Konoha: From the moment I was adopted by Tsunade

Chapter 156 Cooperation with Orochimaru

"Are you awake?"

Natsume carried a bowl of porridge and pushed open the door to enter.

Mikoto Uchiha, who was in a daze, suddenly snapped to attention and quickly pulled the sheet up to cover her body.

That's like burying your head in the sand.

Natsume smiled, placed the porridge on the table, and said, "Get up and eat."

Upon smelling the aroma, Mikoto Uchiha's stomach immediately rumbled.

She blushed, feeling quite embarrassed.

She didn't eat last night, and she didn't eat today either. She's already starving after expending so much energy.

I was focused on the Mangekyou Sharingan before and had temporarily forgotten about this.

"You...you go out first."

Mikoto Uchiha's tone sounded rather weak.

It's that feeling of being completely harmless, yet having no choice but to ask for help.

Natsume stepped forward.

"Let...let me go."

Mikoto Uchiha immediately retreated until she reached a corner with nowhere to go, at which point she revealed a pitiful appearance.

"Your words are a questioning of my character."

Natsume reached out, pinched her chin, looked her up and down, and asked, "Who coerced whom last night? Have you forgotten?"

Mikoto Uchiha was stunned.

It seems that she did indeed take the initiative.

"I...I...that was..."

She stammered, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Because she was reminded of what happened last night, a blush rose from her cheeks to her ears.

"I'm sorry... I... am guilty."

Mikoto Uchiha hastily apologized.

"If you're guilty, put on some new clothes."

Natsume then took out a black nun's habit and said, "It can alleviate your guilt."

He stopped teasing her, turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Mikoto Uchiha looked at the nun's habit with a puzzled expression, but ultimately did not refuse.

Her face flushed slightly, and she spun around a little, feeling a bit awkward.

It was mainly because it was the first time I'd worn black stockings.

The rest are fine.

Mikoto Uchiha glanced instinctively at the door; Natsume seemed to have already left.

She picked up the bowl of plain porridge and took a sip.

The taste was surprisingly good.

This is worlds apart from the plain congee I ate last night.

Natsume greeted Uzumaki Ena and then returned to her room.

Mikoto Uchiha finished the white porridge completely.

My lips are glossy and moist, unlike last night when they were so dry.

Natsume glanced at the black nun's habit that covered her delicate body; it was very curvaceous, even better than he had imagined.

"Do you want more?"

He pointed to the bowl and said, "If you're not full, there's more."

Mikoto Uchiha placed her hands on her lower abdomen and nodded shyly.

Natsume immediately brought her two more bowls.

"Um... I wanted to ask something."

Mikoto Uchiha licked her lips, swallowed her porridge, and asked, "Why didn't I awaken my Mangekyou Sharingan last night?"

"It's not that simple!"

Natsume blinked, a smile appearing on his face, and said, "It's alright, there's plenty of time, I'll open my eyes someday."

"..."

Mikoto Uchiha's body stiffened instantly.

She had used up all her courage last night.

I thought the torment would end soon, but it turned out to be just the beginning.

There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Natsume reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "So do your best, Aunt Mikoto."

Mikoto Uchiha hesitated, her rosy lips slightly parted, but she ultimately did not answer and continued drinking her porridge.

"From now on, go find Hui Nai and ask her to help you train your eye power."

Natsume stood up and said, "Your eye power is currently being forcibly increased, which is actually not good for you."

"Um."

Mikoto Uchiha nodded.

She didn't really understand either, but she did whatever Natsume told her to do.

"Remember to return the flute to Tayuya."

Natsume said with a smile, "She's been really angry for so long, so please don't tell her the specific purpose."

Uchiha Mikoto suddenly became as popular as Steam Princess.

No place to be self-contained.

I want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Natsume did not stay any longer. He used the Flying Thunder God Technique and returned home.

He changed into clean clothes and headed to the Hokage Building.

Today is his first day at work since becoming the Hokage's assistant.

But he was already a morning late.

Thanks to the example set by Shimura Danzo, who rarely came to the Hokage Building and only came to argue with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Everyone's gotten used to it.

Now that there's a new Hokage to assist him, being late for work is a minor matter and nothing to be surprised about.

Natsume entered his office.

