Chapter 163 : Poisoning Homura

In the heart of Konoha's headquarters, amidst the diligent watch of a team of skilled ninjas, lay Homura on a bed, his condition dire.

Though the Konoha headquarters and the shinobi's quarters appeared imposing, the figures within told a different story. Homura's body lay feeble, a stark contrast to the surroundings.

The inflammation induced by the Sand shinobi's poison had started at his left knee and had since spread through his entire leg. The cure was projected to take a full month, and failure might result in limb amputation.

In an era where technology remained underdeveloped, a missing limb rendered a ninja nearly ineffective. Homura would likely be confined to a bed, relegated to scolding Sand Shinobi for life.

Takeshi wasn't certain whether the concept of an ambush initially crossed his mind, or if the calamity was just a consequence of crossing paths.

Regardless, observing the pitiable state of this future Elder, he felt neither sadness nor sympathy. Rather, a perverse sense of satisfaction grew within him.

Ah, the old man is finally experiencing a taste of adversity!

"Cough... What brings you here?" Homura inquired, detecting an underlying animosity in Takeshi's presence. Despite his agony, he made an effort to sit up, supported by a medical ninja.

"Homura, listen... While we're preparing the antidote for your poison, time is working against us. The longer it takes, the more dangerous your situation becomes," Koharu stated gravely, though her demeanor remained steadfast.

"Well then... cough!"

Homura nearly spat phlegm into her face, exasperated by her lack of solutions. Yet, he couldn't afford to offend her at the moment. Circumstances had rendered him powerless.

"These two aren't as united as they appear. Their affiliation with Danzo is tenuous at best, making them unreliable allies," Takeshi ruminated silently.

"Don't worry. I've brought Sarutobi's disciple here. He's shown a knack for detoxification. Let's consult him and find a solution," Koharu said, certain that preparing the antidote herself would take a week at minimum. By then, Homura's legs could turn cold and useless. They had to play their hand, hoping fate might smile upon them.

"Very well, I appreciate your efforts," Homura reluctantly conceded, recognizing the dire nature of their situation.

Takeshi sensed the weight of the village's hopes resting upon him. Hokage Tobirama's eyes seemed fixed on him from the distance, a pressure he couldn't ignore.

All but a select few medical ninjas withdrew, leaving Takeshi alone with his task. He examined Homura's leg meticulously. He initially attempted standard medical ninjutsu, infusing chakra into the wound. Subsequently, he applied a chakra-infused water balloon to the wound, trying to draw out the toxins.

This method, however, seemed to have been attempted before, causing blisters and leaving behind blood. The toxin remained unresponsive, clinging stubbornly to Homura's body.

"Hmm, poison at the bone? Could scraping the bone and removing the poison heal it?" Takeshi pondered. His initial idea dissipated under scrutiny, as he realized the toxins targeted nerves, paralyzing the leg. He needed a medicinal solution.

In truth, Takeshi felt a rising unease. The poison that had stumped Koharu couldn't be simple to counter. Yet, he couldn't afford to abandon hope. The situation demanded success, not merely detoxification. He needed to restore Homura's strength.

"Excuse me."

Takeshi produced several thin scrolls. Utilizing an alcohol lamp, he purified the poison. Then, in front of everyone's eyes, he summoned a small snake and let it bite Homura's leg.

"Ah--!"

Homura's scream resonated, eliciting shock from all present. They moved to intervene, but Takeshi explained, "I'm merely numbing the wound."

His explanation mollified the onlookers. For ninjas, chakra held the key to all solutions, rendering most past techniques without chakra obsolete. It was a paradigm shift Takeshi had adopted from medical training.

"It doesn't hurt as much as I thought." Homura muttered, embarrassed.

Shouldn't you be tougher, given your position?

Takeshi used the scrolls to seal Homura's acupuncture points, stifling the toxins' advance. Then, utilizing his unique eye ability, he pinpointed the poison's location. Swiftly and accurately, he pierced it with the scrolls.

Homura yelped in response, his leg experiencing an abrupt chill and a reflexive twitch. Takeshi hastily withdrew the scrolls, the last one bearing traces of black toxin.

This represented a fraction of the stubborn neurotoxin he'd managed to expel. Ordinary treatments had proved futile against it.

