The Hand of God Creates the Strongest Hidden Mist Village

Chapter 187 The Temptation of Returning to the Village

Thanks to Makoto Karatachi's immense power, the war between Iwagakure and Konoha finally came to an end.

There are no winners and no losers.

Neither side signed any treaty terms; they simply tacitly withdrew their armies from the Grass Country to their own territories.

Konoha was unable to pursue, and Iwagakure was unable to fight any longer. This war, which lasted for months and resulted in countless deaths and injuries, ended in a way that was absurd and surreal.

After returning to Iwagakure, Onoki secluded himself for seven whole days. No one knew what he was thinking, and no one dared to disturb him. However, from then on, the Third Tsuchikage had a few more strands of white hair at his temples, and he seemed to have aged ten years.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, on the other hand, was busy cleaning up the mess.

Besides the 500 million ryo paid to Makoto Karatachi, there's still a 2 billion ryo in reparations to Kirigakure, compensation for the thousands killed and wounded in the battle against Iwagakure, reinforcements for the front lines, and fortification of the rear defenses.

The battles in Kumogakure and Sunagakure were not over yet, and each of these things was causing him a great deal of trouble.

But the great ship of Konoha has not yet sunk.

At the heart of all this storm, the young man who had stirred up the ninja world was standing at the gates of Kirigakure, receiving the stares of the entire village.

"Lord Cheng is back!"

"It's the Mizukage assisting Lord Makoto Karatachi!"

"I heard he utterly defeated the Third Tsuchikage on the battlefield in the Land of Grass!"

"Not only the Third Tsuchikage, he also copied Dust Release! That's a Kekkei Tota!"

"And the Flying Thunder God Technique! Konoha's Yellow Flash is famous throughout the ninja world for this move, and Master Makoto has mastered it too!"

"This is truly a genius from Kirigakure!"

Cheers, chatter, and exclamations rose and fell.

Even though Makoto Karatachi participated in the war between Konoha and Iwagakure in his personal capacity, everyone in Kirigakure focused their attention on that battlefield.

I am honored to be a part of it!

Makoto Karatachi walked down the streets of Kirigakure, waving to the crowds on either side from time to time. His demeanor was more like that of a spoiled young master strolling through the streets than a triumphant hero.

However, at this moment, no one would regard him as that good-for-nothing playboy anymore.

In the battle between Kazama and Kazuya, Makoto Karatachi single-handedly defeated Konoha, helping Kirigakure win the war and forcing Konoha to cede territory and pay reparations.

On the battlefield of the Land of Grass, he also single-handedly forced back tens of thousands of Iwagakure troops, replicated the Kekkei Tota Dust Release, and caused the Third Tsuchikage Onoki to suffer a crushing defeat!

Each and every one of these incidents could easily make a ninja famous throughout the ninja world.

And Gouju Cheng embodies all of them.

"Lord Cheng!"

"Lord Cheng, look this way!"

"Makoto is so handsome!"

Among the crowd, a young female ninja screamed with a flushed face. She didn't look like a fangirl watching a triumphant hero.

Gouju Cheng glanced in that direction, waved with a smile, which immediately elicited an even louder chorus of screams.

Hozuki Mangetsu, who was following behind, pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, "Alright, alright, we're going back to the village. Lord Mei is probably watching from not far away."

"Nonsense, my senses are activated."

"Awesome."

The two returned to the Mizukage's office, chatting and laughing.

Although this trip was a private matter, as the assistant to the Mizukage, and given that the entire Kirigakure community knew about this incident, it was only right and proper for him to come and report to the Mizukage.

Yagura was working on documents in his office when he saw Makoto Karatachi push the door open and enter. He was taken aback at first, then put down his pen and looked Makoto up and down several times.

"I heard you were fighting really hard on the battlefield in Iwagakure. I thought you would have lost some weight, but you seem to have gained weight instead."

"It's alright, not too intense."

