Chapter 272: Exchange

In the dimly lit meeting room of the Hokage office building in Konoha.

Sarutobi Asuma sits cautiously, while above him sits Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin.

"That is the current situation of the Sarutobi clan. Although the militant faction is strong, I can keep them under control," Sarutobi Asuma said firmly, but Jiraiya frowned upon hearing this.

"Asuma, since Uchiha Yoru has entrusted this matter to Tsunade and me, you should know that the village hopes to resolve this peacefully."

"Understood!" When Sarutobi Asuma saw that Tsunade and Jiraiya were responsible for this matter, he felt relieved.

"However, the militant faction of your Sarutobi clan is indeed a key issue that causes headaches. So, I want to ask, how are the other clans like Yamanaka, Akimichi, Nara, and Shimura?"

Although Jiraiya is a wanderer, he is capable and quickly identifies the key issue.

The old powers are all nestled together. If it's just the militant Sarutobi clan, it's manageable, given the number of clans present.

But the militants will undoubtedly try to rally these clans.

Faced with Jiraiya's question, Sarutobi Asuma frowns and then reports truthfully.

"Lord Jiraiya, these clans also have many problems. For instance, the Shimura clan has always had few people, and some smaller clans have been diverging in recent years, with people's hearts divided. Some have already relocated."

Sarutobi Asuma says with a wry smile, his words are somewhat understated. What he means by 'relocated' is that people have passed the assessment and at least submitted a statement proving their determination, thus receiving the village's forgiveness.

"As for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, you know about the Yamanaka clan. Due to an incident involving Yamanaka Inoichi, some have already left. The Akimichi clan has always been watching the Nara clan."

"And the Nara clan, under Shikaku's leadership, is almost completely withdrawn from all affairs, very low-key."

Listening to Sarutobi Asuma's report, Jiraiya frowns and says in a deep voice, "Asuma, this generation's Ino-Shika-Cho trio is under your tutelage. I don't want to delve into whether it's for personal gains or something else. I just want to know what the Nara clan thinks, and who is the leader of the Sarutobi clan's militant faction."

At this point, Jiraiya shows a serious expression, "Don't tell me the militant faction can organize themselves without a leader."

Faced with Jiraiya's serious demeanor, Sarutobi Asuma falls silent, his heart also in turmoil. The militant faction comprises seven-tenths of the clan's combat power.

Even more so among the Jonin, this part of the militant faction has some unusually fanatical members, but some are still relatively calm.

This is almost the last trump card of his Sarutobi clan. Once exposed, the Sarutobi clan will be seen as a naked harlot in the village's eyes, at the mercy of the village's manipulation.

Seeing Sarutobi Asuma's silent expression, Jiraiya couldn't help but chuckle coldly.

"Asuma, I came to you personally to resolve this issue. If you remain obstinate, and Tsunade and I can't resolve this and it's left to Uchiha Yoru, you should know the consequences!"

"Previously, the old man and Danzo secretly plotted to annihilate the Uchiha clan. Now, it's only fair that the Uchihas might do the same to the Sarutobi clan. And do you really think what you've been doing is a secret?"

Jiraiya glares at him with disappointment and throws a scroll over.

"Your Sarutobi clan, these past two years in the ninja black market, have been buying war supplies, stockpiling a large number of ninja tools and explosive tags. All of these under Uchiha Yoru's watch. If it weren't for Tsunade covering you, the Sarutobi clan would have been expelled from Konoha long ago!"

When the biggest threat is exposed, Sarutobi Asuma's face turns pale. He is now the clan head of the Sarutobi clan, the main pillar.

This intelligence could be considered grounds for treason or a coup, then annihilating their clan.

At this moment, Sarutobi Asuma finally realizes, if not for Tsunade and Jiraiya, the Sarutobi clan might really be gone.

"Lord Jiraiya, this was all done behind my back by them. I only found out about half a year ago, but it was too late. They had already stockpiled quite a bit."

At this moment, Sarutobi Asuma's face was extremely ugly, even showing a hint of pleading.

"Lord Jiraiya, you must save the Sarutobi clan. We are all ninjas of Konoha."

"Stop talking nonsense, tell me the leader of the militant faction."

At this moment, Sarutobi Asuma gritted his teeth and decided to abandon these people. Although it would be a significant loss, it was better than leading his family to extinction.

"Lord Jiraiya, the leaders of the militant faction are Sarutobi..."

After Sarutobi Asuma painfully listed five names, Jiraiya gasped in shock and his face showed even more annoyance.

"Damn it, do you really think Konoha is the private property of the Sarutobi clan?"

These five elite Jonin of the Sarutobi clan, each one had held important positions, not only powerful but also had a group of loyal followers.

