章節 306: Chapter 306 - Shizune's Fear
Orochimaru's Lab. (Approx. 4 pm)
Sweat was slowly rolling down Shizune's face as she did her best to stabilize her teacher's vitals. Her hands glowed green as she was constantly monitoring Tsunade's condition and pouring healing chakra into her sensei's body. And to add pressure, Orochimaru was watching her every move.
The young medic looked at her blonde teacher with fear as she sensed what was happening within Tsunade's body. 'Her cells are being destroyed and created rapidly. Her fever is spiking again. The Leukocytes are treating the injected serum as foreign invaders and attacking them but the serum is fighting back trying to override the cells and DNA structure. It's as if the serum has a mind of its own. I never knew the blood of the first Hokage was so powerful. It's already been several hours. I don't know how much longer she can hold on if it keeps going like this.'
As Shizune feared the worst, to the side Orochimaru was also observing every change taking place in Tsunade's body. 'I was right. The serum interacts with Tsunade's cells and DNA, altering them to incorporate the traits of Wood Style. Hashirama Senju's blood is activating and suppressing specific genes related to awakening Wood Style abilities.'
Orochimaru drew a few samples of Tsunade's blood and examined it. A smile slowly grew on his lips and he turned his attention to his former teammate lying unconscious on the table.
'My hypothesis was correct. Tsunade has markers in her blood that would make it possible for her to awaken wood style but they were suppressed by the more dominant genes. Now that an outside trigger has been introduced into her system, her cells are starting to adapt and evolve. This will give her the ability to create and manipulate wood-based jutsu… But first I'll have to see if she can survive till the last stage.'
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Suddenly the alarms on the machines monitoring Tsunade's vitals started going off.
Shizune quickly placed her palms atop Tsunade's heart and examined her. "Her heart rate is elevated and blood pressure is increasing again. Her temperature is going up. She won't last long. You have to do something." Shizune turned her head and pleaded with Orochimaru.
The snake Sannin had a calm look as he came near his test subject. "Calm down. It's the side effects of the serum. Her body is adapting to the foreign cells so this is within my expectations. Over time, her blood might stabilize, but it would continue to carry the infused Wood Style chakra."
"Might!?" Shizune looked at the man with fear.
Orochimaru's gaze settled on Shizune and she saw no empathy from those orbs. "Yes. I modified the serum as much as I could to reduce the possibility of a fatality but there is a chance Tsunade will die. And should that happen, you will die along with your teacher. So you best make sure that doesn't happen." He spoke with a cold chilling tone.
"You.." The young medic gritted her teeth in anger and fear but she could do nothing at the moment but do her best to keep her teacher alive.
Orochimaru turned his attention back to the unconscious Tsunade and crossed his arms. 'I know the changes in your body are painful and life threatening. Now we'll see if your luck holds out. Will your body adapt to the serum or will you succumb to the side effects and die?'
—-
Fire Capital. 8:00 pm.
Daichi's shadow clone was in complete stealth as it made its way to the palace of the Third prince. He was using Mana skills to completely erase his presence from anyone's senses.
As Daichi slowly moved forward in the darkness, he still remembered the meeting he had with the man right after healing Jin. Daichi also remembered the words the third prince spoke at the end of their meeting. 'Damn it. He warned me. Why didn't I take better precautions?'
Daichi was angry with himself for not doing anything more about the warning he received.
If you need any help with Orochimaru, come find me.
Those were the words Katsuya Hinoo whispered to him just before he left.
'His warning was too vague. I thought he meant that Orochimaru might come after me or even Sasuke or the Leaf village. I just didn't expect that snake to go after Tsunade. Still, how did that man know? He must have some ways to track that snake. He's the best chance I have at finding Tsunade sensei and Shizune before anything goes wrong.'
The shadow clone let out a small sigh and concentrated on his task. He bypassed the guards stationed in the palace and quickly located the position of the prince and made his way to his target.
'I don't want to reveal too many secrets. If I enter without him sensing my presence he'll be even more vigilant in the future.'
Before reaching near the room where the young prince was, Daichi slowly let go of his defenses and let out a minute amount of chakra. He knew the prince had excellent sensing skills and would sense him quickly.
Daichi slowly made his way to the large door of the room and knocked.
"Come in." Came the voice from inside.
Daichi entered the room and kept a calm face as he saw the young prince of the Fire country seemingly waiting for him. "You're late." The room was a large study with various books and scrolls filling the shelves.
"You were waiting for me?" Daichi asked as he closed the door behind him.