Gouju Cheng chuckled, sat down opposite him with a nonchalant air, took out a scroll from his pocket, and casually tossed it onto the table.

"Here, this is for the village. It's a secret technique from Konoha."

"The principles behind techniques like Shadow Imitation, Mind Transfer, Multiplication, and Flying Thunder God. Although they may not be able to learn them, it wouldn't hurt to study them."

"Konoha's Secret Technique?!"

Yagura was shocked and quickly took the scroll and opened it to check.

He gasped after just one glance.

The principles behind Shadow Imitation Technique, Mind Transfer Technique, Multiply Technique, Leaf Style Blade Technique, and Flying Thunder God Technique —

These are all closely guarded secrets of Konoha's clans, each one enough to make the major ninja villages fight tooth and nail for them. Yet here, Makoto Karatachi has casually tossed them onto the table, as if they were just some worthless junk.

"You little brat—"

Yagura looked up at his cousin's lazy, smiling face and for a moment didn't know what to say.

"How did you get these things?"

"How else can you get it? By copying it."

Makoto Karatari casually remarked, "I spent a few days at the Konoha camp and chatted with people from those secret technique families. They were quite cooperative; they basically answered whatever I asked."

"Quite cooperative?"

Yagura's lips twitched slightly.

He knows his cousin all too well. The so-called "communication" is probably not that simple.

However, the process is not important; what matters is the result.

The secret technique of Konoha is now in his hands!

This scroll is excellent whether it's used by the Hozuki clan themselves, incorporated into the Hidden Mist Village's secret technique library under the name of the Mizukage, or even given directly to the Hidden Mist Village's Chunin and Jonin as a reward for high-level missions.

If we can figure out even a little bit from this, then those secret ninja clans in Konoha will be able to be resurrected by Edo Tensei in Kirigakure!

This thing is incredibly valuable!

"You're so thoughtful."

Yagura solemnly accepted the scroll.

"After all, I'm only the Mizukage's assistant," Makoto Karatachi said with a smile. "By the way, where's the Third Hokage?"

"He's gone to the Land of Waves. We've just taken it over, and our foundation isn't solid yet. We need someone of considerable influence to go there and oversee things."

"The Country of Waves?"

Gouju Cheng raised an eyebrow and nodded thoughtfully.

The Land of Waves is geographically extremely important, as it guards the choke point of the eastern sea area of ​​the Land of Fire and is a vital sea route connecting the Land of Water and the Land of Fire.

Furthermore, in the ceasefire agreement between Kirigakure and Konoha, Kazekage Valley has been incorporated into Kirigakure's sphere of influence. In order to further strengthen the relationship between Kirigakure and the mainland, the Land of Waves has also been incorporated into Kirigakure's territory, and it is extremely important.

The third generation's presence there was indeed the best choice.

Oh, right, it seems he also has to go to the Land of Waves.

I promised Sasori I'd meet him in the Land of Waves, but I wonder where he is now, or if he's even there yet.

"By the way, I heard you went as a mercenary this time. How was it? How much money did you make?"

Yagura looked at Makoto Karatachi with a smile, as if to say, "You're telling the truth."

Makoto Kuraki's smile froze for a moment, but before he could speak, Yagura burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright, since it's your own money, you can handle it yourself. Why are you making that face? Are you afraid I'll take it from you?"

Yagura waved his hand.

He also knew that the reason why Makoto Goji was going out this time was to raise some experimental funds for his own experiments. After all, the village hadn't contributed a single penny to the White Zetsu project, which was why the Mizukage had to work as a mercenary.

Now that Gouju Cheng has returned in triumph and even given her a secret technique as a gift, it would be really unreasonable for her to continue taking money from Gouju Cheng's purse.

It doesn't matter, it's just a one-time job, how much money can it make?

"I'm actually a little scared."

Seeing Yagura's expression, Makoto Karatachi nodded in deep agreement, then tentatively asked, "Are you sure we don't need to report to the village?"

"No need, no need, after all, it's your side job."