After yesterday's cleaning, it looks like it's working properly.

He started working.

Although I don't know how Danzo Shimura works, he has been thoroughly dealt with by Tsunade.

This refers to the so-called decision-making power.

The matter, after its initial handling by the Hokage's secretariat, will be left to him for a final decision.

This used to be the job of the Hokage and his advisor.

But now that the two Hokage advisors are dead, only Tsunade remains.

If it were Hiruzen Sarutobi, he definitely wouldn't share his power.

Tsunade and Natsume were like family, not at all formal.

With the help of the Hokage's secretariat, it wasn't as busy as I had imagined.

Natsume only had one thing to do: stamp the document.

Cover those who agree, and throw back those who disagree.

He was extremely efficient, finishing everything in less than an hour.

"Take the document to the teacher."

Natsume put down the seal and gave instructions.

An ANBU ninja immediately appeared and took the documents.

After things calmed down for the time being, Natsume planned to visit Orochimaru.

This time, he is assisting the Hokage of Konoha.

He had previously mentioned to Tsunade the matter of researching Wood Release.

But this kind of experiment is really beyond the capabilities of the average person.

Without someone to take the lead, it's likely that nothing will be accomplished in decades.

Of all the people in Konoha, Orochimaru is the most suitable.

His research capabilities have been proven countless times and are trustworthy.

The investigation into Shimura Danzo has also implicated Orochimaru.

According to the rules of Konoha Village, he could already be sent to the Pure Land to meet the Sage of Six Paths.

However, his identity is special and his influence is significant.

Most importantly, Tsunade couldn't bring herself to do it.

The three legendary ninjas have fought side by side since childhood and have a pretty good relationship.

Not killing Orochimaru isn't a big problem, but letting him enjoy Konoha's resources for free is unacceptable.

Natsume didn't care before because the Hokage was Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The current Hokage is Tsunade, from her family.

In other words, Orochimaru was eating and drinking for free at his house.

Natsume hates being taken advantage of the most.

This is absolutely intolerable.

Orochimaru must work hard.

Natsume left the Hokage Building and headed to Orochimaru's residence.

As he reached the door, he could already feel many peeping eyes.

It's a snake from Ryuji Cave.

"Go and inform Lord Orochimaru that Natsume, the Hokage's assistant, wants to see him."

Natsume casually said something and then entered the hall.

Unexpectedly, there were other unexpected people involved.

Mitarashi Red Bean.

She was holding six strings of three-colored dumplings in her hands, and when she saw Natsume, she was chewing them, her cheeks bulging.

"Natsume?"

She quickly swallowed the meatball in her mouth, smiled, and greeted them, saying, "It seems like we haven't seen each other for a long time."

"It's been a long time."

Natsume nodded. "The last time was three or four years ago, when we teamed up to carry out a mission deep into the Cloud Ninja camp."

"Do you want some?"

Mitarashi Anko took out a string of three-colored dumplings and asked.

"Need not."

Natsume waved his hand, reminding her, "Eating too much will make you fat."

"It's okay, I won't gain weight."

Mitarashi Anko smiled confidently and said, "I eat this every year, but I've always maintained my weight."

Natsume thought to himself that this was clearly the effect of the curse seal.

The day Orochimaru runs away with his bucket, you're doomed.

"Speaking of which, I haven't yet congratulated you on becoming the Hokage's assistant."

Mitarashi Anko said excitedly, "Remember to cover for me if I ever get into trouble in the future."

"Your teacher is Lord Orochimaru, he won't let anything happen to you."

Natsume paused for a moment, then said, "However, I can also protect you."

Although Orochimaru is cold, cunning, and unapproachable, he is still a good teacher.

Nawaki and Mitarashi Anko are really good.

As for Uchiha Sasuke, he didn't train him as a disciple, but rather as a vessel.

"Yay!"

Mitarashi Azuko beamed with joy.

"Are you waiting for Lord Orochimaru?"

Although Natsume held a higher position than Orochimaru, he was of a lower generation, so he was addressed with a more respectful title in front of outsiders.

"Yes. But the teacher has something to do and doesn't know when he'll be here."

Mitarashi Anko's smile dimmed slightly as she said, "I haven't seen my teacher in a long time; he's been very busy lately."

Being busy is just an excuse.