"Of course. The recent commotions have drawn the attention of many." Katsuya spoke with a smile.
"Then you know why I'm here." Daichi looked at the man with slightly narrowed eyes. 'I half expected this.'
Katsuya nodded. "Yes… I have to admit though. I thought Orochimaru would be after you. Based on what I understand about him, he's always had a fascination towards talented and powerful people. An attack on Princess Tsunade was not something even I anticipated… Sit." The prince said, pointing to a chair near him.
"How did you know Orochimaru was planning an attack?" Daichi asked as he sat down opposite the man.
"I have my methods and resources."
Daichi couldn't help but frown as he looked at the powerful man. 'He's not my enemy but at the same time he's not my ally. I need to approach this as a negotiation if I want to get the information I need.'
"What do you want… your highness?" Daichi leaned back in his chair and got straight to the point.
"Aww no foreplay? Just straight to the nitty gritty. You're no fun." Katsuya had a small chuckle as he looked at the Genin. But seeing Daichi's serious stony gaze he decided to get serious as well.
"Do you remember the conversation we had the last time we were here?" The prince asked Daichi.
Daichi nodded his head as he recalled that day. "You wanted to form an alliance with me."
"Yes. You and I are similar. Our talents surpass our peers and our ambitions are much greater than theirs. If we're able to form a successful partnership then my resources will be at your disposal."
"You never told me what your ambition is." Daichi spoke as he looked at the man.
Katsuya smiled as he looked at the boy. Then he told the Genin part of what he wanted and Daichi's eyes widened in shock as he heard the man's goals.
Daichi immediately used his Chakra and Mana sense to see if anyone was spying on them. Seeing that it was just the two he let out a breath of relief. "Do you realize what you're saying?" He asked the man in a cold tone.
Katsuya became serious. "I do. Like I said, I'm recruiting talented people from all fields and gathering resources to implement my plans."
The gamer ninja was silent as he looked at the man in front of him. 'This guy… If anyone ever finds out his true intentions he'll be killed along with anyone who's helping him. Do I really want to take such a risk?'
Daichi was silent for several moments before he spoke again. "You're highness, if people find out about this not even your father will be able to protect you. You understand that right?"
Katsuya's eyes narrowed as he looked at the Genin. "Do not insult my intelligence Daichi. I'm well aware of the consequences should my plans be exposed prematurely."
Daichi looked at the man and sighed. "How many people know?"
"Including you… 3." The prince replied and Daichi was surprised.
"You trust me that much even though this is only just our second interaction."
Katsuya Hinoo nodded. "Let's just say I'm willing to take a gamble. A powerful ally is always a good thing. Your ambition is to become the strongest in the world. You were bold enough to say that straight to my face. I have a feeling you'll succeed. So Daichi, what do you say?"
Daichi leaned back in his luxurious chair and thought about the pros and cons of the alliance. 'I'll be able to do a lot of things much easier with his help. But if it ever comes to light what his goals are before I'm strong enough then I'll have to pay the price. I can just say no and leave but something tells me he'll have some sort of contingencies to deal with me. He wouldn't have revealed his intentions otherwise… No. Right now all that doesn't matter. My priority is to save Tsunade and Shizune. I'll deal with everything else after saving them.'
Daichi let out a sigh and looked at the man in front of him. 'If the real me were here, he would make the same decision.'
"I'm interested." Daichi gave a short reply and it brought a smile to Katsuya's face.
"What made you decide to join me? Is it just the matter with Tsunade?" The third prince of the Fire country asked.
The gamer ninja shook his head. "It's not just that. What you plan to do… If you… No. If we succeed, it will change this era forever. I want to see for myself whether that change would be for the better or worse. I want to be a part of it."
Katsuya nodded and smiled. "Good. What do you want to know about Orochimaru?"
"Where is he?" Daichi asked.
"I've been keeping an eye on Daimyo's of all great nations. Several months ago I noticed unusual activities in the Land of Stone. I assigned a couple of assets and soon learned that a minister in that country had a visitor and soon questionable shipments including high end medical equipment were transported through highly secure routes. My people can't be certain who the visitor was but I'm sure it was Orochimaru." Katsuya got up from his spot and quickly took a folder from the cabinet.
He handed the documents to Daichi and continued. "The transportation channels used and distribution methods had Orochimaru's fingerprints. It's not easy to spot his work but that snake isn't as clever as he thinks. I don't know what kind of deal that minister made with Orochimaru but he must be getting something extremely valuable for the risks he's taking."
