"Not a living White Zetsu, its effect might not be very good."
Orochimaru shook his head. "This matter is not urgent. When we return to the village, I will discuss it with the old man."
White Zetsu and First Hokage's cells are two different things.
The former is merely a poor imitation of the Ootsuki clan. Even the best gene fusion would not allow the recipient to gain the power of top Yin-Yang Release.
But White Zetsu has its own advantage, which is its petrified characteristic that has become self-contained.
Originally, among the ninja of the Shinobi world, very few could withstand the transplant of First Hokage's cells. However, if one already had the characteristics of White Zetsu cells and then received the transplant, the success rate would increase. As for the specific data, it would require extensive experimentation to determine.
This matter is also the key to whether he can proceed with the transplant of First Hokage's cells and obtain the Sage Body.
"Discuss? What else is there to discuss?"
The lamp spirit twisted its body in the air and said with a smile, teasing,
"I'm afraid the Third has already made all preparations in Konoha, just waiting for you to start the surgery."
Konoha's Hokage is not good-tempered. On the surface, he appears to be a kind old man, but when he was young, he took over Konoha's mess after two Hokage died successively.
At that time, the situation was completely different from now.
The ninja villages had just been established, and no one knew for sure if this was a viable path. Families, like the Uzumaki Clan, said they were the Whirlpool Village, but it was just finding a small country to settle in; in essence, it was still a clan.
The First Hokage had the strongest power, and the Second Hokage established the rules. When these two were around, most people dared not voice their opposition. But it was different when it came to Sarutobi.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen took over the village, Konoha was filled with various clans, with countless factions within. Externally, due to its immense power, it was feared by others. Coupled with the geographical environment, a single misstep could lead to an attack from four countries.
Despite this, the Third managed to maintain Konoha.
Using external forces to wear down internal divisions within the village might sound simple, but if handled poorly, it could lead to total abandonment.
This old man has some real skills to have accomplished this.
The 'Kage' of the same period, Onoki of Iwagakure, was not as capable as Sarutobi Hiruzen. He tinkered a bit too much, directly turning the village into a one-man show. Now it is listless, even worse than Konoha, which was severely damaged after the Nine-Tails incident.
Without even thinking, the lamp spirit could guess why the Third Hokage chose such thorough patience this year.
However, even if everything was ready, and the east wind was all that was needed, Orochimaru would not be able to start the surgery immediately after returning to the village.
This time, the biggest problem is not the Third.
"How we proceed specifically will depend on the medical ninja found by the Akatsuki organization and their research capabilities."
Orochimaru glanced at the lamp spirit and smiled. "If their skill level is high enough, I can exert more effort on my end."
The best way to have the Akatsuki organization and Konoha develop stably without immediate war is through an arms race. Falling slightly behind, giving them a feeling that they can win, is what will hold them back.
Popularizing White Zetsu cells among Konoha ninjas is something Orochimaru must do, so the Akatsuki organization's strength must also be increased.
The lamp spirit tilted its head and smiled. "This matter is simple enough. You can give Nagato the correct answer through that Kabuto fellow."
"This is not good," Orochimaru shook his head and rejected the lamp spirit's suggestion. "I do not intend to expose him yet."
"Expose or not, Kabuto has always been under suspicion."
The lamp spirit shrugged. "As long as he is useful, Nagato will not move against him."
When Nagato was Pain, he was a pragmatist and did not care if his subordinates had ulterior motives.
And the body strengthening surgery is related to whether they can create a group of subordinates who can conquer the world. With such a significant contribution, Nagato would not act just because of a little suspicion.
"Perhaps, but this can only be a last resort. It is best if they can research it themselves."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Of course, I haven't done nothing. The general research direction has already been handed over to Kabuto."
Many researches are not remarkable after they are successful.
But 'knowing the whole leopard by seeing one spot of Madara' is based on having seen the complete leopard. Otherwise, it is like blind men touching an elephant, drawing a partial conclusion.
What he gave to Kabuto, or rather, what Yakushi Kabuto 'stole' from him, was a complete leopard, which resolved the biggest problem in the surgery.
With such assistance, if they still cannot research any results, they can only be called a bunch of useless people.
…
Amegakure.
Night had already fallen, and the surroundings were shrouded in gloom. Countless black spires stood tall. What were originally dwellings for the living now looked like tombstones. Even the washing of rain could not bring forth any life.
Few people were out at night. Yakushi Kabuto walked alone through the streets, slowly making his way towards the Akatsuki organization's headquarters.
Half a year ago, he provided some information about the body strengthening surgery. Since then, Konan, the Akatsuki organization's second-in-command, began to establish her own medical institution. Now that the venue, funds, and personnel were ready, she recruited him.
Hozuki Castle, the current security work for Kusagakure's leader Muku, has now been handed over to Sasori.
That guy is not as obsessed with money as Kakuzu. Researching puppets in Hozuki Castle suits his intentions.
Yakushi Kabuto had no objection to this. Although Muku was a smart person, and his son Muku was also good, and he had a comfortable time interacting with them, he did not leave Konoha to be a bodyguard or play house with a child.
Covered in mist, Yakushi Kabuto soon arrived at his destination, a cylindrical gray building.
And at the entrance of this building, someone had already arrived. It was a white-haired old man with bluish skin, wearing a dark brown felt hat. The trench coat-like rain gear he was wearing had just been removed, revealing a yellowish-brown coat underneath.
Yakushi Kabuto narrowed his snake-like eyes slightly, matching the person's face with the information in his mind, and whispered two words, "Shinno."
This person's name was on the wanted posters issued by Konoha in recent years, with a considerable bounty, the kind that would even tempt Kakuzu. Since he was still alive, he must have some skills.