Natsume could probably understand Orochimaru's thoughts.

The main reason is that his apprentice, Mitarashi Anko, is simply not a good match for him.

Neither his talent nor his personality were what he liked.

However, he did indeed have teacher-student feelings for her.

"Where's Yugao?"

Natsume thought of her two teammates.

Itachi Uchiha has already defected, but Yugao Uzuki has not.

"I don't know."

Mitarashi Anko's expression froze slightly.

She didn't know what Uzuki Yugao was doing, but she knew that she was always by Orochimaru's side.

That's so enviable.

Mitarashi Azuko was quite unwilling to accept this.

She is clearly Orochimaru's first disciple.

Why aren't they receiving the treatment they deserve?

Just then, as if her expression had changed, she revealed a look of surprise.

"Teacher, you're back?"

"Um."

Orochimaru's gaze fell on Natsume, ignoring Mitarashi Anko.

"I heard you've learned Sage Mode from Shikkotsu Forest?"

Mitarashi Anko's smile froze instantly.

Waaaaah, teacher, look at me!

"By sheer luck."

Natsume gave her a reassuring look before answering Orochimaru's question.

There's no room for luck when learning Immortal Mode.

Orochimaru licked his lips, clearly intrigued.

Because there are currently only two people in the ninja world who know Sage Mode.

Aside from the mysterious masked man he encountered earlier, there were only Jiraiya and Natsume.

The former's Sage Mode is not yet complete.

Although Orochimaru has developed the Heaven and Earth Curse Seal, it is still inferior to Sage Mode.

If Natsume could let him study it, perhaps he would gain different insights.

"..."

Natsume could clearly feel Orochimaru's gaze.

It was as if a model kit enthusiast had seen a real Gundam.

excited.

"Lord Orochimaru, I've come to see you today because I have something to discuss with you."

Natsume changed the subject and started talking about serious business.

"What is it?"

Orochimaru smiled nonchalantly.

His smile is rather cold.

However, he had no intention of harming Natsume.

First, it's not easy to fight.

Secondly, it offended Tsunade.

Unless he is absolutely certain, he has no interest in doing so for the time being.

"Red Bean, could you please leave for a moment?"

Natsume turned his head and said, "This is related to Konoha's secret."

Mitarashi Anko paused for a moment, looking somewhat aggrieved, but didn't say anything.

She's a ninja, so naturally she has to obey orders.

Natsume is no longer the junior he once was, but the Hokage's assistant.

After Mitarashi Anko left, Orochimaru's aura grew even colder.

It must be said that he valued this apprentice quite a bit.

"Lord Orochimaru, we hope you can conduct the Wood Release experiment."

Natsume said neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Doesn't Konoha already have Hashirama cell transplantation technology?"

Orochimaru frowned and asked.

"The teacher didn't want a transplant; she wanted awakening."

Natsume explained.

"Awakening?"

Orochimaru sneered and said, "Has Tsunade become naive after becoming Hokage?"

"Impossible?"

Natsume countered with a question.

"It's unlikely."

Orochimaru offered no explanation, simply telling him to leave: "Go back and tell Tsunade not to waste my time."

"As long as the probability isn't zero, it's certainly possible."

Natsume smiled and said, "Lord Orochimaru, we are aware of your cooperation with Shimura Danzo."

"Are you threatening me?"

Orochimaru's expression changed slightly, and a powerful killing intent filled the entire hall.

"It's cooperation."

Natsume said calmly, "Your experiment cannot be exposed to the light of day. You need someone to help you cover it up and provide resources."

"interesting."

Orochimaru suddenly laughed and asked, "It seems Tsunade doesn't know what you've been doing behind my back."

Another Danzo Shimura.

It's not that cooperation is impossible.

There are some things that he really can't handle.

"In exchange, you must not attack the ninjas and villagers of Konoha again."

Natsume added, "But I can provide you with prisoners from Konoha Prison."

"That's settled then."

Orochimaru was reluctant to abandon Konoha for the time being, so he did not refuse.

As for the so-called Konoha Awakening Experiment, it can be done with a perfunctory approach.

In any case, it's quite normal to not see results after several years of hard work on such important research.

"To ensure cooperation, I'd like to send someone to learn from you. What do you think?"

