Naruto: Scourge of the Ninja World

These days, Gekko Chizan was living quite comfortably.

He would dive into the lab whenever he had free time. He had to admit, Orochimaru truly was a genius.

Whether it was in the development of techniques or in various fields of research, the man excelled.

"Sensei, I don't quite understand. Is it really possible to create a bloodline?"

Gekko Chizan asked out loud, but he was thinking something entirely different inside.

Of course bloodlines could be created—where else would Yamato have come from?

"Hehe, that's precisely the topic I'm researching. Can kekkei genkai be artificially manufactured?"

"If we can create them, then wouldn't it be possible to replicate more powerful kekkei genkai?"

"Even life sciences! Immortality studies!"

Over the past few days, Orochimaru had completely accepted Gekko Chizan into his experiments.

Even if Gekko Chizan was still a novice, his diligence greatly satisfied Orochimaru.

Unlike his previous recklessness, Gekko Chizan had become much more composed upon entering the lab this time.

Although he still learned slowly, he was now capable of assisting Orochimaru.

The days of scientific research were lonely and monotonous, but having a disciple like him around wasn't a bad thing at all.

"Orochimaru-sama, the Hokage has summoned you and Gekko Chizan."

Suddenly, a voice called out from beyond the door.

Orochimaru, who had been immersed in his research with joy, slightly furrowed his brows.

Gekko Chizan, standing to the side, immediately and consciously stepped outside.

Seeing the masked ANBU outside the door, Chizan knew something must have happened—Orochimaru wouldn't be summoned otherwise.

"We'll go now."

"Did the Hokage-sama say what it's about?"

The ANBU thought for a moment and replied,

"It concerns Iwagakure."

Gekko Chizan nodded silently, thinking: Troubled times indeed. Kumogakure and Sunagakure already got intel, and now Iwagakure is joining in.

Sigh, being beset on three sides is no pleasant feeling.

"Let's go, Chizan-kun."

Orochimaru had heard the ANBU from inside the room and put down his work, walking out at a leisurely pace.

The master and disciple followed the ANBU together to the Hokage's office.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the Hokage's office was very heavy.

"Orochimaru, you're here."

"Hmm..."

Orochimaru remained as silent and reticent as ever, but Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't mind. He knew all too well what his student's personality was like.

"According to frontline intelligence, Iwagakure suddenly dispatched a significant number of shinobi into the Land of Grass."

"The one leading them is Iwagakure's Five-Tails jinchūriki—Han."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a scroll stained with blood. Clearly, this was intel retrieved at the cost of a spy's life.

"Jinchūriki? If I remember correctly, Iwagakure didn't have a Five-Tails jinchūriki before..."

Orochimaru had participated in the Second Great Ninja War. Back then, Iwagakure had only fielded the Four-Tails jinchūriki—there had been no mention of a Five-Tails.

"Yes, and that's exactly why I've called you both here."

"The current situation is that Iwagakure now has a new Five-Tails jinchūriki, and they've already managed to harness the power of the tailed beast to a certain extent."

"As for their motive in entering the Land of Grass, I don't need to explain, do I?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was extremely grave. Jinchūriki played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of war.

Standing to the side, Gekko Chizan pondered in silence. If his guess was right, there was another reason they had been summoned here.

And if he wasn't mistaken, it must concern the Nine-Tails.

"Orochimaru, I need your help."

"Mito-sama's body can no longer hold on. We must ensure the continued existence of the Nine-Tails—only then can we deter the other nations."

As expected, just as Gekko Chizan had surmised, the replacement of the Nine-Tails jinchūriki was at hand.

"The candidate was decided long ago, wasn't it?"

"She's from the Uzumaki clan as well—Uzumaki Kushina."

Orochimaru wasn't surprised about the Nine-Tails at all. After all, if even Gekko Chizan could figure it out, how could he not?

"That's true, but you need to understand how important this is."

"In the entire village, aside from Mito-sama, only you, I, and Jiraiya have a deep understanding of sealing techniques."

"Jiraiya isn't in the village right now. The only ones who can ensure the village's safety are you and me."

As Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke, he turned to Gekko Chizan standing nearby.

"Chizan, I called you here for the same reason. As Orochimaru's disciple, I saw the Five-Element Seal you used on Pakura."

"You've got a decent foundation in sealing techniques as well."

"You'll be participating in this tailed beast transfer operation."

"Also joining will be Namikaze Minato. His sealing techniques were taught by Jiraiya, and he should prove helpful."

So Minato is involved, huh? Well, that makes sense—after all, the Nine-Tails jinchūriki is his beloved.

"Hokage-sama, just assign me as needed. I only hope I won't get in the way."

With Sarutobi and Orochimaru involved, he seriously doubted anything could go wrong.

Don't forget, the Uzumaki clan came with the built-in cheat—Adamantine Sealing Chains. Even the Nine-Tails couldn't resist that kind of technique.

However, there was one thing Gekko Chizan couldn't quite figure out.

Logically, this event was carried out in secret in the original timeline. Why were they being allowed to participate now?

"Don't underestimate yourself. You've grown fast, and I reckon it won't be long before you become one of the elite jōnin of the village."

"Sakumo holds high hopes for you."

"Alright, the time for the transfer will be relayed to you later by ANBU. In the coming days, make sure to prepare yourselves."

"This is a critical matter. No mistakes can be allowed."

Orochimaru and Gekko Chizan nodded in unison and then left the Hokage's office.

...

After they left, Hiruzen Sarutobi made his way alone to Uzumaki Mito's residence.

"Mito-sama, as you requested, I've notified them."

"Hehe, thank you, Sarutobi."

"But Mito-sama, I don't quite understand. The Nine-Tails transfer could have been done in secret. Why inform them and let them participate?"

"This was something Kushina and I discussed together. That child chose Namikaze Minato to protect her."

Mentioning Kushina, Uzumaki Mito revealed a gentle and loving smile.

"As for my choice of Gekko Chizan, it was simply to confirm one thing. And since Chizan is Orochimaru's disciple, having him come along adds an extra layer of protection."

"Sarutobi, I've heard the other Hidden Villages have been restless again lately?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, a serious look on his face.

"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, Konoha will be fine."

"Good. Sarutobi, the future is in your hands now. I'm tired—let me rest alone for a while."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the wife of the First Hokage. She had devoted her life to Konoha, even becoming a jinchūriki.

In his heart, Hiruzen felt nothing but deep respect for her.

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