Chapter 251 : Consider Negotiating!

"Hmm, everything's fine now; I managed to slip away," Takeshi declared.

In the dense forest, Takeshi soared through the sky, his eyes flashing. His body halted, and in the clear light, he transformed into two figures.

"It seems Tobirama didn't pursue us at all," Orochimaru mumbled.

"Hehe, he must be as surprised as we are. I wonder how he'll handle this, dealing with the Uchiha clan?" Takeshi leaned against a tree trunk, exhaling in relief. His body felt sore and exhausted; he couldn't exert himself, and he struggled to catch his breath.

These were the aftereffects of using the Mangekyō Sharingan and the Furnace of Blood. Orochimaru had also been affected. While their chakras and true essence hadn't been significantly impacted, the stimulation of their blood vessels weakened their Bloodline Limit abilities for the next two days.

For instance, the defense power of the Shikotsumyaku and the potency of Wood Release would be considerably reduced. It was the price they paid for acquiring power, but compared to the genuine Uchiha ninjas who faced blindness, Takeshi's pupil technique and the incurred cost were negligible.

"I'm heading back. If your Wood clone is discovered, the consequences will be severe," Orochimaru said, turning away and vanishing into the forest.

"I might be safe for now, but you're about to become a thorn in Black Zetsu's side," Takeshi replied casually.

"That's exactly what I want," he added.

"Take care of yourself," Orochimaru didn't look back.

Takeshi, in his weakened state, couldn't linger. He left cautiously. The goal was achieved, and the next move needed careful planning. With the ninja world in turmoil, the feast was about to begin.

"Master Ai, I need to see Master Ai!"

After a long journey, C returned to the Cloud Ninja camp.

No Cloud Ninja was by his side; he looked exhausted and a bit embarrassed.

"C! Where the hell have you been?" Ai glared at C, asking loudly.

"Ah, don't even mention it," C explained everything, lacking the joy of beheading Uchiha Kagami.

The last opponent he faced seemed stronger than him. Even glimpsing Tobirama himself today, C felt the opponent's strength was unfathomable, perhaps even surpassing both himself and Ai.

Even if they managed to kill Kagami Uchiha, could they handle Tobirama?

"There are still Uchiha clan members wandering outside, and it's becoming a serious issue," Ai said, stroking his beard and contemplating.

"Hahaha, a powerful radical Uchiha appeared, awakening that forbidden power. Tobirama might lose some sleep over this!" Ai laughed, genuinely pleased.

The stronger the Uchiha madman, the better; it would only cause trouble for Tobirama, not them. Although the opponent appeared weak, in case of collusion with Konoha's Uchiha clan... well, that would be a different story.

Ai succumbed to the allure of desire, a sly grin forming at the corner of his mouth.

"Fetch me every piece of information on that Uchiha dragon. Even if he's a lone figure in the ninja world, ensure he leaves no trace behind!" Ai commanded without hesitation.

"Hehe, initially, I pondered the crippled forces of the Golden Horn and Silver Horn troops. It seemed Konoha and I would gain little advantage in the ensuing conflict, and I contemplated proposing peace. However, it appears Tobirama must now contend with a fire in his own backyard, making him more anxious than me to thoroughly investigate this matter. Perhaps he'll be more lenient in the peace talks."

Ai crossed his arms, and his dead-fish eyes sparkled with wisdom.

"If I manage to make contact with this so-called Uchiha Dragon and align with him, I can aid him in dealing with Konoha and even stir up more trouble for Tobirama. Even if I can't defeat you, Tobirama, directly, I'll ensure you're thoroughly disgusted. Hahaha!"

---

"Fetch me every piece of information on that Uchiha dragon. Even if he's a lone figure in the ninja world, ensure he leaves no trace behind!"

Simultaneously, Tobirama issued the same directive to Danzo.

The dark conference room remained eerily quiet, except for Tobirama's stern commands echoing within. He glared coldly at the kneeling Danzo, the only candle flickering, casting an unsettling light on his face. Tobirama's elongated shadow danced on the wall, reflecting his restless heart.

"This war has dragged on long enough. I've already subdued the Sand Ninja, and the Cloud Ninja should have suffered the same fate. As for Ai, I didn't personally face him, but if he knows what's good for him, he should seize the opportunity I've presented for peace."

Tobirama turned away, opened the door, and stepped into the light. Outside, two rows of ninja wearing Anbu masks awaited.

"Hehe, it seems the Hokage still places more trust in me. He divulged all these details only to me. It appears I'm the only one fit for this dirty work. Hahaha!"

Danzo observed Tobirama's departure, rising slowly. Like a vulture, cruel and cunning yet wise enough to bide its time, he stood in the dark room, opening his arms as if to absorb all the dark filth into his being.

"Did you witness that, Hiruzen? I, Danzo, am the most exceptional and gifted one! Uchiha dragon with a Mangekyō Sharingan—truly intriguing. Only, Uchiha Kagami is no more. What should I do?"

---

"Hey, isn't this Princess Tsunade of the Senju clan? I didn't expect to encounter you here."

Within Konoha's camp, the Sannin found themselves face to face with two individuals.

Kato Dan regarded Tsunade with a sunny smile, his demeanor as bright as the sun and his conduct impeccably refined.

"Miss Tsunade showcased her incredible strength that day and emerged victorious in the Chunin Exam. She truly earned it. I didn't anticipate meeting her again."

Sarutobi Hizan intentionally trained his disciples and deployed the Sannin to join the war, leaving no room for Danzo to be excluded.

Dan Kato was an ally of Danzo, and rumors had it that they achieved significant success together this time.

After Kato's demise, Sakumo Hatake lounged casually against a large tree, appearing to close his eyes and rest. However, in reality, he was discreetly observing Takeshi's Wood clone.

Hatake Sakumo's solitary and ruthless demeanor rivaled that of Kakashi in the future. Though lacking the striking appearance, his entire being resembled a keen, restrained knife.

This stern aura, even when deliberately subdued, couldn't be overlooked. Clearly, his strength had once again advanced.

Yet, Sakumo was obstinate and unyielding, completely unlike Dan Kato, which displeased Danzo. Despite never clashing with Dan Kato, an underlying tension persisted between the two.

"Oh, it's you... Yes, you're Dan Kato, I remember you!"

The saying 'don't hit a smiling face with a raised hand' held true as Kato Dan maintained a polite demeanor. Coupled with his sunny and handsome appearance, Tsunade responded to him cheerfully.

"Haha, Tsunade, it seems you also took part in this battle. It's not easy to exert yourself with your standing!"

Kato laughed.

"Ha, no, no, just doing my part, you know..."

After a friendly touch from Kato Dan, the young and spirited Tsunade felt a sense of pride and began conversing with Kato Dan.

"Hey, pretty boy..."

Observing Kato Dan completely ignore himself and Orochimaru, he felt a twinge of discomfort. For some reason, he couldn't shake the feeling that Kato Dan was a bit hypocritical and irked him!

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