Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 142 Immortal Thunder Shadow

After Tamura Hao finished speaking with the Third Raikage, he let the people waiting outside in. Tsuchida, who had just arrived, was the first to come in, and he practically rushed in.

Upon entering, he grabbed a boy by the collar and angrily questioned him.

"You brat, what have you done in Konoha using my name this time? Why has my bounty at the underground gold exchange skyrocketed to 300 million ryo, even higher than the Raikage's bounty?"

A month ago, the bounty he had earned at the underground gold exchange had been mysteriously increasing, soaring to 100 million taels. Today, he received intelligence that it had soared to 300 million taels, surpassing Raikage's 280 million taels.

He didn't think there was anything wrong with his side; after thinking it over, he figured the only problem was that brat who went to Konoha was probably up to something again.

Tamura Hiroshi pulled up Tsuchida's sleeve to block the angry spittle, and said, "That's also proof of your ability, proving that you, Lord Tsuchida, are more important to the village than the three generations of teachers."

"It really is you, kid."

Tu Tai's eyes widened in surprise; it really was this kid who was behind it.

"Alright, let's talk about these little things later."

The Third Raikage's face twitched again, indicating that they should get down to business first.

"I'll settle the score with you later, kid."

Tsuchida glared at the boy and stepped back to the side. Tamura Hao stepped forward, raised his hand and placed it on Tsuchida's shoulder, imprinting the mark of the Eight Thousand Spears on it, and then quickly extracted and purified his chakra.

This action surprised Tsuchikage, who turned to look at the Third Raikage. Seeing the Third Raikage nod silently, Tsuchikage said nothing more and waited for the boy to finish.

After purifying the chakra of Tsuchikage, Tamura Hao also purified the chakra of Yotsuki A and the others.

Afterwards, the Third Raikage and Tsuchikage went to the side to have a conversation, and then they gathered a group of people to have their chakra purified by Tamura Hiroshi and leave their marks.

These are all true confidants, and have been confirmed by Tamura Hiroshi's sense of good and evil; there is absolutely no problem with them.

These people even possess special vortex sealing techniques in their minds, preventing others from exploring their memories and preventing them from actively leaking information, making them absolutely trustworthy.

This is only the initial stage. Afterwards, Tamura Hao will need to go to Turtle Island to train and purify the people there as well.

They even brought over those Six Paths Ninja Tools to purify them, especially the Red Gourd and Amber Purification Bottle used for transporting troops by air.

After sealing the Six Paths Ninja Tools into the sealing space for the Ten-Tails and Kaguya to purify them together, Tamura Hiroshi began preparing for the Third Raikage's Sage Art Curse Seal.

The Third Raikage is currently the strongest fighting force in their Hidden Cloud Village. The stronger he is, the better, so that they can deal with any super strong opponent who comes to attack.

For example, the Otsutsuki clan on the moon—who knows when they might reappear?

Although this Sage Art seal doesn't greatly enhance ninjutsu, it mainly enhances the body, but the Raikage is skilled in ninjutsu and taijutsu, so this Sage Art seal is perfect for him.

Tamura Hiroshi then used his X-ray vision to carefully examine Gamaken's heart, confirming that there were no parasites or anything like that.

They even used various medicines to clean it and drain the toad blood from its heart and blood vessels.

This will become the Third Raikage's second heart, used to store blood. Naturally, it cannot be mixed with toad blood, as that would be fatal.

After all preparations were completed, the Third Raikage injected his own chakra into the jutsu array inscribed on the Uzumaki Tama, which evolved into a cursed seal and sealing jutsu, enveloping the enormous heart and storing it on his back.

He also chose his back as the landing point for the curse seal, otherwise, if any limbs extended out in front of him, it would hinder his performance in battle.

Tamura Hao immediately injected the chakra of the Toad King, simulated by the Ten-Tails, to assist in refining the heart, just like the original process.

After the refining was completed, the Sage Art Seal stabilized, and the Third Raikage had a thick layer of crimson keratin on his back, which was bumpy and quite unsightly.

This is the side effect of the Sage Art Curse Seal: the erosion of the Third Raikage's body by the flesh, blood, and chakra of the Toad-like Heart.

Natural energy itself has a strong corrosive nature. The toads of Mount Myōboku directly absorb natural energy for cultivation, and thus also acquire this corrosive nature.

Even if Tamura Hao used simulated chakra to assist in the refining process, it only reduced the corrosiveness, not eliminated it.

Uchiha Hikaru, who was originally interested in the other two toad hearts, immediately abandoned the idea when he saw the toad skin.

