Chapter 225: A Casual Good Word, Likely the Light in Others' Hearts

In the laboratory, Tatsuma was comparing sectional diagrams of the left kidney, using special absorbable materials to construct the kidney's structure. This framework is crucial for cultivating the kidney and an indispensable step.

Luckily, Tatsuma was no stranger to this work, having previously been involved in cultivating the internal organs of mice and young pigs, so he was quite familiar with the process.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru was nearby, preparing the serum and nutrient solution for kidney cultivation. Hiruzen had just arrived and was observing alongside them since the beginning.

However, whether it was Orochimaru or Tatsuma, neither paid particular attention to Hiruzen. After all, the work here might not be easily understood even if Tsunade were present, let alone Hiruzen.

Furthermore, both of them, who had their permissions revoked, harbored some resentment. It wasn't feasible for them to chat with Hiruzen with a smiling face, at least not now.

After observing these incomprehensible things for a long time, Hiruzen approached Tatsuma and casually remarked, "I never expected you would use that technique I gave you in this manner."

Tatsuma paused in his work. While splitting his focus was not difficult for him, he preferred to concentrate on intricate tasks. He raised his head slightly and asked, "Isn't this technique meant for saving lives? Isn't that what Hokage-sama would want to see?"

Hiruzen's smile stiffened slightly, but he quickly eased it, saying with a smile, "Of course not. I'm just amazed at your creativity. For others, it would be difficult to connect this technique with saving lives, wouldn't it?"

Tatsuma shrugged with a smile, neither confirming nor denying. If he hadn't seen Second suggest using his forbidden technique to heal Sasuke during the Fourth War, he would have found it difficult to apply this technique to saving lives.

Because this technique carried strong implications.

Imprisoning the soul within the body was just one of its functionalities. This technique could completely imprison the soul of the recipient within the brain, making entry and exit difficult.

Even certain special Chakra would find it difficult to overflow from the brain.

Tatsuma had long since learned from Tsunade that there was a solution to the Spirit Binding Jutsu, but he would ask Hiruzen in a more appropriate manner.

In fact, having a finished solution was not necessary for Tatsuma. He could fully understand all the formulas that made up the technique. He could find a solution to every formula if he spent some time.

It would be difficult, though, to fully decode and use it in a short time. After all, who knew if Second had left a back door to his own technique. To unlock allow Dan to use his Spirit transfortion Jutsu.

But Tatsuma is not that kind of pedantic person. If he can directly ask for the finished product, why should he study it himself?

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded upon hearing this and said, "Of course there is, but I didn't expect you to be able to learn how to use it so quickly, so I didn't give you a solution.

As for the solution, I can give it to you anytime you want. Of course, given that Dan's current condition is not stable, it's best to observe for a while to avoid the separation of the soul and the body after the imprisonment is lifted."

Tatsuma nodded in agreement. Indeed, there was no rush. Without using Hashirama Cells, it wasn't so quick to cultivate a complete and fully functional kidney.

"Hmph."

Tatsuma was about to agree when Orochimaru nearby couldn't help but smirk, prompting a frown from Hiruzen. He noticed Orochimaru's mocking gaze, unfiltered.

Ignoring the disapproving look from his sensei, the Great Snake spoke up, "I studied the Spirit Binding Jutsu in my early years. I have backups of both the technique and its solution. Tatsuma, if you need them, just ask me."

For forbidden techniques like this, even if you have copies, you don't have the right to teach others without the Hokage's permission. But Orochimaru was blunt about it.

However, because of today's events, Hiruzen couldn't help but feel indebted to Orochimaru as his disciple. So, despite his displeasure, he also said, "That's fine. You can impart some of your experience to Tatsuma."

Tatsuma didn't intend to refuse Orochimaru's kindness, but he also didn't want things to become too tense between master and disciple. So he spoke up, "Then I thank Orochimaru-sama for teaching me on behalf of Hokage-sama."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen's expression softened slightly. Tatsuma's words made Hiruzen realize that Tatsuma's discontent was more emotional than actual dislike towards him.

As for his own disciple, when did the two of them start going their separate ways?

Seeing Hiruzen's mood lighten, Tatsuma quickly changed the subject, saying, "Hokage-sama, I heard this incident was caused by Iwa-nin. Do you know the reasons behind it?"

Hiruzen didn't want to quarrel with his disciple either, so he replied, "I suspect it's related to what happened three years ago with those Iwa-nin we encountered. This time, they gathered in larger numbers, which led to the incident."

"Are they also people ostracized by Onoki?"

Tatsuma swiftly continued, and Hiruzen nodded, saying, "Onoki used some discarded ninja to launch an attack on Konoha, and it seems they are also continuing to search for Jiraiya's whereabouts."

