"So, you used this method to lure Orochimaru in?"
Inside a hotel in the Land of Hot Water, Takemi and Jiraiya were packing their things while discussing the situation.
However, after hearing Jiraiya's account, Takemi's expression became very strange. He was a bit confused about what was going on with these two.
"Hmph, my methods are far superior."
Jiraiya snorted a couple of times, but seeing Takemi's gaze, he chuckled and shook his head.
"Alright, don't look at me like that. I know that Orochimaru is most likely doing it on purpose."
"He might want me to retreat in the face of difficulty, or perhaps he wants to divert my attention, especially since Itachi is also involved."
"This indicates that this organization is both dangerous and troublesome, but this time, my target is that organization!"
Jiraiya's objective was very clear. He regretted not being able to make further progress on the Orochimaru matter.
But with such a dangerous organization, and two Uchiha with Mangekyo Sharingan within it, even Jiraiya had to recognize the priorities.
Moreover, in his opinion, investigating this organization was investigating Orochimaru, so it wasn't a big issue.
"However, the situation is a bit troublesome this time."
Jiraiya rubbed his chin, his expression somewhat troubled.
"That mysterious organization of Orochimaru's is hired by the Mizukage, which is very disadvantageous for us."
"Haha, indeed..."
Takemi smiled helplessly, and could only follow the conversation.
He said, "But isn't the internal strife in Kirigakure also not a bad thing? Anyway, I've heard that in past Ninja World Wars, Kirigakure has always been causing us trouble."
"That's true, but being protected by the Mizukage will obviously affect our investigation." Jraiya rubbed his chin, seemingly thinking about what to do.
"It seems I need to go back and have a good discussion with the old man."
"Indeed..."
Takemi nodded, but he still felt that things were a bit too surreal.
He could see it now. Jiraiya and Orochimaru, the two fellow disciples, were likely plotting against each other.
Jiraiya did understand Orochimaru well enough, but he didn't know that Orochimaru was no longer in the Akatsuki. He was simply leading Jiraiya towards the Akatsuki.
And Orochimaru was also ridiculous. Perhaps relying on his understanding of the Akatsuki and his own grasp of Kirigakure intelligence, he casually made up an excuse and reason.
But coincidentally, these largely overlapped with Takemi's memories, because the ultimate target was the Mizukage.
Takemi didn't know what to say. Everything seemed wrong, yet somehow also seemed right?
It seems that... everything was moving in a good direction.
"Alright, kid, you take your time packing."
Just as Takemi was inwardly complaining about these strange and messy things, Jiraiya suddenly let out a long sigh.
"We're leaving this beautiful Land of Hot Water soon. It's truly a pity..."
Takemi said, "You're regretting that Konoha doesn't have the same prosperous entertainment districts as here, aren't you?"
Hearing Jiraiya's words, Takemi couldn't help but roll his eyes, while Jiraiya looked disgusted.
Jiraiya said, "Nonsense! Am I someone who lingers on such things? Besides, this is merely the human instinct to love beautiful things."
"I am simply appreciating a touch of brightness in these mundane years, the vibrant colors of the vast mortal world!"
"You little brat, what do you know?"
"Hmph."
Takemi completely ignored him. Saying it so poetically, yet it was a place that even minors weren't allowed to enter?
How could he have the nerve to say he was just appreciating?
"Alright, you pack yourself, I have something to do."
Saying this, Jiraiya stood up and walked outside, which made Takemi a little anxious.
Takemi hesitantly said, "No, in broad daylight, and you just fought... you..."
"What are you thinking?" Jiraiya shook his head, then sighed.
"I'm going to that izakaya from before. The waitress's husband died at Orochimaru's hands. Although this has nothing to do with us, but..."
Speaking of this, Jiraiya gave a wry smile and said, "I feel bad about it, and her family isn't well off. Since I encountered it, I'll help her out."
"Alright, you wait for me here, don't wander off. I'll be back soon."
Hearing Jiraiya's words, Takemi also fell silent. Although it was a bit emotional, aren't humans emotional beings?
However, Takemi frowned again. He felt like he had been taken advantage of.
"Oh right, do you want me to bring you some tangerines? I saw them selling on the street earlier, they're very sweet."
While he was thinking, Jiraiya suddenly turned back and asked.
"..."
"Also, change your clothes. They're torn and ragged like a beggar's. Don't embarrass me."
Jiraiya waved his hand, then left.
"Hmph."
Takemi suffered a silent loss. He simply lowered his head to look at his clothes. Seeing the scratches and tears on them, his mood improved quite a bit.
"I didn't expect this time to be relatively smooth."
This operation was indeed quite smooth. Although the infiltration failed, in the end, everyone had a 'beautiful future'.
In the fight against Kimimaro and Jugo, Takemi had the advantage, but he didn't have the Sharingan, so it was naturally impossible to be completely unscathed.
Being grazed by Kimimaro's bone, or taking a punch or two when being flanked by Jugo, were all normal.
Especially when Kimimaro unleashed a full power attack at the end, performing the Dance of the Willow.
Even though Takemi used Purple Electricity for defense and cut off many bones, it was inevitable that he would still be pierced.
Just...
"The mission was successfully completed, and I obtained Kimimaro's Yang Release. There was actually such a change?"
After obtaining that Yang Release power, this Chakra instantly spread throughout his body, and he immediately felt that his body seemed to have undergone some slight changes.
His speed and strength seemed to be steadily increasing. But these weren't the most important things. The most important thing was his recovery ability.
Under the mobilization of this power, the wounds on his body stopped bleeding and healed at a visible speed.
And they were completely recovered before Jiraiya found him.
"What an incredible power..."
Takemi now understood Hashirama's joy. Every time he fought Madara, he was covered in injuries, but every time he could recover quickly...
Such powerful recovery ability made him practically a perpetual motion machine on the battlefield. Even Madara could only helplessly say, 'On the battlefield, no one can kill Hashirama'.
Takemi naturally hadn't reached that level, but this was sufficient for him.
"After all, the power is still slowly developing and adapting, besides..."
Slightly clenching his fist, Takemi felt that his bones seemed to be subtly absorbing his own Chakra.
It was similar to his eyes, as if something was being nurtured, but the progress of the bones was slower than the eyes, and they absorbed less chakra.
"This is enough. After all, time is on my side."
Takemi took off his clothes, which were full of holes, and then took out a new set.
Just as he put them on, he suddenly realized something.
"Damn, I'm slowly becoming Ōtsutsuki Hamura..."