68: Chapter 68 The Four Directions in MotionNaruto returned to his study at headquarters and tapped his fingertips rhythmically on the table.
The news of Sasuke's assassination of Orochimaru, like a rapidly burning gray fuse, has quietly stirred up the entire ninja world.
He first contacted Kabuto Yakushi in Otogakure:
Stabilize the situation in the Sound Village, eliminate Orochimaru's loyalists, and take full control of all his research data and experimental subjects.
Immediately begin screening for valuable talent and technology, establish secure channels, and secretly transfer them to the Land of Waves.
The action must be swift; the vital resources must be digested and absorbed before the Akatsuki and Konoha can react effectively.
Kabuto responded quickly: Understood, Chairman.
The main laboratories and archives have been taken under control, and screening and transfer work has been launched simultaneously.
After dealing with the hidden plot involving the Sound Village, Naruto quickly turned his attention to Konoha.
He connected with Aburame Torune, the current de facto controller of the "Root" branch.
Closely monitor the overall reaction of Konoha's leadership to the "Orochimaru's death and Sasuke's defection" incident, appropriately guide internal public opinion, and be sure to downplay the presence of the Apocalypse Merchant Guild in this incident.
Yu Nu Qu Gen replied: Monitoring has been implemented.
The advisory group was shocked, and the fifth patriarch ordered increased border security.
There have been attempts to inappropriately link the incident to the Chamber of Commerce, but these have been suppressed.
Once everything was arranged, Naruto leaned back in his chair.
Next, we need to handle the visible aspects properly.
He summoned the lark.
"In the name of the Chamber of Commerce, a formal diplomatic note was sent to Konoha."
Naruto instructed, "The note reads as follows: In view of the recent drastic changes in Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields, whose leader Orochimaru has been confirmed dead, the security situation in the area has deteriorated significantly, seriously affecting the normal business activities of our company in the region and the safety of our personnel."
"In order to maintain basic regional stability and protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Chamber of Commerce, the Tianqi Chamber of Commerce has decided to dispatch a 'Business Escort Team' to the relevant areas of Tianzhi Kingdom to conduct necessary security patrols and situation assessments."
"The Chamber of Commerce emphasizes that this move is purely for business and situation assessment purposes and is not targeted at any specific ninja village or force.We hope that Konoha will take note of this."
The lark quickly took notes, its eyes clearly understanding.
The chairman is trying to give his intervention in the Sound Village a veneer of legitimacy before any other party takes action, while also preemptively silencing any potential pretexts for Konoha to retaliate.
"Regarding the selection of the guard team?"
"Tie Zhou will lead the team, and a group of elites will be drawn from the Armed Forces Department."
Remember, publicly declare yourself a 'business escort team,' maintain a humble demeanor, but your actual capabilities must be sufficient to handle any emergencies.
"Understood." Yun Que accepted the order and left.
Naruto walked to the window and looked down at the well-organized headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce.
Next, we will wait and see how things unfold, and wait for all parties to take the stage.
Konoha Village, Hokage's office.
Jiraiya frowned as he looked at the detailed report presented by the Anbu regarding Orochimaru's death and Sasuke's defection.
"Orochimaru.actually fell for Sasuke?"
He still finds it difficult to fully accept.
How could Orochimaru, with his cunning and tenacious vitality, end up like this?
"Based on the intelligence provided by 'Root' and the feedback from our spies in the Land of Rice Fields, we can basically confirm it."
An ANBU ninja reported in a deep voice, "The Sound Village is currently in turmoil, and the specific details are still being verified."
Just then, a communications ninja delivered a formal diplomatic note from the Apocalypse Trading Company.
Jiraiya quickly finished browsing, and his expression turned extremely ugly.
"Business escort team?Security patrol?When did Naruto Uzumaki's reach become so long?"
He slammed the scroll in his hand onto the Hokage's desk."They've clearly got their eyes on the lucrative Sound Village!And they're making it sound so high-sounding!"
Red Bean swallowed the food in her mouth, somewhat confused: "So what?Sound Village isn't affiliated with Konoha."
"Orochimaru is dead, and things are in complete chaos over there.Now everyone is eyeing Orochimaru's legacy.Isn't that normal?"
She looked up at Jiraiya: "Old man, haven't you always said that Naruto doesn't follow the rules?Now that he's greeting people according to procedure, you're still not satisfied?"
Jiraiya choked.
Thinking about it carefully, Naruto couldn't really find fault with this, but the content of the report still made him feel uneasy.
He scratched his head of white hair in frustration: "Fine, fine!Let him go!As long as he doesn't cross the border into the Land of Fire and doesn't attack the Konoha ninjas, let him do whatever he wants!"
The Land of Rain, inside the tower.
Orochimaru, confirmed dead.
Looking out at the gloomy rain curtain outside the window, Pain suddenly spoke.
"Killed by Uchiha Sasuke… that Uchiha orphan has already achieved this level of skill!" Konan hovered in mid-air.
The pitcher plant's form slowly rose from the ground, its white portion carrying its usual playful chuckle: "Oh dear, Mr.Snake has really messed up this time~"
"However, the experimental data and talent accumulated by the Sound Village are quite a tempting asset!"
