I, Uchiha Hikaru, have joined the chat group.

Chapter 247 That's good.

The matter of conducting "clinical trials" has been preliminarily settled.

Next, a detailed implementation plan needs to be developed. This includes determining the personnel involved in the experiment, the group assignments, the dosage and timing of medication for each group, etc. Orochimaru will be in charge of this aspect, and once everything is finalized, it will be handed over to Uchiha Hikaru for review.

At this time.

Uchiha Hikaru also casually asked about the "Dead Demon Seal".

This is mainly because of Minato Namikaze.

The two were old acquaintances.

Although Uchiha Hikaru initially had a mutually beneficial mindset, using "taking care of Naruto" as a bargaining chip to obtain various secret and forbidden techniques from Namikaze Minato, after more than a year of interaction, she and Minato had developed a considerable friendship. It was almost time to consider trying to pull him back from the brink of death.

However, we should consult with Orochimaru, a professional, for specific advice on how to proceed.

After all, in the original timeline, it was he who released Minato Namikaze.

However, Orochimaru's diligent research into the "Dead Demon Seal" was likely primarily aimed at freeing his sealed hands. And since he hasn't yet developed a love-hate relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi, he probably doesn't have that much motivation...

"...Is there a way to undo the 'Dead Demon Seal'?"

Orochimaru thought for a moment: "I have indeed been researching this forbidden technique, but so far I have not made much progress... because the Uzumaki clan, which developed this ninjutsu, has been extinct for many years, and a large number of secret technique scrolls have been lost. It will take some time to find a way to break it."

After a pause, Orochimaru added, "However, if Lord Hikaru has such thoughts, he could try going to Kumogakure to take a look; perhaps he can find some useful information."

"Hidden Cloud Village?"

"Yes."

Orochimaru nodded: "The destruction of Uzushiogakure was the result of the joint efforts of many parties, and the most significant contributions came from Kumogakure and Kirigakure."

The Hidden Mist Village is in chaos due to the Blood Mist policy. Even Suigetsu Hozuki, the head of the intelligence department, is personally involved in selling information. I've bought some secret techniques from them, including those related to sealing techniques. However, due to its unique geographical location and tight defenses, it's very difficult for anyone to successfully infiltrate the Hidden Cloud Village…”

Listening to Orochimaru's explanation, Uchiha Hikaru frowned slightly, but quickly understood.

Also.

The Hidden Cloud Village has a history of stealing bloodline limits and secret techniques from other villages.

For example, they kidnapped Kushina during the Second Shinobi World War, and they kidnapped Hinata a few years ago during the peace talks with Konoha... Even Konoha, the leader of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, couldn't make them hesitate, so the Uzumaki clan, with its relatively small population, was even less likely to be taken seriously by them.

Think about it carefully...

The Hidden Cloud Village, which has never been known for its sealing techniques, has produced two perfect Jinchūriki—the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails—in the last ten years or so, which is indeed a bit suspicious.

As for Kirigakure, needless to say.

Of the five great ninja villages, it is closest to Uzushiogakure.

Even if it wasn't the first to act, it was the most convenient for it to send people there to reap the benefits when the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed.

"Speaking of which..."

"When Uzumaki Village was destroyed, Madara Uchiha should have already been in Kirigakure, right?"

Perhaps... he was also behind the destruction of the Uzumaki clan?

Uchiha Hikaru pondered inwardly, but his face remained impassive: "I'll consider going to Kumogakure, but the specific plans are not your concern. What you need to do now is to quickly develop the drug trial protocol and then let me review it."

"……yes."

Orochimaru nodded in agreement.

……

Orochimaru left in a hurry to devise a plan.

Until this point.

Esdeath narrowed her eyes slightly, staring at his retreating figure for a moment before turning to look at Uchiha Hikaru: "Your subordinate seems a bit unruly. Should I give him a talking-to?"

"beat?"

"Oh."

Esdeath sneered: "I admit you're very strong, but when it comes to managing subordinates, you're nothing but a novice. It's common for subordinates to have ulterior motives, but daring to express them openly is another matter entirely. Indulging them is not something a leader should do."

"……well enough."

Hikaru Uchiha didn't think Esdeath was exaggerating.

