Chapter : 83

Two days later, the merchant ship arrived at the docks of the Land of Water. Uchiha Fugaku disembarked swiftly, disappearing into the bustling crowd.

Tsunade and Shizune also departed the ship, vanishing into the chaos of the harbor. Although they found it strange that the wandering ninja seemed suspicious, it had little to do with them. Their focus remained on their mission: finding Orochimaru, who had infiltrated the Land of Water, to learn more about the elusive Wood Release Kekkei Genkai ninja.

After a long journey, Uchiha Fugaku arrived at a small town near the Hidden Mist Village. Walking through the quiet streets, he stopped in front of an unassuming house and knocked on the door in a rhythmic pattern.

Bang, bang, bang.

The door creaked open, and a young woman in simple clothes peeked out cautiously.

"Hello, who are you looking for?" she asked.

"I've come from the Land of Fire to visit a friend," Fugaku replied calmly.

The girl's eyes darted around the street before she gestured for him to enter. "Come in."

Once inside, Uchiha Fugaku removed his disguise, revealing his true face.

Inside the room stood a middle-aged man alongside the young woman. The man released his transformation technique, revealing himself as Uchiha Min, the elite jonin sent by Fugaku to infiltrate the Land of Water.

"Patriarch," Min greeted respectfully, bowing slightly.

The young woman, Uchiha Iori, looked curiously at Fugaku. Her long black hair was tied back with a simple ribbon, and her delicate features radiated quiet strength. She was Min's daughter and had accompanied him on the mission.

"You've done well," Fugaku said with a nod.

"It's our duty, Patriarch," Min replied humbly.

Iori couldn't help but steal glances at Fugaku. Growing up in the Uchiha clan, she had viewed him as a stoic yet distant figure—one whose public persona often seemed weak under Konoha's scrutiny. However, on this mission, she had learned more about Fugaku's true strength and the depths of his Mangekyō Sharingan, opened decades ago.

The knowledge left her in awe of him, a stark contrast to the image of a subdued clan leader.

"What's the current situation?" Fugaku asked, cutting to the point.

"The Kaguya clan has been under heavy suppression from the Mizukage. They've started secretly purchasing weapons and are likely planning a rebellion soon," Min reported.

"Perfect timing," Fugaku said with a faint smile.

The Kaguya clan's rebellion, he knew, was doomed to fail. The Mizukage, controlled by Uchiha Obito, was undoubtedly aware of their plans and waiting for the right moment to wipe them out completely—just as the Third Hokage intended to do with the Uchiha clan in Konoha.

Fugaku turned to Min. "And the Yuki clan?"

"The Yuki clan is also under the Mizukage's suppression, but there's no sign of rebellion. They've been acting cautiously, but it's possible they're planning something in secret," Min explained.

Fugaku's brow furrowed in thought. "The Yuki clan is more reserved than the Kaguya. If they're planning something, they'll be much harder to detect."

After a pause, he dismissed the thought for now. "You've completed your mission exceptionally. The clan will reward you generously. Your work here is done—return to Konoha immediately."

Min and Iori both visibly relaxed at his words. Their mission had been long and dangerous, spanning over half a year deep within enemy territory. They were grateful to finally return home.

"Patriarch," Min began hesitantly, "allow Iori to return first. I'll stay and assist you."

"There's no need," Fugaku replied firmly. "I'll handle things from here. Both of you must leave at once."

He knew that his upcoming actions in the Land of Water would likely cause a major stir. Keeping them here would only endanger their lives.

Min nodded reluctantly. "Understood."

Father and daughter began packing their belongings, erasing any traces of their true identities. Before long, they had transformed their appearances and departed the house, heading toward the docks.

Left alone in the house, Fugaku resumed his wandering ninja guise, planning to use it as his cover while operating in the area.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Land of Water, a pale-skinned woman with striking beauty sat alone in a dimly lit room. Her alabaster skin looked unnaturally smooth, almost as though it were painted on.

A faint hissing sound broke the silence, and her eyes shifted, transforming into golden, snake-like slits.

A moment later, a small snake slithered through the open window and coiled at her feet. Its tongue flicked as it delivered its report.

"So, she's here..." the woman muttered, her voice soft yet chilling.

The woman's features shifted slightly, her form rippling like liquid. Her true identity emerged—Orochimaru.

"She couldn't stay away, could she?" Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smile.

Despite the many years since they had last met, Orochimaru recognized Tsunade's chakra signature immediately.

"Old friends or not, if she interferes with my plans…" His voice dropped to a low hiss, laced with cold malice.

The room grew colder as Orochimaru's aura darkened, his mind racing through scenarios. His current goal in the Land of Water was simple but essential: secure a new vessel. He had already set his sights on the Kaguya clan, particularly Kimimaro, whose Shikotsumyaku made him an ideal candidate.

Reincarnation without a corpse had granted Orochimaru immortality, but the price was steep. He needed new bodies every few years to sustain himself, and only the most exceptional hosts would suffice.

"Kimimaro," he whispered, savoring the name.

But now, with Tsunade's unexpected presence, Orochimaru knew his plans might face unexpected complications.

For a moment, nostalgia flickered in his eyes, recalling the bond he once shared with his former teammate. But it was quickly snuffed out by cold pragmatism.

"I'll see you soon, Tsunade... Let's see how far you're willing to go."

(End of this chapter)

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