Black Zetsu was more serious: "According to the information Itachi sent back, the Apocalypse Merchant Guild has already taken action and dispatched personnel to the Land of Rice Fields.We need to speed up our efforts to capture the other tailed beasts."
Pain paused for a moment, then said, "Notify Kakuzu and Hidan to speed up the search for the Two-Tails.Deidara and Sasori, continue to monitor the movements of Iwagakure."
"As for Uchiha Sasuke.there's no need to deal with him specifically for now.The Avengers, having lost their roots, will come to us on their own."
The Kingdom of Waves, the logistics warehouse area of the Apocalypse Chamber of Commerce.
Afei was meticulously wiping the training kunai that had just been recycled and maintained with a clean, soft cloth.
Those with standard movements can serve as a model for logistics personnel.
My mind was racing with calculations.
Orochimaru is dead?Or was he killed by Sasuke?Interesting.It seems the last surviving member of the Uchiha clan is about to show his true colors.
The Sound Village.it must contain a large amount of Orochimaru's core research data on the Sharingan, forbidden techniques, and the Reanimation Jutsu.These advancements may be of significant value to the progress of Project Eye of the Moon…
Naruto Uzumaki is quick on his feet; he's already sent Iron Boat?That bandit leader has a keen sense of smell!
No, I have to find a way to access those documents.but given my current position as a menial worker.
Should I voluntarily apply for an assignment to such a dangerous place?This completely contradicts my core strategy of keeping a low profile and observing from the shadows!Damn it!
The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he felt, and the veins in his hands unconsciously bulged out.
"Ah Fei!" Tie Zhou's deep voice rang out at the warehouse entrance.
Obito snapped to attention, instantly switching to a slightly exaggerated tone: "Yes, Lord Tessū!What are your orders?"
Tie Zhou looked at him and nodded in satisfaction: "The chairman has ordered me to lead a team to the border of the Land of Fields to carry out a guard mission."
We need reliable personnel for logistical support.You've been doing a great job lately, so come with me.
Obito's inner thoughts: "!"
He suppressed his overwhelming joy, "Ah?Go.go to the Land of Fields?I heard things are quite unsettled there right now, Lord Tesshu!"
"What are you afraid of!" Tie Zhou patted his shoulder hard, and Obito barely managed to refrain from defending himself.
"There are plenty of skilled people in the team!This is also a good opportunity to broaden our horizons!Let's get ready quickly, we'll depart from the dock first thing tomorrow morning!"
"Yes.yes!Lord Tesshu!" Obito replied fearfully.
As Tie Zhou turned to leave, the corners of his mouth under his mask turned up in an exaggerated smile.
"When luck comes, there's no stopping it!"
"As expected, fate is on my side!"
Naruto's room.
Tsunade walked in carrying a bowl of freshly brewed medicinal soup.She saw Naruto standing by the window, his gaze distant, as if he were deep in thought.
"I heard you sent someone to the Sound Village?" She placed the warm medicine bowl on the table."You're quite swift."
Naruto turned around, naturally took the medicine bowl, and drank it all in one gulp."The timing is crucial, we can't miss it."
"What Orochimaru built up over many years cannot be wasted, nor can it fall into the hands of an unknown adversary."
Tsunade looked at him, hesitating to speak, "Sasuke."
Naruto put down the empty bowl and reached out to put his arm around her."For Sasuke, some things were just inevitable after he left Konoha.There's no need to be too sentimental."
Tsunade nestled obediently in his arms, her worries gradually subsiding.
"Oh, right," Naruto seemed to suddenly remember something, and whispered in her ear, his breath warm, "Why does Shizune seem to be deliberately avoiding me lately?"
Tsunade's cheeks flushed, and she playfully punched him, saying, "It's all your fault!"
Naruto chuckled softly, realizing what was going on.
"You're so shameless!" Tsunade glared at him, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes.
After a brief moment of tenderness, Naruto released her, his expression turning serious again."In the coming period, various forces are likely to make moves.The Chamber of Commerce needs you to stay and keep a close eye on things."
Tsunade nodded: "Don't worry, I'm here."
The next morning, at the port of the Land of Waves.
Tie Zhou's "Business Escort Team" has assembled and is ready to go.
Among the group, a figure wearing an orange spiral mask and dressed in the clothes of a merchant guild servant was cheerfully making a final inventory of supplies, checking in his head: "Thirty first aid kits.twenty sealing scrolls.Hmm, the quantities are correct!"
Obito felt that he was one step closer to his goal.
Naruto stood by the window on the top floor of the headquarters, quietly watching the ship slowly leave the port.
Next, we'll see who has the better skills.
He turned around, his gaze sweeping across the training field below.
Sakura was doing her morning practice there, and her movements looked more focused and powerful than yesterday.
In the distance, Ino's flower shop had just opened, and she was holding a newly arrived bouquet of flowers, carefully adjusting the display in the window.
At the port, the Sunagakure ships that Temari brought were still anchored, and the Sunagakure princess seemed determined to maintain a long-term relationship with the region.
The grand drama of the ninja world has only just begun.
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