Compared to Esdeath, she was indeed a bit inexperienced in this regard. After all, the latter had served as an Imperial General and was able to manage an army of over 100,000 men in an orderly manner, which was something that not everyone could do.

but……

Uchiha Hikaru was not without means to restrain Orochimaru and others.

Not to mention Orochimaru's extremely weak resistance to Sharingan genjutsu.

Although Uchiha Hikaru did not use the "Eight Thousand Spears" to alter Orochimaru's memories, he had already left a mark on him. Rewriting or even destroying his will would not be too difficult; it was just a matter of whether he wanted to do it or not.

Just like the three beast warriors Esdeath once subdued, taking such villains as subordinates naturally means you can't expect them to become flawless overnight. As long as they don't return to their old ways or cross the line, a little bit of personal scheming and plotting is perfectly tolerable.

If Orochimaru could use the Soul Reincarnation Technique to possess the bodies of Nagato, Obito, and even Kaguya, then Uchiha Hikaru would have to praise him for his skill.

At this time.

Uchiha Hikaru suddenly raised his head, glanced at Esdeath, and then curled his lips into a smile.

"...What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I just suddenly thought, Xiao Ai, are you worried about my safety? You were too when you were sparring with Orochimaru just now... If something happens to me, wouldn't it be good news for you? After all, you could regain your freedom."

"……cut."

Esdeath snorted coldly, turning her gaze away from Uchiha Hikaru's face, and said in a casual tone, "Don't overthink it. I'm just showing mutual respect. After all, there aren't many opponents who can make me fight to my heart's content, and you're one of them. I'll feel lonely if you die."

"Furthermore, worry, sympathy, pity... these are emotions that only ordinary people have. For the strong, they are just burdens, and they will not appear in me."

"Oh...I see~~"

Uchiha Hikaru deliberately drew out the sound and revealed a mischievous smile.

If Esdeath had said such a thing a few months ago, when he had just "submitted" to her, she would not have doubted it at all.

This military princess is inherently self-centered and cold-blooded, never swayed by external things. In the original story, even though she fell in love with Tatsumi at first sight, she showed no mercy when dealing with "Night Raid" and the Revolutionary Army. She even tried to kill Tatsumi herself after realizing that he wouldn't be persuaded by her.

But now...

At least Esdeath followed him out of the Empire, experiencing a larger world and more people.

In this situation, although Uchiha Hikaru dared not hope that he could achieve the same status as Tatsumi in Esdeath's heart, he should still have some camaraderie with her.

"Let's go, Xiao Ai."

Uchiha Hikaru put his hands behind his head, stretched, and turned to walk in one direction:

"I'll take you to try Aunt Misae's cooking. The wild rabbits around here are quite delicious."

……

That evening.

Uchiha Hikaru brought Esdeath to Karin's family's dining table and tasted the braised rabbit meat cooked by Uzumaki Misae.

Kimimaro and Jugo were also there.

Like the Uzumaki mother and daughter, these two were kidnapped by Uchiha Hikaru from outside... and their houses were right next to each other, so Uzumaki Misae often invited them over for dinner, treating them like her own sons. Although Kimimaro and Jugo were still quiet and reserved at the moment, they seemed a bit more lively than in the original story.

During the meal.

Misae Uzumaki chatted for a bit about the recent situation in Otogakure.

"Thanks to Miss Hikaru, the Sound Village has developed quite well recently. The population has increased several times over, and there are many more shops on the streets. Also, Lord Orochimaru and Senior Nonou are currently discussing setting up a school to teach adults to read and write... It should only get better and better in the future."

"Really...that's good."

Uchiha Hikaru was holding a spicy rabbit head in both hands, taking small bites, when a faint smile appeared on his face.

In fact, the appearance of the Sound Village is quite simple. It is far inferior to the Leaf Village, let alone the Leaf Village, and even compared with some small ninja villages in the ninja world.

However, the Uzumaki mother and daughter used to live in Kusagakure.

Compared to the grass ninja who only suck blood and consume marrow, even someone as gloomy and eccentric as Orochimaru seems kind and benevolent.

And Uchiha Hikaru did indeed contribute to this.

