Chapter 181

Kaito wasn't sure what was happening inside the Hokage building, but he was in an exceptionally good mood right now because he had successfully avoided social death!

His emotional and rational explanations had left Yaneko with no choice but to believe him, even though it made her think, 'Why are men so boring?'

However, when she recalled that Jiraiya had written a book like "Intimate Paradise," everything else seemed inconsequential. Still, the way she looked at Kaito was somewhat peculiar.

She knew that after their squad disbanded, Kaito continued to work as a mission ninja, taking on tasks beyond the squad mode. Kaito had been strong even back then; only their team leader was stronger than him.

Once he started operating solo, Kaito would likely try to undertake even more difficult and dangerous missions, like the assassination ones he mentioned. Although assassination missions vary, hiding in someone's house to find an opportunity is quite common, so it was natural for Kaito to observe these things during his infiltration.

But while it's all well and normal, why write it down in such meticulous detail? Yaneko was puzzled.

"You observed very closely, didn't you?" Yaneko asked, frowning. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have written it down in such detail, right?"

"Indeed, quite closely. After all, you have to find the weakest moment of the enemy to strike. It's necessary to be meticulous," Kaito said, aware of what Yaneko meant but still enjoying a little banter at her expense.

"Moreover, such matters are hardly secrets. Being observant might be useful in the future, right?"

"I never realized you were a pervert."

Yaneko blushed slightly and glared at Kaito but didn't make any drastic moves to shake off his hand. Her mood, actually, was still pretty good.

Kaito didn't mind Yaneko's words either. What's wrong with being a little perverted as a man?

He remembered in a past life asking in a social group about men with foot fetishes being considered perverted. Before he could express his own view, that chat was filled with hundreds of identical messages, just four words—'I am a pervert.'

Though Kaito didn't respond at the time, the message was clear to him: Men are all the same, aren't they?

"Alright, enough of that. We have other matters to attend to."

Kaito had no intention to continue this topic. Though he found it amusing, some things indeed needed to be curtailed.

He had just narrowly avoided an epic social faux pas, a feat so simple it felt almost unbelievable. Yet, once the page was turned, he didn't want to dwell on it any further.

Lifting his head, he surveyed the surroundings. Only after confirming the absence of onlookers did he finally speak, "You've been tailing me for a while. So, I'm curious. Are you planning to reveal yourselves, or shall I take the initiative to flush you out?"

Kaito's words were eerily calm, tinged with a slight chill. Yaneko shot him a quick glance; she had seen this demeanor many times before. It signaled that Kaito was ready for action at any moment.

As his words settled, there was a faint stir in the surroundings. A man and a woman slowly emerged from the shadows.

Yaneko recognized the woman—it was indeed Mitarashi Anko, the dumpling-loving girl she vaguely remembered, especially from the dumpling shop.

As for the man, Yaneko had never seen him before, but Kaito had mentioned he was an experimental subject of Wood Release techniques.

Both of their expressions differed: Yamato remained stoic, seemingly unphased by Anko's presence. Anko, however, looked bewildered—apparently, she hadn't noticed Yamato at all.

Anko knew this wasn't the time to nitpick; she was aware of the consequences that could follow when hanging around Uchiha Kaito.

Having survived Orochimaru's purging, she wasn't naïve. She quickly spoke up, "Sorry, Kaito. This happened, but I can explain."

Anko was rather forward, opting to call Kaito by his name, given he'd said they could do so at Kakashi's gathering. Although others might have thought it was just a polite gesture, she didn't care much about that.

"You said you could help me investigate this mark, but I wasn't sure when you'd be available. I didn't specifically ask earlier, so..."

"So you decided to stealthily follow me?"

Kaito sighed lightly. She was a bit careless, maybe even thoughtless at times.

But Kaito didn't dwell on that. After all, she was the subject of his experiments—willingly, even. So his attitude remained fairly amicable.

"It's also my fault for not being clear earlier. How about this: if you don't have any missions on Saturdays or Sundays, you can come to the Uchiha clan and find me. Typically, I'm free on those two days and will be around. Even if I'm not, you can find my shadow clone. When the time comes, I'll make the arrangements. After all, unraveling the problems left behind by Orochimaru will take some time."

Though slightly disappointed by the answer, Anko still held hope. She quietly sighed, then gave Kaito a slight bow before turning to leave. Her gaze briefly swept over Yamato—she was equally curious why this guy was following Kaito too.

It wasn't until Anko was completely gone that Kaito turned his attention to Yamato, who had remained silent throughout.

"Now it's your turn," Kaito softly spoke, "I think you owe me a reasonable explanation as well."

"Lord Kaito, please believe I mean no harm," Yamato lowered his head as he spoke. "And I do know my limits; I am no match for you."

