Konoha: The Soul King from the Uchiha Clan

Chapter 303 Why Be Hesitant and Timid? (4200 words)

After leaving the Land of Wind, they arrived at the desolate outskirts of the Land of Whirlpools and stopped there.

The three pufferfish demons jumped to the ground. Uchiha Gen formed hand seals, and three puffs of white smoke emerged. With a flick of his sleeve, three scrolls flew towards the three.

"This scroll contains the Second Hokage of Konoha's Water Release ninjutsu and insights into Water Release techniques. Take it and study it carefully."

Tobirama Senju's Water Release ninjutsu and his insights into Water Release were hidden in Konoha's secret archives, which Uchiha Gen secretly visited.

Now that Uchiha Gen has mastered four nature transformations, he naturally cannot let go of the remaining Water Release, which is already on the agenda.

The Second Hokage's Water Release techniques and those of his three subordinates are important references.

"Thank you, sir." The three were overjoyed upon hearing this and said in unison.

The Second Hokage's Water Release techniques were renowned throughout the ninja world, known for their speed and power. As Water Release ninjas themselves, they had long heard of this.

"The Second Hokage should not casually reveal his Water Release ninjutsu to outsiders, and once revealed, he should not leave any survivors."

"Let me know when you've learned it. That will be the time to take down Danzo."

"Yes, sir!"

"Also, remember to write down your thoughts on Water Release next time we meet; I'm also studying Water Release techniques."

"Yes, sir."

"Let's go, let's change our appearance and have a good meal in the City of Whirlpools."

"Eat whatever you like, it's on me, don't be shy."

The three readily agreed, and then followed Uchiha Gen in using the Transformation Technique to quickly leap towards the City of Whirlpools.

Judging from the size of the pufferfish demon and others, you can tell they have big appetites, and Uchiha Gen's appetite is also quite large.

The four of them went to the most luxurious restaurant in Whirlpool City and ate to their hearts' content. When it came time to pay the bill, the three of them, including the pufferfish demon, secretly felt the pinch...

Uchiha Gen didn't feel anything special; he just thought, "I'm rich!"

After lunch, Uchiha Gen gave Kisame and Juzo enough living expenses so that the two wouldn't have to cry or complain about money and could focus on their training.

When Genya Uchiha used the Flying Thunder God Technique to send the pufferfish back to Kirigakure, he gave it a sum of money.

Fuguki isn't as pure as Kisame or Juzo; he's greedy for both money and power, but it's okay to satisfy his desires to some extent if the conditions allow.

After everything was settled, Uchiha Gen returned to Konoha Village.

The disappearance of Rasa and the others quickly attracted the attention of Sunagakure...

The Sand Village sent people to investigate, and unsurprisingly, the anomaly at the Sand Village's base was discovered.

Combined with the testimonies of other bystanders in the Kobe Oasis and the on-site investigation, Sunagakure quickly determined that Rasa and the others were likely in grave danger.

This infuriated the people of Sunagakure. The Third Kazekage had mysteriously disappeared, and the Fourth Kazekage had also mysteriously disappeared. Did they think Sunagakure was easy to bully?

Frustrated, the entire village of Sunagakure united and did everything in their power to investigate the truth behind the disappearance of Rasa and the others.

However, some things cannot be accomplished simply by working together. After investigating for half a month, Sunagakure only discovered that Kirigakure was faintly involved in this matter...

The situation has reached a stalemate. If they go to Kirigakure to demand an explanation without concrete evidence, the two sides that have just reached a truce might start fighting again.

We finally managed to secure a ceasefire between the two sides, but the situation in Iwagakure isn't completely resolved yet; the fighting is still ongoing...

The Sunagakure leadership had no choice but to swallow their anger and temporarily switch from overt investigation to covert investigation.

With the matter of Luo Sha settled, the selection of a new Kazekage was put on the agenda.

Because of Gen Uchiha's actions, Chiyo and others believed that the Third Kazekage was still alive. Therefore, after discussion, the Sunagakure leadership decided to send someone to the Akatsuki organization to bring back the Third Kazekage to take charge of the situation.

If the Third Kazekage is unwilling to return, then we will consider other options.

During this period, the administrative affairs of Sunagakure will be handled by the elders, who will discuss and decide on important matters.

In fact, it was already a foregone conclusion that Yekura would become the Fifth Kazekage.

Because the Third Kazekage is dead, and he was killed by Sasori.

When Sunagakure finally finds Sasori, they will discover the truth that the Third Kazekage was turned into a human puppet.

Thus, the matter of the Fifth Kazekage will be put on the agenda.

Chiyo and her brother are too old; the chances of them becoming Kazekage are too low.

After the incident where Sun Tzu killed the Third Kazekage, let alone becoming Kazekage, it would be best for him not to resign or live in seclusion.

Aside from the older generation, Sunagakure, which is facing a talent gap, has at most two outstanding young ninjas: Pakura and Baki.