—If it weren't for her, Orochimaru wouldn't be so obedient. At the very least, the treatment of the Uzumaki mother and daughter would definitely be much worse than it is now.

"Oh, right."

Misae Uzumaki asked again in a low voice, "How long does Hikari-san plan to stay in the village this time?"

"...It's hard to say. I might only stay for a few days because I still have some things to do in Konoha."

Uchiha Hikaru swallowed the rabbit meat in his mouth and looked up: "What, is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, it's just that Karin and the others recently learned a few new ninjutsu techniques and wanted to show them to you, Hikari-san, so..."

"Ninjutsu? The Three Body Technique?"

still is……

"It's the Diamond Lockdown!"

Karin raised her little hand, beaming with pride, and said, "Orochimaru-sensei said this is a secret technique of the Uzumaki clan, and only the strongest Uzumaki clan members can learn it... Since learning this move, Kimimaro and Jugo are no match for me!"

"Oh?"

Uchiha Hikaru glanced at Kimimaro and Jugo beside him; neither of them spoke, seemingly acknowledging Karin's statement.

In theory, Kimimaro and Karin are both pure taijutsu-type ninjas, making them vulnerable to sealing techniques. However, considering Karin is the youngest of the three, it's hard to say whether she's truly that strong or if her two older brothers are letting her win.

"So... could you come see my new spell tomorrow, Hikari-neechan?"

Karin looked over expectantly.

"Can."

Uchiha Hikaru smiled and patted the little girl's head.

This action drew an envious look from Kimimaro standing nearby. Noticing this, Uchiha Hikaru chuckled and raised his arm to ruffle Kimimaro's hair a few times, saying, "Let's see yours tomorrow too. And Jugo as well."

"……Um!"

Kimimaro nodded vigorously, her face flushed.

After finishing the meal.

Karin was the first to get up and quickly began clearing the dishes, while Kimimaro and Jugo silently went over to help.

Now that she had some free time, Misae Uzumaki washed a basin of oranges and brought them to Hikaru Uchiha and Esdeath, urging them to eat.

"These were all grown by the villagers nearby. They taste very good. Miss Hikari and Lady Esdeath, please try them."

"Aunt Misae, you're too kind."

Uchiha Hikaru peeled an orange, ate a segment himself, and then casually offered another segment to Esdeath's lips: "Want to try some?"

"..."

Esdeath instinctively shrank back a little, then looked at the orange segment in front of her, the fair little hand holding that segment, and then at Uchiha Hikaru with a smile on her face, before finally opening her mouth and eating it.

The moment the warm lips touched his fingers, Uchiha Hikaru's fingertips trembled slightly involuntarily as he felt a tingling, electric current spreading through his palm. Esdeath, opposite him, also lowered her eyes slightly, revealing a subtly complex expression.

"How does it taste?"

Uchiha Hikaru took a light breath, feigning calmness.

"fine."

Next.

Instead of feeding her, Uchiha Hikari broke the remaining orange in half, giving one half to herself and half to Esdeath. When Esdeath took the orange, her gaze lingered briefly on Esdeath's right fingertips before she looked away and silently began to eat.

Neither of them spoke again.

The air in the living room only became lively again when the sound of water in the kitchen stopped and Karin and the others reappeared.

We chatted for a while longer.

Seeing that it was getting late, Uchiha Hikaru got up to say goodbye. Kimimaro and Jugo also said goodbye to the Uzumaki mother and daughter, preparing to go back to rest.

"See you tomorrow, Hikari-neechan!"

"Okay, see you tomorrow."

After waving goodbye.

Hikaru Uchiha took Esdeath back to his small courtyard.

To be precise, this is just a temporary residence.

Even when she was in the Naruto world, she spent most of her time at the Uchiha headquarters in Konoha, or she would travel around to various countries in the ninja world. She spent the least amount of time staying overnight in Otogakure.

For this reason, the residence is somewhat simple, like a hospital ward, with basically no decorations except for the bed, table and chairs.

"...Speaking of which, should we change our sleeping location? Using 'Shangri-La' would make it easy to return to Konoha."

Uchiha Hikaru turned around and looked at Esdeath, asking a question.

The latter paused for a moment, then said calmly, "It's alright, this is fine."

(End of this chapter)