Snake scales are barely tolerable, but toad skin is truly unacceptable; I'd rather die than accept it.

However, the Third Raikage didn't care about this at all; in fact, he was quite satisfied with it.

Although that layer of keratin is not aesthetically pleasing, it possesses extremely strong defensive capabilities and is even more suitable for enhancement with Earth Release techniques.

After adapting for a while, the Third Raikage activated the cursed seal and used black lightning to restrict and control it. Soon, the keratin layer spread rapidly, covering the Third Raikage's entire body, and even part of his head was infected.

At the same time, a pair of toad claws that grow in the opposite direction extend from the back.

"Very good. It's an arm-type mutation. Next, we just need to use the power of the Shikotsumyaku (Corpse Bone Pulse) to slightly adjust the shape of the bones inside, making them more like our human hands. Then we can use them to form hand seals and perform ninjutsu, and also wield weapons to assist you, Third Hokage, in close combat."

After examining the two toad arms, Tamura Hao was quite satisfied; they were more practical than his original snake head.

"Can it still be modified?"

The Third Raikage was surprised; such a statement was indeed very useful.

"Of course, my two snake bodies have been modified and look much better now."

As he spoke, Tamura Hao freed the two dragons on his back; this was the result of his modifications.

Looking at the majestic and imposing purple twin dragons, the Third Raikage, then at his own ugly toad-like arm, suddenly felt it wasn't so appealing anymore.

Why is there such a big difference in appearance?

It took him a while to calm down before he could feel the enhancement that the immortal spell seal was bringing to his body.

Just as predicted, it didn't significantly increase chakra, but it greatly improved physical attributes. In particular, the jumping ability of my legs improved dramatically.

He felt like he could now go toe-to-toe with that guy from Konoha.

Of course, this is just a bold idea. The one who is best at sealing techniques can easily seal even the strongest tailed beasts, so fighting against him would be too dangerous.

"Its corrosiveness is too strong; even after being weakened, it's still beyond what ordinary chakra can withstand."

Finally, after experiencing the corrosive effects of the cursed seal, the Third Raikage felt a pang of regret.

If it weren't so corrosive, it could be widely adopted.

"Ai, Fukai, you will train with me in Lightning Release Chakra from now on. Use my Black Lightning to train your own Black Lightning as soon as possible."

Turning to look at his son and eldest nephew, the Third Raikage placed his hopes on the two of them.

The key to cultivating Black Lightning lies in physical fitness, because Black Lightning is extremely destructive, and those who are not physically fit may lose their lives.

Both Ai and Fukai's physical attributes have been tempered by the secret medicine and have reached the standard. They only need to cultivate the nature transformation of lightning chakra to the extreme before they can try to fuse with black lightning.

Another aspect is finding a compatible partner. If someone's chakra is perfectly compatible with the black lightning, they can also bear the black lightning.

"Yes, Dad!"

Night Moon Ai responded excitedly, and Frokai beside her nodded excitedly as well.

He had long had his eye on Gamahiro's heart. According to intelligence, Gamahiro had used Wind Release ninjutsu, and he himself possessed four chakra natures: wind, lightning, water, and yang, making him a perfect match for this heart.

Moreover, that toad also uses dual swords, which is a perfect match for me.

Uzumaki Tamamo hesitated as she looked at the Third Raikage's new appearance. The corrosive power of this Sage Art Seal was too strong; even using just a little bit of flesh and blood as a medium would cause some distortion.

Hao Jun's snake-scale form is barely acceptable, but this toad form is truly unacceptable.

The main issue is that the surviving adult ninjas of the clan were all women, so it's hard to accept that they've become such monsters.

Let's wait and see if we can further improve the magic seal.

Leaving aside the changes in Kumogakure, Jiraiya returned to Konoha injured, filled with immense anger and self-reproach.

Fukasaku has confirmed through the contract that Bunta and the others were killed by Kumogakure. How could Kumogakure do that?

"Anger and self-blame are useless. You idiot, you were tricked by the old man. You're too stupid to actually go head-to-head with the Third Raikage. He's in a bad mood right now."

After checking the healing progress of Jiraiya's broken leg, Tsunade didn't hold back in her comment, "I really hope this idiot will learn his lesson this time."

Jiraiya opened his mouth, but ultimately lowered his head in dejection.

Although he was extremely resentful of the Cloud Ninja who killed Bunta and the others, he felt more helpless than anything else.

When he returned, Tsunade told him what had happened, and he realized that he had indeed been tricked by his teacher.

