Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 134 Naruto? The Director of a Mental Hospital! (8K-word long chapter, please vote!)

Konoha Research Department.

Hiruzen, Orochimaru, and Tsunade followed behind Hiruzen Sarutobi, undergoing the Hokage's inspection.

Hyuga Hizashi was also by his side, his expression serious, seemingly lost in thought.

Ordinary researchers might find inspections by superiors annoying—

Orochimaru and Hiruzen were both eager for Hiruzen Sarutobi to come and see them.

Although Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi trusted each other to a very high degree.

However, being able to communicate frequently and strengthen the relationship is always better than not seeing each other at all.

Moreover, Orochimaru sometimes genuinely misses Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't particularly professional in the field of scientific research, his thinking was meticulous and imaginative.

Who wouldn't want to communicate more with their "close friend"?

In the entire Hidden Leaf Village, Orochimaru believed that the only person who truly understood him was Hiruzen Sarutobi!

Hiruko, on the other hand, felt uneasy sometimes because he was trusted too much.

Although Hiruko considered himself loyal to the Hokage, his research methods were far too wild—

And so, the prototype of the Demon Sprout Technique was developed—

The problem is that the Oni-Garara technique affects the bloodline limit of the user.

Combining this with the Hokage, who has just acquired Ice Release and Boil Release, is rather intriguing—

In reality, most people wouldn't care; this is just unfounded association.

But Beiliuhu is different.

He was amazed by his selection by the Hokage, which propelled him from an ordinary Jonin to a Konoha committee member and a highly sought-after member of the research department.

It still feels like a dream.

He was so afraid of losing everything he had that he felt like he was walking on thin ice every day, fearing that the slightest problem would shatter his dream.

In a sense, this can be considered a severe form of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

It can only be said that in the grand stage of the ninja world, every ninja has some kind of mental problem to varying degrees.

This is especially true for geniuses.

"Both of you, who can tell me about it?"

"What exactly is this so-called Oni-Garra Technique that can fuse with bloodline limits?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said, "You're quite capable—"

Orochimaru glanced at Hiruko and raised his chin.

This means that Hiruzen should be allowed to explain to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Orochimaru provided considerable assistance in the creation of the Oni-Garaku Technique, but the main ideas originated from Hiruko.

As a scientific researcher, Orochimaru, unlike Tobirama Senju who championed copyright, supported open source.

But it's not enough to overshadow the contributions of childhood friends.

But Hiruko subconsciously took a step back, his eyes filled with worry.

The Hokage's tone sounds kind, but it couldn't be—

Yes? No, no—yes or no, is it or isn't it?

When Hiruzen Sarutobi finally met him, Hiruko's prepared explanations and words went blank, as if she had crashed for a moment.

Obsessive-compulsive and anxious thoughts burst forth, plunging the entire brain into a frenzy of internal conflict.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took in Hiruko's reaction and sighed inwardly.

He sometimes felt that he, as the Hokage, was less the leader of a violent military group.

"More like a high-end psychotherapist"

Besides approving some documents and focusing on my own self-cultivation—

The most important task is to chat with the ninjas often, pay attention to their mental health, and prevent them from going astray and doing something terrible.

The director of the mental hospital is...

"Hiruko, what are you thinking about?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and joked, "What? Afraid that I, a layman, won't understand? Thinking of how to explain it in simple terms?"

Hiruko visibly trembled, then gave an awkward laugh: "Look at what you're saying, Hokage-sama—you're known as the Professor of Ninjutsu!"

"What I know are nothing more than some common Five Elements Escape Techniques, nothing worth mentioning."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, staring intently into Hiruko's eyes: "What Konoha needs are ninjas like you and Orochimaru who can constantly innovate, using ninjutsu to bring a continuous source of vitality to the village—"

Hearing those words and seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's calm eyes...

Hiruko's mind suddenly calmed down, and the ripples in his heart slowly subsided.

The Hokage has now defined the nature of the Oni-Garuru Technique!

It's good!

Hiruko took a deep breath and said carefully, "Lord Hokage, the current Oni-Garra Technique can only be considered a prototype."

"The specific idea is to activate the cells of a bloodline limit ninja through an array, integrate them into the recipient's body, and grant them the corresponding abilities."

