Good Seedling

The discussion with Orochimaru came to an end, and Natsuki realized that he hadn't encountered anyone else since arriving at the Otogakure.

Curious, he asked, "Where did Kabuto go?"

Orochimaru responded, "I've left all the affairs of the Village to him. I haven't seen him around for many days. I only call him back when I need an assistant for some experiments."

Natsuki nodded thoughtfully. "Did I tell you that Kabuto is very suitable for practicing senjutsu?"

"Very suitable? How so?" Orochimaru was surprised by the revelation of Kabuto's talent for senjutsu.

As he delved deeper into his studies of Jugo, Orochimaru found it increasingly challenging to learn senjutsu.

Xia Mu reflected on the requirements of senjutsu: purity of heart and soul.

Considering Kabuto's complicated history of self-identity loss and following transformation into a suture monster, infused with various gene and soul fragments, it was remarkable that he could still learn senjutsu. His talent must be exceptional.

"In terms of proficiency under Hashirama, he should rank number one,"

Natsuki stated, leaving Orochimaru stunned. He was well aware of Hashirama's prowess in senjutsu.

He was taken aback by Kabuto's unexpected talent.

The thought of Kabuto handling government affairs seemed excessive given his remarkable abilities.

"How many things have you not told me, Natsuki-kun?" Orochimaru teased, amused by Natsuki's continuous revelations.

It seemed that Natsuki was indeed a treasure trove of surprises.

With a shrug, Natsuki replied, "Oh, you know how it is, things just slip my mind."

Then, recalling another detail, he added, "Oh, and about the Haku I brought back, besides having the Ice Release, he also shows potential for mastering senjutsu."

Impressed, Orochimaru nodded in agreement. Indeed, the people Natsuki brought back were promising.

Determined to find Kabuto, Orochimaru set off. When he finally encountered Kabuto, a familiar beep signaled success.

[Ding! Successfully recruited Yakushi Kabuto.]

Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Snake Sage Mode.

However, Natsuki's expression turned thoughtful upon receiving the notification.

It seemed that Kabuto's talent lay in snake senjutsu from Ryūchi Cave, rather than the senjutsu he had anticipated.

"Orochimaru-sama,"

"This is Natsuki Uchiha."

As Orochimaru's most important partner, Kabuto had witnessed significant developments in the Village since the arrival of the Uchiha clan.

The village, including its catering industry, had seen remarkable growth, all thanks to the contributions of Natsuki Uchiha.

Even in Otogakure, Natsuki's legend had already taken root.

Kabuto had matured rapidly, his daily responsibilities shaping his mind and character. Despite the weight of his duties, he remained devoted to Orochimaru.

"The Otogakure has grown. Would you like to officially join as a Sound Ninja?" Orochimaru offered.

However, Kabuto expressed his preference to stay by Orochimaru's side. "Orochimaru-sama, I have no interest in music or movies. My place is with you," he declared.

Though Kabuto had adapted well to handling administrative tasks, his true joy lay in serving Orochimaru.

He is happiest when following Orochimaru, whether it is doing experiments or doing other things, he is willing to do so.

Natsuki chuckled beside him, remarking, "As a human being, the most important thing is to find happiness."

Kabuto's eyes brightened upon hearing Natsuki's words, and they resonated deeply within him.

Orochimaru smiled and suggested, "In that case, select some capable individuals, gradually delegate authority, and appoint someone as the village leader. Just follow my lead."

Kabuto expressed his gratitude earnestly, saying, "Thank you, Orochimaru-sama."

At that moment, Natsuki's mind wandered to his own power template. Perhaps utilizing it would be the fastest method.

By directly identifying those with the necessary talents, he could assign roles accordingly and streamline operations, potentially maximizing efficiency.

This might be the true purpose of the template.

After exchanging some words with Orochimaru, Natsuki whispered something into Orochimaru's ear.

In response, Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and instructed Kabuto, "Follow me."

Excited to be needed once more, Kabuto eagerly affirmed, "Yes, Orochimaru-sama."

