C 51

After the first successful case, Orochimaru proceeded to conduct another thirty experiments involving the injection of the Extremis virus.

Kain had provided a significant amount of serum in one batch, but Orochimaru utilized all of it without hesitation. If this group of subjects proved successful, it would pave the way for the serum to be administered to both Nawaki and Kain.

During his time at the experimental base, Orochimaru approached Kain privately, expressing a desire to exchange a vial of the Extremis virus serum.

He was willing to trade all his accumulated ninjutsu knowledge for just one tube. However, Kain declined the transaction outright and handed him a vial of serum without any strings attached.

The creation of the Extremis virus posed no challenge for Kain; after all, Orochimaru had little to offer in return. As it stood, Orochimaru had not showcased the scroll of any Forbidden Technique, and his ninjutsu was still largely based on snake-based techniques.

Orochimaru's greatest asset was his own intellect and capabilities. From this point until the birth of Boruto, which would occur approximately forty years later, Orochimaru had developed biotechnology to levels that included rejuvenation and human cloning.

It could be said that he was a character cursed by knowledge. 

The reason Orochimaru became a villain and garnered widespread animosity was simply that he had not achieved the position of Hokage.

Had he become Hokage, he might have delved into the study of Forbidden Techniques, potentially surpassing the Second Hokage in the realm of biological research.

After all, once in power, Orochimaru likely would have lost interest in political maneuvers against the Uchiha clan.

While Orochimaru conducted these batch serum experiments, Tsunade and Kain were also planning a return trip to Konoha together. Tsunade made it a point to return to Konoha periodically, as she had a responsibility to reform the medical system.

Although many aspects were on the right track, thanks to Kain's advice—wherein one plan followed another quite smoothly—Tsunade still needed to oversee everything personally.

Unlike Orochimaru, who could afford to take long vacations, Tsunade couldn't. Even though he could use Shadow Clone to handle B-level and C-level tasks, he needed to rely on his physical body for A-level and S-level missions.

In Orochimaru's eyes, the experiment concerning the Extremis virus serum took precedence over any Konoha mission.

On this particular trip, Tsunade intended to bring Nawaki with her. If the experiment's success rate proved satisfactory, she hoped to restore Nawaki's status as a ninja.

With the injection of the Extremis virus serum, Nawaki might even rise to become a ninja comparable to his grandfather, the legendary Senju Hashirama. In this regard, Tsunade felt an immense gratitude toward Kain. 

Orochimaru had also clarified his reasons for insisting on eliminating Tushi, which made Tsunade realize her earlier naivety. Thankfully, with Orochimaru's assistance, she had avoided making a grave mistake akin to those of the past.

Tsunade reassured Kain about their trip to Konoha, mentioning that Kushina frequently inquired about him. Kain also had matters to address in Konoha, including visiting the Uchiha clan and speaking with Yakushi Nono about various issues.

Given that he might have landed on Konoha's blacklist—especially with the higher-ups—he needed to tread carefully. If he could not secure the Uchiha clan's support as guards in Konoha, he might not feel safe moving around.

After all, those who had previously attempted to use Cloud Shinobi against him might not hesitate to employ Anbu next.

"I don't understand why Kushina has such a good relationship with you," Tsunade remarked, slightly exasperated. "It seems she asks about you ten times more than she asks me."

"Come on, Tsunade. Kushina is just a bit younger, but she's not foolish," Kain replied, shaking his head.

"I remember hearing that she hails from a foreign village. After coming to Konoha, she was met with animosity from her peers in the ninja school. Something particularly unpleasant happened recently."

If Kain's plans had succeeded, those of Konoha's higher-ups would have faced significant disruption. Kushina had likely become deeply skeptical of Konoha's leaders due to the fallout from those events.

While the Konoha executives might have some concerns about Kushina, they faced a dilemma. Uzumaki Mito's health was declining, and the village had no alternative options unless they were willing to relinquish the Nine Tails.

However, no one would entertain the idea of giving up the Nine Tails, as losing it to another village would be a catastrophic blow to Konoha.

The Sarutobi clan had witnessed Uzumaki Mito in her Nine Tails mode, which far exceeded Sarutobi Hiruzen's capabilities. Given these circumstances, no one else could become a Jinchūriki for the Nine Tails except for Kushina.

When Namikaze Minato was at his prime, he had managed to seal half of the Nine Tails, but the exertion had left him nearly immobilized. If faced with the entirety of the Nine Tails, even Sarutobi Hiruzen would falter.

Kushina, with her unique chakra, was the only viable candidate for the role of Nine Tails Jinchūriki.

Tsunade also found herself at a loss regarding Kushina's situation. This predicament stemmed from Konoha's mismanagement.

After a moment of silence, she suddenly turned to Kain and asked, "On this trip to Konoha, will you be staying on Senju clan land?"

"Then I'll have to trouble you," Kain replied.

"Are you really that happy to accept this time?" Tsunade queried, somewhat incredulously.

Kain sighed, "After all, safety comes first. I've done my best to avoid getting into trouble in Konoha, but I didn't expect it to come looking for me."

Tsunade pondered for a moment but chose not to disclose Kushina's identity. While the village hadn't explicitly stated it, she was well aware of Kushina's significance.

With the same red hair as Mito, combined with Kushina's occasional mentions of learning sealing techniques from Mito, it was evident that Kushina was likely being groomed as the next Nine Tails Jinchūriki.

However, her close association with Kain—a non-native of the village—complicated matters.

"The old man is probably in a hurry to make a foolish decision that could offend both of you. It's truly frustrating," Tsunade thought to herself, unsure how to convey her feelings about Sarutobi Hiruzen.

As evening approached, Kushina spotted Kain returning home after a long day filled with mundane D-level missions. Her face lit up with surprise and delight.

She had thought Kain would not return after being away for so long. Though he had sent gifts through Tsunade a few times and even written her a letter, she felt a tinge of anger, thinking he didn't consider her a friend.

Her face shifted from joy to a mix of embarrassment and confusion.

As they made their way to the dining table, Kain interrupted her thoughts. "I'm sorry for my absence. I've been busy with various matters. But these are gifts for you," he said, pointing to a pile in the corner of the living room.

"Is all of this really for me?" Kushina exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "Wow! But I guess there's nothing I can do about it since you've been busy."

The moment she saw the towering stack of gifts, her initial disappointment faded away. However, realizing how quickly her mood had changed made her want to revert to her earlier sullen expression.

Yet, with such a generous display from Kain, she found it impossible to hide her happiness. After washing her hands, she sat down at the dining table alongside Nawaki and Kain, eagerly anticipating the meal.

Kain had ordered a barbecue spread from his store, making it easy for Tsunade to simply unpack and serve it. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats, and the atmosphere shifted to one of warmth and camaraderie as they gathered around the table to share their meal.

….

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