Chapter 34: The Priestess’s Plea

Kyou considered bringing up the Dragon Vein or Moryo to Orochimaru, but he ultimately decided against it, unsure how to explain how he knew such obscure information.

Moreover, Orochimaru didn't seem particularly interested in the topic of artificial tailed beasts. This made sense—after all, someone who had already mastered techniques like the Eight Branches Technique, Body Regeneration, and was currently developing the Living Corpse Reincarnation would have no concern over chakra limitations.

Weighing his options, Kyou decided to make a request. "Orochimaru-sama, what would it take for me to obtain the research materials on artificial tailed beasts?"

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I'm intrigued. Why are you so fixated on creating an artificial tailed beast? Is there more to this than meets the eye?"

Kyou smiled faintly. "Why are you so obsessed with forbidden techniques? We're alike in this, Orochimaru-sama. When it comes to research, we don't need reasons, just curiosity."

Orochimaru shook his head with a smile. "That explanation doesn't satisfy me." But after a moment, he added, "However, I am curious to see what kind of creature you might create."

Kyou's eyes lit up. "Does that mean you'll give me the information?"

Orochimaru raised two fingers. "I'll give you everything, but there are two conditions."

"What are they?"

"First, you'll share the results of your research with me. Second, you'll collect the personal data of every member of the ANBU, including the Hokage's bodyguards."

With little room to negotiate, Kyou had no choice but to agree.

Later that night, Kyou received a full set of documents from Orochimaru's trusted associate, the one-eyed snake.

It became clear to Kyou that Orochimaru had already stolen most of Konoha's forbidden techniques and research data long before he defected, which explained why the village had launched a brutal purge of Orochimaru's former subordinates.

Unfurling the scroll containing the data on artificial tailed beasts, Kyou's brows knitted tightly as he scanned the contents.

The complexity of the project far exceeded his expectations. The intricate techniques alone numbered over 700, many of which included sealing methods so advanced that even jōnin-level ninjas would struggle to execute them.

Additionally, the materials required for constructing the artificial tailed beast's body were exceptionally demanding.

One material stood out—an extremely rare substance called "purple clay" that was only found deep in the swamps of the Land of Marshes. Due to the difficulty in extracting it, purple clay was as valuable as gold, making it an exceedingly expensive resource.

Kyou sighed. He had assumed the largest hurdle would be the chakra source, but it seemed the entire project—from the techniques to the construction materials—was riddled with challenges.

"No wonder the remnants of the Sky Ninja Village, even after all these years, only managed to create a failure like the Zero-Tails."

Sighing softly, Kyou rolled up the scroll. He realized that with his current technological and material resources, there was no way he could begin the artificial tailed beast project anytime soon.

The next morning, Kyou headed to the designated ANBU registration site.

After receiving his new ninja identification, he officially became one of Konoha's special jōnin and was formally inducted into the Hokage's ANBU.

At the equipment room, he ran into Might Guy and Shisui.

The three of them greeted each other before turning their attention to selecting their equipment.

At the mask stand, Kyou picked out an eagle-faced mask and tried it on. It fit perfectly, so he chose it as his standard mask.

Guy selected a simple dog mask.

Shisui spent a long time deliberating between a fox and a cat mask. Eventually, he opted for the more modest cat mask, abandoning the more sinister-looking fox mask.

In the Hokage's office, Hyuga Kyou, Guy, and Shisui, now dressed in ANBU uniforms, stood in front of the Third Hokage's desk.

The Third Hokage gave them an approving glance and nodded with satisfaction. "Good, you all look ready. From today, you'll form the newly-established Team 11 of the ANBU."

With that, he gently clapped his hands.

A figure swiftly appeared at their side.

"This is Kakashi," the Hokage introduced. "He will be your team captain."

Kakashi removed his fox-faced mask and, with his usual indifference, greeted the team, "I'm Kakashi. Looking forward to working with you."

Kyou, Guy, and Shisui all politely returned the greeting, removing their masks in turn.

"I have a very urgent and challenging mission for you." The Third Hokage tapped his pipe on the desk before continuing. "A few days ago, the priestess of the Land of Demons sent us an urgent request for assistance in sealing a foreign demon that threatens the shinobi world. This will be your first mission as ANBU, and it's classified as S-rank!"

Kyou's heart skipped a beat.

Just yesterday, he had been discussing sources of chakra with Orochimaru, including the demon spirit Moryo. And now, the Third Hokage was sending them on a mission to assist in sealing a demon. Was this really just a coincidence, or had the village somehow become aware of his interests?

The Third Hokage stood, gazing out the window at the village, before giving his final instructions. "The details of this mission are scarce, so you must make haste to the Land of Demons and rendezvous with the priestess there. It's possible other shinobi villages have also been contacted for help, so avoid unnecessary conflicts with their forces."

"Understood!" the four responded in unison.

Time was of the essence, and the four wasted no time in leaving the Hokage's office and setting out for the Land of Demons.

As they departed, Guy eagerly approached Kakashi. "Kakashi, I'm a jōnin now, you know! I've finally caught up to you!"

Kakashi responded listlessly, "Yes, yes, I see."

Completely oblivious to Kakashi's lack of enthusiasm, Guy continued cheerfully, "Kakashi, the way we push each other to grow is the essence of true youth! Just thinking about it fills me with energy!"

Kakashi cast a sideways glance at Hyuga Kyou and Shisui, who were walking slightly behind, but he continued to humor Guy. "Yes, yes, whatever you say."

In the rear of the group, Shisui noticed that Kyou seemed distracted and asked, "Senpai, is something on your mind?"

Kyou shook his head. "No, it's nothing."

In truth, Kyou was feeling a bit paranoid. The timing of this mission, coming right after his conversation with Orochimaru, seemed far too convenient. Was it simply a coincidence, or had the village somehow picked up on their discussion?

But after thinking it over, Kyou recalled that it was around this time that the priestess of the Land of Demons was supposed to seal the demon Moryo, sacrificing her life in the process, leaving behind her daughter Shion...