Uchiha Hikaru gave a slight nod, signaling his agreement with Orochimaru's suggestion.
That subtle shift sparked a glint of cunning in Orochimaru's eyes, and he couldn't help but lick his lips in excitement.
Although Hikaru had supported many of Orochimaru's various projects, there was one line he had never crossed—human experimentation.
This restriction had greatly slowed Orochimaru's progress in some key areas of research, much to his frustration.
Now that he'd finally received Hikaru's tacit approval, the excitement brewing inside him was palpable.
But Tobirama's voice cut in like a bucket of cold water, instantly darkening the mood:
"Is this really the right thing to do? To treat life with such disdain?"
At those words, everyone—including Hikaru—turned to look at Tobirama. Their gazes were filled with something difficult to describe… something strange.
Hikaru raised a brow, his tone half-joking, half-curious:
"Did the First possess you or something? Never thought I'd hear such high-minded nonsense from you."
As the founder of countless forbidden jutsu—including Edo Tensei—Tobirama's familiarity with human experimentation was beyond question.
For him to suddenly take on such a sanctimonious tone was… surreal. No wonder the others were giving him such odd looks.
Tobirama, of course, realized this as well. His aged face flushed slightly, and he gave an awkward cough.
"Age makes one sentimental, I suppose."
Trying to shake off the uncomfortable tension, he deliberately changed the subject in a lighthearted tone:
"Anyway, let's get going. I heard the Sakura Country is across the sea—you're not gonna make us swim, are you?"
His voice carried a teasing lilt, attempting to lighten the mood.
Hikaru looked at Tobirama—awkward but trying to play it cool—and couldn't help but chuckle softly.
After a brief moment of laughter, Hikaru's expression turned serious. He raised his hand and with a sweeping motion, summoned a brilliant teleportation gate that slowly materialized before them.
"Let's go. I've already locked in your destination," he said plainly.
Orochimaru and Tobirama exchanged glances, an odd premonition stirring in both their chests.
Something about Hikaru's demeanor seemed unusually mischievous—as if he were quietly brewing some kind of prank.
Still, they knew he wouldn't do anything to actually harm them, so with resigned expressions, they stepped into the glowing portal.
Chinatsu, having spent much time with Hikaru as his partner, understood him better than anyone.
So when she saw the playful grin forming on his lips, she gave his shoulder a gentle swat and scolded teasingly:
"What did you do this time? That smile is way too suspicious."
Caught red-handed, Hikaru gave a slight cough and straightened up, trying to appear serious:
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm just doing them a favor—sent them directly to their destination."
Before Chinatsu could reply, he continued quickly,
"Come on, let me show you what the livelier parts of this world look like."
With that, he took both Kaguya and Chinatsu by the hand.
In the next instant, the three of them vanished.
All that remained was a massive crater and the utterly obliterated Sakura Country Special Zone—silent testimony to their fleeting presence.
When Orochimaru and Tobirama stepped through the teleportation gate, the first thing they saw was a squad of fully armed soldiers in defensive formation.
The soldiers clearly hadn't expected anyone to suddenly appear here—every one of their faces twisted in shock.
The officer in charge was quick to react. He drew his pistol in one fluid motion, aimed it squarely at them, and shouted:
"Who are you?! How did you get in here?!"
Orochimaru and Tobirama exchanged a glance and chuckled. Their earlier premonition had been spot-on—Hikaru had indeed pranked them.
Tobirama, however, didn't mind. In fact, there was a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
This place… it had potential. So many new "materials" worth studying.
Seeing the intruders refuse to respond, the officer's anger surged. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The sharp crack of gunfire split the air.
But to the officer's astonishment, Tobirama casually deflected the bullet with a kunai—at point-blank range.
The officer stood frozen for several seconds, unable to process what he had just witnessed.
But his military training quickly kicked in.
"Sound the alarm! Someone's broken into the Palace of Lord Commissioner!" he bellowed.
His shout jolted the stunned soldiers back to reality.
They scrambled in all directions to trigger the alarms.
Meanwhile, Tobirama and Orochimaru simply stood in place, quietly observing.
To them, these new arrivals were perfect—research specimens delivered right to their feet. No need to hunt.
In that moment, they seemed like amused spectators, watching a strange play unfold before them.
Their eyes gleamed with curiosity and hunger for knowledge—already itching to begin a new round of experimentation.
And their new hosts did not disappoint.
Soon, wave after wave of soldiers surged in like a rising tide, surrounding them on all sides.
But what really caught the two shinobi's attention were the faint traces of unfamiliar chakra closing in from the shadows.
Ninja—dressed in shinobi gear—moving far more skillfully than the regular soldiers. They used the terrain masterfully, creeping in silently from all directions.
A flash of light passed through Tobirama's eyes. He turned to Orochimaru and asked:
"There are ninja here too?"
Orochimaru's lips curled into a crooked smile:
"Not quite like ours. They seem… weaker."
Those ninja clearly hadn't expected their stealth approach to be noticed so easily.
But by now, they were already in range—close enough to launch a lethal attack.
Some threw shuriken.
Some charged with kunai.
Others flanked and circled, weaving a web of coordinated offense meant to trap the two intruders.
Just as they closed in, Tobirama formed two quick hand seals and shouted:
"Water Style: Water Formation Wall!"
A torrent of water burst into existence, forming a swirling, impenetrable barrier around them, blocking all incoming attacks.
The enemy ninja didn't retreat despite the failed ambush. Instead, they became more cautious, carefully watching their targets for an opening.
They now understood: these two weren't ordinary foes.
But Tobirama and Orochimaru didn't intend to drag things out.
With a single-hand seal, Tobirama summoned a water dragon that roared into existence, baring its fangs as it lunged toward the enemy line.
At the same time, Orochimaru activated his signature technique—Hidden Shadow Snake Hands. Countless snakes erupted from his sleeves, slithering silently toward the unsuspecting attackers.