In terms of strength and reputation, Maki is no match for Yokura. Chiyo and Ebizo also favor Yokura.

Sasori committed the heinous crime of murdering the Third Kazekage, so he was bound to be wanted and hunted down by Sunagakure. However, blood is thicker than water, and Chiyo and Ebizo would not really want to see Sasori killed.

In this situation, it would be natural to recommend Yekura, who was already favored and had a closer relationship with Yekura, to take the position.

From a public standpoint, it would be most reasonable for Yekura to take over, and from a private standpoint, it would also allow Yekura to be lenient in the pursuit and capture of Sasori.

With the addition of the powerful ally Gen Uchiha, it would be very strange if Pakura didn't become the Fifth Kazekage!

……

Konoha Village, Police Department, Minister's Office.

Uchiha Gen sat upright in his chair, diligently handling his affairs with a red ink pen.

Just then, a white snake crawled up the table leg and onto the table. Uchiha Gen glanced to the side and saw the white snake open its mouth and spit out a small scroll.

Uchiha Gen took a piece of paper and wiped the sticky liquid off the scroll before opening it and reading it.

As expected, Orochimaru completed his training in Sage Mode and secretly returned to Konoha.

Unrolling the scroll, Uchiha Gen wrote a few lines on it with a pen, then closed the scroll and stuffed it into the mouth of the wide-open white snake.

The white snake swallowed the scroll, then turned and climbed down from the table, heading towards the open window.

"Someone come here."

"Your Excellency, Minister."

The office door opened, and an Uchiha ninja belonging to the police department's internal affairs department bowed in greeting.

"Go home for me and tell them I won't be going home for dinner tonight; I'm having dinner with my teacher."

"When I get back, I'll tell my junior colleague, Hongdou, to wait for me after get off work."

"Yes, Minister."

Three and a half hours later, Uchiha Gen left work on time, taking Anko, who was waiting at the police station entrance, with him.

The two first went to the market to buy some ingredients before heading to Orochimaru's home in Konoha.

"We're almost at the teacher's house, let me go," Hongdou whispered.

"What are you afraid of?"

"It's a good opportunity for the teacher to know about us. We're all adults, so be bolder," Uchiha Gen said with a sidelong glance and a smile.

"I feel too shy to hold hands in front of the teacher."

"Let me go, or I won't let you do your favorite projects anymore."

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Gen immediately released his grip. Anko's special technique was something he absolutely couldn't give up; it was addictive.

Although Hongdou could find a way even if he wasn't allowed to, the experience would definitely not be as good as when he had the initiative.

As the two entered the courtyard, the boy standing at the villa entrance immediately came to greet them.

The boy had short, silver-white hair, wore a Konoha ninja headband, and round-framed glasses perched on his nose. His face was full of smiles, not fake smiles for strangers, but genuine smiles.

"Lord Xuan, Lord Hongdou."

Yakushi Kabuto stepped forward, bowed, and then warmly accepted the items from the two of them.

"Huh, what are you doing here?" Hongdou asked, her brows furrowing slightly.

"I sent him."

"Kabuto has always been working for Master and is his capable assistant. Although he hasn't formally become Master's disciple, he can be considered half a disciple of Master," Uchiha Gen explained with a smile.

"I see."

Hearing that it was Uchiha Gen's idea, Anko stopped arguing and skipped into the house to find Orochimaru.

Anko misses Orochimaru, who is both her mentor and father figure, a long time since she has seen him.

"Have you received the dean's update?"

"Yes, thank you for your help."

Although the war in Konoha has ended, as a Root spy, Yakushi Nonou has not returned to the village without Danzo's orders and continues to gather intelligence throughout the ninja world.

"It's just to facilitate your communication through the Uchiha's channels, it's a small matter," Uchiha Gen waved his hand and said.

"This is a small matter for you, but it is a very important matter for me."

Please feel free to ask if you need anything!

"You're really clever; you already figured out I needed to talk to you."

"It's really nothing big. I learned about your talent from my teacher, so I'd like you to help me with a research project."

"Please speak."

"I'd like you to research how to help women prolong their most beautiful bloom..."

"Huh?" Yakushi Kabuto was stunned when he heard this.

"Surprised?"

"Yes, I didn't expect you to propose such a research project..."

"You're still young and don't have a girlfriend yet, madam, it's normal that you don't pay attention to this kind of thing."

"I don't know much about it, but please rest assured, Lord Xuan, after completing the work assigned by Lord Orochimaru, I will devote most of my energy to the research project you proposed."

Orochimaru disdained such research projects, so he had no choice but to entrust this matter to Kabuto Yakushi.

With Yakushi Kabuto's talent, he was very confident!

"Yes, it's good that you have this attitude."

"If you can figure it out, I believe you and Orochimaru will never lack research funding."

