章 164: Chapter 165 : Veiled Resolutions
"By the way, Tsushima, when you return, please take good care of Anbu's Nightingale. She holds great significance now. After her return to Konoha, Tobirama-sama and Danzo will seek her out. As for the details, you probably have an idea. Don't worry!"
As the tension of the impending war hung in the air, Homura added another statement.
"As expected." Takeshi wasn't caught off guard, Instead, a faint sense of anticipation grew within him.
"What, Nightingale?"
Tsunade was taken aback, wondering why they should be concerned about her. She planned to ask about it once they were back.
Homura clearly had no intention of elaborating further and promptly dismissed the group.
"Wood Release, it seems that this young lady, Nightingale, is about to step into the limelight. The teacher must be quite thrilled. After all, her power holds the potential to reshape the shinobi world."
"Orochimaru, I appreciate your assistance, even if I know you have your own motives."
Upon returning to Anbu's camp, Takeshi and the others were approached by Nightingale.
While Nightingale was somewhat under Takeshi's influence now, with her connection to the Senju clan and the attention of the Hokage, along with the aspirations Tobirama held, she felt that it might all be worth it.
In the world of ninja, there were no free rides. Furthermore, Takeshi, as their captain, had consistently turned the tide during moments of crisis, making her inclined to offer her support.
"Congratulations, but don't let your guard down too soon."
Takeshi's lips curled into a grin, a glint in his eyes. "There might be impending danger awaiting you upon your return."
"What? That's impossible!"
Nightingale was taken aback, almost crying out in shock, drawing suspicious gazes from those around her.
"How could this be? Don't speak nonsense!"
"Of course, it's plausible. However, it's not what you might assume. Tobirama-sama has vested interest in you, naturally."
Takeshi's voice carried a soft snort. He placed his hands behind his back and started his explanation.
"Let me clarify. You're aware of Tobirama-sama's expertise in forbidden techniques, right? In the past, during Hashirama-sama's time, he conducted various experiments that yielded considerable success. His current strength is in part attributed to those forbidden techniques."
Takeshi spoke solemnly, revealing truths from obscure sources.
"You... You're actually aware of this?!"
Nightingale felt a tinge of wariness. She had come across that information in her interactions with Tsunade during their childhood games.
"Sarutobi-sensei inadvertently let it slip."
Takeshi's demeanor appeared nonchalant, though Nightingale was growing increasingly tense.
"Konoha's current standing isn't exactly secure. According to Sarutobi-sensei, Tobirama-sama has once again embarked on experimental ventures to attain greater power. He seems particularly interested in the strength of the first Hokage. These inquiries have ties to forbidden research, and it seems you're involved—particularly in relation to the cells of the First Hokage."
"What?!"
Nightingale exclaimed, her anxiety almost causing Tsushima to raise an eyebrow.
"Apologies, I have some ninjutsu inquiries to discuss with Black Snake."
Feeling the gravity of the situation, Nightingale pulled Takeshi aside, heedless of the curious stares.
"What exactly are you implying? And how do you possess such knowledge?"
Her gaze bore into Takeshi's, her eyes cold.
"Hehe, don't dwell on how I came by this information. Focus on safeguarding yourself. You're familiar with Danzo, aren't you? While he might belong to Anbu, his methods differ from ours. We can't consider ourselves the same division."
Takeshi's approach was strategic, exploiting Nightingale's vulnerabilities.
"You're aware that Danzo conducted numerous experiments within Anbu. This time, Homura-sama mentioned that both Tobirama and Danzo will be seeking you out. Do you believe it's merely for a personal mission given your elite Chunin status?"
Takeshi was right. Tobirama and Danzo were indeed researching Hashirama's cells, and Tobirama endorsed Danzo's experiments. Even under Sarutobi's Hokage tenure, he maintained significant influence from Tobirama's legacy.
