Capítulo 202: Chapter 203 : Misfortune!
Tsunade spoke in a hushed tone, "So, what should we do? Seek help from the nearby Konoha stronghold?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "No, the stronghold we backed has been surreptitiously seized. There are undoubtedly Kumogakure spies. Given Kumogakure's recent display of power, the surrounding strongholds are no longer safe. We might encounter the same situation again and may not be able to escape."
After a moment of contemplation, Orochimaru continued, "We have two options. As you've witnessed, I can use my reverse summoning jutsu to transport us, but my coordinates are limited. Right now, the only absolutely safe option is to return to Konoha."
Tsunade questioned, "Could we head to our camp in the Kumogakure instead?"
"Sir Sarutobi's forces are on the move. The situation is uncertain, and the entire ninja world is in turmoil. It's perilous for us to go anywhere," Orochimaru replied.
In truth, he had other relatively safe coordinates like the Land of Demons and the Land of Moon, but returning to Konoha was the most secure choice, even if it meant avoiding the battlefield.
Announcing their departure from the war on their own terms upon returning to Konoha might shield them from criticism, but the Sannin had personal reasons for not wanting to go back.
"The second option is for us to head slowly in the direction of Sarutobi-sensei, quietly gather intelligence, and act accordingly," Orochimaru suggested. "Sarutobi-sensei will likely learn of our unit's failure in about three days. Knowing him, he'll send someone to inquire about our whereabouts. Moving in his direction increases the chances of encountering his messenger."
Jiraiya expressed his agreement, "Running back like this accomplishes nothing. Sarutobi-sensei didn't send us to the battlefield to watch from the sidelines. Only by facing trials and confronting the strong can we grow and stand tall!"
Orochimaru, observing Jiraiya's determined gaze, silently nodded. Despite the inevitable mistakes and idealism, Jiraiya, having faced the harsh realities of war, showed greater maturity compared to his earlier self in the original storyline, not only in strength but also in mental fortitude.
"I also agree. We can't abandon the battlefield like this. We must teach those Kumogakure shinobi a painful lesson!" Tsunade clenched her fists, haunted by the brutal scenes of Konoha ninjas being ruthlessly murdered. She felt her weakness, limited to medical ninjutsu, and wanted to overcome it.
"Very well. Since everyone is unwilling to give up, let's move closer to Sarutobi-sensei's direction," Orochimaru agreed. Having such strength and mentality at their age was already commendable. The newer generations, graduating from the ninja school at twelve, were still inexperienced.
"Follow me, and remember to obey absolutely. I'll teach you some practical Anbu techniques. They're subtle, practical, and essential to learn," Orochimaru instructed, holding the Kusanagi sword in front of him.
He maintained a certain level of mental vigilance, occasionally using the power of Byakugan, leading the two through the shadows of the woods in silence.
Tsunade walked in the middle, with Jiraiya covering their rear.
"The situation is dire. The chakra aura we sensed is pure and peculiar. Whoever wields this power is prepared to reveal themselves. It's undoubtedly the black forces causing trouble in the shadows," Orochimaru observed the surroundings, his mind working quickly.
"The Kumogakure ninjas and Konoha's forces under control must be manipulated by Black Zetsu. This means that Black Zetsu is also involved in this war," he concluded.
Orochimaru furrowed his brow. The logic behind this explanation made sense to him. The Sand Ninja had abstained from the first ninja war in original history, but their sudden participation now raised suspicions of internal conflict.
"Is it because they perceive Konoha as too formidable, and they seek to deplete our strength?" Orochimaru pondered aloud.
"In truth, the method is rather straightforward. Black Zetsu is a creation born of Yin and Yang release. Presently, I doubt anyone in the ninja world can easily uncover his existence. Control a few ninjas, leak some confidential information, and animosity between factions will naturally arise.
Moreover, Black Zetsu won't need to act personally; he can manipulate events from the shadows until the very end. Considering Black Zetsu-controlled ninja emerged at that time, Black Zetsu probably wasn't physically present."
Orochimaru sighed, "The real question now is whether he's merely seeking an opportunity to sow chaos in the ninja world or if he has his sights set on us!"
A weighty expression settled on Orochimaru's face. The biggest adversary for the transmigrator in the ninja world was the existence of Black Zetsu or Madara Uchiha. Regardless of their actions, Black Zetsu could know from the shadows. No matter how discreet one tried to be, once noticed by them, the situation would turn unfavorable, as enemies could exploit both open and secret vulnerabilities.
Black Zetsu, in particular, was an enigmatic figure—cunning and surviving for millennia. His lifespan was likely infinite, given his status as an energy entity. While Black Zetsu's strength might not be overwhelming, his abilities were undeniably peculiar. Even Uchiha Madara fell prey to his schemes, a fact that left Orochimaru concerned.
"It appears we must locate his main body. This is a crucial matter; if Black Zetsu continues to observe me, my secrets will be laid bare. There's no sense in guarding against thieves for a thousand days..."
"By the way, Black Zetsu should be most interested in Madara Uchiha's situation right now. After all, according to the timeline, Madara should still be in the process of awakening the Rinnegan. That's undoubtedly his primary concern!"
Orochimaru suddenly realized that Madara was the key. With no White Zetsu army, Black Zetsu's energy was limited, and his attempt to orchestrate chaos in the ninja world was likely just a capricious endeavor.
"In that case, the optimal strategy is to find someone to divert his attention, preventing him from focusing on us!"
A revelation dawned on Orochimaru, and the ideal candidate for this role was none other than Takeshi.
"Orochimaru, what's going on with you?" Tsunade inquired, puzzled by Orochimaru's sudden pause.
"...nothing."
Orochimaru continued, and in his mind, the image of Uchiha Dragon's vest had already surfaced.
Takeshi, adopting the persona, was the perfect candidate to engage in black market transactions, disrupt the ninja world, and create chaos. His body embodied the highest form of orthodox Senjutsu art, with true essence as his energy and white-scaled snake blood providing an easy cover for his true identity.
Takeshi operated in the shadows, drawing attention to himself. Whenever he encountered prying eyes or trouble, he could effortlessly retreat to Ryūchi Cave.
The Three Great Sage Region, attached to the main world, were shielded by the power of Senjutsu. Even amidst the activation of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, illusions affected everyone except those within the Three Great Sage Region.
Some of these beings had experienced the dawn of the ninja era and the passage of two infinite monthly readings. With their strength and confidence, they could withstand the influences of the Ninja world, ensuring that Black Zetsu couldn't invade or spy.
Similar to Orochimaru, neither Madara nor Zetsu could control Takeshi's whereabouts. Releasing the Senjutsu chakra, the spores left by White Zetsu would flow, making Orochimaru even more elusive.
With these considerations, Orochimaru grinned.
"Then it's settled; you shall be the shield—my main body!"
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