"It's difficult to achieve organic bloodline limits, but it's not a problem with chakra-based ones. We not only used Hashirama's cells, but also applied for some precious materials from the Second Hokage's resource library that you opened up."

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow.

In fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know exactly what was in that resource library.

There are too many and it's too complicated!

He had the administration department make a record and compile a list, which he glanced at briefly.

It can only be said that Tobirama Senju's research back then wasn't limited to the Uchiha clan; it likely included other ninjas as well, including some with bloodline limits.

No wonder the title of Second Hokage doesn't have a very positive image in the ninja world.

"Experiments with rabbits have confirmed that this method is feasible."

"This proves that there is a universal method for bloodline limit transplantation. If we further improve it and find a way to weaken the activity of primary cells, we will be able to develop a primary vaccine suitable for the general public."

"But the First Hokage's Wood Release is closely related to his life force. In our assessment of the revived First Hokage vaccine, if it is transplanted using the Oni-Garuru Technique—"

"Even if it cannot activate Wood Release, it can still significantly increase the recipient's chakra, physical fitness, and strength, granting them a physique similar to that of the Senju clan."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly in agreement.

This research was conducted strictly according to his line of thinking.

It doesn't necessarily have to be Wood Release; the primary considerations are safety and versatility.

After all, being able to activate even a portion of the Thousand Hands physique is already a huge gain—

Although the ninja world always emphasizes high-end combat power.

However, it was the mid-level ninjas who supported the war and filled the battle lines; they also played an indispensable role.

If mid-level ninjas could receive a buff similar to "Little Thousand Hands"—

In a comparison of combat strength at the same level, Konoha ninjas can be called "Konoha Supermen".

Moreover, the collective strengthening of mid-level ninjas will also transform into the potential of the Hokage's ninja way, raising Hiruzen Sarutobi's ceiling once again and becoming an invisible boost for him to climb to the top. In itself, it is strengthening him as the highest-level combat force in Konoha.

This is why Hiruzen Sarutobi did not pursue the ultimate utilization of Hashirama cells.

"So, where is the problem?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Hiruko and said softly, "There's no need to only report good news. A new scientific research project and the research of ninjutsu are bound to encounter many setbacks and detours."

"If I, as the Hokage, demand that your research proceed smoothly, that would be going too far."

"I see the pressure in your heart, Hiruko."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, "This pressure comes from your sense of responsibility, which is good—"

"But you also need to know that although the village allocates a large portion of its fiscal revenue to scientific research, it doesn't mean you have to produce results in the short term."

"If you have a problem, bring it up. Let's work together to find a solution. Always carrying the burden of pressure on your own will only break you down."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pinched Hiruko's arm and shook his head: "You've gotten thinner, kid—"

"Remember, not only Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya, but also the other ninjas in the village are your comrades. I, the Hokage, am also your comrade and your support."

"Do you understand?"

Tsunade was astonished and couldn't help but shake her head inwardly, giving the dumbfounded Hiruko a playful look.

"The teacher's execution is too strong. It's only been a few days since we told him that Hiruko had mental problems—"

"Well, at this rate, it looks like we're going to end up like Hyuga Hizashi—" Tsunade thought to herself as she watched Hiruko's hands trembling involuntarily.

"Are you my protector?"

"Of course, I, the Hokage, am not your backer. Then who is?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi flicked Hiruko's forehead: "You should know that I am the principal of the Ninja Academy, so theoretically you are also my disciple."

"When I encountered difficulties while doing things for the village, instead of finding a solution, should I blame you?"

Hiruko laughed from the bottom of his heart.

He had always regretted not being a member of the Hokage lineage.

Hiruko greatly envied Orochimaru's mindset.

I never worry about attracting controversy; I write a report for every experiment before starting, and then I get right to it.

Even when Danzo came looking for trouble, Orochimaru didn't back down and retorted, warning him that if he disrupted the research progress, he would have Hiruzen Sarutobi settle the score.

In Hiruko's view, the greatest source of this unyielding spirit was that he was Hiruzen Sarutobi's apprentice—

Hokage's disciple!

Now that Hiruzen Sarutobi has offered this interpretation, it has somewhat comforted Hiruko's heart.

