Chapter 39: Kimimaro, Suigetsu, Kabuto, Haku!

Chapter 39: Kimimaro, Suigetsu, Kabuto, Haku!

"What's wrong, Sensei? Is there something off?" Ishihara asked with a hint of confusion as he noticed Orochimaru's dazed expression.

He had already received the system's notification, so everything should be fine.

[Congratulations! You have created the Ice Release Training Method.]

[Ice Release Training Method: After mastering this, one can cultivate Ice Release!]

Moreover, the information in his mind had been simulated and verified to be correct.

"It's nothing, just that I don't feel as excited as I thought I would after mastering Ice Release," Orochimaru calmly responded.

Hearing this, Ishihara couldn't help but laugh. "Well, after mastering the Sage Body Refinement Method, something like a Kekkei Genkai is merely icing on the cake."

Orochimaru nodded in agreement. Although he had been focusing on the Boil Release Cultivation Method lately, most of his time had actually been spent on the Sage Body Refinement Method. He had come to deeply understand its terrifying potential, realizing that the overall boost to his power from it was far beyond what any Kekkei Genkai could provide.

"However, Ice Release does have its merits. It can be condensed into tangible forms and has a degree of control that's advantageous over other Kekkei Genkai," Ishihara added after some thought.

This was one of the reasons he had hurried to develop the Ice Release—its ability to counter Water Release, which could be useful if he ever had to fight Obito.

Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully.

Just then, one of the base's personnel entered with Mei Terumi, who was wearing a broad smile.

Ishihara and Orochimaru were both surprised to see her. Lately, Mei had been visiting quite frequently.

"Has something happened in the Mist Village?" Ishihara asked with a frown.

"Can't I come by if nothing's wrong?" Mei's smile faltered as she glared at him with mild annoyance.

This guy, always so blunt! It was infuriating!

Ishihara frowned slightly. What was with her temper today?

"You can come by," he said.

Only then did Mei's face soften into a smile. She looked at Ishihara expectantly, as if waiting for praise. "I found the people you wanted!"

Ishihara was surprised. "So soon?"

Mei had only returned to the Mist Village a few days ago, yet she had already found Kekkei Genkai users.

"It was pure luck," Mei said, unable to hide her joy. She gestured behind her. "Come on in."

Three figures emerged from the shadows. When Ishihara saw them, a look of astonishment crossed his face. He turned to Mei and said, "Introduce them."

Mei was quite pleased with Ishihara's reaction. After all, it wasn't often that something could surprise him.

"This is Suigetsu Hozuki, the last survivor of the Hozuki Clan. My people captured him the day I returned," Mei explained.

Ishihara nodded, surprised that Suigetsu had survived. His ability to stay alive was certainly impressive.

"This is Haku, found by Zabuza, a Jōnin who staunchly opposed Yagura. After the recent conflict, he pledged allegiance to me. When he learned I was looking for Kekkei Genkai users, he handed Haku over to me."

"You've been wanting to research new Kekkei Genkai, right? Haku is the new talent I've brought you!" Mei said, looking quite proud of herself.

Ishihara couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. He hadn't expected Zabuza to align himself with Mei. Despite his unimpressive performance in the original story, Zabuza was a genuine Jōnin. And now, along with Zabuza, Haku, who wielded Ice Release, had also come under Mei's command.

Suddenly, Orochimaru spoke up with a smile, "You don't know, do you? Ishihara has already developed an Ice Release Training Method!"

"What?!" Mei exclaimed in shock, turning to Ishihara. "You already have an Ice Release user?"

"No," Ishihara shook his head, his gaze falling on the slightly nervous Haku.

Haku looked at Ishihara curiously. He was completely new to the world of ninjas, so before coming here, Mei had specifically arranged for him to be taught some basic knowledge. He also knew why he had been called a monster—it was because of his Kekkei Genkai, Ice Release! So, hearing the words "Ice Release" made him nervous.

"Then…" Mei asked, still puzzled.

In her understanding, Ishihara always developed Kekkei Genkai cultivation methods by studying existing Kekkei Genkai users. Could it be…?

Suddenly, a thought struck her, causing her eyes to widen and her heart to race.

Orochimaru licked his lips and, with a slightly dry voice, said, "That's right. This time, Ishihara developed the Ice Release Training Method out of thin air, without any reference!"

Hiss!!!

Mei gasped, and so did Suigetsu, who was standing nearby. He looked at Ishihara with shock, unable to believe what he had heard.

"What does the Ice Release Training Method mean? Does it mean one can actually cultivate Ice Release?" Suigetsu asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

This was beyond anything he could have imagined—absolutely unheard of.

Mei, smiling smugly, said, "You guessed right!"

As Suigetsu's eyes widened in shock, his face turning pale, Mei continued, "Not only Ice Release, but Ishihara also developed a cultivation method for your Hozuki Clan's Hydrification Technique. Even ordinary ninjas can master it through training!"

This…

Suigetsu looked at Ishihara, his eyes filled with fear and amazement.

There was no reason for Mei to lie. So everything they said must be true!

Was the man in front of him even human?

Even the most talented people he had met would need years of training to master a secret technique, but Ishihara had directly created a cultivation method! The gap between them was indescribable.

"Didn't you always want to avenge the Hozuki Clan? Well, your enemy is right in front of you!" Mei said, pointing at Ishihara with a mischievous smile.

Suigetsu froze, staring at Ishihara in terror.

Was she joking? How could she expect him to go against such a monster?!

"I…" Suigetsu stammered, too nervous to speak, fearing Ishihara might kill him at any moment.

"Don't worry, I won't harm you," Ishihara chuckled.

Although Suigetsu was talented, Ishihara didn't consider him a threat.

"But…" Ishihara continued, causing Suigetsu to tense up again, his eyes fixed nervously on Ishihara.

"Some precautions are necessary," Ishihara said, stepping closer to Suigetsu.

"What are you doing?" Mei quickly intervened. "I brought them here to be your subordinates!"

Hearing this, Ishihara paused and looked at Mei.

(Special thanks to "Mark74497" for their support)