"Women can be quite crazy about beauty, especially daughters of wealthy businessmen and nobles."

"We can make a fortune just by taking some defective products."

Upon hearing this, Kabuto's eyes lit up, and he said in a deep voice, "Please rest assured, Lord Xuan, I will definitely figure it out."

Uchiha Gen said no more, nodded slightly, and walked into the house.

"Teacher, it's been a long time."

Inside the living room, Orochimaru was dressed in a pale yellow kimono, with white snake-shaped earrings on his ears. His face was as pale as paper, and his aura was even more unfathomable than before.

Orochimaru smiled and nodded, then urged them to start cooking.

After Uchiha Gen left Ryuchi Cave, Orochimaru's meals became increasingly worse, and he could hardly swallow them until he learned Sage Mode.

Gen Uchiha and Kabuto Yakushi went to the kitchen, while Anko stayed in the living room to chat with Orochimaru and ask him about ninjutsu and their new training plan.

An hour later, the food was ready, and the four of them sat down together to drink and eat.

All three of them were drinking alcohol, and although Kabuto Yakushi was not yet an adult, he also drank some.

After a satisfying meal, Kabuto and Anko took care of the aftermath, while Gen Uchiha and Orochimaru left the room.

The moon was like a crescent, the moonlight like gauze, and the stars filled the sky, shining brightly. The air was fresh, and the night breeze was cool. The master and apprentice strolled and chatted in the courtyard.

I have a basic understanding of what you've been doing.

"I'm tough, but the conflicts with the old man and the others are getting bigger and bigger."

"Be careful, they're not easy to deal with, they're all cunning and shrewd."

Uchiha Gen stood with his hands behind his back and nodded slightly, saying, "I know, I'll be careful."

"The day of reckoning will come eventually, and I hope you'll continue to support me then."

Orochimaru's lips curled into a smirk, his pale, bloodless face half-lit and half-shadowed, giving him an eerie and sinister look.

"Of course I support you."

"Just be careful with your actions. If you go too far, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki won't stand idly by."

"In the teacher's opinion, to what extent is appropriate?"

"If a real fight breaks out, I estimate that their bottom line is to avoid causing internal strife in Konoha."

"The most appropriate way to take power is to force the old men to retire voluntarily and hand over power."

"But it's not easy. Power is a poison that's easy to become addicted to once you've tasted it, and older people are sometimes the most stubborn and self-righteous."

"Unless you can make them feel hopeless, they will definitely resist fiercely."

"Understood. I won't act rashly without sufficient certainty."

When should we refrain from acting rashly?

We won't act rashly once the Mangekyou Sharingan evolves into the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.

With the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan and the power of Sage Mode, he would be virtually invincible in this world, barring the Sage of Six Paths!

After years of painstaking effort, he is not far from achieving the Eternal Kaleidoscope, and the day of reckoning is not far off.

The ninja world had been in chaos for over a thousand years, but the Sage of Six Paths, who wandered the ninja world, paid no heed, watching his two sons continue to reincarnate and fight each other because of their ideologies...

If Kaguya hadn't broken free of her seal during the Fourth Shinobi World War, the Sage of Six Paths might not have even shown up...

They are, after all, descendants of the eldest son of the Sage of Six Paths. Why be so wary and timid?

After all, he was fighting for peace in the ninja world!

"Teacher, how's your mastery of Sage Mode going?"

"I've got a basic grasp of it, but it's not perfect yet."

"Teacher, what do you think of the power of Sage Mode?"

"Very powerful."

"Teacher, do you think it's possible for humans to absorb natural energy independently and then create a path to become stronger based on that natural energy?"

"Heh heh... an interesting idea."

"To be honest, it's very difficult. Without chakra as a buffer, it's very difficult for the human body to directly withstand the erosion of natural energy."

"But...it's not entirely impossible, because nothing in this world is truly impossible!"

He has already researched the latter half of the technique of resurrection from the dead, and if everything goes smoothly, it should be completed within three years at most.

If immortality can be achieved, what else is impossible?

"I think there are two possibilities why the human body cannot directly withstand natural energy."

"The first reason is that the human body is not strong enough, too weak. If it were strong enough, it could withstand it directly."

"The second option is that humanity has not yet found the best code to tame natural energy, and I think mixing chakra is just a second-best choice."

"I'm actually more interested in natural energy than chakra."

"This is a completely new field, and I believe the potential of natural energy is even greater than that of chakra!"

Human power has its limits, but nature has no limits!

"I would like to invite you, Professor, to participate in this new research project."

"Is the teacher interested?"

Orochimaru grinned, his eyes gleaming, and said, "Of course I'm interested, very interested indeed."

"Shouldn't natural energy be the shining jewel in the crown of truth in this world?"

"Absolutely a dazzling gem!"

The master and apprentice exchanged a smile, and then began discussing the preparations for the laboratory...

(End of this chapter)