Hiruko bowed slightly to Hiruzen Sarutobi, then said in a deep voice, "The fusion formation of the Oni-Garra Technique is too intense. If such a method is applied to a ninja, even if the bloodline fusion is successful, the person may not survive."

"However, to control the intensity of the formation, we lack further experimental data to test the dynamic data between the human body, the Ghost Sprout Formation, and the alien cells."

"We need ninjas with strong will and abundant chakra to cooperate in order to improve the severe flaws of the Oni-Garra Technique formation—"

As Hiruko spoke, he handed a page of a document from his pocket to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned.

This is indeed a troublesome matter—

Ordinary ninjas lack sufficient mental strength and chakra to resist the corrosive power of the original version of Oni-Gama.

Furthermore, the patient's active cooperation is required.

Even Orochimaru found this tricky.

Even he in the past would have had a hard time solving this problem, because ninjas who were forcibly captured would inevitably resist being experimented on.

Without actively embracing the idea of ​​integration, the experimental results will be extremely poor, and it will be impossible to obtain effective data.

In other words, this requires the cooperation of one's own people, and also requires a powerful ninja.

But this is fraught with danger; if something goes wrong, it will be difficult to explain.

In Konoha today, no one dares to turn against their own people.

This experiment requires volunteers to be at least Jonin level.

Every Jonin is a valuable strategic resource for Konoha; losing even one would be a major incident!

Hiruzen Sarutobi closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

This is indeed a difficult problem, and it's no wonder that Hiruko hesitated so much—

"How many ninjas do you need to cooperate?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly spoke, "Now that you have the data, are you confident you can improve Oni-Garra's formation?"

"One will suffice," Hiruko said unexpectedly.

"One?" Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned. "Why?"

Normally, improving a technology should involve collecting data from multiple sources.

"Thanks to the village's financial assistance, we purchased a large amount of advanced equipment and expensive raw materials such as chakra metal, and independently developed chakra and cell data monitoring facilities."

Hiruko carefully explained, "For the initial improvement of Oni-Garuru, we only lack data on one or two key indicators. We've compensated for the rest with the first generation cells or the second generation's material library."

"With just the data from one successful case, Orochimaru and I are confident that we can perfect the Oni-Garaku Technique within two years and lower the barrier to entry for those who want to use it."

"In that case, our research on the first-generation vaccine will be further accelerated, leaving only the issue of weakening cell vitality. As long as the village's ninjas have suitable materials, they can also obtain bloodline limits—"

"However, I must tell you that even if the Ghost Sprout Technique is perfected, not everyone can integrate it—"

Hiruko explained.

In order to achieve a successful fusion, Hashirama's cells can weaken their vitality while still maintaining activity. Even without the characteristics of Wood Release, they still retain the physical characteristics of the Senju clan.

But the cells of other bloodline ninjas wouldn't work.

It is not resilient to begin with, and will become inactive if its vitality is weakened.

Therefore, no matter how perfect the Demon Sprout Technique is, for a ninja to transplant a bloodline limit, besides prerequisites such as compatibility, their own chakra and willpower must also be up to par.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

He didn't care about that; it's reasonable that there's a certain threshold to obtaining power.

In a sense, this can also be seen as a match between mindset and strength.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, preparing to speak.

He actually had a suitable candidate, namely Kakuzu.

With five hearts and the Earth Grudge Fear clone, Kakuzu's chakra is definitely up to par, and even if the experiment goes wrong, it's a price he can bear.

Needless to say, their willpower is exceptional; they were able to kill all the werewolves who had defected after being betrayed by their superiors.

It's worth mentioning that Kakuzu encountered Konoha's Anbu a few days ago and specifically greeted them, saying he was still gathering intelligence and supplies, and would deliver them to Konoha once the value reached the amount of the advance payment.

He did not abscond with the money; he is an honest person.

The Hidden Leaf Village's Anbu were startled, thinking that this immortal bounty hunter was about to attack them.

This gave Hiruzen Sarutobi the confidence to continue trading with Kakuzu, and trust had been initially established.

This price might be surprisingly high.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't care about money; it wasn't a question of which ninja, Jonin or Kakuzu, offered the higher price.

