Chapter 306 - Shizune's Fear

Orochimaru's Lab. (Approx. 4 pm)

Sweat was slowly rolling down Shizune's face as she did her best to stabilize her teacher's vitals. Her hands glowed green as she was constantly monitoring Tsunade's condition and pouring healing chakra into her sensei's body. And to add pressure, Orochimaru was watching her every move.

The young medic looked at her blonde teacher with fear as she sensed what was happening within Tsunade's body. 'Her cells are being destroyed and created rapidly. Her fever is spiking again. The Leukocytes are treating the injected serum as foreign invaders and attacking them but the serum is fighting back trying to override the cells and DNA structure. It's as if the serum has a mind of its own. I never knew the blood of the first Hokage was so powerful. It's already been several hours. I don't know how much longer she can hold on if it keeps going like this.'

As Shizune feared the worst, to the side Orochimaru was also observing every change taking place in Tsunade's body. 'I was right. The serum interacts with Tsunade's cells and DNA, altering them to incorporate the traits of Wood Style. Hashirama Senju's blood is activating and suppressing specific genes related to awakening Wood Style abilities.'

Orochimaru drew a few samples of Tsunade's blood and examined it. A smile slowly grew on his lips and he turned his attention to his former teammate lying unconscious on the table.

'My hypothesis was correct. Tsunade has markers in her blood that would make it possible for her to awaken wood style but they were suppressed by the more dominant genes. Now that an outside trigger has been introduced into her system, her cells are starting to adapt and evolve. This will give her the ability to create and manipulate wood-based jutsu… But first I'll have to see if she can survive till the last stage.'

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Suddenly the alarms on the machines monitoring Tsunade's vitals started going off.

Shizune quickly placed her palms atop Tsunade's heart and examined her. "Her heart rate is elevated and blood pressure is increasing again. Her temperature is going up. She won't last long. You have to do something." Shizune turned her head and pleaded with Orochimaru.

The snake Sannin had a calm look as he came near his test subject. "Calm down. It's the side effects of the serum. Her body is adapting to the foreign cells so this is within my expectations. Over time, her blood might stabilize, but it would continue to carry the infused Wood Style chakra."

"Might!?" Shizune looked at the man with fear.

Orochimaru's gaze settled on Shizune and she saw no empathy from those orbs. "Yes. I modified the serum as much as I could to reduce the possibility of a fatality but there is a chance Tsunade will die. And should that happen, you will die along with your teacher. So you best make sure that doesn't happen." He spoke with a cold chilling tone.

"You.." The young medic gritted her teeth in anger and fear but she could do nothing at the moment but do her best to keep her teacher alive.

Orochimaru turned his attention back to the unconscious Tsunade and crossed his arms. 'I know the changes in your body are painful and life threatening. Now we'll see if your luck holds out. Will your body adapt to the serum or will you succumb to the side effects and die?'

—-

Fire Capital. 8:00 pm.

Daichi's shadow clone was in complete stealth as it made its way to the palace of the Third prince. He was using Mana skills to completely erase his presence from anyone's senses.

As Daichi slowly moved forward in the darkness, he still remembered the meeting he had with the man right after healing Jin. Daichi also remembered the words the third prince spoke at the end of their meeting. 'Damn it. He warned me. Why didn't I take better precautions?'

Daichi was angry with himself for not doing anything more about the warning he received.

If you need any help with Orochimaru, come find me.

Those were the words Katsuya Hinoo whispered to him just before he left.

'His warning was too vague. I thought he meant that Orochimaru might come after me or even Sasuke or the Leaf village. I just didn't expect that snake to go after Tsunade. Still, how did that man know? He must have some ways to track that snake. He's the best chance I have at finding Tsunade sensei and Shizune before anything goes wrong.'

The shadow clone let out a small sigh and concentrated on his task. He bypassed the guards stationed in the palace and quickly located the position of the prince and made his way to his target.

'I don't want to reveal too many secrets. If I enter without him sensing my presence he'll be even more vigilant in the future.'

Before reaching near the room where the young prince was, Daichi slowly let go of his defenses and let out a minute amount of chakra. He knew the prince had excellent sensing skills and would sense him quickly.

Daichi slowly made his way to the large door of the room and knocked.

"Come in." Came the voice from inside.

Daichi entered the room and kept a calm face as he saw the young prince of the Fire country seemingly waiting for him. "You're late." The room was a large study with various books and scrolls filling the shelves.

"You were waiting for me?" Daichi asked as he closed the door behind him.

"Of course. The recent commotions have drawn the attention of many." Katsuya spoke with a smile.

"Then you know why I'm here." Daichi looked at the man with slightly narrowed eyes. 'I half expected this.'

Katsuya nodded. "Yes… I have to admit though. I thought Orochimaru would be after you. Based on what I understand about him, he's always had a fascination towards talented and powerful people. An attack on Princess Tsunade was not something even I anticipated… Sit." The prince said, pointing to a chair near him.

"How did you know Orochimaru was planning an attack?" Daichi asked as he sat down opposite the man.

"I have my methods and resources."

Daichi couldn't help but frown as he looked at the powerful man. 'He's not my enemy but at the same time he's not my ally. I need to approach this as a negotiation if I want to get the information I need.'

"What do you want… your highness?" Daichi leaned back in his chair and got straight to the point.

"Aww no foreplay? Just straight to the nitty gritty. You're no fun." Katsuya had a small chuckle as he looked at the Genin. But seeing Daichi's serious stony gaze he decided to get serious as well.

