Chapter 183

"Back, are you?"

Kaito looked at Shisui, whose hair was still not entirely dry, and let out a faint smile. Did the kid think his days in the lab were like a hospital stay? Kaito himself had been hospitalized before crossing over, and the first thing he did after being discharged was to take a thorough bath.

Even though he could bathe in the hospital, he always felt that lingering smell of hospital disinfectant on him, something that irked him deeply.

Now, it seemed Shisui was quite the same, disliking that particular scent and environment.

"Mhm, I'm back, finally back," Shisui said, rubbing his still-damp hair with a somewhat helpless tone.

"Staying in that lab was driving me insane. The constant sound of machines, that smell of disinfectant. The worst part was not being allowed to move around. If they didn't need the data, I'd probably have bolted long ago."

"It's good you're back. But I still need to trouble you a bit more. I've seen your report, but I'd like to hear you describe it," Kaito casually smiled. Anyone would be frustrated and helpless in such circumstances, but Kaito wasn't planning to let Shisui rest just yet.

Of course, Shisui himself probably wasn't planning on resting either; he'd had quite enough of that.

"I feel very good, extremely good," Shisui said, the smile on his face intensifying.

"It's truly strange, the power you injected us with is somewhat magical. Though my body seemed to initially reject it, it later integrated incredibly well.

The boost it provided me is also beyond comprehension. I can distinctly feel an additional form of power inside me, or more precisely, this power is continuously growing and intensifying.

This growth has significantly improved my physical abilities, and this power even affects my eyes, causing changes in them.

The most immediate sensation is the restoration of the power in my eyes, and even the waiting time for my special abilities has further reduced!"

Shisui spoke not in many words, but he laid out the changes in himself quite clearly and concisely.

Upon hearing Shisui's words, Kaito immediately latched onto the key points. First and foremost, the power Shisui mentioned likely pertained to Yang Release.

Yang Release is innate in everyone, but it's somewhat unfortunate for the Uchiha.

Beyond the Yang Release needed to sustain life, the idea of harnessing and using additional Yang Release was hardly worth contemplating.

However, conversely, the Uchiha's Yin Release is extraordinarily potent. Even those without activated Sharingan are by no means weak in terms of mental power.

Genjutsu serves as the most vivid manifestation of Yin Release. Though not every Uchiha excels in genjutsu, their skill levels are by no means low.

Now, under Kaito's intervention, Yang Release had emerged within Shisui's body, even if this energy clashed somewhat with the pre-existing Yin Release inside him.

But in circumstances where such power was originally scarce, the body would accept it whether it wanted to or not. And this acceptance had immediately transformed Shisui.

Not only did this Yang Release make Shisui stronger physically, its most crucial impact lay in the eyes.

Arguably, the best news Kaito had received was the reduced wait time for Shisui's "Kotoamatsukami" technique.

Because this suggested he was one step closer to bringing back Orochimaru 007, how could he not feel elated?

"How much has it shortened?" Kaito directly asked, having little reservation when it came to Shisui.

"Approximately two to three years," Shisui provided a precise answer. "If nothing unexpected happens, by the time Sasuke and the others graduate, my technique will be ready."

"This is indeed great news," Kaito's face brightened even more at hearing this. "With the 'Kotoamatsukami' technique, there's so much we can do."

"Uh, Kaito, you're not planning something against the Hokage, are you?"

Seeing Kaito's expression and considering their status in Konoha, Shisui asked a bit apprehensively.

"I don't think that would be a good idea. Besides, the 'Kotoamatsukami' is meant to be used against enemies, not allies."

Shisui's words momentarily left Kaito at a loss, amused yet also puzzled. What on earth was this guy thinking?

In reality, Kaito knew that Shisui had always been very cautious about using the 'Kotoamatsukami.' Unless absolutely necessary, he would probably be unwilling to use it against any sentient beings.

Because the technique, once deployed, effectively strips someone of their free will to some extent. It could be termed a malevolent and terrifying ocular power.

The reason he initially hesitated to use it against Uchiha Itachi was that, subconsciously, he had not entirely categorized Itachi as an enemy.

Or perhaps one could say that he still harbored the fantasy that Uchiha Itachi might turn back from his path. However, he held no such hope for Tobi, thus using the technique without any hesitation.

But the outcome turned somewhat tragic. After all, Tobi possessed both the Mangekyou Sharingan and cells from White Zetsu; his resistance far exceeded Shisui's expectations.

Even if Tobi paid the price of an eye, he ultimately wasn't subdued.

Yet Tobi is an exception; not everyone necessarily falls within this exceptional category.

Even though Shisui deeply trusts Kaito, taking action against the Hokage does give him some discomfort. After all, Jiraiya isn't the same sort of guy as Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"You bastard, what are you thinking?"

Kaito landed a punch directly on Shisui's chest, then chuckled and cursed.

"My target is Orochimaru. Jiraiya might be strong, but he pales in comparison to Orochimaru in some aspects."

