Naruto: I'm really not an evil scientist!

If you want to gain respect and freedom, you must demonstrate sufficient strength and value.

Onoki pondered to himself that although Wu's words were simple, they contained profound truths.

In the unfamiliar environment of the Snow Country, he must improve his strength as soon as possible and find opportunities to demonstrate his value in order to secure a better future for himself and the Yellow Earth.

"I understand. I will strive to improve myself and live up to your expectations, Master," Onoki said.

Wu nodded, then his figure gradually became blurry and finally disappeared into the air.

Ōnoki gazed at the spot where Mu had disappeared, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

He knew that his fate would henceforth be closely intertwined with the Land of Snow, and that the road ahead was full of unknowns and challenges, but he was prepared to face everything.

At this moment, Hozuki, the ninja who had been watching Onoki warily from the side, stepped forward and said coldly, "Onoki, don't think that you can change anything just because you can say a few words to Master Mu."

In the Land of Snow, you'd better behave, or you'll regret it.

Onoki sneered and said, "Of course I know my situation."

However, don't underestimate me.

"I, Onoki, am not so easily defeated."

Hozuki Ninja's face darkened, and he was about to lash out, but then he seemed to remember something, and in the end he just snorted coldly and turned to leave.

As Onoki watched the retreating figure of Hozuki, he secretly vowed to find his place in this unfamiliar land, save the land, and restore the glory of the Land of Earth.

Yagura's expression was like the sea before a storm, from initial ripples of confusion to waves of sudden realization, and finally to a colossal, awe-inspiring wave that surged and churned within seconds.

His lips parted slightly, as if a thousand words were about to burst forth, but an invisible shockwave choked his throat, leaving only the sound of his rapid breathing echoing in the air.

Yagura took a deep breath, as if trying to swallow up all the air around him, forcibly calming the turmoil in his heart.

A moment later, he gave a bitter smile, shook his head, and said with a hint of helplessness and self-mockery in his voice, "I should have known better than to ask. Knowing all this now is just making things harder for myself."

"We will have to face it eventually, so we can prepare for it if we know in advance."

Hiruko's voice was steady and powerful. He rose leisurely from his seat and looked intently at Yagura. "You seem to need time to process this. I'll go ahead."

After saying that, he strode towards the door, his steps revealing an undeniable determination.

"Next, all countries will surely rise up against us, and condemnations and peace proposals will come like a tidal wave. Should we stall for time and wait and see?" Yagura's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible worry.

The United Nations of the Ninja World, that behemoth that mediates conflicts between nations, could have unimaginable consequences if it were to become enraged.

Although the Land of Water is not included, the Land of Earth is a staunch supporter, and the United Nations will surely make a big deal out of this.

Upon hearing this, Beiliuhu paused slightly, a cold smile playing on his lips: "We haven't joined the alliance, so why should we be bound by it? Besides, you've already laid a trap, both militarily and diplomatically, aren't you?"

"That being said, when you actually face it, the pressure is still as heavy as a mountain."

Yagura said this, but his face showed no sign of seriousness. He knew very well that with Hiruko, an invincible powerhouse, in charge, all problems would be easily solved.

Watching Hiruko's departing figure, Yagura secretly pondered: If the various countries want to act as peacemakers, then let them wait and see. It won't be too late to talk after the Land of Water has achieved numerous victories.

The fact that those nobles have chosen sides presents a golden opportunity to seize strategic locations. How can we let this opportunity slip away because of a temporary peace negotiation?

Forcing himself to return to the military deployment, Yagura couldn't help but recall the shocking news Hiruko had told him—the Ōtsutsuki clan.

The overlords of other planets, the strongest race in the universe... these cold words hang like sharp blades over the heads of Kirigakure, ready to fall at any moment.

Fog Shadow must be fully prepared to face this unprecedented storm.

……

After leaving Yagura's residence, Hiruko appeared in a flash at the edge of the basin outside the capital.

Chapter 225: Recuperation for Mrs. Mikoto

He looked around and saw that the basin was tightly surrounded by towering mountains, like a natural haven, isolating it from the noise and turmoil of the outside world.

A massive barrier enveloped the entire basin, emitting a faint blue light, acting like a guardian deity and completely isolating the basin from the outside world.

Hiruko stood before the barrier, about to reach out and touch it, when suddenly, a flood of memories rushed into his mind.

The message came from the shadow clone who went to Iwagakure—in the eastern part of Iwagakure, they found Isshiki's laboratory, but it had been completely destroyed and was deserted, with nothing left behind.

Clearly, Bai Shi was worried about leaving traces and being tracked down, so he had already deliberately destroyed everything.

Hiruko closed his eyes to review the clone's actions, and after confirming that nothing had been missed, he gently touched the barrier.

A ripple appeared in the barrier, slowly enveloping him.

"Is the Ten-Tails still behaving itself?" Inside the barrier, Tobirama Senju and the others looked at Hiruko with questioning eyes as he arrived.

"Ever since you showed it those images, this guy has become unusually docile."

Tobirama Senju replied, his tone tinged with surprise, "Have you decided what to do with it?"

Hiruko's lips curled into a mysterious smile, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "The Ten-Tails is nothing more than a pawn on my chessboard."

When the time is right, it will naturally play its due role.

Hiruko paced around the Ten-Tails with great interest, his eyes sharp and a playful smile playing on his lips. "Heh, if it can really stay this well-behaved, it's fine to keep it for now."