Since losing power, they naturally felt resentful and stirred up many people in the clan to join them, intending to regain their former power.

This action was clearly treating the Konoha as their own. Even Jiraiya, upon hearing the intelligence, seemed to think these blind Sarutobi clan ninjas believed that the Uchiha clan had taken everything from them, and they were just taking back what was originally theirs.

"Damn it!"

Jiraiya was greatly annoyed upon hearing this, and Sarutobi Asuma simply laid his cards on the table, continuing with an ugly face: "Every month, the clan holds a meeting, and almost every time, these militants passionately talk about their past glory, urging more people to join..."

Damn it! Jiraiya was so angry he was about to explode. This was almost an open rebellion, right under their noses.

Even so, the matter was calmly handed over to him and Tsunade to handle. What did this mean? One was their magnanimity, and the other was their indifference.

"Good! Asuma, I want clear information about the Sarutobi clan from now on. This matter will be handled by Tsunade and me."

"Yes!"

Seeing Jiraiya's obvious intention to help his Sarutobi clan, Sarutobi Asuma nodded gratefully. At this moment, he was no longer alone.

The pressure was too great!

Today's Sarutobi clan was just like the Uchiha clan in the original timeline, similarly alienated and dissatisfied, with the militant faction gradually gaining the upper hand and starting to prepare for the worst-case scenario of an armed coup.

…

Medical Department.

Tsunade's eyes were intoxicated, her mouth slightly open. She had deliberately changed into a white coat of a medical ninja, with white silk and high heels exuding allure.

Under her charming blonde hair, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help shaking his head. "Tsunade, keep a close eye on the Sarutobi clan, don't be careless."

At that moment, Tsunade seemed to feel humiliated, gritting her teeth and whispering lowly, "I know, are we almost done?"

In the clean room, emitting a different aura, Uchiha Yoru's robust body exuded strong pheromones.

And Tsunade, with a defiant look, glared with her blonde hair flying, truly looking heroic.

"Today's attire, come more often in the future."

"Brat!" Looking at Uchiha Yoru, who had finished his meal, Tsunade, exhausted, wiped the sweat off her forehead, gritting her teeth.

After opening the window, the fresh air dispersed the murky atmosphere in the office. Uchiha Yoru sat calmly in his chair, while Tsunade, weakly, sat in her own seat, and even leaned on the table, gasping for air.

"The Chunin Exam will be a feast, and also our chance to prove our strength to the entire ninja world."

Uchiha Yoru squinted his eyes, speaking in a deep tone, and after a long while, a breathless Tsunade finally let out a sigh of relief.

"I know, brat, the Sarutobi clan won't cause trouble, not with me and Jiraiya here, definitely not."

"Good."

Land of Rice Paddies, Sound Village.

In the underground base, since Orochimaru did not join the Akatsuki and was not pursued by Konoha and Jiraiya, he devoted himself entirely to research.

The sheer size of the laboratory showed how good Orochimaru's life had been over the years.

Orochimaru stared intently at the test tube, confirming his research, while many medical ninjas in white coats, formerly elite members of the Root, were part of a research group set up by Danzo.

After Uchiha Yoru took over the Root, these resources naturally became his, and these researchers were just right to assist Orochimaru.

"Kabuto, you have worked hard these years."

In the laboratory, the other person in charge, Yakushi Kabuto, stood respectfully in front of Uchiha Yoru, responding more respectfully after hearing comforting words.

"For Lord Yoru."

Seeing Kabuto's cautious nature, Uchiha Yoru shook his head with a light laugh.

"Kabuto, don't be so tense. Wait another year, and then you will be the head of the Konoha Orphanage. Of course, if you still want to continue research, it's more than welcome."

Uchiha Yoru, not only professional in offering incentives but also in fulfilling them, was not like the Third Hokage who only talked.

Uchiha Yoru handed a scroll to Kabuto, smiling, "This is the information of the orphanage over the years. Get familiar with it."

"By the way, the head of the orphanage, Yakushi Nono, although in charge of the medical department, has always taken care of the orphanage as well."

Looking at the scroll with the orphanage information, Kabuto's forced smile was a bit stiff, his eyes welling up with tears. He could finally go home.

"Alright, the mission is almost over, but I am more optimistic about your future."

Uchiha Yoru looked meaningfully at Yakushi Kabuto and said, "I believe your talent is no less than Kakashi's. The village will face more challenges in the future, and I hope you can help me stabilize this chaotic world before enjoying life."

"Of course, this is a personal request from me."

Uchiha Yoru's tone was sincere, without any arrogance, and upon hearing this, Yakushi Kabuto pushed his glasses up and smiled.

"Lord Yoru, Yakushi Kabuto is willing to serve you."

