Poison

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Looking across the entire ninja world, only Orochimaru offered Muzan a sliver of hope in overcoming his fatal weakness to sunlight. Even if it was just a hope, it was better than nothing.

Muzan knew that, at this point, he could only study cells slowly or approach the issue of sunlight from a different angle. The current technological advancements in the ninja world were far too rudimentary, especially in areas concerning scientific research. Progress had only just begun to show promise.

It would take an extraordinary amount of time to advance the world's technology to a point where it could help Muzan overcome his weakness. This weakness hindered many of his plans.

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei," Muzan said respectfully, though there was an underlying urgency in his tone.

Orochimaru, currently in charge of the Wind Country front, had access to first-hand information regarding the ninja forces. After Muzan sabotaged the alliance between Kirigakure and Sunagakure, Orochimaru had a few parting words to say—mostly about Muzan trailing Pakura. However, Pakura had sensed Muzan's presence and escaped before he could confront her.

Thus, Muzan's mission remained incomplete.

For now, Orochimaru's explanation sufficed. Fortunately, no one had ever seen Muzan's true form, allowing their plan to proceed.

However, this was a small issue compared to the looming threat of the Third Raikage. Kumo's forces had begun gathering, apparently preparing to join forces with Sunagakure. This time, they weren't being discreet. Reports confirmed that Rasa, the newly appointed Fourth Kazekage, was leading the charge.

Rasa, who needed to solidify his reputation, saw this alliance as an opportunity to prove his worth as Kazekage by invading Konoha alongside Kumo.

It was no secret that Pakura had defected from Sunagakure and joined the Twelve Kizuki. With Sunagakure short on powerful combatants, Orochimaru's current military setup might not be enough to fend off an attack from both sides.

"Reduce Minato Namikaze's workload. If there are no critical missions, he should stay at the camp," Orochimaru commanded.

It wasn't an attempt to hold Minato back—only Minato had the speed and skill to effectively counter the Third Raikage. Even with Orochimaru's formidable abilities, a direct confrontation with the Third Raikage would end poorly.

The Third Raikage stood at the peak of Kage-level power.

Namikaze Minato had been carrying out missions across the Wind Country, primarily for reconnaissance and dismantling enemy strongholds. Meanwhile, Kakashi's team had been gathering intelligence.

Upon receiving Orochimaru's orders, Minato didn't hesitate.

"What's wrong, Minato-sensei?" Rin asked, noticing the serious expression on his face. Kakashi and Obito also stopped to listen.

"The war in the Wind Country is about to begin," Minato said gravely.

Orochimaru's orders to recall the scattered teams made it clear—an unprecedented battle was approaching.

"We're heading back to camp," Minato announced.

Kakashi glanced toward the distant camp. "Muzan must be busy," he muttered.

War meant casualties, and as a medical ninja, Muzan would undoubtedly be on the front lines. That's what Kakashi hoped for—after experiencing war firsthand, he understood its brutality. If Muzan could stay in the rear, focused on healing, it would be the best outcome.

And with Orochimaru overseeing operations, there would be no questions or doubts.

"It's a bit unsettling, isn't it?" Obito remarked, catching on to Kakashi's words. As his biggest rival on the path to becoming Hokage, Obito hadn't seen Muzan in a while.

"I'll surpass him this time!" Obito declared determinedly.

"You two…" Minato sighed, watching his eager students. Once they returned to camp, they wouldn't leave again until the battle erupted. And when it did, they would find themselves on the front lines.

The team, led by Minato, quickly made their way back to camp.

But unbeknownst to them, Muzan was already facing his own difficulties.

"It's troublesome," Muzan muttered.

Sunagakure's ambitions were no longer hidden, and this battle was taking place on their home turf. The desert was their natural battlefield, giving them a significant advantage. Sunagakure's reliance on poisons and puppetry only added to Konoha's challenges. If a ninja was poisoned, they had no choice but to seek out a medical ninja immediately, abandoning their mission.

"The poison is a complex neurotoxin and requires a specialized antidote," Muzan explained.

With Tsunade away due to her phobia, Konoha had lost its edge in poison treatment. Now, Muzan was the only one capable of countering Sunagakure's toxins.

"The patient is experiencing neurotoxic convulsions," Muzan noted. "Administer the antidote pills immediately."

He used medical ninjutsu to stabilize the patient's condition, but he knew time was running out. Despite their best efforts, the patient succumbed to the poison.

"They're gone. Conserve your chakra for those we can still save," Muzan instructed, accepting that even his abilities had limits.

The poison brought to mind only one person: Chiyo.

She wouldn't rest, especially with Hatake Sakumo's sons on the battlefield. Konoha's White Fang had taken her son and daughter-in-law. Blood feuds ran deep, and Chiyo's revenge was bound to be brutal.

Muzan acknowledged Chiyo's expertise in poisons. If anyone could concoct such a lethal toxin, it was her.

Facing more ninjas suffering from the same poison, Muzan realized he needed to create an antidote immediately.

"We need to determine where they were poisoned!" Muzan ordered, preparing to head to the battlefield to collect samples of the poison directly.

However, as he moved, a squad of ANBU blocked his path.

"Muzan-sama, it's too dangerous for you to go to the battlefield!" one of them said urgently.

"We're following Hokage-sama's orders," another added. "Someone else can collect the samples."

Though the mission was risky, they believed it was better than sending Muzan himself.

"You fools! Do you even know how to distinguish these poisons?" Muzan snapped.

Ordinary shinobi could detect basic toxins and traps, but Chiyo's creations were far more advanced.

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