Chapter 91. Sound Hidden Village

He practiced the Water Bullet jutsu in his dream space, manifesting it as a high-speed water projectile.

Despite the progress, he felt that it lacked the precision and force that Tobirama's Water Bullet possessed.

Natsuki admired Tobirama's skill and efficiency with Water Release techniques, especially the Water Formation Wall that could surround opponents.

He then attempted the Water Release: Water Formation Wall, summoning a wall of water in front of him.

However, the result wasn't as satisfactory as he hoped.

The technique was not as versatile and controlled as Tobirama's, and he realized that he still had a long way to go in mastering Water Release techniques.

With a thoughtful expression, Natsuki decided to end his practice for now and exited the dream space.

Yesterday, he received news from Itachi that he successfully brought Jugo back to the Otogakure.

Orochimaru has already addressed the issue of Itachi and Shisui's Sharingan.

However, the study of Hashirama's cells still requires more experiments, involving significant amounts of precious materials and a considerable expense.

While Natsuki has ample financial resources, there are certain things that money alone cannot buy.

Gathering the necessary materials is expected to be time-consuming.

Given the circumstances, he had no choice but to fasten the process and lead a few individuals on their journey to the Land of Sound.

...

Jiraiya, the white-haired and muscular ninja, arrived at the entrance of the village.

With the addition of the Uchiha clan, the Sound Ninja Village had become the most formidable among the five great ninja villages, exhibiting high efficiency in completing tasks.

The development of the Otogakure had significantly improved, and it was no longer as run-down as when Itachi and Shisui first arrived.

As Jiraiya made his way, he observed numerous individuals entering and exiting the mission hall.

Some came to entrust missions, while others from the Village were taking on tasks.

Among them, Jiraiya spotted a few Uchiha members.

However, they didn't exchange greetings as he passed by; instead, they were focused on their own affairs.

Jiraiya was surprised to find Uchiha Takuya, the third elder of the Uchiha clan, inside the mission hall.

They had met before.

"Well, if it isn't Lord Jiraiya. What brings you here?" Uchiha Takuya handed off his current task to an assistant and greeted Jiraiya.

Jiraiya looked around.

"Let's find a quiet place."

Takuya understood his request and promptly led Jiraiya to a secluded room.

"Itachi and Shisui rebelling against the village!?" Jiraiya asked in a deep voice as soon as he sat down.

His face showed surprise. "Jiraiya-sama, why would you say that? We're just here to take on tasks to make a living."

He frowned. "Isn't it similar to accepting missions in Konoha?"

Takuya chuckled, "No, no matter what we do in Konoha, we are scrutinized, and our eyes are at risk of being taken. Although this is a small ninja village, it offers freedom and comfort."

Jiraiya was momentarily speechless.

The fact that Danzo removed Uchiha's eyes was common knowledge, and Uchiha Takuya used this as a justification. There was little Jiraiya could say.

Understanding Takuya's perspective, he had endured significant discrimination in Konoha.

Jiraiya sighed, realizing that whether these Uchiha were outside the village or still within, they might already be plotting a rebellion.

"Is Orochimaru here?" Jiraiya asked directly.

Takuya appeared uneasy. "I don't know. I'm just here to make a living. If you're looking for Orochimaru, you can simply leave the mission."

Reading Takuya's expression, Jiraiya sensed that Takuya had information about Orochimaru, but he wouldn't share it without a good reason.

Jiraiya made a quick decision and pulled out one hundred thousand taels. "I'll give you one hundred thousand Ryo to take on a mission to find Orochimaru."

Takuya looked up, eyeing Jiraiya. It appeared that Jiraiya was genuinely committed to locating Orochimaru.

"Alright, I'll go and issue the mission right away. Jiraiya-sama, you can enjoy some delicious food around here. The results should be available in three days at the latest."

Jiraiya nodded, and Takuya likely went to inquire whether Orochimaru would meet him.

As Takuya was about to leave, he casually leaned against the door and added, "Oh, by the way, Jiraiya-sama, our bathhouse is equipped with a sealing barrier."

Jiraiya's expression instantly turned grim.

...

Orochimaru is experiencing a shift in his focus from the original time and space.

Currently, he dedicates his time to extensive research, delving into various topics that captivate his interest.

Unlike in the original storyline, Orochimaru has refrained from joining the Akatsuki organization and has abandoned any plans to overthrow Konoha.

The Third Hokage's opinion of him holds little significance now, as he prioritizes more pressing matters.

The events of Konoha's past have faded from Orochimaru's memory.

Takuya, having accepted Jiraiya's payment, seeks Orochimaru directly.

The efficient management of Otogakure, led by the third elder plays a crucial role.

Despite Orochimaru's busy schedule, he still manages to make time for Jiraiya.

"Lord Orochimaru, Jiraiya seeks your audience. He has offered a substantial reward of a hundred thousand Ryo for information about you and is currently near the village."

Surprised, Orochimaru contemplates Jiraiya's unexpected approach.

Could the monetary reward imply a non-confrontational intent, suggesting Jiraiya is not inclined towards the use of force?

"It appears circumstances have changed," Orochimaru muses, having paid little attention to recent developments in Konoha.

Focused on his studies, he speculates that Jiraiya's visit may be connected to Orochimaru's quest for specific drugs.

After a brief pause, a subtle smile forms on Orochimaru's lips.

...

The [Summer Food] store has indeed been profitable.

Otogakure expands each year and boasts a grown commercial street.

Many mission completers spend their earnings on the streets of the village, boosting its development.

As the commercial street grows, some opt to release missions in the Sound Ninja Village, creating a symbiotic relationship that encourages a virtuous cycle.

Jiraiya located a hotel and, after exploring the night market, returned with a bounty of barbecue and wine, indulging in skewers and a bit of drinking.

Feeling quite pleased, Jiraiya admitted that these foods were truly enjoyable.

During his meal, Jiraiya's expression suddenly changed as he looked towards the door.

Orochimaru lifted the curtain and entered.

Taking a seat across from Jiraiya, neither spoke for a while.

Jiraiya examined Orochimaru, sensing something off about him. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was a lingering sense of unease.

Unbeknownst to Jiraiya, Orochimaru had undergone reincarnation, and his current body was not his original one.

Jiraiya, who had been Orochimaru's teammate for many years and frequently practiced senjutsu, naturally felt a subtle inconsistency.

In the past few years, Orochimaru has rarely engaged in combat, dedicating most of his time to experiments.

His once-ruthless temperament has mellowed, and he now exudes a more scholarly aura.