Daichi quickly went through every page and committed the information to memory. 'He's right. If the Daimyo of that country or Tsuchikage finds out that a minister collaborated with a known criminal from a hostile nation it would be a death sentence… Based on this info, the materials brought in... Orochimaru was building a lab. But these documents don't point to any specific locations. Searching an entire country while avoiding their patrol squads will take a lot of time and effort. There must be an easier way.'
"Do you have any more information, your highness?" Daichi asked
"I'm afraid not." Katsuya replied without missing a beat.
Daichi knew it was a blatant lie and he looked at the man with narrowed eyes.
"I've given you enough information to narrow your field and start your search. Now, whether you find Princess Tsunade or not will be up to you." Katsuya spoke looking at the Genin.
"And here I thought we had formed a deal."
The third prince narrowed his eyes and looked at the Genin. "You can take this as a test of your abilities. If you fail to save her, then that means you're not as talented as either of us thought."
Daichi was slightly angry hearing that response but he quickly calmed down. 'I should have expected it. He wants to see what methods I'd use. He wants to gain more information on my powers and wants to know what kind of strategies I'd employ. I can't take this guy lightly.'
Daichi sighed as he stood from his chair. "Thank you for the information, your highness. I'll take my leave. I'll visit you after this incident is resolved."
The prince gave a small nod. "I do wish you the best of luck."
Daichi disappeared and quickly left the palace without alerting anyone. Soon he reached the outskirts of the capital and quickly scanned the area for any unwanted listeners. After confirming he was alone, clone Daichi created and dispelled another shadow clone informing his original of the events that took place and his plans moving forward.
The shadow clone Daichi then looked at the documents in his hand and made a decision. 'It's a bit too early to implement that plan but circumstances have changed. I suppose now is as good a time as any.'
The shadow clone took out a scroll and quickly put on the new outfit. After disguising himself in a new attire he used the transformation jutsu to change his appearance. Once all the preparations were completed he disappeared from his spot.
His destination - Land of Stone.
—-------------
Author's Note:
For anyone wondering about the events of this chapter regarding the third prince pls reread chapter 242.
If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
Patre on.com/MonkWithAPen (No space)
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MonkWithAPen Add to your library.
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章節 307: Chapter 307 - Quest: Infiltration
Kakashi's Team. (8:30 pm)
Kakashi, Daichi and the rest were halfway through their journey back to the village when Daichi got the memories of his shadow clone from the Fire Capital. Immediately afterwards a new quest appeared in his view.
[Quest created - Infiltrate and Locate.]
.
[Time is running out for Tsunade Senju and Shizune Kato. Infiltrate the Land of Stone and locate Orochimaru's laboratory all the while escaping senses of the ninjas of the Hidden stone village.]
.
[Conditions:]
Find the location of Orochimaru's hideout.
Do not let the Hidden stone ninjas sense your presence or identify you.
Complete this quest at least 2 hours before the 'Rescue Tsunade Senju' quest timer runs out.
.
[Rewards:]
12350 Exp.
Intelligence stat - 7 points.
Sense Stat - 10 points.
Luck - 4 points.
Increase in reputation to people who know your deeds.
Increased chances of rescuing Tsunade Senju and Shizune Kato
.
[Failure:]
Failure to complete the Quest 'Rescue Tsunade Senju'.
Increased hostility between Hidden Stone village and Hidden Leaf Village.
.
[This quest is automatically accepted.]
The Gamer ninja swiftly went through every line and closed the quest box. 'Searching the whole country for a hidden base by myself while avoiding patrol squads and to find it within such a short time frame… That's going to be an almost impossible task… Almost. In this case, the process of elimination would be best to narrow down my field of search. Hmm… My clone can use that disguise to avoid any troubles.'
The Genin let out an internal sigh as he then reviewed the conversation he had with the prince.
'Damn that guy. Even knowing the seriousness of the situation, he's willing to take a gamble with their lives. If nothing is done then Lady Tsunade will die and it could lead to an instability between the ninja villages and could even start a war. He knew that and still he's choosing to keep more information to himself. All that just to test what I'm going to do.'
Daichi quietly sighed as he thought about the matter from another perspective.
'I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. He's the prince of a large nation. And with that kind of ambition, I should have expected him to take such huge risks. From his perspective no matter how talented I am, I'm still just a child and one of Genin rank. He's willing to roll the dice and see if I can change the outcome of an event of such magnitude.'
