A special thank you to all my patrons.
The List of My "Wandering Reader":
-[ ]
-Cain
-Jacob Mooe
-Varun Madhu
-Mp Gaming
-Paul Panzer
-Austin Levy
-Aziz Makda
-TylerD
You can read 30 chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.
P@TREON - [email protected]/lessaservantofcosmos
(just replace the "@" with "a")
ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Speak. What is it?" Orochimaru led Kabuto Yakushi into the resting room and had someone bring him a cup of tea. "What does Lord Danzō need that requires you to rush here in person?"
Given his past financial dealings with Danzō, Orochimaru still maintained enough patience to speak with Kabuto.
Recently, his luck had been terrible.
His reincarnation technique had stalled, Kimimaro's body was deteriorating, and now he was left with only one suitable vessel.
And just as things couldn't get worse, Danzō had sent Kabuto to him—undoubtedly with more trouble in tow.
"Lord Danzō wishes to invite you to Konoha," Kabuto said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Orochimaru let out a cold laugh. "Didn't he say he had no use for me before?"
"At the time, Lord Danzō was unaware of Tsunade's intentions. Now, the situation has become clearer," Kabuto explained.
"Oh? And why has she returned?" Orochimaru countered.
"While her true motives remain unclear for now, the Third Hokage holds her in high regard… The First and Second Hokage were both from the Senju clan. If the Fifth Hokage were to return to the Senju, it wouldn't be unexpected. Moreover, the Senju still hold considerable influence in Konoha," Kabuto reasoned.
By convention, the Fourth Hokage should have been chosen from among the "Legendary Three."
Orochimaru, obsessed with human experimentation, had defected from the village. Tsunade, heartbroken by the deaths of Nawaki and Dan Katō, had left Konoha in despair. And Jiraiya, believing he needed further training while seeking a disciple who could change the world, had embarked on his own journey.
Thus, the mantle of Hokage had fallen to Minato Namikaze. But after the "Nine-Tails Incident," Konoha lost its leader once more, forcing Hiruzen Sarutobi to reclaim the position.
In truth, Danzō had always lurked in the shadows, screaming internally: Are the people of Konoha blind? He was the most suitable candidate for Hokage.
But as long as Hiruzen remained, his chances were slim.
Danzō had been scheming for something grand, but those plans had been abruptly interrupted. And now, Tsunade had returned from her travels. Unless both Hiruzen and Tsunade were removed, his path to becoming Hokage was nearly impossible.
"I see," Orochimaru murmured, his eyes narrowing as he studied Kabuto. "Danzō still wants to be Hokage. Pity—he was never a candidate. But that's none of my concern. I have no interest in getting involved."
His true ambition was to master every ninjutsu in existence. But human life was finite, which was why he sought the secrets of reincarnation.
"That's precisely why I'm here," Kabuto said with a smile. But as Orochimaru's gaze turned sharp and icy, his grin stiffened, a chill running down his spine.
"Are you suggesting you have the means to change my mind?" Orochimaru pressed.
"Not at all. But a mere letter or summoning creature would hardly convey sincerity," Kabuto quickly clarified.
Orochimaru scoffed.
As if he'd believe Kabuto's words.
If Danzō had sent a letter or a summons, he wouldn't have even bothered responding.
"Regardless, I have no reason to return to Konoha. None whatsoever," Orochimaru said, feigning a yawn.
If Tsunade had invited him back, he might have considered it.
If there was anyone in the world who could treat the complications of the "Dead Bone Pulse," it would be her.
"Lord Orochimaru, you're making this difficult for me," Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Lord Danzō said that if you agree to return, his offer will satisfy you."
"What offer?" Orochimaru countered.
"That… is beyond my knowledge," Kabuto admitted.
Orochimaru eyed him. "You should know better than anyone—Danzō is not a man to be trusted."
"I don't have much choice," Kabuto forced a weak smile.
Orochimaru's brow arched slightly, his lips curling.
So, Kabuto still hadn't found Nonō Yakushi.
A shame. If Orochimaru knew her whereabouts, Kabuto would have made an excellent pawn.
"Then there's no need for further discussion. If you have nothing else, you may leave," Orochimaru waved dismissively.
Konoha might appear stable on the surface, but beneath, turbulent undercurrents were already stirring.
Returning now, unless the benefits were immense, was out of the question.
Kabuto frowned. Orochimaru's reaction was exactly as Danzō had predicted.
"My lord, though I don't know the specifics of Lord Danzō's offer, he did leave me with one message: whatever you desire, if it's within his power, he will provide it," Kabuto said.
"Oh?" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "Anything?"
Kabuto swallowed. "Y-Yes… within reason, of course."
"Then it might be worth considering," Orochimaru mused, stroking his chin. "Very well. I want an Uchiha clansman."
With Kimimaro's condition worsening, he needed a backup.
Relying solely on Midorima was too risky.
As for the Hyūga clan—
The main family's numbers were limited. Kidnapping one would provoke their wrath. And the branch family? The "Caged Bird Seal" made them far inferior to the main house.
Kabuto blinked, then nodded quickly.
While the Uchiha were formidable, there were still weaker children among them. Abducting one and handing them over to Orochimaru shouldn't be too difficult.
---
Midorima's interest in the [Cell Laboratory] had surged.
Though the "Cursed Mark" remained unsolved, the changes in his chakra filled him with anticipation.
If all went well, he should have a breakthrough within six months.
From what he knew of Orochimaru's progress, the reincarnation technique wouldn't be ready within that timeframe.
Just as he was planning his next half-year, Orochimaru knocked on his door.
"Prepare yourself. We're leaving," Orochimaru said.
"Leaving? For where?" Midorima was baffled.
"Konoha."
"Why would I go to Konoha?"
"Because I am."
"What does that have to do with me?" Midorima grew even more confused.
He had just driven Tsunade back to the village.
She was probably locked in a battle of wills with Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane by now. Who knew if Danzō was spectating from the sidelines?
Midorima had no issue stirring the pot.
If the Uchiha clan was a "landmine," then he'd give it a little tap—just to see who got caught in the blast.
But being dragged to Konoha now? That was like throwing himself into the fire.
The worst part? He had dug this pit.
"You'd rather stay here and wreck my lab? Besides, if you wanted to leave, who could stop you?"
Midorima had no rebuttal. That much was true.
But a trip to Konoha was bound to be anything but peaceful.
With that thought, Midorima let out a heavy sigh.
*
T/N: 🔥 Unlock Chapters in Advance – Join the \$12 Patreon Tier! 🔥
Support the stories you love and get exclusive early access to over 200 chapters across all ongoing series! Right now, enjoy a massive 45% discount using code "BEAR" — limited time only!
For just \$12/month, you'll receive:
📘 30 Chapters in Advance for each of the following:
-System to Dominate Football
-Douluo Dalu: Unlock the Body's Secrets, Rise as the Immortal
-I Am Uchiha Sasuke's Uncle
-Naruto: Saving the Uchiha
-Naruto: Starting as a Defector in the Hidden Mist Village
⚔️ 50 Chapters in Advance for:
-Cunning Three Kingdoms
👉 Join now, use code "BEAR" at checkout, and grab your 45% off while it lasts. Stay chapters ahead of everyone else!