"Do you remember the conversation we had the last time we were here?" The prince asked Daichi.

Daichi nodded his head as he recalled that day. "You wanted to form an alliance with me."

"Yes. You and I are similar. Our talents surpass our peers and our ambitions are much greater than theirs. If we're able to form a successful partnership then my resources will be at your disposal."

"You never told me what your ambition is." Daichi spoke as he looked at the man.

Katsuya smiled as he looked at the boy. Then he told the Genin part of what he wanted and Daichi's eyes widened in shock as he heard the man's goals.

Daichi immediately used his Chakra and Mana sense to see if anyone was spying on them. Seeing that it was just the two he let out a breath of relief. "Do you realize what you're saying?" He asked the man in a cold tone.

Katsuya became serious. "I do. Like I said, I'm recruiting talented people from all fields and gathering resources to implement my plans."

The gamer ninja was silent as he looked at the man in front of him. 'This guy… If anyone ever finds out his true intentions he'll be killed along with anyone who's helping him. Do I really want to take such a risk?'

Daichi was silent for several moments before he spoke again. "You're highness, if people find out about this not even your father will be able to protect you. You understand that right?"

Katsuya's eyes narrowed as he looked at the Genin. "Do not insult my intelligence Daichi. I'm well aware of the consequences should my plans be exposed prematurely."

Daichi looked at the man and sighed. "How many people know?"

"Including you… 3." The prince replied and Daichi was surprised.

"You trust me that much even though this is only just our second interaction."

Katsuya Hinoo nodded. "Let's just say I'm willing to take a gamble. A powerful ally is always a good thing. Your ambition is to become the strongest in the world. You were bold enough to say that straight to my face. I have a feeling you'll succeed. So Daichi, what do you say?"

Daichi leaned back in his luxurious chair and thought about the pros and cons of the alliance. 'I'll be able to do a lot of things much easier with his help. But if it ever comes to light what his goals are before I'm strong enough then I'll have to pay the price. I can just say no and leave but something tells me he'll have some sort of contingencies to deal with me. He wouldn't have revealed his intentions otherwise… No. Right now all that doesn't matter. My priority is to save Tsunade and Shizune. I'll deal with everything else after saving them.'

Daichi let out a sigh and looked at the man in front of him. 'If the real me were here, he would make the same decision.'

"I'm interested." Daichi gave a short reply and it brought a smile to Katsuya's face.

"What made you decide to join me? Is it just the matter with Tsunade?" The third prince of the Fire country asked.

The gamer ninja shook his head. "It's not just that. What you plan to do… If you… No. If we succeed, it will change this era forever. I want to see for myself whether that change would be for the better or worse. I want to be a part of it."

Katsuya nodded and smiled. "Good. What do you want to know about Orochimaru?"

"Where is he?" Daichi asked.

"I've been keeping an eye on Daimyo's of all great nations. Several months ago I noticed unusual activities in the Land of Stone. I assigned a couple of assets and soon learned that a minister in that country had a visitor and soon questionable shipments including high end medical equipment were transported through highly secure routes. My people can't be certain who the visitor was but I'm sure it was Orochimaru." Katsuya got up from his spot and quickly took a folder from the cabinet.

He handed the documents to Daichi and continued. "The transportation channels used and distribution methods had Orochimaru's fingerprints. It's not easy to spot his work but that snake isn't as clever as he thinks. I don't know what kind of deal that minister made with Orochimaru but he must be getting something extremely valuable for the risks he's taking."

Daichi quickly went through every page and committed the information to memory. 'He's right. If the Daimyo of that country or Tsuchikage finds out that a minister collaborated with a known criminal from a hostile nation it would be a death sentence… Based on this info, the materials brought in... Orochimaru was building a lab. But these documents don't point to any specific locations. Searching an entire country while avoiding their patrol squads will take a lot of time and effort. There must be an easier way.'

"Do you have any more information, your highness?" Daichi asked

"I'm afraid not." Katsuya replied without missing a beat.

Daichi knew it was a blatant lie and he looked at the man with narrowed eyes.

"I've given you enough information to narrow your field and start your search. Now, whether you find Princess Tsunade or not will be up to you." Katsuya spoke looking at the Genin.

"And here I thought we had formed a deal."

The third prince narrowed his eyes and looked at the Genin. "You can take this as a test of your abilities. If you fail to save her, then that means you're not as talented as either of us thought."

Daichi was slightly angry hearing that response but he quickly calmed down. 'I should have expected it. He wants to see what methods I'd use. He wants to gain more information on my powers and wants to know what kind of strategies I'd employ. I can't take this guy lightly.'

Daichi sighed as he stood from his chair. "Thank you for the information, your highness. I'll take my leave. I'll visit you after this incident is resolved."

The prince gave a small nod. "I do wish you the best of luck."

Daichi disappeared and quickly left the palace without alerting anyone. Soon he reached the outskirts of the capital and quickly scanned the area for any unwanted listeners. After confirming he was alone, clone Daichi created and dispelled another shadow clone informing his original of the events that took place and his plans moving forward.

The shadow clone Daichi then looked at the documents in his hand and made a decision. 'It's a bit too early to implement that plan but circumstances have changed. I suppose now is as good a time as any.'

The shadow clone took out a scroll and quickly put on the new outfit. After disguising himself in a new attire he used the transformation jutsu to change his appearance. Once all the preparations were completed he disappeared from his spot.

His destination - Land of Stone.

—-------------

Author's Note:

For anyone wondering about the events of this chapter regarding the third prince pls reread chapter 242.

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