Daichi clenched his fist as he jumped forward to another branch. 'He didn't give me all the info he had but still he did give me a starting point. I suppose I'll have to make do with that. First I need to shift our attention to the Stone country.'
"Sensei, did you find anything about where Orochimaru could be?" Daichi turned to his teacher and asked.
Kakashi was silent for a few moments before he replied. "Nothing solid. There were multiple scents leading from the battlefield in several directions. But I think there's a good chance they're all there to waste our time. He covered his tracks well."
Daichi turned his head and looked ahead with a silent gaze as he heard that answer. At that time Asuma spoke as if trying to cheer the boy. "Daichi, don't worry. We have the best tracking teams in the world. I'm sure dad's going to assign additional teams to this matter. If they're in Fire country we'll find them soon."
"That's just it. I don't think they're in this country anymore." Daichi gave a short reply that drew attention from everyone.
"What makes you say that?" Kakashi asked him.
"Old man Kensei and I would have shogi matches every once in a while and sometimes we would discuss several strategies on how to track your opponents over long distances, infiltrate enemy territory, hide from enemies of superior numbers and like…"
Everyone paid attention to Daichi as they made their way forward.
"I remember him once telling me that sometimes the best place to hide would be right under the enemy's nose. The Sannin in their early days, before they became renowned, pulled such a tactic once to escape a country with their cargo. It was a dangerous situation for them and dozens of squads were looking for them but they found a small place to hide near the enemy village. After about a week when the patrol squads believed the 3 had left the country and began to loosen their net, that's when they made their move. Tsunade, Jiraiya and Orochimaru were able to escape without the enemy being none the wiser."
"Then according to what you said, wouldn't Orochimaru use the same tactic here? Isn't there such a possibility?" Guy asked the boy trying to understand his thoughts.
Daichi shook his head. "That possibility is very small. Orochimaru isn't stupid. He would have anticipated our moves and what strategies and techniques we'd use to find him. He knows he can't use the tactics the third taught him. So unless I'm mistaken he's going to do the opposite."
"The opposite? What do you mean?" Anko asked.
"Orochimaru took Tsunade sensei and Shizune to another country and he's waiting it out all the while we're wasting time running around in our own backyard. By the time we're done with our search it'll be a few days and at that time we'd have to expand our search to outside our borders. I'd wager that during this time Orochimaru would pick a weak spot in our defenses and infiltrate into the country and hide again. And at that time there's a good chance Tsunade and Shizune won't be with him… At least not alive…" The uneasiness in Daichi's voice at the end was not lost on Kakashi or the others.
Genma turned his head and glanced at Kakashi. "What do you think?"
The one eyed Jonin was silent for several seconds as he thought about what Daichi said. A few moments later he spoke. "His theory has merit. Right now I'm sure the other nations have already noticed our situation and unusual activity. Even if we know that Orochimaru is in another country, if we recklessly cross borders and enter a foreign nation then it'll be seen as an invasion and an act of war."
"And if we sent a small force to infiltrate the country, our chances of finding and rescuing them in time would be slim to none." Genma realizes and says with a serious tone.
"But even if that's true we can't just stop our search here." Asuma spoke.
"No. We can't." Daichi answered. Then Jonins turned to the boy as he spoke.
"Orochimaru would no doubt have some bases built in this country to keep our attention here. No doubt decoys. But it would still force us to spend our manpower here."
"Are you basing this on the multiple scent trap he used?" Kakashi asked Daichi. The Genin nodded his head. "Yeah. His goal is to buy himself as much time as he can while evading us. What better way than to send us on a wild goose chase in our own country while he's safe and secure in another."
"Do you have a theory as to where he could be hiding?" Kakashi asked as he looked at the Genin.
Daichi was silent for several moments before he replied. "I have an idea but I need to speak to Lord Hokage before I say anything."
Kakashi nodded and the group silently increased their pace as they got nearer and nearer to the Leaf village.
Asuma and Guy were impressed with the Genin. 'He has an incredible mind. Coupled with his talents and skills…No wonder dad values him so much… ' The former twelve ninja guardian thought as he looked at the boy.
The rest of the Jonins were also silently trying to deduce where the snake sannin could be hiding.
—-
Orochimaru's Lab. (9:00 pm)
The Snake Sannin grinned as he looked at the vitals and examined Tsunade's state. 'Excellent. The turbulence in Tsunade's blood has subsided. Her vitals and body functions are slowly stabilizing.'
The morally compromised scientist took a sample of the blonde Sannin's blood and examined it again. The results showed that there were several changes within that blood sample from the one examined earlier.
