Chapter 139

No matter how angry he was, Sarutobi Hiruzen insisted on reading Tsunade's information, adhering to the principle of not missing any useful details.

After reading it, Sarutobi Hiruzen clutched his heart, retrieved a record from the Anbu Shinōbi stationed on the frontline, and combined the two to fully understand Tsunade's intentions.

Having grasped Tsunade's intentions, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided to first test the range and power of Tōmegane no Jutsu.

He also contemplated whether Tōmegane no Jutsu could be combined with other Ninjutsu.

Waving his hand to dismiss the Anbu, Sarutobi Hiruzen retrieved a crystal ball and began his daily routine of monitoring the activities of Konoha Shinōbi.

He spent ample time in places that promoted physical and mental well-being, such as hot springs and baths, meticulously examining every detail.

If Hitoshi were here, Sarutobi Hiruzen would have scolded him fiercely.

Look at him, always yearning to do things but never indulging in voyeuristic activities. He always carries a ticket and converses with his younger sister.

Of course, it's not about the money. There's a fierce tigress waiting for him at home, so he doesn't dare to go.

Moreover, Konoha is a village that places great emphasis on reputation.

When it comes to the role of Hokage, every individual, except for Sarutobi Hiruzen, is either exceptionally handsome or stunningly beautiful.

After patrolling Konoha and confirming the power of Tōmegane no Jutsu, Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pen and began to write.

He issued two orders—one to Hiruko and the other to Orochimaru.

Among the researchers left in Konoha, Hiruko was the strongest. Whether his skills were practical or not, he would be the first to employ them.

As for Orochimaru, he was Sarutobi Hiruzen's trump card, especially after discovering the adult Uncle Snake's vulnerable spot. Orochimaru became even more valuable.

...

Inside the institute, Sarutobi Hiruzen wore a mournful expression as he gave Hiruko a new order, and once again tears of sadness welled up in the corner of his eyes.

How many times must he repeat himself?

He, a Konoha Shinōbi currently working as a Jonin researcher at the institute, primarily focused on biological cytology, not the physics department of Ninjutsu.

For matters like these, Orochimaru should be consulted. But even if that doesn't work, there's always Impure World Reincarnation or the possibility of seeking the assistance of the Second Hokage.

In short, they should avoid involving him.

Unfortunately, no one seemed to hear Hiruko's words, and no one cared.

In the eyes of Konoha's researchers, Hiruko was someone who constantly claimed his incompetence in physics while still perfectly fulfilling his assigned tasks.

Sarutobi Hiruzen shared the same sentiment. He saw Hiruko as someone easy to bully...and utilize.

The requirements weren't demanding. As long as Hiruko received enough respect and natural resources and was recognized by someone, he could be sent out.

And for the cunning political capitalist Sarutobi Hiruzen, this was all too simple.

He didn't want to gain fame without paying any price. Such a requirement was not simple.

Although he was handsome, he was just a little shorter.

Sarutobi Hiruzen acted fiercely. Hiruko had a good reputation in Konoha. He rose to the occasion and swiftly carried out his duties, despite his many complaints.

Wiping away the tears from the corner of his eyes, Hiruko gained strength at the thought of walking through Konoha and hearing everyone shout "Hiruko-sensei."

He entered his office and glanced at a massive Salamander in the nutrition warehouse, wearing a satisfied expression.

Especially the ominous black wooden armor that enveloped the Salamander, it sent chills down one's spine at first sight.

"Almost there. Orochimaru, I don't believe you can defeat this rare beast. As long as this rare beast can replace you on the battlefield, you can come back and work on research obediently with me."

Hiruko's eyes flickered with madness.

Months of research in the physics department had taken its toll on him.

Utilizing Konoha's natural resources and drawing upon budding ghost arts, he had successfully researched this monstrosity.

On the battlefield, Orochimaru's state contrasted with Hiruko's. He was unusually excited.

While other places experienced a decrease in the intensity of the war due to Kirigakure's intense battle with Sunagakure, Orochimaru's panic only grew.

During this time, Orochimaru received an order from Sarutobi Hiruzen to establish a research institute on-site, focusing on the study of Chakra Guns, artillery, and material enhancements.

Orochimaru was thrilled. Finally, he could engage in what he loved.

Although he also had a passion for biological research, Orochimaru was smart enough to know that completing his teacher's assigned tasks would grant him the freedom to pursue his interests.

Furthermore, he could embezzle some public funds in the process.

For a boss, it was only natural to embezzle public funds and indulge in personal interests when resources were sufficient.

Jiraiya entered the large tent and saw the Clan Leader of the Nara Clan engrossed in studying a map. He felt a sense of unease. Why wasn't his close friend Orochimaru present?

"Lord Nara, why isn't Orochimaru here?" Jiraiya inquired.

"Oh, Jiraiya-sama, Orochimaru-sama received a letter from Lord Hokage and went out. However, he left a snake behind for communication," the Nara Clan Leader explained helplessly.

He truly felt helpless. There was nothing he could do about it. Despite being a staff officer primarily responsible for making suggestions, he now had numerous additional responsibilities.

He had to manage food and grass logistics, tally casualties, mark maps, evaluate small-scale wars and their progress.

Although he was essentially a staff officer holding the title of deputy commander, he was tasked with the responsibilities of a commander.

Commanders were only responsible for the tasks they enjoyed, and they avoided any difficult ones.

Indeed, Orochimaru had become consumed with scientific research.

In this life, Orochimaru's circumstances were different. He hadn't tangled with Danzo and had received funding from his teacher, resulting in a less twisted worldview and a more agreeable temperament.

In general, Uncle Snake hadn't been corrupted.

Jiraiya was more familiar with Orochimaru's character. Upon hearing the Nara Clan Leader's explanation, he immediately understood Orochimaru's intentions.

Ninety percent of it was to establish a temporary research base for conducting experiments.

They had encountered Kumo Shinōbi in battle and obtained many valuable items.

Of course, these treasures were exclusively for Orochimaru.

At least, Jiraiya didn't fancy them.

Not only was Konoha conducting research, but other Hidden Villages had also initiated their own studies.

Through this war, they discovered many shortcomings and began to address them.

While the intensity of the war had decreased in the Five Great Hidden Villages, for the smaller villages, the war remained harsh.

The threat of death loomed at every moment.