As soon as the words were spoken, the Ten-Tails, which had been lying on the ground and seemed docile, appeared to understand human speech.

Its massive body trembled slightly, then it bowed down in an almost fawning manner, its huge head drooping almost to the ground.

It knew perfectly well that the man before it was a terrifying being who had personally torn its former master to pieces with a single blow. His strength was comparable to that of the Sage of Six Paths brothers who had sealed Kaguya.

The Ten-Tails knew very well that only by being careful and cautious could it survive in this world where the strong were respected.

It recalled the scene that Hiruko had shown it—the Sage of Six Paths with supreme divine power.

The original form of the Ten-Tails, Kaguya's Ten-Tails, was forcibly dismantled into nine tailed beasts, and the Ten-Tails' consciousness dissipated, leaving only its physical body in the world.

That scene was like a sharp dagger, piercing deep into the heart of the Ten-Tails, making it shudder.

The little ten-tailed fox secretly vowed that it must never follow in the footsteps of Kaguya's ten-tailed fox and become a disgrace among the ten-tailed foxes!

Seeing that the Ten-Tails was behaving so obediently for the time being, Hiruko nodded slightly, but he did not let his guard down.

He knew very well that the Ten-Tails was essentially a biological weapon, and its current docility was only because its power had not yet recovered and it had been intimidated by his thunderous methods.

Once it regains its strength, or finds an opportunity to exploit, no one can guarantee that it won't turn on you.

After all, this Ten-Tails had witnessed him kill Isshiki.

If it truly had any loyalty to him, Hiruko would have to question how the Otsutsuki clan designed the Ten-Tails' personality.

In his view, the Ten-Tails' obedience was merely out of fear of the strong, not true submission.

"The best solution is still the same as Isshiki's: put the Ten-Tails into my personal dimension and have me take care of it personally."

Hiruko secretly pondered this, but then frowned.

The thawing of the wedge takes time. Only by reaching the second stage can the Black Eye technique be reproduced and one can possess their own personal alternate dimension.

Before that, he was unable to do so.

"If we entrust it to someone else to guard, we must ensure that the Ten-Tails cannot move freely, otherwise there will be endless troubles."

Hiruko's gaze swept over the Ten-Tails, and suddenly the image of the Nine-Tails, who was still suffering and bound every day, popped into his mind.

A thought struck him, and he turned to look at the Whirlpool Dancer beside him, asking, "Including those who have been resurrected, there are currently eight Whirlpool Clan members who have awakened the Vajra Seal, right?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, the Uzumaki Maiden raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting back and forth between the Ten-Tails and Hiruko. "You want me and my people to guard it, right?"

Hiruko smiled slightly and nodded, "When facing tailed beasts, experts in sealing techniques are the most reliable."

It won't take long; once I've prepared everything, I'll take it away.

The whirlpool dancer was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

You brought the scattered Whirlpool Clan back to life; we will always remember this kindness.

Entrusting the Ten-Tails to our care is a sign of trust, and we will certainly not let you down.

Completely unaware of what was about to happen to the Ten-Tails, it remained lying on the ground, staring longingly at Hiruko, secretly plotting in its mind.

It's so well-behaved, shouldn't we give it some food?

These humans in front of me smell delicious, and they have so much chakra that absorbing it would be incredibly beneficial.

This is a world of difference compared to the bland food that Ichishiki used to give it when it was still playing the role of Jigen.

Also, now that Biluhu is so strong, will it be able to be planted in the ground soon?

It longs to be planted on the planet, to absorb natural energy, and to transform into a divine tree. That is its mission, and the meaning behind its creation.

The Ten-Tails was filled with anticipation, completely unaware that what awaited it was a period of strict restraint and inability to move freely.

A thousand years has passed; it has waited long enough!

That hidden will, as if with the passage of time, has become increasingly eager for the arrival of a certain key moment.

Hiruko quickly returned to his base in the Land of Snow.

Only Hiruko and Mikoto Uchiha remained in the room.

Hiruko gently placed the carefully prepared dinner on the table, the exquisite plates filled with various delicacies.

He chatted casually with Uchiha Mikoto for a few more minutes, his words filled with gentleness and consideration.

The villa here is quite quiet, surrounded by lush trees, like a paradise forgotten by the world, where no one will disturb its tranquility.

Hiruko straightened up slightly and said seriously to Uchiha Mikoto, "When entering or leaving, I will activate the barrier and set a password."

He explained the barrier code to Mikoto Uchiha in detail. With this layer of protection, others would not be able to easily break in, adding a solid barrier to her safety.

Of course, besides the two of them, Nohara Rin also knows the password, and Tsunade will also find out later, because they will come regularly to diagnose Uchiha Mikoto and ensure the health of her and the child in her womb.

Mikoto Uchiha nodded gently, her eyes filled with gratitude, deeply thankful for Hiruko's thoughtfulness and consideration.

She was acutely aware of how precious this care was during this special time.

"Well then, Mrs. Mikoto, I won't bother you any longer."

Hiruko smiled and patiently explained the locations of the various suites, including the bathroom and kitchen, to Uchiha Mikoto. Only after confirming that she knew them did she turn and leave.

Standing at the door, Uchiha Mikoto quietly watched Hiruko's figure gradually disappear into the night.

A gentle night breeze brought a touch of coolness, but it couldn't dispel the warmth welling up in her heart.