As they walked, Orochimaru revealed to Kabuto, "Your physique is quite unique and well-suited for practicing Senjutsu. I will take you to Ryūchi Cave to test it out."

Kabuto was taken aback, surprised to hear about his suitability for Senjutsu. As a medical ninja, he had never considered himself to possess such potential.

The idea of "senjutsu" seemed distant to him, but he was aware of its immense power.

Kabuto felt a surge of excitement upon learning about his potential for mastering Senjutsu.

Orochimaru led Kabuto and Natsuki through several rooms until they arrived at a secret chamber.

The room was bare, containing nothing except for a large magic circle etched onto the ground.

Layers of dust coated the surface, indicating that it had remained untouched for quite some time.

With a swift hand seal, Orochimaru summoned a gust of wind from his mouth, sweeping away the accumulated dust without stirring it into the air.

Natsuki marveled at Orochimaru's delicate control of wind manipulation, finding it more intricate than conjuring lethal wind blades.

Instructing Kabuto and Natsuki to remain where they were, Orochimaru positioned himself at the center of the circle.

He pricked his finger and traced intricate patterns, causing the entire array to illuminate.

With his hands forming seals, Orochimaru exclaimed and struck the center of the circle with his palm.

A loud bang echoed as smoke billowed, revealing the emergence of a petite figure within the circle.

The figure possessed long, dark blue hair, a golden crown adorned with intricate designs atop her head, and long, golden irises.

Her skin was pale, with black-red eye shadow extending to the bridge of her nose, and she wore blue magatama-shaped earrings.

Draped in a white gown with a solitary green magatama ornament adorning her chest, the figure possessed sharp teeth and a pink tongue.

In a sweet, melodious voice, she addressed Orochimaru, "Orochimaru, summoning me with this magic circle implies that you have something significant to discuss."

Natsuki narrowed his eyes slightly, recognizing her as the individual from Ryuichi Cave.

Her presence seemed to enhance the natural energy in the vicinity, confirming Ryuichi Cave's reputation as a place abundant in natural energy.

Despite her youthful appearance, Orochimaru appeared apprehensive in her presence.

He gestured to Kabuto. "Ichikishima-hime, I have discovered a promising candidate highly suitable for Ryūchi Cave."

"Oh?" Ichikishima-hime floated over slowly. Coupled with her attire, she truly resembled a heavenly fairy.

Kabuto, not one to judge solely by appearances, sensed Orochimaru's unease and approached politely, standing still as the girl inspected him.

Her eyes gradually brightened. "Incredible, incredible," she murmured, her tongue splitting and snake-like patterns appearing on her face.

Kabuto felt a surge of panic similar to being targeted by a natural predator, yet he remained motionless, allowing himself to be scrutinized.

As Ichikishima-hime approached, a ball of light formed in her hand and she placed it on Kabuto.

Instantly, a comforting energy surged through him, invigorating every cell in his body.

Absorbing the natural energy, Ichikishima-hime felt no discomfort, realizing that Kabuto's body was perfectly suited for the snake sage mode.

Grasping Kabuto's shoulders, she declared, "This man is indeed a promising one. I must take him away immediately. Orochimaru, what do you want?"

Orochimaru said with a smile, "It is Kabuto's blessing to be able to learn senjutsu. I dare not ask for anything else."

"Kabuto, study senjutsu diligently after you arrive, and do not bring shame upon me."

Kabuto immediately grasped Orochimaru's intention and responded respectfully, "Do not worry, Orochimaru-sama, I will practice diligently."

Ichikishimahime cast a final glance at Orochimaru before Kabuto was enveloped in a cloud of smoke and disappeared.

Orochimaru turned to Natsuki, remarking, "Natsuki-kun, you truly have keen insight."

Natsuki could only laugh, surprised by the enthusiasm of the people from Ryūchi Cave and their eagerness to take Kabuto away.

With Kabuto now gone from Otogakure, it became necessary to find someone to oversee the village's affairs.

Fortunately, Kabuto's frequent absences in the past had made the villagers accustomed to such situations.