for myself. Even though I haven't regained my hands, I can still manage basic techniques and most of my research on my own."

"Perhaps he felt he had no presence here anymore. That's probably why he requested to be transferred."

"Kabuto is a smart kid, but deep down, he's someone who lacks confidence and needs to feel needed."

Naruto waved his hand, signaling Orochimaru to summon a scroll and activate a device.

As the chakra flowed and the technique was completed, the screen flickered before an image appeared.

It showed a middle-aged ninja.

"Why is it you? Where's Kabuto?" Orochimaru asked softly.

"Kabuto-sama has gone out," the middle-aged ninja responded nervously. "He mentioned an important task assigned by you."

Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly. "Why wasn't I notified?"

"I recall this requires my approval."

The middle-aged man's expression grew troubled. "Before he left, Kabuto-sama set the entire northern base to a silent mode, saying that Naruto Uzumaki had taken an interest in the area and that no messages should be sent to avoid attracting attention."

Orochimaru glanced at Naruto, noting his unchanged expression before continuing to ask, "Is that so? As expected of Kabuto, to come up with such a plan."

"How long has he been gone?"

The middle-aged ninja seemed to realize something, and his face grew more troubled. "It's been half a month."

"Fool! You haven't realized anything after all this time?" Orochimaru scolded.

"Kabuto-sama ordered it..." The middle-aged ninja's voice trembled. "He said this mission was extremely dangerous, and that we must remain silent. He instructed that if he didn't return in a month, it would mean he had died in battle. Only then could the silent mode be lifted. We've been following his orders all this time."

Orochimaru clicked his tongue. He had just mentioned that Kabuto was someone who lacked confidence. But in the blink of an eye, Kabuto had shown far too much confidence, deceiving the entire northern base and escaping.

"So, he's the one who informed Obito Uchiha about me," Naruto said calmly, his voice devoid of emotion. "No wonder Danzo knew."

Orochimaru's expression twisted slightly. "This is indeed my fault. I trusted Kabuto too much. I never imagined he would betray me."

Naruto asked, "Did you place a curse mark on him?"

"No," Orochimaru shook his head, a contemplative look in his eyes. "I've always trusted Kabuto. He's been nothing but loyal to me."

This wasn't sarcasm, nor blind confidence. Although their interactions often seemed strained, out of everyone in the base, Kabuto was the one Orochimaru trusted the most, the only person he could rely on. He had confidence in his ability to judge character. Those he deemed worthy had all become remarkably talented individuals.

"Is there any way to find him?" Naruto asked again.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and spoke softly, "There is hope, but..."

"Naruto-kun, could you return my hands to me first? There are some things that are difficult to do without them."

Naruto glanced at him. "Failing to manage your subordinates properly is your own fault, Orochimaru. Don't think you can raise the price now. You should consider how to make up for the points you've lost with me because of this."

He waved the scroll, the threat clear in his tone.

Orochimaru stuck out his tongue.

Naruto turned to head deeper into the base.

"Naruto-kun, you don't need my help to find Kabuto?" Orochimaru called after him.

"I know what method you plan to use," Naruto said without turning back. "Summoning, right? You're not the only one with a contract with Ryūchi Cave. Sasuke has one too. I can go to Ryūchi Cave myself. White Snake Sage seems to like me quite a bit."

Orochimaru clicked his tongue. He hadn't managed to get his hands back.

But oh well…

His research on the "Byakugan" and "Izanagi" didn't necessarily require hands. He really did need to consider how to regain those points Naruto mentioned.

In the Land of Fire, at the Daimyo's mansion, the plump Daimyo awoke from sleep. He opened his eyes, looking dazed. That nap had been anything but pleasant, filled with visions of a blonde figure kicking him off his throne and demoting him to a mere peasant.

It was a terrifying nightmare.

The decision he couldn't fully commit to during the day...

Now, there was no doubt.

~~~

Tobi did a bit of trolling

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