"That's great."

"No, you're grinning from ear to ear. How much money did you make on this trip?"

"Not much, just five or six or seven hundred million."

"Steal, steal the young master?!"

Yagura ultimately did not ask Makoto Karatachi for money.

Although he was shocked by his younger brother's earning power, the matter had already been brought up, and besides, the research did indeed require money.

No way, how could he possibly earn over 700 million just by going out once? How could he possibly do that?!

Anyway, when Makoto Karatachi came out of the Mizukage's office, his smile was even brighter than when he went in.

"Makoto, what did Yagura-sama say?"

Full Moon was waiting in the corridor, and when she saw him come out, she quickly came up to him.

"What else can I say? Just praise me for doing a great job." Makoto patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, you can go back now."

You've worked hard these past few days, take a good rest. Let's have a get-together in a few days, it's on me.

"Okay!"

Full Moon's eyes lit up, and she turned and ran, faster than she would on a battlefield.

Goji Makoto watched his retreating figure, then shook his head with a smile.

Next, it's time to get down to business.

With a flicker, he disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Hidden in the mist behind the mountain, a secret laboratory.

Gouju Cheng pushed open the heavy metal door and entered the laboratory.

The room was brightly lit, and the air was filled with the mixed smell of disinfectant and some kind of special agent. Several researchers in white lab coats were busy operating various instruments, but they all stopped what they were doing when they saw Makoto Koji enter.

"Lord Cheng."

"Okay, continue."

Gouju Cheng waved his hand and walked straight to a cubicle at the deepest part of the laboratory.

Inside the compartment, several huge culture tanks stood in the center, with pale, humanoid creatures without facial features immersed in the light green culture solution.

White Zetsu.

Or rather, White Zetsu after fusing various bloodlines!

"Lord Cheng!"

Upon seeing Makoto Gojibana's arrival, Yuki Mizuki, dressed in a white lab coat, hurried forward, holding a thick lab report in her hand.

During the time that Makoto was away, Yuki Minazuki took full charge of the experimental projects here, and began to continuously fuse various Rokudo Descendant cells and White Zetsu cells.

Judging from the current situation, it seems to be doing quite well?

"How is the situation?"

"The situation is not very optimistic."

Minazuki Yuki handed the lab report to Karatachi Makoto, a hint of weariness on her cool face.

Gouju Cheng took the report and quickly flipped through it.

The report was filled with various data and experimental results.

The fusion of White Zetsu cells with Hyuga cells, the fusion of White Zetsu cells with Kaguya cells, and the Uchiha clan, etc. —

Every attempt to merge ended in failure.

Either the cells collapse, or the rejection reaction becomes so severe that it becomes uncontrollable. Occasionally, one or two individuals that barely survive will lose their activity within a few hours and turn into a lifeless mass of flesh.

"The activity of leukocytes is too strong."

Minazuki Yuki explained from the side, "Or rather, it's too primitive. It can devour, mimic, and even assimilate other cells, but in the process, it also loses its own stability. It's like—"

"It's like a lump of clay without a fixed shape. You can mix all sorts of things into it, but it will eventually become clay, not the pottery you want."

Gouju Cheng nodded slightly.

This metaphor is very apt.

White Zetsu are essentially weapons created by Kaguya Otsutsuki, beings born from the roots of the Divine Tree absorbing human chakra. They possess extremely strong adaptability, but this adaptability is based on "devouring" and "assimilation," rather than "fusion" and "evolution."

"It's not a big problem. This is something that can't be accomplished overnight. We'll take it slowly."

Makoto Kuraki took out two scrolls from his pocket and handed them to Yuki Minazuki.

"This is----"

"This scroll contains two hundred million taels of silver. If you have any research needs, just buy it and spend it directly. There's no need to be frugal."

"Two, two hundred million taels?!"

Minazuki Yuki paused slightly in her hand holding the scroll, a rare look of surprise appearing on her usually cool face.

