Kapitel 122: Guren

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**The Next Day**

Early morning.

Takuya walked out of the room, feeling invigorated. The previous night had been particularly enjoyable, as Anko had gone to great lengths to fulfill his every request, making the experience all the more pleasurable.

Naturally, Anko was still lying in bed, sound asleep.

After leaving the room, Takuya activated Kamui and arrived at Orochimaru's experimental base.

At the entrance, Kimimaro stood on guard. Seeing Takuya suddenly appear, Kimimaro immediately showed his respect.

"Takuya-sama!" Kimimaro bowed deeply.

"Kimimaro, how have you been lately?" Takuya asked calmly.

"Reporting to you, Takuya-sama, my body is fully healed. Orochimaru-sama has cured my blood disease," Kimimaro replied, his voice trembling with excitement.

For Kimimaro, who had once known only the darkness of a damp dungeon, a meaningful life outside had seemed unimaginable. But Takuya had brought light into his world, taking him back to Konoha and ensuring his blood disease was cured. This had fostered a deep, almost blind admiration for Takuya.

"Congratulations," Takuya chuckled softly.

With Kimimaro cured, it meant that blood diseases were no longer a death sentence—a relief, considering that his own children, who inherited a strong bloodline, were more susceptible to such illnesses. While he could protect his children, he wouldn't always be there for future generations. This cure would ensure he didn't have to worry.

"Takuya-sama, I will inform Orochimaru of your arrival," Kimimaro said, his voice filled with eager anticipation.

"Thank you."

Kimimaro hurried off toward the depths of the experimental base, his excitement palpable even in the simple task of delivering a message, which allowed him to serve Takuya.

Before long, the sound of footsteps approached.

Orochimaru emerged, dressed in his usual attire.

"Takuya-kun, why the surprise visit? You should just come in directly next time," Orochimaru said with a smile, his demeanor notably more feminine than cold.

"I prefer talking to you here," Takuya replied calmly. He had already decided it was best to keep a distance until Orochimaru returned to a male body.

"Takuya-kun, is there something specific you need this time?" Orochimaru asked, studying Takuya's expression.

"Do you remember Hiruko?" Takuya asked quietly.

"Hiruko… That's a name from the past," Orochimaru mused. "If I recall correctly, he was a ninja from my generation. He became a rogue ninja decades ago, and after that, there was no news of him. Why do you ask about such a person?"

In his memory, Hiruko had been an unremarkable ninja with mediocre talent—no strong bloodline limit, no extraordinary skills. Orochimaru was puzzled as to why someone like Takuya would take an interest in him.

"You don't need to know the details. Just draw his portrait. I'll have someone search for him," Takuya replied nonchalantly.

Orochimaru sighed softly, "Takuya-kun, your words can be quite hurtful."

Nevertheless, Orochimaru proceeded to sketch a portrait of Hiruko on the spot.

"Though many years have passed, Hiruko's appearance likely hasn't changed much," Orochimaru said, handing the portrait to Takuya.

When Hiruko defected, he had already been an adult. His looks wouldn't have changed drastically.

"Besides this, there's another task I have for you. Now that you've mastered genetic technology and have access to Hashirama cells and White Zetsu cells, I want you to create a device capable of continuously producing chakra," Takuya instructed.

"A device that continuously produces chakra?" Orochimaru repeated, frowning slightly.

"Yes, a device that can generate chakra on its own and store it," Takuya clarified.

If such a device could be developed, it would eliminate concerns about running out of chakra. Takuya didn't expect it to match the power of the tailed beasts, but it could serve as a reliable "power bank" for ordinary Kage-level ninjas.

"I see," Orochimaru nodded. Every time Takuya made one of his unusual requests, it led to revolutionary advancements in the ninja world. Orochimaru found himself constantly amazed by Takuya's innovative thinking.

"That's all for now. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," Takuya said, preparing to depart. He didn't have much else to discuss with Orochimaru.

"Wait, Takuya-kun. I have a gift for you," Orochimaru called out, stopping Takuya in his tracks.

"A gift?" Takuya echoed, surprised.

"If it weren't for you, Takuya-kun, I wouldn't be where I am today. So, consider this a token of my gratitude," Orochimaru said softly.

Takuya had provided him with the most advanced laboratory in the ninja world, rare and precious experimental materials, and a wealth of knowledge that had enlightened him in many areas.

"Come out," Orochimaru called calmly.

A tall woman with striking blue hair stepped forward.

"Greetings, Takuya-sama," the woman said, kneeling respectfully before him.

"Her name is Guren," Orochimaru explained. "She was originally intended to be my next vessel. She possesses a rare kekkei genkai—Crystal Release. It's a powerful ability that can instantly crystallize any object."

As Orochimaru introduced Guren, a slight smile played on Takuya's lips.