Rather, it is the embodiment of the Will of Fire.

Human life, especially the life of one's own people, should not be measured in terms of money unless in extreme circumstances.

This is very hurtful.

Unexpectedly, Hizashi, who had been silent all along, suddenly knelt down in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Lord Hokage, please let me try!"

"I am willing to dedicate myself to the development of the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback, then quickly bent down and helped Hizashi up.

Hizashi initially tried to stubbornly continue kneeling, but the Hokage's grip was simply too strong; after a brief struggle, he was almost pulled into the air—

"Hizashi, stop thinking about kneeling. You're a member of the Konoha committee."

"Not only you, but all the other ninjas in Konoha should learn to speak with dignity, even if I am the Hokage—" Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously.

In the Hokage's view, strictly following the village's orders is sufficient.

Kneeling proves nothing; if you violate the rules, even kowtowing won't help.

Hijiri's feelings were very complicated.

It was warm, but also carried a strong sense of resentment.

"Lord Hokage, this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; I've wanted to do this for a long time!"

Hizashi made a startling statement: "My strength is too poor. I only have a pair of Byakugan with a slightly longer lifespan, and I know a few Gentle Fist techniques—"

"My intelligence capabilities are inferior to Danzo's, and I'm completely clueless about scientific research. If it weren't for the Hokage's good fortune in catching my eye, how could someone like me have risen to such a high position?"

"I am not worthy to be a member of the Konoha committee."

"Even if I die, Hokage-sama, you can just find another member of the branch family to replace me. Iroha and Hinata are both trustworthy—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath and couldn't help but cover his face.

Even someone as shrewd as him is finding it hard to keep up.

No way—

Why is another one having an attack?

He's already taken on a big client for his specialist appointment today; another one and he'll be completely exhausted.

The Naruto didn't work overtime—

Oh, it has the potential to be used as overtime pay, then it's fine.

"Lord Hokage, what's wrong?" Hizashi was startled when he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi covering his face.

"It's nothing, just a little sentimental." Hiruzen Sarutobi adjusted his expression, slowly removed his hand, and said earnestly to Hizashi, "Hizashi, it's good that you have the spirit to dedicate yourself to the village, but don't push yourself too hard."

"Everyone is born with different talents and can do different things for the village. That's why we need to come together as a group, so that we can learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses."

"You and Hiruko have a similar problem: you always want to shoulder too much on your own!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Hiruko's expression and chuckled inwardly.

He saw the look of approval on Hiruko's face; he was practically shouting, "Hichira, you're my confidant!"

So you also feel that you haven't done enough? That you don't deserve this position?

"What a pair of sleeping dragons and phoenix chicks—" Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head helplessly.

It is true that patients meet.

"Hizashi, I have someone in mind, it's the bounty hunter Kakuzu—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi explained Kakuzu's advantages, the only problem being that it would cost some money, but that was not a concern.

Upon hearing this, Riji was about to kneel down again.

One hundred million?

One hundred million is enough to provide pensions for one hundred war orphans!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's large hand gripped Hizashi's shoulder like an iron clamp: "Don't kneel, speak standing up!"

"Hokage-sama—"

Hizashi stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi with an extremely complicated expression.

In the past, when the main family beat and scolded members who had branched out, forcing them to kneel was considered mild. Those punished with caged birds suffered terribly, some even writhing on the ground in pain and contemplating suicide.

His eyes seemed to be flashing with images of a revolving lantern.

It all started when my father made me watch the Hokage fight Orochimaru—

He joined the Dark Division, became a squad leader, and made new friends outside his own clan.

The clan treated him with utmost respect, and even Tianzang had to consult him on everything.

Then, during the grand assembly, Hizashi questioned the "excessive favoritism towards ninjas." Hiruzen Sarutobi, worried that this would lead to misunderstandings or resentment from other ninjas, personally intervened to vouch for him.

Each and every one of these events was so clear in Risa's mind.

It all feels like it happened yesterday.

Hizashi felt the power of Hiruzen Sarutobi on his shoulder and sighed deeply.

This is why he was so eager to acquire power—

The Naruto is already very strong, but he keeps improving.