Nightingale's Wood Style had advanced significantly, if still inferior to the First Hokage's. However, it was sufficient for their research.
"You mean, Tobirama-sama might experiment on me?"
Nightingale's voice trembled. The sinister concept of human experimentation had surfaced, casting an unsettling chill in the air.
"Of course, he doesn't desire your harm. Yet, certain experimental risks lie beyond his control."
Takeshi grew solemn. After a contemplative pause, he continued, "Are you aware of the sheer potency within the cells of the First Hokage?"
"I..."
"Let's set that aside for now. My hypothesis may be off. Perhaps they are merely having a conversation, inquiring about your experience with awakening Wood Style."
Takeshi smirked casually, though Nightingale found no solace in it.
"What's your recommendation, then?"
"If they seek your blood, tissue, or information regarding Wood Style, be truthful—except concerning my involvement. Avoid arousing suspicion."
Takeshi pondered, then added, "Your existence is extraordinary in the shinobi world. You're relatively secure. However, one rule remains imperative: If they propose injecting you with any substance, refrain from immediate consent. Inquire about the nature of the substance and discreetly contact me."
Takeshi's tone grew grave. "Unless, of course, you desire death."
"Alright..."
Nightingale's survival instinct overpowered her confusion. She reluctantly retreated to the tent.
"Hehe, perhaps I've been too alarmist."
Takeshi wiped his lips, musing, "Nevertheless, I'm not entirely off the mark. If that wretched Danzo gets involved, especially in this era with nascent technology, Nightingale's fate is sealed."
...........
Within Konoha's Anbu headquarters, within a grim, dimly lit chamber, volunteers lined up, awaiting injections of intercellular medicines—essentially, awaiting their death.
In this grim workshop, the cells between columns remained insurmountable, an enigmatic specter that trapped them within this darkness. None would emerge alive.
The medical ninja responsible for administering the injections had become desensitized. He was the sixth in a line of medics, predecessors driven to madness or silence, pacified by Anbu.
At this moment, a medical ninja stood before another group of eager volunteers. These unfortunate souls remained oblivious to the nature of the injection. They still held onto dreams of becoming heroes of Konoha, ignorant of the fact that their names would never grace the memorial tablet, merely fading away in silence.
Life's two greatest tragedies are contentment and despair. The scene before them, portrayed by the medical ninja, represented the room filled with those hopeful volunteers.
Outside, Danzo sighed. Due to the alteration in history, he was conducting these experiments earlier than the original timeline.
However, an earlier attempt also meant a more rudimentary stage, which translated to more tragic ends.
Soon, an inhuman roar emanated from the room, and after a few moments, tranquility returned.
A medical ninja emerged, marked by desolation, and then abruptly collapsed into unconsciousness.
"...Eliminate them all."
Danzo's sigh resounded as he moved into another room, his gaze silently resting on a figure swathed in bandages and lying on a bed.
"Genshiro, have you made your decision?"
"I've resolved to do it, brother. Can a life devoid of such an attempt still hold any allure for me? Death would be preferable, a contribution to your research."
The individual on the bed was Shimura Genshiro, known as Lord Gen.
In the final confrontation with Takeshi, Genshiro had suffered grievous injuries. Without timely treatment, the wounds festered, leading to a prolonged and painful recovery.
Even if he were to recover, Lord Gen might find himself rendered ineffective by the severity of his injuries. In this era, ninjas didn't retire gracefully. The moment they possessed too much knowledge, the instant their strength waned, the outcome was all too clear.
Given that they both faced a vertical and horizontal demise, why not attempt the injection of cells between these lines? Success would lead to an unprecedented surge in power, forging him into an omnipotent hero!
It must be acknowledged that Lord Gen's resolve was far bolder than Danzo's.
"My dear brother, let you not perish!"
Danzo had never administered an injection that carried such a profound sense of sorrow. With an emerald gleam, the syringe within his grasp found its way into Lord Gen's form, without hesitation.
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