Orochimaru had a knack for finding and providing useful allies. First Anko, and now Guren—it seemed his instincts were sharp.

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Guren, from now on, you will follow Takuya," Orochimaru said softly, his tone firm but with a hint of finality.

"Understood," Guren responded immediately. As Orochimaru's subordinate, she was well aware of Takuya's influence and power. Following a ninja who even Orochimaru respected was something she could accept without hesitation.

"Takuya-kun, are you satisfied with my gift?" Orochimaru asked with a knowing smile.

"Not bad," Takuya replied, his voice casual.

"Orochimaru, if you discover anything new in the future, remember to contact me immediately. And make sure it's someone of quality; otherwise, I'm not interested," Takuya said, his tone commanding but with an air of nonchalance.

"Understood," Orochimaru replied. With that, he turned and left the laboratory, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Kimimaro, who had been standing nearby, couldn't help but glance at Guren with a mix of envy and admiration. Guren was fortunate to have caught Takuya's eye. He wished he could be in her place.

"Guren, let's go," Takuya said, his voice breaking through her thoughts.

"Yes," Guren nodded, and before she could process what was happening, her surroundings twisted. A wave of dizziness overtook her, and when she regained her bearings, she found herself in the Hokage's office.

"This... time-space ninjutsu?!" Guren exclaimed, the realization hitting her hard.

"Haha, it's just a little trick for getting around," Takuya said lightly, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

A little trick? Guren thought to herself. Time-space ninjutsu was one of the most difficult and powerful techniques to master. To teleport from Orochimaru's base to the Hokage's office in an instant was an incredible feat. Yet, to Takuya, it was merely a "little trick."

"Okay, Guren," Takuya began, his tone softening, "although Orochimaru gave you to me as a gift, I want to ask you—how do you wish to stay by my side?"

Guren paused, her thoughts racing. "Takuya-sama, I have no identity of my own. As long as you wish it, I will do anything for you."

"Don't speak like that," Takuya replied calmly. "Here, you can speak your mind freely."

"Yes!" Guren nodded eagerly. After a moment's thought, she glanced at Takuya and spoke slowly, "Takuya-sama, I want to be your bodyguard, to protect you."

"Is that all?" Takuya asked, his tone neutral.

"No! If that's not what you want, please disregard what I said," Guren hurriedly added, a hint of panic in her voice.

"Don't be afraid. I'm just a little disappointed. I originally thought that with my charm, you might want to become my wife," Takuya said, feigning disappointment.

"What? Become your wife?!" Guren asked, her eyes wide with shock.

"That's right. I've been planning to choose a wife. If you're willing, I could marry you," Takuya chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Guren was completely stunned. She had never imagined that Takuya would consider marrying someone like her. Powerful ninjas like Takuya typically chose wives with impeccable strength and prestigious family backgrounds. Guren, an orphan adopted by Orochimaru, had lived a life shrouded in darkness. Being valued by Takuya was already an honor beyond her dreams, but the thought of marrying him left her speechless.

"Guren, what do you say? Do you want to?" Takuya asked, his voice gentle but probing.

This was sudden, and he wouldn't blame her if she refused.

"I… I do! Of course, I do, Takuya-sama! I..." Guren stammered, overwhelmed by emotion. She had always sought a purpose, someone worthy of her loyalty. But to have the opportunity to marry someone like Takuya was beyond anything she had ever hoped for.

"That's great. I'll start preparing for our marriage right away. And remember, you don't need to be so formal with me. I promise to give you a life far happier than a normal person could ever have."

"Takuya-sama, thank you," Guren said, her voice filled with sincerity.

"You're welcome. From now on, you're my wife—no need for formality between us," Takuya smiled warmly. "By the way, once I finish today's tasks, I'll introduce you to the others."

"Yes!" Guren replied, her heart racing.

As Takuya turned to his desk to handle some documents, Guren stood quietly behind him, watching his every move. The more she observed, the more captivated she became. Takuya wasn't as cold and arrogant as she had imagined. Instead, his kindness toward her was so genuine that she wondered if she was dreaming. Such a man—what reason did she have not to marry him?

"Guren?"

"Ah?" Guren snapped out of her thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?" Takuya asked, a gentle smile on his face.

"Takuya-sama, it's nothing. Have you finished your work?" Guren asked, trying to regain her composure.

"Yes. Now, follow me. I'll introduce you to the others," Takuya said, rising from his seat.

"As you command," Guren replied automatically.

"I told you, don't be so formal," Takuya frowned slightly.

"Oh, I understand," Guren nodded, trying to relax. It was time to meet Takuya's other wives. She carefully adjusted her appearance, her nerves on edge. She had faced countless life-or-death situations without breaking a sweat, but now she was so nervous she could barely stand.

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