'Her blood composition has changed significantly. There are several markers in her Genes that are showing similarity to Hashirama's blood. There is a great possibility of her awakening his heightened regenerative abilities along with wood style power if she survives.'
As he examined the blood Orochimaru's mind wandered to the mission he assigned Guren. 'She should have Daichi in sight or must have captured him by now. Either way she should be done with the mission in the next 24 hours at the latest.'
While Orochimaru was examining the new blood sample Shizune was beside her sleeping master, quietly looking after her. She sat on the nearby chair as she held Tsunade's hand.
'Please survive. I don't know what I'd do if you don't. There are so many people depending on you. I know the Hokage and Daichi are doing everything they can to find us. We'll escape from here. So please don't die.'
The young medic was tired but she soldiered on for her master. She looked around the room and knew that behind the only door stood two of Orochimaru's guards. Shizune knew her situation was dire but she still held out hope for both of them.
Several minutes later, just when Shizune thought her teacher was safe, Tsunade's vitals started spiking again. Shizune was startled and the commotion drew Orochimaru's attention as well.
"What's happening to her?" Shizune asked the man as he made his way over to them.
Before Orochimaru could say anything Tsunade's body suddenly started to convulse and the next second blood splattered from Tsunade's right shoulder and from her left foot and palm. Wood-like structures covered in blood were protruding from her body.
"Lady Tsunade!" Shizune screamed and quickly used her medical ninjutsu.
"It seems she's entering the second stage of her metamorphosis." Orochimaru spoke as he looked at the new development with a calm gaze.
Shizune heard the man and understood what was happening. 'In the first stage her cells, DNA and blood composition changed. Now the serum is altering her muscles and tissues. But these wood protrusions… Can she survive?'
As Shizune frantically tried to save her teacher, Orochimaru's eyes were fixed on the small wooden thorn-like structure sticking out of Tsunade's body. 'This kind of violent reaction even after I modified the serum… It means…'
A sinister grin slowly formed on the man's face. 'Yes. Hashirama's blood is integrating with her body on an even deeper level than I had anticipated. If she successfully survives this stage then the value of her blood would be far greater than I thought.'
At this moment the mark on Tsunade's forehead glowed and the Strength of the hundred seal technique automatically activated. The seal quickly spread throughout her body as if it was protecting her.
Orochimaru looked at the reaction the seal had and studied it. "How fascinating. She built a defense mechanism into that seal to help her in such dire circumstances huh. Her seal must have activated now that her body is beginning to undergo such a large transformation. Truly magnificent. In any other situation it would have helped her regain her strength. But in this case, her seal will only cause her more agonizing pain."
Shizune looked at Orochimaru with gritted teeth when she heard that. 'He's right. Right now her body is fighting against the serum and since the seal in her forehead is created from her chakra it would fight back against the First Hokage's blood.'
Shizune noticed how the wooden thorns on Tsunade's body fell off to the ground and the wounds healed. But several moments later a new wound appeared with a wooden protrusion sticking out.
'Her seal would heal the injuries but the serum is altering her muscles and bones. Her body's in a state of constantly being torn apart and being healed.'
Tears fell down Shizune's face as she looked at her sleeping teacher. 'I can't even imagine the pain she's in right now… ' There was discomfort on Tsunade's face but she never woke up.
Shizune turned her head and looked at the Snake Sannin with anger and hatred. "I'll never forgive you for this."
Orochimaru merely scoffed at the young woman's furious gaze. "Hmph. You should concentrate on your teacher if you want her to survive the night. As for your forgiveness… I never wanted it in the first place."
He turned his attention back to the blonde woman lying unconscious and he clenched his fists. 'I just need the data and samples of the merged stable cells from her. Then I'll be able to move forward with my plans. Just three or four more days at most. Then I'll put an end to your misery Tsunade. I'll make sure it'll end quickly for you and your student. It's the least I could do for an old friend.'
Orochimaru went back to his spot on the other side of the laboratory. 'Once sensei is done searching all over the Fire country he'll have no choice but to move to the neighboring nations. It will cause friction with those stubborn fools of a kages and I'll use that opportunity to slip back in. Then the next stage of my plans will begin.'
—-------------
Author's Note:
f you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.
Patre on.com/MonkWithAPen (No space)
創作者的想法
MonkWithAPen
MonkWithAPen
Add to your library.
And Hit me up with some POWER stone guys.
Let’s get this story up the rankings.
Review, Comment and Rate the story.
See you in the next update... PEACE!
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