**Chapter 68: The Power of Twisted Will**

When it comes to technology, who stands at the pinnacle? The answer is undoubtedly Dr. Vegapunk. Reijin planned to have Yakushi Kabuto stay by Vegapunk's side, learning and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. At the same time, Nonō Yakushi would infiltrate the upper ranks of the Navy or the World Government to serve as an informant. Though it would be a challenging task, Nonō Yakushi was a highly skilled spy from the Root, the secretive organization within Konoha. Her training and abilities, coupled with the use of ninjutsu, made her more than capable of handling such a mission—perhaps even more so than the members of CP0.

**"What should I focus on learning?"** Kabuto asked, feeling somewhat lost. He wasn't familiar with the kinds of technologies and sciences he might encounter. Even his knowledge of medical ninjutsu came from Nonō Yakushi. Should he study assassination techniques instead?

**"Learn whatever interests you. Take the Scroll of Seals with you and make a copy of it."** Reijin patted Kabuto on the shoulder, offering encouragement. **"I believe in your abilities. Your potential is limitless, so don't be satisfied with the status quo. Go out there and seek knowledge."**

Without Orochimaru's influence, Kabuto was still inexperienced in many areas of research. Reijin lamented that he couldn't locate Orochimaru, but he decided that for now, Kabuto should try to gain access to Vegapunk. There was already one mole within Vegapunk's ranks, so adding another wouldn't be much of an issue. Vegapunk wouldn't be too concerned about it.

**"…Yes, sir!"** Kabuto was surprised by how much faith Reijin had in him, even allowing him to copy the Scroll of Seals, which contained Konoha's most forbidden jutsu. This unexpected trust placed immense pressure on Kabuto, but it didn't make him hesitate. Reijin had saved Nonō Yakushi, rescued him, and helped the children from the orphanage. Now, he was even granting Kabuto access to the Scroll of Seals. The debt of gratitude Kabuto owed Reijin felt insurmountable, leaving him at a loss for words.

**"Go on,"** Reijin said, retrieving the Scroll of Seals from his Kamui space and handing it to Kabuto, allowing him to copy any jutsu he desired.

After some time, Kabuto returned, having made his selections. He didn't greedily choose everything; instead, he picked just three jutsu, ignoring the rest. Reijin glanced at Kabuto's choices, a look of astonishment crossing his face.

**Edo Tensei (Reanimation Jutsu), Kinjutsu: Shikigami no Mai (Paper Person of God Technique), and Yamata no Orochi (Eight Branches Technique)?** Reijin thought to himself. Kabuto was becoming more and more like a copy of Orochimaru, even without direct influence from him. Despite not having learned from Orochimaru, Kabuto's abilities were already formidable, and with the jutsu from the Scroll of Seals combined with the powers available in the *One Piece* world, his future potential was vast.

Reijin gave Kabuto some gold for expenses and then sent him on his way. From now on, Kabuto would have to navigate this world on his own. As for the general situation, Nonō Yakushi had likely already briefed him, so Reijin had no doubts about Kabuto's capabilities. After all, Konoha's training was something you could trust. To protect Konoha, Danzo Shimura had spared no effort in cultivating talent, ensuring that Kabuto was well-equipped for any challenge.

About half a day later, Kakashi and Nonō Yakushi returned. The two had brought back numerous bags of clothing from Dressrosa, which they pulled from their sealing scrolls. The clothes they had been wearing stood out too much, so they needed to blend in with the locals.

As they recounted what they had observed in Dressrosa, Kakashi's keen instincts picked up on the strange atmosphere within the country. The toys scattered throughout the city seemed to be under some kind of sealing technique, making it impossible to extract information from them through ordinary means. Kakashi had to invade their minds to gather any intel, and what he discovered left him drenched in cold sweat. The darkness of this world was overwhelming, especially considering this was just their first stop after arriving.

The deeper they dug, the more twisted and unsettling the truth became, revealing the extent of the evil lurking beneath the surface of this seemingly vibrant land.

---

"I'm afraid the future might not be so peaceful."

"Nonou, Kabuto has already set out for the Navy. You can go with him."

"He's fighting alone inside, and it's not easy to gain access to the Navy's core."

"If there's anything you can do to help, please assist Yakushi Kabuto."

After hearing this, Reijin looked at Nonou and spoke.

Reijin wasn't very good at forcing people to do things. 

Instead of coercing others, he preferred to spark their interests and hobbies.

Just like with Yakushi Nonou!

The only things on her mind were Kabuto and the children at the orphanage.

Reijin had promised to take good care of the kids at the orphanage.

So Nonou's choice was to help Kabuto.

After all, Kabuto was in a dangerous situation right now!

The two had once fought each other to the death for each other's sake.

Now, for Kabuto to enter the Navy's core, Nonou was determined to do whatever it took, even if it meant breaking her head.

"Has Kabuto already left?"

Nonou was stunned for a moment.

"Maybe he's still in Dressrosa waiting for you. You can meet him first to plan things out."

"But more than the Navy's core, I'd prefer you to enter the World Government's spy organization."

"The World Government claims to be the gods of this world, and they have even more power in their hands."

Reijin reminded her.

The World Government had been in control of the world for 800 years.

Even though the Navy was full of talent, it couldn't compare to the World Government.

Getting into the World Government's organizations would be like reaching the sky in a single bound.

"Yes! Lord Reijin, rest assured, I will do my best to help Kabuto."

Nonou slightly bowed to Reijin, a gentle smile on her face.

She knew her purpose!

To help Yakushi Kabuto reach the top, Nonou was willing to sacrifice everything.

Reijin had once said that Kabuto's potential was limitless and that he could surpass even the strongest of the Sannin.

So Nonou believed Reijin's words and would help Kabuto get to that level.

Nonou left to find Kabuto in Dressrosa.

She didn't need any special ninja techniques; she felt her abilities were enough.

Besides, there was still much for Nonou to learn in the world of pirates.

That left only Kakashi and Reijin.

The two entered a wooden cabin, where Reijin poured a cup of sake for Kakashi.

It was sake from Konoha, not very strong.

"It seems like you're not even twenty yet."

Kakashi suddenly spoke, holding the sake cup.

Both of them paused for a moment.

"You still care about that rule? And besides, there are no such rules in this world."

"There are plenty of teenagers who set sail as pirates and drink every day for fun."

"Moreover, I'm your superior now! Are you talking back?"

Reijin chuckled.

It seemed that after arriving in the world of pirates, Kakashi had relaxed a lot.

He could even speak directly now, unlike his stiff demeanor back in Konoha.

"You're right!"

Kakashi nodded silently.

He had almost forgotten the change in their roles.

"So, what do you plan to do now?"

Kakashi asked. The situation in Dressrosa wasn't easy to handle.

Someone in Dressrosa possessed a strange power, making it easy for them to fail.

The power to erase the memories of comrades, to the point where they even forget their existence.

Such a terrifying ability—it was practically a power that twisted one's will.

"Right now, I plan to meet King Riku, who was once driven from the throne."

"This country will belong to the Uchiha clan in the future. Let that pirate die here."

Reijin squinted his eyes, a smile on his face.

---

*Please follow along! Thank you, everyone.*