Chapter 24: Kidnapping Terumi Mei, Obtaining the Byakugan!

Chapter 24: Kidnapping Terumi Mei, Obtaining the Byakugan!

Ishihara approached the battlefield, now a wasteland, pondering the mysteries in his heart. The area resembled a bombed landscape, with craters and debris scattered everywhere.

Orochimaru's lips twitched. "Is this what you call 'controlled'?"

"Considering the distance, a bit of miscalculation is normal!" Ishihara's face darkened slightly as he hurriedly joined the agitated Orochimaru in searching for Ao. Fortunately, Ao was only severely injured and unconscious, not dead, which allowed both of them to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Let's go!" Orochimaru hoisted Ao, ready to leave and let Ishihara begin his research.

"Wait a moment!" A trembling figure stood up from the wreckage.

"It's you? Terumi Mei? I didn't expect you to stand up after Ishihara's attack," Orochimaru remarked in surprise. He had collected extensive intelligence on Kirigakure, and Terumi Mei was a significant figure among them. He then glanced around, his expression turning grim.

"Something's off. Where are Kisame Hoshigaki and the blade Samehada?! Even their bodies and weapons are gone!"

Ishihara raised an eyebrow and smirked. "It seems someone unsavory has just been here." His sensory abilities had detected Zetsu's presence. Zetsu had taken Kisame Hoshigaki and Samehada without any extra moves, swiftly disappearing underground. Ishihara hadn't paid much attention to it.

"A member of the Akatsuki, probably Zetsu, responsible for gathering intelligence," Orochimaru said with a mix of anger and surprise. "These bastards are like lingering ghosts!" His face showed a complex mix of emotions. As one of the few in the ninja world aware of the Akatsuki's details, especially after experiencing a battle with them, he knew well their strength and the power of the Rinnegan. He hadn't expected to encounter them again in Kirigakure.

"The Akatsuki are strong, but they always act with purpose. Hopefully, they won't clash with us," Orochimaru stated seriously.

"Let's hope so." Ishihara's eyes narrowed. His previously relaxed state, following his victory over Kakashi and others, tightened once more. He realized he still wasn't strong enough; otherwise, he wouldn't have to worry about the Akatsuki! Power! He needed more power! Beyond immortality, he needed strength as formidable as Kaguya's to avoid being sealed away for millennia.

"Accelerating the research on bloodline limit is crucial!" The research would not only aid his studies but also enhance his power.

Meanwhile, Terumi Mei observed the two men discussing openly, feeling a mix of anger and astonishment. After the recent attack, she could only watch them closely, restraining her anger.

"Strange, who is this young man named Ishihara, who can converse with Orochimaru on equal terms? And from what Orochimaru said, the attack was Ishihara's doing?!" Mei couldn't believe it as she gazed at Ishihara's handsome, youthful face.

"What do you plan to do with her?" Orochimaru asked, pointing at Mei with a frown. Killing her wouldn't be hard, but it would provoke Kirigakure's wrath. Though Orochimaru wasn't afraid, he preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Let's take her along. She'll be useful for my research," Ishihara replied, looking at the silent Mei. In her stunned expression, he lifted her onto his shoulder.

"Ah! Let me down! You bastard, who are you?!" Mei shouted, startled. Having been a proud prodigy since childhood, this was her first such close encounter with a man. Moreover, his body was so warm... She angrily pounded Ishihara's back, though the strength resembled a soothing massage rather than an attack.

"Behave yourself!" Ishihara gave her a light smack, annoyed by her struggling. "You!" Mei's face turned red, but she dared not act rashly. She intended to gauge their attitude towards her through her actions. It seemed she was temporarily safe.

Soon, the group returned to their base. Orochimaru and Ishihara removed the blindfolds from Mei and Ao. "Where is this place?!" Mei asked, feeling uneasy in the dark, eerie room. Orochimaru seemed to have been in Kirigakure for a while, yet she had no clue.

"Do you really want to know?" Orochimaru's cold eyes locked onto her. "No need!" Mei quickly declined, her face pale.

Ishihara glanced at her and then focused on Ao. "Let's start. Remove the Byakugan first!"

Mei's face paled. "So, your target is the Byakugan! Give up, the Byakugan is protected by a special seal that only the caster can break it. If you force it, the seal will destroy the Byakugan instantly!"

Ishihara and Orochimaru ignored her. They approached Ao, sealed his chakra, and began examining him. "The seal is quite complex, some parts I've never seen before. It must be unique to Kirigakure."

"No problem, I can handle it," Ishihara said calmly. The most valuable thing he learned from Orochimaru wasn't jutsu, but knowledge—vast amounts of foundational knowledge on chakra and basic techniques that birthed multiple secret arts. So this wasn't a challenge for him.

"Good!" Orochimaru sighed in relief.

Ishihara placed his hand on the Byakugan's seal, sensing it carefully. Mei shouted anxiously, "Didn't you hear me? Tampering with it will destroy the Byakugan!"

Back when Kirigakure obtained the Byakugan, they paid a great price. Losing it would be a significant blow!

Then, Ishihara moved. He quickly inscribed a series of symbols on Ao's body. Mei's face turned pale with shock. "Stop! You'll destroy the Byakugan!" Orochimaru impatiently retorted, "Shut up and watch."

"You! Bastard!" Mei gritted her teeth in anger, watching Ishihara with wide, anxious eyes. She could only hope the seal wouldn't activate and destroy the Byakugan!

To her astonishment, the seal detached from the Byakugan. "How is this possible?!" Mei gasped. Orochimaru, with a touch of pride, said, "He's my disciple, Ishihara."

Mei's expression showed disbelief. Orochimaru's face darkened slightly.

At that moment, Ishihara reached out and extracted the Byakugan from Ao's eye socket. The Byakugan was now in his possession!