Who would have thought that the teacher would scheme against the Raikage's son and even try to kill all of them?

In the end, the Cloud Ninja saw through their plan, and the Third Raikage descended directly, destroying the Hokage Building and causing heavy losses.

This further angered the lord of the Thousand Hands clan, making the situation inside the village even more complicated.

The Third Raikage must be furious that his only son and the future of the village were so cruelly betrayed; he must have been incredibly stupid back then.

That brat had clearly warned them, but he insisted on obstructing and fighting back, causing the deaths of Wen Tai and the others. Even Gama Hiro and Gama Ken were forcibly summoned and killed by the other party using his own blood.

This left him with nowhere to vent his anger, and he didn't know how to explain it to the Fukasaku couple.

"That idiot won't understand what you're saying, or rather, he doesn't want to understand."

A magnetic voice rang out, and Orochimaru pushed open the door and walked in.

"Damn Orochimaru, who are you calling an idiot?"

Jiraiya instinctively retorted, glaring at Orochimaru as he approached.

"Why are you back?"

Tsunade was puzzled; Orochimaru should be on the front lines at this time.

Unlike the stable battlefield in the Land of Grass dominated by their Senju clan, that area was the weakest of the village's four fronts.

"That idiot's been crippled, how could I not come back?"

Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, who was missing a leg, and realized he still had a lot of affection for this teammate.

"Who asked you to come back and see?"

Jiraiya stubbornly retorted, but he was actually quite touched inside.

It really is his Orochimaru.

"I have a leg here, which belongs to a Lava Release ninja. I can transplant it onto this idiot."

"Tsunade, I need your help to make the transplant surgery even more perfect."

Orochimaru spat out a scroll covered in slime from his mouth; this was the purpose of his return.

One option is to transplant legs into Jiraiya, allowing him to recover his combat abilities as quickly as possible, or even become stronger, so that he can better engage in battle.

Secondly, with Tsunade's help, the transplant surgery can be further improved, and the integration can be made more perfect.

In terms of pure medical skills, he was far inferior to Tsunade.

"good!"

Tsunade agreed without hesitation. She had already heard that Orochimaru was getting limb transplants and could even obtain a bloodline limit through them.

She was very curious about this and wanted to see it for herself.

"I haven't said yes yet."

Jiraiya was dumbfounded. Am I really that deprived of human rights?

However, Orochimaru and Tsunade ignored him and even started discussing the details of the transplant surgery, which made Jiraiya even more frustrated.

However, he did not refuse. He also did not want his path as a ninja to end, not to mention that the village needed him more now.

Transplanting a leg would be better, especially since it has the Lava Release bloodline limit.

"According to your surgical theory, the core point is the fusion of bloodline limits. Only by making this idiot also fuse the Lava Release bloodline limit can the transplanted legs be perfectly fused with the Lava Release chakra."

After understanding the essence of Orochimaru's surgery, Tsunade found it difficult.

The transplant surgery is fine; Jiraiya's medical skills are sufficient to allow him to control the leg freely, and there will be no hidden dangers.

However, to make good use of the Lava Release bloodline limit of that leg, one must fuse with Lava Release and use the transformation of the bloodline limit to thoroughly integrate the chakra in that leg, forming a whole that is inseparable.

"That's not what we need to consider. It's that idiot's problem. We can't do everything for him."

Orochimaru only proposed that idea; whether it could be realized was a matter for that idiot Jiraiya to decide.

"Too!"

Tsunade nodded, then went out to prepare the surgical instruments, a hint of excitement on her face.

Orochimaru then began to remove the medical bandages from Jiraiya's severed leg, revealing the wound where a thin layer of flesh had grown.

"Just here? Not in the operating room?"

Jiraiya was astonished. "You guys performed this surgery way too casually."

"It's the same everywhere."

Orochimaru casually replied, carefully observing Jiraiya's severed leg.

The cut was clean, indicating it was caused by a sharp weapon. The wound also showed signs of lightning chakra shock and was located near the groin.

"Next, we need to remove the remaining leg bone and replace it at the hip joint. This will reduce the fusion of the leg bone and bone marrow, thus lowering the risk significantly."

"what ever."

Jiraiya trusted this teammate he had grown up with very much and was certain that he wouldn't harm him.

A moment later, Tsunade pushed in a small cart with a tray on it containing a complete set of surgical instruments.

After placing a leather mat under Jiraiya, Tsunade signaled that they could begin.

"Wait, did you forget to give me anesthesia?"

Seeing that Tsunade was about to strike, Jiraiya hurriedly stopped her.

