Capítulo 135: Chapter 135 : Hidden Sand Village
Quietly, a metal equipment cabinet was carefully moved aside, and a long neck stretched out to survey the area cautiously.
The laboratory was bathed in a cold, white light, revealing everything in its transparent clarity. Despite the instruments functioning normally, an undertone of chill lingered.
As the neck retracted, Takeshi pondered deeply, wondering if he had forgotten something.
"Don't obstruct me," Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of indifference.
"..."
The two figures emerged from a dark corridor. This was Konoha's research laboratory.
"Even when you're returning home, you manage to be secretive. Truly, a failure!" Orochimaru's lips curled, a touch of disdain evident.
"I'm just being cautious. Cautious, you understand?" Takeshi protested.
Orochimaru shook his head and snapped his fingers.
"Master Orochimaru, everything is proceeding as planned. No one has inquired about our activities. Cell cultivation are thriving, and nutrient solutions are ample. Our medication enhancement is underway," Gudu and Senyu appeared, respectful in their tone, accompanied by a few individuals from the medical division.
Takeshi's resemblance to Orochimaru was striking, yet these individuals only show little confusion but didn't inquire, abiding by a sense of unwavering obedience.
"These... individuals, are they under your control?!" Takeshi sensed something amiss.
"These two are but insignificant pawns. The others were brought in under my discretion. I have merely reinforced some security protocols," Orochimaru's tone appeared nonchalant.
"..."
A grand villain remained true to form. Unlike Takeshi's vigilance, Orochimaru exhibited informality on certain occasions. His priority was efficiency and results in his work, rather than unfaltering caution.
It wasn't that Orochimaru lacked vigilance, but he comprehended what truly mattered to significant figures. He discerned the thresholds, what required safeguarding, and the weightiness of each matter.
Takeshi sighed, realizing that he had a long way to go before becoming the puppeteer behind the scenes.
Collaborating with his assistants, they collected, stored, and cultivated the cells acquired from Troy. These cells were a treasure, potentially providing an alternative for blending bloodline limit and successions, especially for someone specific.
Their recent departure hadn't been lengthy, yet the rewards were substantial. Whether it was the Gelel Stone or the cells from Troy, these resources necessitated time to process, and additional equipment was essential for further experimentation.
After careful consideration, Orochimaru remained in the laboratory to continue research, while Takeshi slipped away.
"Although I've distanced myself from Uncle Snake, it's irksome to maintain the Orochimaru identity. I'll have to seize an opportunity to establish my presence in Konoha."
Strolling through the streets, Takeshi contemplated his future actions. The luxury of having a clone like Uncle Snake, unburdened by such concerns, was enviable. Nevertheless, a formidable ally could occasionally provoke discomfort.
At the end of the day, Takeshi remained insufficiently potent—not merely in terms of strength, but also ruthlessness he lacked during three years of exploration. His ruthlessness and strength both required enhancement.
Abruptly, an ANBU operative leaped down from a tree, conveying a brief signal before promptly departing.
"ANBU emergency assembly... Could this be related to the incident?" Takeshi hastened towards the assembly point, encountering four teammates en route.
"Greetings, Captain!"
The four greeted Takeshi silently, noting the change in his disposition. While not as icy as before, Takeshi exuded an elusive, mysterious aura.
"Do you know what happened this time?" Takeshi inquired.
"...It's concerning the Wind Country."
Nightingale pondered for a moment before continuing, "Rumours suggest that our ANBU engaged in a mission, leading to a conflict with the Sand Ninja. Casualties were substantial, even injuring a high-ranking official."
As a member of the Senju Clan, Nightingale possessed extensive knowledge. Takeshi suspected the connection to his Gelel Vein battle, but how had Sand Ninja acquired the information so swiftly?
The Land of Wind was distant, rendering any survivors improbable. Could someone be manipulating events behind the scenes?
Takeshi ruminated. There was a sensation that a tempest was brewing, with the potential to reshape the destiny of many. Similar to a fish in a river, he occasionally emerged to glimpse the upcoming currents, yet he remained propelled forward by the stream's force.
"The Land of Wind unilaterally declared war against us. Although they haven't initiated major actions, our borders are under martial law, primed for armed conflict," ANBU members arrived, and Instructor Bull, an old acquaintance, announced this news. Predictably, the crowd was stirred.
"What audacity for those desert-dwellers to challenge mighty Konoha!"
A voice interjected, earning immediate agreement.
"Perhaps their impoverishment left them with nothing but sand, and they seek to stir up trouble for some resources, hahaha!"