"Orochimaru?"

Upon hearing Kaito's words, Shisui finally breathed a sigh of relief, then seriously stated,

"No worries, I'll have Orochimaru completely under control!"

"As long as you say so, but be prepared. You're likely going to be busy very soon."

Kaito stretched lazily before continuing.

"Whether it's within Konoha or outside, there may be tasks I'll need you to undertake. Also, I plan to assign someone to accompany you."

"No problem. Arrange as you see fit."

Shisui didn't bother to ask what tasks were involved or even who Kaito planned to assign; he simply nodded in agreement.

"You really are something," Shisui's attitude left Kaito both amused and puzzled. Yet Kaito soon spoke with utmost seriousness.

"The person accompanying you won't be a stranger; he's the experimental subject with Wood Release that we exposed during our last impeachment against Sarutobi Hiruzen."

"You mean, Yamato?"

Shisui's reaction was swift; in a flash, he knew precisely whom Kaito was talking about.

After all, Shisui had spent a considerable amount of time in the Anbu Black Ops. Even if he wasn't familiar with many within the organization, he at least knew their code names as they all belonged to the same department to some extent.

Yamato? Ah, that guy wasn't someone Shisui could possibly be unaware of, though he was rather enigmatic.

Moreover, this guy was the leader of Team Six. The gap in their statuses was not minor, so their relationship was limited to mere acquaintance; they were far from familiar with each other.

Otherwise, Shisui would've known that this guy was indeed an experimental subject for Wood Release.

Now Shisui found himself in a state of confusion. Shouldn't this Wood Release experimental subject be in the Anbu? How did he end up in Kaito's hands, and how come Kaito could assign him so freely?

"He resigned from Anbu, along with Kakashi," Kaito knew Shisui had been out of the loop in terms of information and intelligence, so he cut straight to the chase.

"After resigning, he trailed me for some distance and then told me he wanted to join the Guard Unit."

"Are you serious? You agreed to that?" Shisui looked incredulously at Kaito, then finally asked in astonishment.

"Does this guy have some other motives or plans?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't really matter," Kaito nonchalantly smiled, before leisurely continuing.

"So, I'm entrusting him to you. If any issues arise, I believe you can handle them well. Of course, if there are no issues."

"Don't worry about it." Shisui grasped Kaito's implication: "If there are no issues, I'll take good care of him."

Shisui had cooperated with Kaito for several years. Many times, Kaito only needed to give a hint of his intent, and Shisui would be able to gauge what Kaito truly wanted. Such tacit understanding wasn't something that could be formed casually; it required a certain level of mutual resonance.

Actually, when Yamato proposed joining the Guard Unit, even Kaito was taken aback. After all, Kaito had no idea what exactly this guy was thinking.

But upon further reflection, Kaito thought, well, maybe having him join wouldn't be such a bad idea.

After all, having this guy join would demonstrate the Guard Unit's inclusivity. And let's not mince words; his combat abilities are certainly up to par.

Though Anbu's modus operandi may not align well with that of regular ninja, when it comes to fighting, he's way more ruthless.

Frankly, if you have two ninja of the same caliber—one from the Anbu and the other from regular missions—the Anbu ninja would undoubtedly survive life-or-death combat. Their methods are both more ruthless and lack moral limits; that's an immutable fact.

"Moreover, the Guard Unit will inevitably establish a security division in the future, requiring many strong, even battle-experienced ninja. Wouldn't it make sense to recruit retired Anbu, and re-employ them?"

Based on this future vision, Kaito ultimately agreed to Yamato's entry, although the guy would still need sufficient training before formally assuming the role.

And Kaito also needs to figure out exactly what mindset this guy holds in joining the Guard Unit; that's crucial.

Though Kaito knows this guy may not hold much sentiment for the Third Hokage—even if the Third Hokage took him out of the Root—what he's truly grateful for is Kakashi. After all, if Kakashi hadn't intervened, he'd still be controlled within the Root.

Furthermore, Kaito feels that after that night, he should realize that the source of his tragedy is, in fact, the Third Hokage.

After all, without the Third Hokage's indulgence and tacit approval, how could his tragedy have unfolded? But speculation is one thing; a deeper investigation and judgment are necessary.

Having Shisui oversee this guy is the best choice; after all, they both have Anbu backgrounds, which should make their interactions smoother.

And within the Guard Unit, whether anyone else could beat him in one-on-one combat is genuinely a question. Shisui doesn't have this problem and can more gracefully handle any unexpected situations.

Kaito and Shisui talked a lot. He not only told Shisui that he had abducted Deidara back but also revealed that Kitsuchi had already died by his hands.

Both pieces of news shook Shisui to his core; it had been a long time since he was shocked to such an extent.

The last time he felt this shook was when Kaito proposed various theories that transcended both his imagination and the constraints of the times, rendering him utterly speechless.

This time, he once again experienced that initial feeling, except now he felt like he was literally struck by lightning.

