I, Uchiha Hikaru, have joined the chat group.

Chapter 140 News from Kirigakure

Orochimaru was the most excited about Jugo's arrival.

Although he had already begun researching "cursed seal" technology before defecting from Konoha, the previous "cursed seals" were simply marks used to house souls, which were completely different from the "cursed seals" used by the Sound Five and Sasuke and others later on.

Hmm, it might also have a slight weight loss effect...

After all, when the red bean was under the "Curse of Heaven," it could eat as much as it wanted without gaining weight. But once the "Curse" was gone, it grew into a 200-pound sweet potato in just a few years...

But with Jugo, things are different.

Jugo's Cursed Seal Transformation is essentially an imperfect Sage Mode.

As a natural immortal being, he can unconsciously absorb the surrounding natural energy and then his strength increases dramatically in a short period of time... Although the price is losing his mind and becoming manic and irritable, the increase in power is quite significant.

More importantly, this ability can be replicated by the "cursed seal" and transplanted into someone else.

As for the effect...

This allowed the Sound Four, who were originally of average talent, to directly confront Konoha Jonin, and then, despite being weakened, nearly wiped out Neji and his group. Kimimaro, who already possessed considerable talent, even used this to kill the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.

Although this time Jugo's arrival was several years earlier than the original timeline.

But Orochimaru immediately recognized his value.

but……

It was Uchiha Hikaru who brought him back.

Of course, she wouldn't just give it to Orochimaru for nothing.

We have to make this guy pay something.

"...Master Guang, the room has been cleaned. The bedding and kitchenware are all new, and other furniture is being purchased. Please let us know if you need anything."

"I understand, thank you for your hard work."

That evening.

In front of the small house where the Uzumaki mother and daughter lived, Uchiha Hikaru waved his hand, signaling Guren and the others to leave.

Then, she turned around and looked at Misae and Karin, who were curiously coming out to check the commotion.

"This child's name is Tenbin Shigeo, and he's an orphan from another village. I happened to run into him a few days ago when I went out, so I brought him back with me. I plan to let him live next door to you."

"Oh……"

The mother and daughter didn't think much of it: "So he's a pitiful child after all... Lord Hikaru, please rest assured, Karin and I will take good care of him for you."

They are indeed somewhat pitiful.

but……

"Let me make this clear first, this kid is generally very mild-mannered, but occasionally he goes into a berserk state where he loses his temper... A good beating will fix it. Karin, if that happens, you're in charge of beating him back."

"Huh? Me?"

Karin opened her mouth wide, looking somewhat hesitant.

At this time, Jugo was only about ten years old, but he was almost as tall as Uchiha Hikaru and a head taller than Karin.

The little girl looked up at Chongwu's burly physique, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Don't worry, I'll place a sealing technique on him beforehand, so even if he goes berserk, his strength will only be equivalent to a slightly stronger genin. And I'll teach you a few grappling techniques... Back then, Kushina Uzumaki, who was from your clan, could beat up genin when she was only six or seven years old. I believe you have that potential."

Uchiha Hikaru wasn't entirely playing hard to get with Karin.

Judging from the original storyline, Karin's potential is actually quite good.

"Physical Healing," "Kagura's Mind's Eye," and "Diamond Sealing Technique"—these three unique talents of the Uzumaki clan were not fully awakened even by Kushina, yet Karin awakened them all at once. Furthermore, despite a difficult childhood and being neglected by Kusagakure for over a decade, she was still able to reach the level of a Jonin within just a few years under Orochimaru's tutelage.

If sufficient resources are invested and she is nurtured from a young age, her achievements may very well rival those of Kushina in the past.

"R-really?"

Karin blinked: "The Uzumaki clan is this powerful?"

"certainly."

"...I understand now."

Karin glanced cautiously at Uchiha Hikaru, and after seemingly confirming that she wasn't lying, she pursed her lips, a hint of determination appearing on her face: "If Master Hikaru needs me to do this, I will do my best!"

"I know this task is a bit challenging for you, but if you really can't do it, that's okay. Just ask Honglian and the others for help. I'll talk to them first, so don't feel like you're bothering them."

Uchiha Hikaru paused for a moment: "Also, I've already talked to Orochimaru. He's the 'mentor' I mentioned before. In a couple of days, you and Jugo can go to his lab and see what he has to do... Although that guy isn't the best, he's very knowledgeable. You can ask him anything you don't understand, and try to get him to understand you as soon as possible."

"Hmm... I'll try my best."

Karin nodded again.

After explaining things to the little girl, Uchiha Hikaru took out several scrolls from his pocket and looked at Uzumaki Misae: "These scrolls are from Orochimaru and a friend. They contain several secret ninjutsu and sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan. You can take a look at them. If you don't understand anything, you can ask me or Orochimaru."

Misae Uzumaki is not a ninja.

At her age, it's actually a bit late for her to start learning now.

But it doesn't matter, since I don't expect her to achieve anything great anyway; it's enough if she can protect herself.

Misae Uzumaki took the scroll, her eyes red-rimmed, and bowed deeply: "Miss Hikari, thank you so much! If it weren't for you, Karin and I might have died at the hands of those grass ninjas long ago... Don't worry, I will definitely train hard and supervise Karin to make sure she fulfills your instructions!"

There's no need to rush to make that promise.

Uchiha Hikaru smiled slightly and said gently, "It's true that I saved you and your daughter, but you don't need to treat this kindness as a burden. If you feel uncomfortable staying here, or find that my arrangements are not suitable, you can speak up at any time. Even if you want to leave and go see other parts of the world, that's fine too. Just say the word, and I won't stop you."

Hearing her say that...

Misae's expression became even more earnest: "Miss Hikari, you flatter me. Karin and I were given our lives by you. Unless you no longer need us, we would never do anything so ungrateful."

"...Alright then."

After giving Jugo a few instructions on how to get along well with Karin,

Uchiha Hikaru waved his hand, turned and left Karin's house. He met up with Erii, who was waiting nearby, and was about to go back for dinner when he felt a chilling gaze fall upon him.

It's Orochimaru.

Although they had been in contact for some time and he had promised not to investigate Orochimaru's inner thoughts, Hikaru Uchiha still couldn't stand the way this guy looked at him. Anyone who didn't know better would probably think he was a perverted grotesque man, plus a lolicon...

Whenever she accidentally met that gaze, it would give her goosebumps.

"Eri, you should go back now."

Uchiha Hikaru spoke to Erii, then took a few steps forward and stood before Orochimaru: "What is it?"

"Lord Hikari."

Orochimaru bowed slightly, concealing the greed in his eyes a little, and then spoke in a hoarse voice: "I just received intelligence from the Land of Water. It seems there's been some trouble at Kirigakure."

(End of this chapter)