Arrival

Land of Sound.

Upon stepping onto the soil of the Land of Sound, Natsuki immediately sensed an air of prosperity.

Along the journey, Kirigakure lay in ruins, with even fewer people crossing the lonesome roads.

Despite having prepared a lot of food, there were moments when monotony set in.

Upon entering the borders of the Land of Sound and walking into the nearest small town, Natsuki discovered a food shelter adorned with a sign reading [Summer Food].

Eager to delight everyone, he treated everyone to a feast of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks.

Reflecting deeply, he never anticipated that his past involvement in the food industry would eventually play such a significant role.

Allow himself to a taste of home in a different world.

Although many flavors have undergone slight changes due to restricted materials, in a foreign land, what more do you need than a bicycle?

The development of Naruto's world is exceptionally odd. Some areas are technologically advanced, while others remain poor and backward.

Regarding cuisine, it seems that few people delve into its study, resulting in a lack of any noticeable food culture.

Although delicacies from his previous life haven't evolved much over the years, introducing them here is similar to a complete dimensional reduction blow.

After completing the mission, none of the Uchiha members were in a rush to return.

Everyone indulged in eating and drinking along the way. It marked the first time several individuals from the Kirigakure experienced such exotic foods, and once they started, they couldn't stop.

Kisame and Miru favored spicy foods and found themselves captivated by the various skewered fragrant vegetables along the road.

Kimimaro and Haku had a preference for sweets, purchasing a lot of water chestnut cakes, mung bean cakes, and red bean cakes.

Both of them were delighted, displaying rare smiles on their faces.

Natsuki also permitted them to partake in eating and drinking, making stops, and strolling along the way.

It took nearly half a month to finally reach the Otogakure.

The territory of Village had expanded, with streets emerging nearby, featuring rows of businesses lined up consecutively.

The more individuals who arrived to charge tasks, the more naturally gravitated towards consumption, establishing a virtuous cycle.

Many of the ninjas traveling the area were Uchiha clan members who had fled, and their faces lit up with joy upon seeing Natsuki.

"Natsuki-sama!"

"Natsuki-sama!"

Frequently, people greeted him. In the past few years since their departure, news from Konoha had consistently reached them.

Everyone was aware that since their departure, despite the Uchiha clan distancing itself from the central power, the quality of everyone's life had improved.

Numerous family members remained in Konoha, and with the aid of psychic beasts, they could communicate swiftly.

Many were informed that the Uchiha clan had become rich, and there was no need to work excessively to complete tasks.

Especially recently, the Uchihas of Konoha have ceased to undertake missions within Konoha itself. All the missions from there are now sent back to them for selection.

Uchiha members no longer find themselves accountable to Konoha's authority.

Some families even have younger siblings designated for them, or their siblings marry and start families, with the clan providing generous subsidies.

All of these improvements are credited to Natsuki, earning him genuine respect from everyone.

According to popular sentiment, he is expected to be the next clan leader.

Aware of his busy schedule, everyone typically exchanges greetings and departs promptly.

Itachi soon emerged to welcome Natsuki. "Natsuki-senpai, long time no see."

In the span of over four years, Itachi had grown significantly taller, gradually aligning with the image of Itachi in Natsuki's mind. All that seemed missing was an Akatsuki suit.

He shook his head to dispel the peculiar thoughts. Natsuki chuckled and patted Itachi on the back. "You've grown taller, Itachi."

"Thank you," Itachi replied politely.

"Alright, lead me to Orochimaru first," Natsuki said with a casual tone, though he anticipated meeting Orochimaru.

Itachi led the way, guiding Natsuki through the Otogakure and walking along the trail for a while.

Upon reaching the col at the mountain range's beginning, a cave awaited them, guarded by two ninjas stationed on either side of the entrance.

Both ninjas exhibited chakra reactions at the Jonin level, though that wasn't the primary concern.

Natsuki's earlier speculation proved accurate—there was no one in the original story whose name remained.

Even by joining the force template, rewards remained unavailable.

Natsuki's eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered whether Orochimaru had summoned the four Oto ninjas. If so, there might be an opportunity for profit.

Guided by Itachi, Natsuki entered the cave, discovering a vast, cavernous space inside. It made him wonder if Orochimaru had hollowed out the entire mountain.

Footsteps approached—step, step, step—from the front. Orochimaru emerged at the end of the passage, raising his hands and fixing bright eyes on Natsuki.

"Natsuki-kun, I have been waiting for you for a long time," Orochimaru announced in a low, hoarse voice.

[Ding! Successfully recruited Orochimaru.]

Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Ninjutsu analysis ability.

Um? Can you only acquire it by meeting?

The widespread knowledge about Orochimaru's Ninjutsu talent is obvious, as his Ninjutsu analysis ability enables him to swiftly master and perfect techniques. This skill promises accelerated learning of Ninjutsu in the future.

Natsuki's face beamed with smiles. "Orochimaru, I have been looking forward to this meeting for a long time."

"Let's go; I'll take you to the laboratory," Orochimaru said with satisfaction, leading the way, while Natsuki and Itachi followed closely behind.

Deliberately slowing his pace, Orochimaru walked side by side with Natsuki.

"Natsuki-kun, the Jugo, and Karinyou asked Itachi to retrieve are truly promising individuals. They've sparked numerous ideas for our experiments."

"Our research on the curse seal has seen significant progress with Jugo's body."

Orochimaru's mind was consumed by his scientific works, and Natsuki quickly immersed himself in the conversation.

"I believe Jugo's physique naturally attracts natural energy, and his curse seal is essentially a degraded sage mode."

"The true Sage Mode shouldn't compromise one's sanity."

Nodding, Orochimaru asked, "Natsuki-kun, which sage mode do you think is superior, Ryūchi Cave or Mount Myōboku?"

Natsuki shook his head. "It depends on one's physical constitution. Whether the techniques from Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest are superior will be based on who's the one using it."

"Of course, in these three places, their Sage Modes are developed based on their unique physiologies."

"If we were to acquire their Sage Mode, we might inherit certain characteristics of their respective races," he explained, pausing briefly.

"It remains uncertain whether the enchantments of the three sacred places impact the mind. If possible, I would like to explore the creation of a human-based Sage Mode."

Orochimaru nodded contemplatively. Being an orphan since childhood, he had deep ties to Ryūchi Cave during his upbringing.

His collection of ninjutsu predominantly revolved around snake techniques and even his bloodline might be connected to Ryūchi Cave.

However, this fact wasn't of paramount importance to Orochimaru.

As a scientist, he had developed the secret method of reincarnation, enabling him to change bodies at will. He wasn't tied to a specific bloodline.

Orochimaru had a grand vision that extended beyond Ryūchi Cave and snake-related research.

If its Sage Mode harmed his mind, Orochimaru would readily abandon it.

While Orochimaru continued the discussion, he led Natsuki and Itachi into the laboratory.

"Orochimaru-sama! Brother Itachi."

A young girl with red hair and glasses was munching on a piece of rice cake.

Itachi nodded and introduced Karin to Natsuki: "This is Natsuki-senpai. He's the one who instructed me to rescue you from the Kusagakure."

Her eyes sparkled upon seeing Natsuki beside Orochimaru.

While most Uchiha clan members were known for their good looks, Natsuki, in his twenties, stood notably taller than even Itachi.

Whether she perceived her favorability level as full with just one glance or she genuinely appreciated the fact that Itachi had been sent by Natsuki to rescue her, she sweetly called out, "Natsuki-senpai."

Natsuki smiled and nodded in response.