He never, ever expected that just because he was hospitalized for a short while, Kaito would pull off such unimaginable feats! Deidara—does Kaito not know who he is? The disciple of the Third Tsuchikage, for heaven's sake!

The kid may have some personality issues, but the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, has been extraordinarily tolerant and nurturing toward him.

In fact, there were jokes circulating in the Anbu before, wondering if they were grooming the kid to become the Tsuchikage himself.

And now, someone Ōnoki had painstakingly nurtured gets whisked back to Konoha by Kaito? How could he not be flabbergasted?

On top of that, Kaito even killed Kitsuchi right in front of Deidara? Do you know who Kitsuchi is? That's Ōnoki's own flesh and blood, and yet he died at the hands of Kaito. What in the world is going on?

For a moment, Shisui seriously doubted whether Kaito had some grudge against Ōnoki. Otherwise, why would he both snatch his disciple and kill his son?

If it weren't for the presence of another child, Kurotsuchi, Kaito's actions would essentially be like cutting off Ōnoki's lineage! "What on earth are you doing..."

Walking toward the Hokage building, Shisui let out a resigned sigh. He was utterly at a loss for words.

He even felt that Konoha should probably start preparing for a battle because the moment Ōnoki finds out about this, there will surely be no holding back!

"Alright, stop overthinking it. I've told you, it was an accident.

The guy just couldn't withstand my illusion technique, ended up being defenseless against my Lightning Style, and died. What could I do?"

Kaito also seemed somewhat helpless. Shisui had been harping on this issue more than once during their walk. If Kaito could have it any other way, he wouldn't want this to happen either.

But what's done is done, and Kaito can't change that. Moreover, he's aware of the severity of the matter, or else he wouldn't have briefed the other six families.

"Let's focus on the meeting we're about to attend; it's very important.

If all goes well, I intend to nominate you as a participant in the mission. I might even lobby for you to be the team leader."

At Kaito's words, Shisui took a deep breath, nodding solemnly in agreement.

Just a short while ago, Kaito received a notice inviting him to a high-level meeting, one that was scheduled in response to recent events.

Kaito instantly grasped the situation: likely, Asuma's timing for taking action had been decided, along with matters concerning the Daimyo.

Kaito could indeed get intelligence on Asuma's activities within the Sarutobi clan; this was sent to him by Hyuga and Aburame.

Though the intelligence had a slight delay, upon seeing it, Kaito couldn't help but rejoice. Isn't this a mirror image of the Uchiha clan? Isn't what Asuma is doing now exactly what Uchiha Madara aimed to do?

They just have a more specific objective, that's all. Besides, Kaito isn't as ruthless as Sarutobi Hiruzen, which is why they even have a slim chance at life.

However, even with that slim chance, there are some guys Kaito won't let live—no mercy.

Those extremists would be better off in the Pure Land, having tea with Hiruzen, than suffering in the human world.

Kaito has no intention of participating when Asuma makes his move, and Konoha absolutely shouldn't either.

In Kaito's eyes, it's a dog-eat-dog situation, and Konoha must not intervene in clan affairs. Breaking this principle is absolutely forbidden.

Otherwise, Hyuga Hiashi wouldn't have come seeking help, or discussed getting Konoha involved with Jiraiya.

When it's a matter of principle, you grit your teeth and endure, no matter how tough.

As for taking action against the Daimyo, that's another issue to be thoroughly discussed in the upcoming meeting. Unless something unexpected happens, Konoha will also send their own team to the capital of the Land of Fire to do... something.

To ensure the task's smooth completion, Kaito plans to get Shisui involved.

There's no doubting Shisui's capabilities; when he makes his move, things will undoubtedly proceed smoothly.

But let's be frank, this mission is also an opportunity to earn merit, so those who go will definitely form a combat squad.

Even in a necessary situation, it's not impossible for all seven major families to simultaneously send representatives.

After all, Ino-Shika-Chō could form a combat team, while Hyuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka could constitute a reconnaissance team.

Kaito has seen these configurations in the original work; and the instructors for these two teams are rather interesting in the original work as well.

Ino-Shika-Chō is led by Sarutobi Asuma, while Hyuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka are led by Asuma's fiancée, Kurenai.

It's not hard to see this is Hiruzen setting the stage for Asuma. Just unlucky that Asuma bit the dust halfway. Otherwise, whether Kakashi could become the Sixth Hokage would be up in the air.

"But I seem to recall that the future Eighth Hokage is most likely going to be Konohamaru. Seems like I've done some good work breaking up certain monopolies, eh?"

Kaito murmured to himself. At this moment, he had arrived at the base of the Hokage Building. Lifting his gaze ever so slightly, he could see the Hokage Monument towering behind the building.

Gazing at the statue belonging to Sarutobi Hiruzen, a wry smile spread across Kaito's lips.

"Unexpected, isn't it? The Uchiha clan's planned night of annihilation never occurred. Yet now, it seems your Sarutobi clan will have to bear a new night of annihilation."

//

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