She thought she had misheard.

What does 200 million taels mean?

Her entire Snow Clan's annual income probably didn't even amount to half of that. And now, Makoto Kuraki just casually handed it to her, as if it were just money for lunch.

"Lord Cheng, this—"

"What's this? Here you go."

Gouju Cheng waved his hand: "I didn't do anything else on this trip, but I certainly made a lot of money. All this money is in my hands..."

"It's just gathering dust anyway, might as well invest it in research. You're in charge of this area, so the funding will naturally be yours."

Minazuki Yuki opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end she put the scroll away and nodded solemnly.

"I understand. I will use this money wisely."

I trust you to handle things.

Makoto Karatachi handed another scroll to Yuki Minazuki, and this time, his expression became more serious.

"This roll contains some special cell samples. Handle it carefully and don't let anyone know."

"A special cell sample?"

Inside the reel was a specially made sealed container containing a small, light pink tissue sample, which was soaked in a special preservation solution.

Minazuki Yuki leaned closer to observe for a moment, then suddenly frowned.

"The activity of this cell is incredibly strong."

She looked up at Makoto Koji, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"Lord Cheng, whose cell is this?!"

"Tsunade."

Gouju Cheng did not hide anything.

"One of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha, granddaughter of the First Hokage Hashirama Senju, and the world's top medical ninja. Her cells contain the genetic material of the First Hokage."

Minazuki Yuki gasped.

Hashirama Senju.

That was the God of Shinobi, the legendary figure who ended the Warring States period, the founder of Konoha, and the strongest person recognized throughout the entire ninja world.

His cells—

"White Zetsu cells are intricately related to the cells of the First Hokage, and Tsunade is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, whose bloodline is also extremely strong among the Senju clan."

"Mixing them together might produce different results—oh, and don't forget to add my cells too, and let them fuse together as well."

"yes!"

Minazuki Yuki's face was solemn.

Tsunade's cellular tissue (one of the Three Ninja)

Although she didn't know how Master Cheng obtained cells of such a high level, the value of this material was undeniable, and she was determined to make good use of it!

"Of course, this is just theory."

Makoto Kujira added, "You'll need to figure out what problems you'll encounter in practice. While Tsunade's cells aren't as perfect as Hashirama's cells, they should serve a similar purpose as a substitute."

Minazuki Yuki took a deep breath and solemnly resealed the container.

"I understand. I'll start the experiment as soon as possible!"

"No rush." ​​Gouju Cheng waved his hand. "These things can't be rushed. Take your time. Safety first."

He paused, then added.

"By the way, this matter of money and cells should be kept secret only by you. As for the others—don't let them know for now."

Mizuki Yuki felt a chill run down her spine and nodded emphatically.

"I see."

The two exchanged a few more words about the details of the experiment before Makoto Koji left the laboratory.

As we walked out of the back mountain, it was already close to dusk.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the streets of Kirigakure, giving the village, which is shrouded in mist year-round, a warm golden hue.

Gouju Cheng strolled leisurely along the street, in a good mood.

This trip was very fruitful.

Konoha's secret techniques, Iwagakure's Dust Release, Dragon Vein Chakra, Tsunade's cells—plus the five hundred million taels of real gold and silver, as well as the income from the Daimyo and Kakuzu, his current net worth is among the top in the entire ninja world.

Of course, money isn't the most important thing.

The important thing is that he is getting closer and closer to his goal.

The White Zetsu project needed money, so he went to raise funds. Experiments needed cells, so he went to obtain cells. Research encountered bottlenecks, so he sought solutions.

Everything is proceeding according to plan.

As dusk fell, Makoto Goji didn't go straight back to his residence. Instead, he turned a corner and headed towards the Terumi clan.

The Terumi clan was a prominent clan in the village, and also boasted a top genius with two bloodlines. After Yagura became the Fourth Mizukage and Makoto Karatachi became his assistant, the Terumi clan's status in the village rose even higher, with countless people visiting them every day.