Kabuto, being intelligent, understood the weight of Uchiha Yoru's words. He knew that even if he chose to return to the orphanage, the other party would not mind.

However, he would then become just another passerby, no longer in the realm of importance.

For the future of the orphanage and his own reasons, he wanted to witness the strong individual preparing to change the world of the shinobi.

"Heh, Yoru, you just arrived and are already preparing to take over the Sound Village that I've developed for so many years. That's somewhat excessive," said Orochimaru with a hoarse laugh. Kabuto gestured respectfully, and everyone left, leaving a quiet space in the large laboratory for the two.

Looking at Orochimaru's sinister smile, Uchiha Yoru just shrugged indifferently and laughed, "Teacher, don't put it so harshly. I'm just welcoming you home. Besides, you also want to unveil the mysteries of the Ninja world, don't you?"

Orochimaru laughed hoarsely, showing no anger at the prospect of someone else taking over Sound Village, but rather a curious expression.

"By the way, Teacher, how is the cultivation experiment I asked you to conduct?"

Beneath Orochimaru's evil smile, they slowly moved to a sealed chamber filled with barrier seals. Inside was a huge glass vessel, comparable in size of the Summon Beast, Manda.

Such a magnificent sight even left Uchiha Yoru in awe, showing a hint of shock.

"Yoru, your speculation was correct. This indeed is an existence from ancient times. I extracted some secrets from it, even the creature you mentioned, which is a perfect combination of plant and animal."

"It's also an astonishing combination of energy and genetic cell factors. Even after you mentioned providing it with the chakra needed to cultivate the Tailed Beasts, this perfect being was able to bloom and bear fruit like a plant."

"According to experimental data, the terrifying energy of the final fruit is secondary. The real treasure is the ability to constantly evolve oneself by consuming this fruit, allowing this species to continually evolve."

At this moment, Orochimaru, looking almost possessed, spoke excitedly about this great invention with a crazed look on his face.

"Yoru, do you realize what this is? Theoretically, we could achieve immortality through this great being, creating a clan of gods who never age."

Amused at Orochimaru, who had fallen into a state of scientific frenzy, Uchiha Yoru nodded awkwardly.

But he really had to admire Orochimaru; indeed, professional matters should be left to professionals.

The giant creature in front of them was the husk of the Ten-Tails, also known as the Outer Path: Gedo Statue, but this was cultivated artificially.

The Star Village, Akatsuki in the Land of Rain, as well as Danzo's Root division, were all involved in the past. Although they were ultimately defeated, they managed to bring back some scraps of the Gedo Statue.

Using Orochimaru's method of cultivating the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, now free from external interference and with the financial and manpower support of two major countries, Orochimaru's experiments have made rapid progress.

"Teacher, there must be limitations to this, right? For example, although the Curse Mark is powerful, ordinary ninja can hardly adapt to it," Uchiha Yoru inquired.

Facing this question, Orochimaru excitedly shared his research findings as if he were a lecturer.

"Hehe, Yoru, you know, this is the evolution of life, and naturally, there are limitations. For instance, to adapt to this energy, one must reach the limits of the human body!"

Orochimaru revealed a cold smile, "For example, the so-called Kage level is just reaching the limit in some aspects. However, these are just thresholds. Moreover, over the years, I've collected the chakra of the nine Tailed Beasts. Terrifying power always comes at a price."

"To wield this power, one not only needs the Sage Body and Sage Eyes but also a strong will."

Orochimaru, as if he had discovered a secret, smiled excitedly.

"However, this is just individual strength. What I am talking about is the creation of a god-like clan. Do you understand? My Curse Mark, combined with the Forbidden Technique: Chimera that you developed, Yoru, can perfectly overcome these limitations. This combination can perfectly transfer powerful genetic cells through a carrier to ninjas, thus creating a god-like clan. You and I will be like gods of creation."

Hearing Orochimaru's insane research, Uchiha Yoru was filled with astonishment.

No, that's not right!

Even if what Orochimaru said is achieved, there are still limitations. One is the terrifying presence of the Curse Mark, and the other is the Forbidden Technique: Chimera, almost exclusively accessible to Kage-level ninjas.

Simply put, if Orochimaru's concept is realized, Uchiha Yoru, through the perfect ancestral return via the Chimera jutsu, would become of the Otsutsuki bloodline. Then, by using the Curse Mark, he could pass his weakened genes to other ninjas.

These ninjas, in turn, could achieve perfect fusion with Otsutsuki genes through the Chimera jutsu, thus becoming the weakest Otsutsuki.

Without immense power, but the mere trait of immortality in the Otsutsuki physiology is enough to drive people mad.

Undoubtedly, Orochimaru is truly a genius.

~~~

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