"I'm going too!"
Tsunade's eyes were resolute. She had to go to the Uzushigakure to confirm the true identity of that figure!
Although Nawaki was indeed dead, what if... She knew the mission wasn't something Orochimaru could decide. Without saying much more to him, she went straight to the Hokage Building to find Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Orochimaru watched Tsunade's retreating figure, his heart suddenly sinking.
He understood that Tsunade still hadn't let go of Nawaki.
After all, he was one of her few remaining relatives.
How could she let go so easily?
It was just like when he lost his parents... He completely understood Tsunade's feelings, but Nawaki truly wasn't coming back.
Hokage Building, Hokage Office.
With a bang, the office door was forcefully pushed open by Tsunade.
Tsunade slammed her hand onto the desk with swift determination and stated seriously, "I'm going on the Uzushigakure mission too!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was momentarily stunned, then realized Tsunade must have found out about Orochimaru's involvement.
He frowned slightly.
If it were a typical mission, he would let Tsunade go.
But this mission was absolutely impossible; it concerned the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and could not be handled carelessly!
Moreover, Tsunade was prone to acting on impulse, and if she ruined things, it would be disastrous.
Sarutobi Hiruzen refused, saying, "No!"
Tsunade glared with her beautiful eyes!
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained unmoved.
The two were locked in a stalemate for a moment. Seeing that Sarutobi wouldn't budge, Tsunade ignored him and left immediately.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned and ordered, "Keep a close watch on Tsunade. Do not let her leave Konoha during this time!"
"Yes!"
Several voices sounded from within the office, then quickly fell silent.
Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen had ordered, Tsunade went home and packed her bags, but as soon as she stepped out the door, she was blocked by Anbu members.
"Lady Tsunade, please don't make this difficult for us."
Several Anbu scattered around Tsunade, subtly positioning themselves to surround her.
Tsunade's eyebrows furrowed in cold anger, and she snapped, "Get lost!"
With a boom, Tsunade's Chakra erupted, making her clothes flap violently.
But the Anbu members were unfazed.
Tsunade took a deep breath, preparing to use her Monstrous Strength to force her way out.
Since they wouldn't listen, they might as well lie in the hospital for a few months—it would give them a long vacation.
Just as Tsunade was about to make a move, Uzumaki Mito's voice suddenly rang out.
"Little Tsuna, you just got back to Konoha, what are you planning to do now?"
Tsunade's Aura immediately deflated, and she hesitated, "Go to the Uzushigakure..."
The Uzushigakure?
Uzumaki Mito frowned and said, "The situation within the Uzushigakure is currently unclear. Rushing over there might be dangerous."
Since the Uzushigakure was rebuilt, no one had contacted her, so she wasn't sure if the Uzumaki Clan was still in power there.
Moreover, the Uzushigakure suddenly produced so many powerful experts. If a conflict were to occur, Tsunade might have difficulty returning.
"But..."
Tsunade opened her mouth, wanting to tell Grandma Mito about the person who resembled Nawaki.
But Uzumaki Mito interrupted, "I already lost Nawaki. Must I lose Little Tsuna too?"
Tsunade froze, then suddenly said dejectedly, "I understand..."
You're not the only one who lost Nawaki...
One day later.
Orochimaru departed from Konoha.
Tsunade specifically instructed him to carefully observe whether there was anyone resembling Nawaki in the Uzushigakure.
Since she couldn't go herself, she would entrust it to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru agreed outwardly, but inwardly he gave a wry smile.
Tsunade, she couldn't be going crazy, could she...?
Nawaki had clearly died right in front of him...
But out of guilt toward Tsunade, he still decided to observe the Uzushigakure thoroughly!
After all, this was also his objective.
He was eager to investigate what exactly had happened in the Uzushigakure to cause such a massive change!
From the Land of Fire to the Uzushigakure.
Given Orochimaru's speed, he reached the border of the Uzushigakure in less than half a day's journey.
Upon encountering the patrol guard unit at the border, Orochimaru openly handed over the Konoha documents.
Soon, the news of Orochimaru's visit to the Uzushigakure reached Chihiro's ears.
"Orochimaru?"
Chihiro was somewhat surprised. He had requested Uzumaki Kushina, so why had they sent Orochimaru instead?
What kind of scheme was Konoha trying to pull now?
However, he did not refuse Orochimaru's visit.
He said, "Bring him in."
"Yes!"
Just as Rukia was about to relay the orders, Chihiro suddenly spoke up, "Wait!"
Rukia respectfully stopped.
Chihiro's eyes glittered as he instructed, "Have someone give him a detailed tour of the Uzushigakure, specifically highlighting the Technical Development Bureau."
"Yes!"
Rukia withdrew.
Chihiro smiled inwardly.
Orochimaru was truly a rare Genius in the Ninja World.
Moreover, he was the Ninja World's Chief Scientist, always at the forefront of science.
Since such a talent had delivered himself right to their doorstep, how could he possibly let him go?
Conveniently, the Soul Society Court's Technical Development Bureau was missing a leader.
If they could secure Orochimaru, the Technical Development Bureau would be complete.
Furthermore, the shinigami transfer scroll they obtained earlier would finally have a use; they could turn Orochimaru into a Shinigami.
Of course, Orochimaru wouldn't be easy to capture.
Especially since the current Orochimaru wasn't the same obsessive person in the Late Stage who pursued eternal life.
But Chihiro believed that once Orochimaru saw everything the Soul Society Court had to offer, he would eventually be seduced... attracted to the Uzushigakure.
Uzushigakure border.
After Orochimaru waited for a while, a person with a slender build and a proud, ample bust appeared.
They had black hair styled in a bob with straight bangs and long sideburns, a braid tied at the back, and a red collar ornament around their neck.
A woman wearing a shinigami uniform resembling a short skirt kimono and thick-soled wooden clogs walked over.
She spoke softly, "I am Nemu, Lieutenant of the Twelfth Division's Technical Development Bureau in the Uzushigakure. Please guide me."
Since Orochimaru needed to properly understand the Technical Development Bureau, the Lieutenant of the Technical Development Bureau was naturally the most suitable person.
Twelfth Division, Technical Development Bureau?
A hint of surprise flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.
The Uzushigakure actually has a research institute?
Although surprised, Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged. He smiled faintly and said, "Konoha Envoy, Orochimaru."
Nemu nodded and said, "Next, I will take you to meet Lord Soul King."
Orochimaru nodded slightly, then followed Nemu toward the interior of the Uzushigakure.
Soon, they left the border and arrived at Rukongai.
Orochimaru's golden eyes flickered slightly.
Constructing this complex of buildings was no small feat.
However, the environment here seemed a bit desolate, which didn't quite match the Uzushigakure' current status as one of the Five Great Nations.
Moreover, the residents here seemed somewhat strange, looking completely dazed and confused?
Was it an illusion?
However, the closer he got to the center of the Uzushigakure, the more favorable the environment became.
And the residents became increasingly energetic.
At this point, Nemu introduced him, "This is Rukongai, it is..."
"The dwelling place of Souls."
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