Natsume's idea was impromptu; he thought of Kabuto Yakushi.

How so?

His best teacher was naturally Orochimaru.

If Kabuto can learn something from this, that would be best.

If you can't learn it, you have to try other methods.

For example, Yomotsu or Beppudenjin.

Orochimaru nodded, completely unconcerned.

"It's a pleasure working with you."

Natsume bowed slightly, then turned and left.

"teacher."

Mitarashi Anko, who was outside the door, immediately ran into the hall.

"Is there anything else?"

Orochimaru glanced at her and said, "If there's nothing else, you can go back."

"Teacher, these are the three-color meatballs I bought for you."

Mitarashi Anko handed him the remaining five strings of tricolor dumplings.

Orochimaru was silent for two seconds, then stuck out his long, thin tongue and swallowed the wooden skewer along with it.

Despite the rather frightening sight, Mitarashi Anko still wore a happy expression.

Konoha Orphanage.

Pharmacist Kabuto did not conduct any experiments today.

Because he has hit a bottleneck.

As Natsume's teachings became increasingly complex, his existing knowledge base was clearly insufficient.

Although he had acquired many of Orochimaru's techniques, knowledge on paper is ultimately lifeless.

As clever as Kabuto is, he couldn't have been self-taught.

Tsunade is indeed a good teacher.

However, everyone has their own area of ​​expertise.

She and Orochimaru are different in many ways.

"pocket."

Natsume climbed onto the roof and sat down next to him.

"Where are my men?"

Kabuto glanced at him and said, "One Honoka is simply not enough."

It's worth mentioning that Honoka's scientific research level is indeed quite good.

It's just one person; it can't be used as two.

He is currently researching two main projects.

First, the ancestral Otsutsuki chakra.

Second, Kaguya Kimimaro's bloodstain disease.

None of them are easy.

"Let's leave aside what my subordinates are saying for now."

Natsume chuckled and quickly changed the subject, "I found you a teacher, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru?

Kabuto looked surprised and asked, "How could he have agreed?"

"Actually, I didn't agree."

Natsume briefly explained his collaboration with Orochimaru, saying, "Anyway, try to learn as much as possible."

If that doesn't work, use the Mangekyou Sharingan to lock him in a dark room, teach him everything, and then release him.

"Um."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, a hint of excitement flashing across his face.

It would be a good thing to witness Orochimaru's skills.

"come on."

Natsume patted him on the shoulder and said, "I'll send you some nice things in a while."

He was referring to Shennong.

Both his forbidden medical techniques and his knowledge are valuable.

This should be helpful to the pharmacist.

As for safety, Natsume doesn't need to worry for now.

He left behind a token he had exchanged for with Fate Points, so he could arrive in time if anything happened.

Besides that, there's the issue of Kabuto's loyalty.

How so?

Orochimaru is indeed charming, but not to the point of being a succubus.

Furthermore, Natsume can verify this through the Fate Ring.

[Because of your actions, Kabuto's fate has changed; you have gained 37 Fate Points.]

After returning to the Hokage Building, Natsume heard a notification sound.

As he expected, the Fate Value wasn't particularly high.

This also means that Kabuto Yakushi did not betray them.

He only learned knowledge from Orochimaru.

A knock came at the door.

"Please come in."

Natsume put down the documents and looked up.

Kurenai entered, wearing what appeared to be a red robe wrapped in bandages.

"Natsume-sama."

She bowed slightly and said, "The Hokage wishes to see you."

"Sister Hong, you don't need to be so polite. Just call me Natsume."

Natsume wasn't quite used to this form of address.

He calls her "Sister Kurenai" because Kurenai and Shizune are of the same generation.

Calling her "Auntie" would be too much.

After all, she's not married yet.

"In that case, I shall respectfully comply."

Kurenai Yuhi's previously serious expression softened into a smile as she said, "But that's on the condition that no third person is present."

She was a ninja who valued rules and regulations.

It's not a big problem to shout it out in private.

However, if others find out, it might cause some unnecessary trouble.

The Yuhi Clan was just a small ninja clan.

Don't get too carried away with your success.

"Can."

Natsume smiled and stood up, saying, "Then I'll go see my teacher first."

Five thousand words.

(End of this chapter)