"I need time to prepare a remedy. Tomorrow's treatment should show promise," Takeshi declared, a glimmer of hope shining within his eyes.

Amidst the crowd's bewildered gazes, Takeshi retreated to his tent. With the night as his shroud, he immersed himself in formulating detoxification methods.

Vigorous treatment boiled down to fighting fire with poison. Though considered a medical poison, Takeshi was a poison expert, and its side effects could rival that of Sand ninja's toxin. Yet, discreet application promised success.

Takeshi experimented ceaselessly. He injected poison into numerous snakes, seeking a solution with minimal side effects. After countless hours and sacrifices, he finally identified a potential toxin.

While it could neutralize neurotoxins, it harbored a significant drawback—chakra meridian hardening. This hindered growth and caused severe backlash upon using powerful ninjutsu in the future.

Nonetheless, this toxin remained relatively harmless and required significant dosage to be effective. Present circumstances rendered it the optimal choice.

If Homura discovers this, he might refuse to ingest the poison willingly!

Takeshi discreetly slipped away from the camp, seeking out a secluded spot where he could employ his mental prowess to craft a toxic Gu.

This technique was recorded in the inheritance secret scrolls. It bore a resemblance to the method of controlling others, yet lay dormant until triggered. Those affected by it would be subject to a subtle form of manipulation.

The process of refining was intricate and demanded much of Takeshi's energy. His formidable mental strength nearly depleted before success was achieved.

When employed on Homura, this technique would enable Takeshi to command him during critical moments.

Nonetheless, this approach had its limitations. Its efficacy waned against powerful individuals. It could be detected and overcome. Furthermore, it was a one-time usage per person and had a limited duration.

Takeshi's insidious poison would manifest briefly, remaining almost imperceptible. It was most effective when employed against individuals like Homura, who often held influential positions.

The Gu poison resembled a slender silver serpent, vanishing into the concoction.

On the following day, Takeshi presented a large bowl of potion (poison) before everyone's watchful gaze to Homura.

Enduring his foreboding intuition, Homura consumed the last drop, experiencing a momentary daze and confusion.

Fortunately, under Takeshi's anxious scrutiny, nothing went awry.

"Lord Homura, how are you faring?"

The nearby ninjas displayed their apprehension toward the big man.

Homura felt a tingling sensation in his legs, but gradually regained clarity.

After more than ten minutes, Homura rose to his feet, astonishing everyone present!

"Hehe, it appears the potion has taken effect. Congratulations!"

Takeshi's smile was genuine and full of cheer for the recuperating individual.

"Very well, I feel well again. My leg appears to have been saved!" Homura exulted like a child, while Koharu grimaced as if constipated.

"Can you take a couple of steps?"

Homura employed the Body Flicker technique in front of everyone to validate his recovery. There seemed to be no issue aside from minor chakra blockages, possibly attributed to prolonged bed rest.

"Congratulations, Homura-sama!" The ninjas celebrated, and Senju Fumio sighed with relief, regarding Takeshi with warmth in his eyes.

His "escort" was successful. Had there been an issue with Homura, Tobirama would likely have cast blame upon him.

Gazes directed at Takeshi shifted. Despite his youth and modest demeanor, everyone held reverence for this "veteran" and "esteemed medical ninja."

"Young man, you've performed splendidly this time. I will remember you."

Homura patted Takeshi on the shoulder, an expression of elder optimism gracing his features.

"It's simply my duty." Takeshi responded with a subtle smile.

No gratitude was necessary. He would someday "repay" this favour.

"Koharu-sama has tutored me well. This instance was merely a fortunate convergence." Takeshi dismissed humbly.

"Hmph~"

Koharu's visage dimmed slightly, though Tsunade merely rolled her eyes at him.

"Hehe, my objective seems to have been met. Now, onto the next step..."

Takeshi's head lowered, concealing a detached smile from prying eyes.

"Koharu-sama, a message from Tobirama-sama!"

In that moment, a ninja entered, his countenance briefly startled upon sighting the disapproving Homura. Embarrassment tinged his voice.

"Um... I didn't expect your recovery to be so swift!"

Takeshi wasn't taken aback by the encrypted letter.

"It seems the time has come to extricate myself from this web of intrigue."