"Lord Hokage, without power, my desire to offer my loyalty to you will forever remain a distant dream."

"Under your rule, even ninjas without talent can live well. I have no intention of belittling them, but having received your kindness, I cannot accept such a life."

"If I succeed and gain new power, I can continue to serve you—"

"If I die, Orochimaru and Commissioner Hiruko will at least gain some valuable experimental data. In the end, I will have contributed to the development of the village!"

Hishi slowly reached his hand to his forehead and untied his headband.

Its smooth forehead was revealed, along with the emerald green markings of a caged bird.

"Hokage-sama—"

"This is a choice I made myself, and I am willing to do it for you and for the village."

"My life has been incredibly wonderful these past two years with you—"

"This curse mark once made me feel that there was no hope for the future, but now, although it is still engraved on my forehead, I don't care about its existence at all."

Hyuga Hizashi's tone was sincere and relieved, not at all like someone who had decided to conduct a dangerous experiment.

"I am the first person in the Hyuga branch family in thousands of years to experience freedom. I am already very satisfied that this caged bird was able to spread its wings and soar for a while—so please let me do something more for you and for the village!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a long breath.

This is something he really can't cure.

Because the Hyuga Hyuga's judgment is actually quite accurate.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's strength is indeed increasing slowly but powerfully.

Given the starting point and talent of the Hyuga clan's branch family, without external interference, they would indeed have stopped there.

I won't be able to do much for Hiruzen Sarutobi anymore.

To compete for the title of the sharpest blade in the Hokage's hands, one's personal fighting strength must at least be at Danzo's level.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a long time.

After a long pause, he slowly spoke, "Hizashi, you're not married yet, are you?"

Hizashi nodded blankly: "Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Although I hope the village has a large population, I don't like to pressure people into marriage, but you are an exception."

"Go and get married, at least leave behind a bloodline of yours, then go and do the experiments—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a pack of cigarettes, but after looking at the lab environment, he clutched the pack back in his hand: "If you die, I will take your child as my apprentice and take good care of him."

"As the Hokage, I will make an exception and intervene in the internal affairs of the ninja clan this once, so that the children will not be marked with the Caged Bird Seal."

Hizashi stared blankly at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

A faint sheen of water appeared on her white eyes.

Orochimaru watched this scene in silence, his heart filled with mixed emotions: "Sensei, he really doesn't seem like a ninja—"

How could anyone not be willing to risk their life for a Hokage like that?

We have to learn, we have to learn!

Orochimaru had heard that Danzo seemed to write down his teacher's words and study them repeatedly.

He had previously scoffed at it, considering it mere formalism—

But in retrospect, it does have some merit.

He'll find all of this useful when he becomes Hokage in the future.

"Lord Hokage—" Hizashi wanted to say something, but his voice choked with emotion.

"Go, Yoshishi, be alone for a while and think things through."

"I still hope you won't take the risk—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Hizashi Hyuga on the shoulder and sighed deeply.

Hyuga Hizashi nodded silently, gestured to Sarutobi Hiruzen, and then quickly walked out of the laboratory.

He's getting married right now!

No, we need to ask Vice Minister Sakumo for a day off first, and then we'll get married tonight!

As for who the other party is—

The difference in time doesn't matter.

Anyway, the Hyuga clan arranges marriages, so he can just tell his clan leader father.

"Hiruko, I entrust my son Asuma to you from now on," Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly said.

Hiruko was taken aback, then exclaimed with wild joy, "You—you're telling the truth?"

"He is of a fairly strong and simple character, but his talent is mediocre."

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Hiruko smiled and nodded in acknowledgment: "Thank you for your trouble, Hiruko-sensei."

Beiliu Hu hurriedly waved his hands, shaking them like an electric fan.

He was just now thinking enviously—

The bond between the Hokage and Hizashi is truly indescribable.

Even if Hizashi really died, his actions would surely be remembered in Konoha's history and become a celebrated story!

When he turned around, the Hokage noticed him!

Orochimaru coughed lightly: "Master, I also have something to attend to, but it's a personal matter."

Orochimaru wanted to talk to Hiruzen Sarutobi about bloodline limits.

He also wanted to try developing it.