Mei Terumi's residence is located on the east side of the clan's territory. It is a detached two-story building with a small courtyard. The courtyard walls are covered with vines, and there are several unidentified flowering trees in the courtyard, which emit a faint fragrance in the night breeze.

Originally, the old clan chief Terumi wanted Terumi Mei to move to the central area, but Terumi Mei was too lazy to go and had gotten used to living there, so she continued to live there.

Gouju Cheng greeted the people at the door with practiced ease, nodded to the hidden members in the shadows, and then stepped inside.

Then, he paused for a moment.

Several pieces of clothing were hanging in the yard, one of which was Mei Terumi's underwear, fluttering in the moonlight and outlining an ambiguous shape.

Gouju Cheng coughed lightly, looked away, and walked to the door to knock.

"Who?"

"I."

There was a moment of silence inside the door, then hurried footsteps sounded.

The door opened, and Mei Terumi stood in the doorway, wearing a light-colored yukata, her long reddish-brown hair cascading over her shoulders, her beautiful eyes shining brightly in the dim light.

She looked at Goju Makoto, and Goju Makoto looked at her.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds.

"You're back?"

Mei Terumi spoke first, her voice calm, but her slightly reddened ears betrayed her.

"Yes, I'm back."

Gouju Makoto grinned. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

Mei Terumi stepped aside.

Gouju Cheng walked into the house and looked around.

Mei Terumi's apartment was very clean and tidy. The living room wasn't large, but it was decorated very warmly. There were several open scrolls on the coffee table, and next to them was a cup of tea that had gone cold, indicating that she had just been studying.

"You're quite diligent," Makoto Koji said, sitting down on the sofa. "The war's over, and you're still reading these things?"

"The war is over, but that doesn't mean peace has arrived." Mei Terumi poured him a cup of hot tea. "You have no idea how much trouble the intelligence department has. I feel like I'm going to get wrinkles from all the stress."

"Unlike you, you went to the battlefield between Konoha and Iwagakure to show off, and even got defeated by the Tsuchikage. You were so impressive!"

"No, no, I did all this to set up a plan—to clean up the mess left by the pufferfish demon. Didn't you say the village had already dealt with it?"

"A pufferfish demon?"

Mei Terumi scoffed, "You know the saying, 'When you see a cockroach in the sunlight, it's already crawling all over the place in the shadows!'"

"The Pufferfish Demon is just one of the larger corrupt cockroaches; there are far too many others. From department heads and captains to team leaders and members, almost none of them are good people. They're either selling intelligence or working part-time on the black market. To put it bluntly, the entire intelligence department is now riddled with holes!"

"We can't just condemn the whole village, or the entire intelligence system would explode. That's why my head is about to explode."

0

"It's alright, it's alright, you're here for me."

"Come on, I'm already swamped with work, and you're still making sarcastic remarks?"

Gouju chuckled but didn't reply.

The two remained silent for a moment.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, falling between the two like a thin veil.

"Ming, you've had a tough time these past few days."

Mei Terumi paused slightly, then turned her face away.

"Who asked you to say that?"

"I'm serious." Makoto Kujiri stood up, walked to her, squatted down, and looked her in the eye.

"The village is in dire need of rebuilding right now, and it's definitely too much for my cousin to handle alone. I don't know anything about government affairs, so it's really great to have you helping me with this kind of thing. But for you—thank you for your hard work, Ming."

Mei Terumi was silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly.

"When did you become so eloquent?"

"I always have," Makoto Koji leaned closer, "but you haven't given me a chance to show it."

Mei Terumi's face flushed slightly, and she raised her hand to push him.

"Stop fooling around."

"No trouble."

Gouju Cheng took the opportunity to pull her into his arms.

Under the moonlight, their shadows overlapped.

"Sincerity".

"Um?"

Welcome home.

Gouju Cheng smiled slightly, rested his chin on the top of her head, and said softly.

"I'm back."