"So, what's the meaning of your following me?"

Kaito arched an eyebrow but didn't deny Yamato's assertion—it was a fact. Even if Yamato had gained some strength, he was born as an experimental subject, and his Wood Release was rather average, however impressive it may seem.

In essence, what he lacked was Yang Release power, which inherently limited the strength of his Wood Release techniques. There were many in the world who could utilize Yang Release, but those who could control it were depressingly few. Hashirama Senju was a case in point. Why else would his Wood Release be earth-shattering, while Yamato's merely amounted to planting trees?

"Lord Kaito, I wish to join the Security Division."

To Kaito's complete surprise, Yamato gave an answer that left him stunned, and even Yaneko seemed taken aback.

"What did you say?" Kaito looked at Yamato incredulously before confirming again, "You want to join the Security Division?"

"Yes, Lord Kaito," Yamato nodded earnestly, "I want to join the Security Division!"

...

In a secluded laboratory within the Land of Grass, Orochimaru was engrossed in some special research.

He didn't place his lab in the Land of Rain; he had no real trust in the members of the Akatsuki, after all. Yet, given he hadn't severed ties with the organization—and might even venture to Konoha—the Land of Grass was the most fitting location for his lab.

Though he personally felt that the Land of Rice Fields might have been better, considering it had no ninja villages. But certain things couldn't just be wished into existence; he had to consider a myriad of factors.

"Furthermore, for the progress of my experiments, I will need to seek additional help soon," Orochimaru paused and shook his head gently. While he could conduct his experiments alone, there were many tasks one person simply couldn't manage.

Shadow clones could be a solution, but research flourished best in collective brainstorming. A singular mind could only drive one perspective; multiple minds would birth a plethora of ideas.

Of course, more ideas could also make matters somewhat unwieldy, but Orochimaru knew that as long as he set a clear direction, all would be well.

Recruiting research talent, as it turned out, could be even more challenging than recruiting a purely powerful ninja. Nonetheless, Orochimaru had already drafted a list of candidates.

He planned to act in due time, as his current work had reached a critical juncture and demanded his undivided attention.

"But now, the experiments can commence. I wonder what the outcomes will be," he mused.

After two confrontations with Kaito, Orochimaru had ascertained his strategy for dealing with him. He was fully aware that relying on his innate powers alone wouldn't end well.

So, the only effective means to counter Kaito lay in the technique of Edo Tensei (Reanimation Jutsu), and he had no shortage of material to work with! His present line of research aimed to enhance his control over the reanimated subjects. The individuals he planned to summon were anything but simple to manage.

A moment's carelessness could very well ensnare him.

Only by amplifying his control could he ensure that the reanimated would be stronger, while simultaneously maintaining his own safety.

He had already made modifications. Now, the true test of effectiveness would require summoning a subject to see!

"The ideal direction for the future would be to let them retain their own consciousness while their bodies fall under my control. In this way, their subconscious fighting reactions would serve as optimal combat strategies, and I wouldn't need to obliterate their will—this would be the best outcome.

Moreover, my cloning experiments must progress further. I may not be able to seize an Uchiha for myself, but I can still clone a body using their cells.

Even if the cloned body is severely flawed, with a short lifespan, it will nonetheless serve as an excellent vessel."

Slowly walking into an underground prison, these thoughts swirled in Orochimaru's mind.

Kaito was oblivious to the fact that a prototype for the Reanimation Jutsu already existed in Orochimaru's thoughts, let alone that Orochimaru harbored such radical ideas.

Of course, Orochimaru wasn't foolish enough to use cells from someone like Uchiha Madara for cloning; he still wanted to live, after all.

"Let me go!"

As he entered the prison, a ninja from the Land of Grass let out a furious roar.

It was evident that this individual was Orochimaru's experimental subject, and this one was far more powerful than the previous captive.

No matter their strength, in Orochimaru's eyes they were but the walking dead. Why should he care about the wailing of the doomed?

His hands moved quickly to form seals, his immense chakra wildly spreading out. The Grass ninja's angry roar transformed into a wail.

The next moment, he was entirely transformed into the likeness of Uchiha Madara!

Orochimaru didn't activate Madara; he was merely gauging the intensity of this newly transformed Madara, as well as his own connection with the Reanimated Uchiha Madara.

After a long moment, a slight smile crept onto Orochimaru's face. The power of this Madara far surpassed the last, rivaling even the strength of Kaito.

"The outcome is not bad at all; although this is just the first step in the experiment, the results are indeed perfect.

My control is also not weak. As long as I'm careful, there will be absolutely no problems!"

With these thoughts, Orochimaru slightly lifted his head, his gaze turning toward the direction of Konoha.

The next moment, the smile on his lips grew even more radiant...

//

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