But this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and viciously ruffled Orochimaru's hair.

Orochimaru was somewhat taken aback.

This was a gesture that Hiruzen Sarutobi often made to Jiraiya when they were children, but he rarely did it to Jiraiya.

"You brat, I heard from Tsunade that you often call me 'old man' in private?"

"Then you should remember to take care of the elderly!"

"You've already exceeded your workload for today. Let's talk again another day, either at the office or at my place for dinner!"

If it's official business, Hiruzen Sarutobi really has to be patient and listen.

But as for personal matters, I've already hosted two lunatics from the ninja world today; one more would be a bit overwhelming.

Even the Hokage isn't made of iron; he needs a break!

"You—you don't seem to have much to do with old people—"

Orochimaru's lips twitched, and he unusually retorted, "I'm starting to suspect that if I took a full-force punch from you, I might lose half my life—"

"Not that light." Tsunade laughed heartily, "Who knows, maybe one day my teacher will learn the Senju clan's monstrous strength? He'll kill you with one punch—"

Orochimaru glanced at Tsunade speechlessly, then shook his head and laughed.

Just like when I was a child—

Back then, Tsunade acted like a spoiled young lady. She was forthright and generous, but she was also very sharp-tongued and willful.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly treated this genius like Jiraiya, who was considered a complete failure.

This gave Orochimaru a strange sense of familiarity.

Orochimaru had a strange feeling since he was a child.

Although the teacher valued him more, when it came to genuine feelings, he actually had more in common with Jiraiya.

After Hiruzen Sarutobi left.

The system is still somewhat down.

"Tell me, why did the Hokage choose me to be Asuma's teacher?" Hiruko asked, as if he had just dreamt it.

"The thing you've been longing for has come true, and you can't believe it?"

Tsunade chuckled and raised her fist: "How about I help you sober up?"

"That won't be necessary—"

Hiruko quickly raised his hands in surrender: "I'm a researcher, I won't use force!"

Orochimaru smiled slightly.

Perhaps even Hiruko himself didn't notice.

In the past, he was somewhat hesitant and timid when facing Tsunade and Orochimaru, even though they were both members of the Konoha committee.

He became much more natural after he became Asma's teacher.

Because he is also considered a member of the Naruto lineage and the master-disciple system!

"Fine, Hiruko's an idiot. I'll just have to explain for the old man—consider it helping the teacher with overtime, there's really no other way—"

"Because I'm his most outstanding disciple—"

Orochimaru coughed lightly and said slowly, "Because, the teacher doesn't want you to have any wild thoughts, so you can focus on doing the experiment."

"You are Asuma's teacher, so naturally you are someone close to your teacher. Even someone as intelligent as Danzo could understand this—"

"So, stop being so anxious. You're already a staunch member of the Hokage lineage. As long as you don't violate the village's rules and the Will of Fire, no one can do anything to you."

"Go forth and unleash your talents, Hiruko!"

"However, you're also the first person to enter the Hokage lineage from the opposite direction. Generally, such a thing doesn't happen, which shows that the teacher values ​​you exceptionally much—"

Orochimaru mimicked Hiruzen Sarutobi's gesture and patted Hiruko on the shoulder.

Hiruko was stunned, and after a long while, he murmured, "So, that's how it is—"

"Let's go, let's prepare for Hizashi's surgery—" Orochimaru said with emotion, "Our master would never want to see anything happen to Hizashi. Even if something happens to him, he won't blame us. But just thinking about the old man's disappointed expression makes me feel uneasy."

"You're right, Orochimaru!"

Hiruko suddenly turned around: "Time to get to work!"

Thinking of Hizashi's determination.

Hiruko felt that he could not relax his vigilance, otherwise wouldn't that prove that he was less loyal than Hizashi?

Moreover.

Hiruko felt a great fondness for Hijiri, who was of the same kind.

A new kind of bond between these two was silently forged—

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P.S.: There will be another chapter at 8 AM this morning. I'm posting it early since it's the beginning of the month!

I usually update at 8 PM.

It's hard to say how many chapters or how much food there will be, but the word count won't be reduced, and it will add up to more than 10,000 words a day!

Requesting monthly votes at the beginning of the month! or 2!