A member from a prominent clan sneered, eliciting further endorsement.
"Don't be overly optimistic. The ninja world is volatile. Other nations might join the fray. After all, our First Hokage..."
A more pragmatic voice interjected, leading the conversation into a more rational direction.
"Enough! Maintain decorum! Silence!"
Instructor Bull's patience waned. These roughly forty recruits were ANBU from the Reserve Unit, with relatively limited training. Their discipline and abilities required refinement.
Takeshi and his four teammates remained silent. They had transcended the realm of novices, having emerged as the sole survivors from their last "glorious" mission. Rumours and biases set them apart from the newcomers.
"Black Snake, due to your excellent performance in our recent crisis and the urgency of the situation, your team's promotion has been expedited. Report to Area C, someone will receive you, officially designating you as a captain."
Instructor Bull's gaze towards Takeshi was complex. He held a partial understanding of the actual circumstances, yet his authority didn't extend to intervene.
But Lord Gen had sustained severe injuries. Danzo must be in shock, his attention recently diverted, and naturally he had disregarded the "insignificant" Orochimaru.
Perhaps under Orochimaru's influence, Lord Gen's demeanour had changed. Takeshi was no longer entangled with minutiae. His focus shifted to deciphering why Hidden Sand Village was seeking confrontation.
Takeshi recollected that Sand Ninja hadn't participated in the initial ninja war. The elimination of the Malza team by the Lord Gen might have sparked this situation. Regardless of the source of the leaked information, it warranted contemplation.
In the first battle in recorded history, Cloud Ninja suffered losses, Mist Ninja and Stone Ninja faced dissolution, ultimately leading to the emergence of the second generation of Kages.
Members of accomplished clans were left lamenting lost opportunities to suppress Konoha, a regrettable scenario.
However, with Lord Gen's scheme achieving success, the three nations were now plagued with suspicion. Why did Sand Ninja choose this moment to provoke a conflict? This occurrence was happening half a year sooner than historical records dictated.
"Could Black Zetsu be orchestrating this?"
After eliminating other possibilities, Takeshi perceived this as the most plausible explanation.
In a dim room, a man lay on an operating table, gasping heavily. Intermittent coughs wracked his body, inflicting immense pain.
Surrounding him, a cluster of white-coated figures move about restlessly, their expressions far from optimistic.
This individual was Mr. Gen of the ANBU, Danzo's younger sibling—Danzo Shimura.
Extensive burns marred his body. The corrosive mist had left its mark, and even the fire style deployed with Senjutsu chakra of Orochimaru also dealt him harm, exacerbating his injuries.
In addition, during his frantic escape, he traversed desolate terrains, avoiding potential traps. Isolation compelled him to forgo supplies and vigilance was a luxury he couldn't afford. By the time Konoha's reinforcements arrived, his condition was already dire.
Danzo stared at his clan brother, lying on the hospital bed, grinding his teeth in fury. At present, Lord Gen's form was enveloped in bandages, except for his eyes.
The clash with Takeshi had ravaged Lord Gen.
Danzo's brother, Lord Gen, had suffered immensely in his clash with Takeshi. His body was heavily bandaged except for his eyes.
***********
"Is this the stone from the vein?"
Tobirama examined a fragment of Gelel Stone, his eyes reflecting deep contemplation.
As recounted by Lord Gen, Sand Ninjas weren't the only opposition. Uchiha Shinobi was present as well.
The destruction of the Gelel ore vein led to a cascade of energy, transforming the landscape dramatically and relinquishing the remaining ore to the Uchiha.
Considering the implications, Lord Gen disclosed the existence of "Uchiha Dragon," a secret no longer safeguarded.
The recent black market scandal had been carefully managed, yet Tobirama was despondent he hadn't exercised enough caution.
Regrettably, he hadn't recognized the connection between the vein's expansion and a certain familiar energy—his elder brother's—the chakra of Senju Hashirama! A discovery of immense significance to the Senju clan Clan.
It was disheartening that they had dispatched few personnel and hadn't anticipated other parties joining the fray.
Tobirama surmised the "Uchiha" might be remnants from the Warring States Period.
"Those Sand Shinobi... I'm uncertain of your role in this, but declaring war on Konoha demands retribution!"
Tobirama declared, his voice seething with a vengeance.
He exited the room, sunlight illuminating his sea-blue armour, imbuing him with an air of stern resolve.
"I will guard the village on behalf of my elder brother. Those who dare provoke us will pay the price!"
**********
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