The location is arbitrary, but what's the point of not using anesthesia?

"Next, we need you to assess the situation and provide us with information on the accuracy of the surgical transplant, especially regarding the nerve connections, which are difficult for us to determine."

Orochimaru explained, and considerately rolled up a pillowcase and put it in Jiraiya's mouth, indicating that he could bite on it.

Jiraiya's face was contorted with grime from having a pillowcase stuffed inside him. He wanted to protest, but he held back in the end.

My journey cannot end here. For that dream of becoming a great literary master, for the chosen one the immortal spoke of, for the village—a little pain is nothing...

"what!"

A sharp pain shot through him, and Jiraiya let out a muffled howl, his face contorted in agony.

Tsunade and Orochimaru ignored Jiraiya's screams and focused on the surgery. Tsunade even severed Jiraiya's nerves to prevent him from moving around and interfering with the operation.

Tsunade was treating Jiraiya's wounds, removing the remaining small section of his leg bone and preserving the periosteum.

Orochimaru treated the leg he had lost and then reattached it to Jiraiya. It was another bloody and horrific surgery, and Jiraiya's pig-like screams never stopped.

Fortunately, Tsunade thoughtfully created a soundproof barrier, preventing the sound from spreading out; otherwise, the entire hospital would have been in chaos.

The transplant surgery lasted for four hours before it was completed, and Jiraiya eventually collapsed from exhaustion.

"Does that brat's magic have anything to do with you?"

After checking Jiraiya's condition and confirming that there was no problem, Tsunade looked at Orochimaru seriously.

"I have already reported this to my teacher. A year ago, I was surrounded and killed by those people. I almost died. All the snakes were killed."

They must have learned about my research on immortal magic seals from the memories of the ten thousand snakes, and then created them using the flesh and blood of the ten thousand snakes.

However, it was a failed attempt; their success likely involved the use of the Vortex Sealing Technique.

Orochimaru's calm explanation showed no concern for the heavy losses suffered in the past.

Compared to that loss, the information he obtained from Haojun was more important.

Further targeted experiments were conducted on the body of the Kaguya clan leader, yielding significant results.

This kind of immortal bloodline is much more interesting than other attribute bloodlines, and its potential is also higher.

As for Haojun's immortal magic seal, he has roughly figured it out in the past few days. The problem must lie in the sealing technique of the Whirlpool Clan.

"Even you were almost killed."

Tsunade was shocked. Was he that strong?

"The main reason is that I didn't expect that Hikaru's Sharingan power would be comparable to a kaleidoscope."

He casually explained that Orochimaru still longed for those eyes, or rather, he longed for them even more.

Those were unique eyes, unlike any Sharingan I had ever seen.

Perhaps Madara Uchiha possessed eyes like that back then, which is why he was able to evolve his eyes to that level and gain invincible power.

"Lord Orochimaru, the Hokage requests your presence."

At that moment, an ANBU ninja arrived and delivered the Hokage's orders.

"Tsunade, you keep an eye on this idiot."

Orochimaru smiled slightly, gave Tsunade a few words of advice, and then left with the Anbu ninja.

This was another purpose of his return to the village. Having suffered this blow, the teacher's bottom line would inevitably be lowered further, and he could benefit from it.

Soon after, Orochimaru followed the Anbu ninja to the Sarutobi clan's territory and entered Hiruzen Sarutobi's mansion.

The Hokage Building has been completely destroyed, so Hiruzen Sarutobi had no choice but to temporarily move his office to his home.

"The teacher looks so much older."

Upon seeing that teacher, Orochimaru couldn't help but remark.

Compared to the last time we met, the teacher seemed to have aged ten years in an instant, with many more gray hairs. It was clear that he hadn't been doing well these past few days.

"Take a look at this."

Looking exhausted, Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a scroll he had prepared long ago from the drawer. Now he needed this disciple to secretly complete this experiment.

Orochimaru stepped forward, picked up the scroll, and unrolled it. His pupils contracted slightly, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Teacher, are you really going to restart the research on this forbidden technique? Many people will die."

Licking his lips, Orochimaru knew about this forbidden technique, but his teacher had always strictly forbidden him from touching it. He never expected that this time they would restart the research on this forbidden technique that had been sealed away by the First and Second Hokage.

"The village is in great danger right now, and we must have the power to protect the peace of the village."

Taking a drag of his cigarette, Hiruzen Sarutobi, his eyes bloodshot, was resolute. He couldn't wait any longer; he had to seize the initiative and gain absolute power.

(End of this chapter)