Upon hearing Hiruzen's words, Tatsuma nodded. Even Orochimaru, who was initially uninterested, perked up slightly. Such an incident had occurred three years ago? And it directly involved their teammate Jiraiya?

Thinking about their absent teammate for three years, Orochimaru couldn't help but become curious. However, he maintained a cryptic tone as he asked, "I wonder how Hokage-sama intends to handle this?"

Upon hearing Orochimaru address him as Hokage-sama, Hiruzen simply averted his gaze, preferring not to see it, and replied, "Unfortunately, the village is in a passive position. Ever since these Iwa-nin were abandoned by Onoki, they've likely become 'rogue ninjas' not yet publicly acknowledged. Even if I inquire with Onoki, he will likely evade on this basis."

"The best course of action is to bring Jiraiya back and strengthen surveillance within our borders. Before coming here, I had already discussed thoroughly with the Hyuga and Inuzuka clans, and they are willing to conduct a comprehensive investigation within the Land of Fire."

Upon hearing this, Tatsuma frowned and said, "In that case, the village will be vulnerable. These Iwa-nin couldn't possibly remain unaware of being abandoned for three years yet they still linger within the Land of Fire.

This indicates that they likely have new organization and discipline, and may even have someone aiding them. Their targets appear to be Konoha ninja squads and Jiraiya-sensei, but that was their mission upon leaving the village.

When they continued with their mission after learning they had been abandoned, there are only two possibilities. The first is their foolishness, which is unlikely. The second is that they are using deception.

Even the exposure of this incident may be part of their plan to distract Konoha's defenses and achieve their true objectives."

After Tatsuma finished speaking, Orochimaru also stopped his actions, pondering the possibilities in Tatsuma's words and what their true objectives might be if Tatsuma's speculation was correct.

Hiruzen frowned and said, "If we don't investigate thoroughly, incidents like the harm to Konoha squads could continue. What you're saying makes sense, but if the village ignores the disappearance of past Konoha ninja squads just to maintain stability, it would be difficult for me to explain to the entire village.

Based solely on one-sided speculation, without concrete evidence to support it, the villagers will not agree with your ideas."

Orochimaru shook his head. Sure enough, this sensei had changed. Tatsuma's words lacked evidence, but they were also highly likely. Therefore, what should be done is to accelerate the investigation, to find evidence that supports Tatsuma's inference, or to disprove Tatsuma's speculation.

As for his own sensei, he once again chose to make it look good. Jointly investigating such matters was akin to a military exercise. Discovering any surprises during the process was beneficial, but even if nothing was found, it would still be a statement to others.

However, Orochimaru saw this as meaningless. After all, the manpower and time invested were completely disproportionate to the potential gains. It only made Hiruzen appear to outsiders as if he were taking this matter seriously.

Just relying on the Hyuga and Inuzuka clans, even if the Aburame clan was included later, to thoroughly investigate the entire Land of Fire would require at least three months. And this would only be a rough investigation. It would be impossible to identify suspicious individuals through detailed investigations into personnel changes and social networks.

Furthermore, with such a large-scale operation, even if we were to catch a small "thread," we wouldn't be able to follow it to its source. The mastermind behind it would only cut ties decisively, leaving Konoha to reap a solitary harvest.

Even with a rough investigation lasting three months, it would extend the entire mission into the New Year period. During this time, Konoha would still be dealing with the aftermath of the missing ninjas. 

Orochimaru glanced at his sensei and continued, "Hokage-sama, we have a lot of work to do. I'm sure you don't have much time to spare here. How about we avoid interfering with each other?"

Seeing his disciple issue an ultimatum, Hiruzen's face darkened. However, upon noticing Tatsuma cease his work, he suppressed his irritation and said, "Very well. If you need any support from our side, just let me know."

With that, Hiruzen swept out of the room. Orochimaru closed the door that hadn't been shut and then turned to Tatsuma, asking, "What do you think the true purpose of the Iwa ninjas is?"

Tatsuma remained silent for a moment before saying, "The Wood Release experiments may have been leaked. I'm not sure if it was from our village or from the Daimyo's side, but someone seems to have speculated about the imminent change of the Jinchuriki. Those abandoned Iwa ninjas have likely become tools for the true mastermind, aiming to lure the tiger down from the mountain."

"Why didn't you say that earlier?" Orochimaru asked with keen interest, looking at Tatsuma.

Tatsuma stayed silent for a while longer before responding, "There's someone else I trust more."

After speaking, Tatsuma made a mental note to discuss this with Grandma Mito once things settled down here. As he refocused, he saw Orochimaru looking at him with an intense gaze.

"Thank you, Tatsuma-kun. I won't betray your trust. And... you are also someone I trust," Orochimaru said cryptically.

Tatsuma: ???

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