After seeing Shinno, Yakushi Kabuto was even more surprised. This person was clearly advanced in age, yet he gave off a considerable sense of danger.
There seemed to be something inside his body.
Just as Yakushi Kabuto was about to investigate carefully in Sage Mode, the other party seemed to sense him, turned his head, and upon seeing the other person's appearance, smiled, "Oh, isn't this Mr. Yakushi Kabuto? Are you also here at the leader's invitation to participate in research?"
Upon meeting, this person's demeanor was extremely humble, completely unlike a ninja of his caliber should act.
Yakushi Kabuto narrowed his eyes slightly, and inwardly chuckled.
Pretending to be foolish in front of those who don't know the truth is one thing, but acting like this now is no different from a clown.
Does he really think everyone else is an idiot?
Yakushi Kabuto did not hide the mockery in his eyes, which made Shinno, who was skilled at reading people, pause. He knew he might have slipped up somewhere.
This Amegakure is truly a strange place. The leader, Pain, is one thing; in his eyes, he is just a kid who got Orochimaru's inheritance by luck, yet he also has such discerning eyes.
But even thinking so, his usual style was not easy to change.
Over the years, in order to hide his identity as a remnant of the Sky Ninja and escape Konoha's pursuit, Shinno's pretense had gone deep into his bones. Even though he saw the mockery in Yakushi Kabuto's eyes, he did not care at all.
What are a little bit of self-esteem compared to what Yakushi Kabuto did in Danzo's Root? It is nothing.
Shinno saw very clearly that alone he could not bring down the increasingly powerful Konoha. Only by finding like-minded 'companions' could there be a chance.
This was why he had actively sought out the Akatsuki organization.
In the current ninja world, only they could push Konoha to this extent.
Shinno bowed slightly. "Please, this is your first time here, isn't it? I arrived two days earlier and have been here once. If you don't mind, allow me to lead the way."
His attitude was as always. Although there was less respect, the politeness in his words was not unpleasant.
Yakushi Kabuto, however, looked at him with a bit more admiration now.
The mockery he had shown earlier was quite obvious, and for someone as shrewd as this person, it was impossible not to notice.
But he truly endured it, even seeming to lick his lips as if to taste the saliva, which was quite impressive.
Yakushi Kabuto could no longer look down on or despise him; it would only be disgusting to himself.
Nodding slightly at Shinno, Yakushi Kabuto walked straight through the gate.
A transparent film on his body slowly peeled off like melting ice, converging into his palm and turning into a solid-colored crystal.
Shinno then noticed that Yakushi Kabuto, who had walked from the rain, was not wet at all.
"Is this Crystal Release?"
Shinno's expression was surprised. According to the intelligence, Yakushi Kabuto did not have any kekkei genkai. Yet, this control over crystal was clearly Crystal Release.
Ordinary Ninjutsu and secret techniques did not have this effect.
"It is not."
Yakushi Kabuto glanced at Shinno, with no intention of explaining in detail.
This was naturally not Crystal Release, but the 'Inorganic Reincarnation Technique' of the White Snake Sage Mode, a timely defense developed specifically to guard against the masked man's dōjutsu.
The Inorganic Reincarnation Technique could control most inorganic components, giving him a wide range of choices.
He had originally planned to choose iron sand or gold dust, like Orochimaru-sama, but this substance was of the same nature as Magnet Release. If they clashed, there might be unexpected trouble.
So, after some consideration, he chose crystal, which is silica.
Originally, Yakushi Kabuto's first consideration was diamond, but although this material had the highest hardness, it could not defend against Fire Release and would be easily ignited by high temperatures, which was a pity.
Silica's hardness was only slightly superior to steel, but it was much lighter, making it a rare excellent material. If given time, it would surely be effective in resisting Obito's dōjutsu.
After putting away the crystal, Yakushi Kabuto and Shinno walked into the hall one after another through the passageway, and then turned into an underground tunnel.
Below was a large platform, with no rooms divided. It looked like a grand square, but it was filled with various experimental instruments and materials, which did not make it appear empty.
Yakushi Kabuto identified the instruments one by one, his eyebrows slightly raised.
These things seemed to be even more expensive than those used by Orochimaru-sama.
Of course, it was not that the things here were much more advanced than what Orochimaru used. The extra money spent was on external features like lighting, color schemes, etc.
Yakushi Kabuto blinked, and somehow figured out who was responsible for the procurement.
Compared to Yakushi Kabuto's worldly composure, Shinno's eyes were shining.
Although he was the leader of the rebellious Sky Ninja, all his savings were used to repair the aerial fortress 'Ancor Bandian'. He usually lived frugally and had never seen such extravagant basic configurations.
"The Akatsuki organization is indeed spending big," Shinno could not help but sigh.
Yakushi Kabuto also admitted this. The two continued forward and soon arrived at the center of the underground laboratory, where four people were already waiting.
Pain and Konan, of course, were there. The other two, one tall and one short, were a refined man with long black hair and a beard, and a white-haired man wrapped in bandages, as tall as a boy.
Judging by their bearing, the former was superior, but in terms of danger, it was the opposite.
"He is the leader of a sect in the Land of Demons, named Huang Izumi."
Konan glanced at the refined man, then shifted her gaze to the short white-haired man, her voice cold. "The other is Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja, Hiruko."
"Both of them have achieved good success in medical Ninjutsu and human research, respectively. You can exchange ideas with each other."
Huang Izumi modified his body and possessed a kind of 'dark medical Ninjutsu' that could even achieve decapitation without death. Hiruko was even more formidable; he could even devour the abilities of bloodline limit users through a technique called 'Kigane no Jutsu'.
Of course, although this Ninjutsu was powerful, it also had significant drawbacks, as he had to constantly suppress the rampaging 'Oni' within his body.
Their reasons for coming to the Akatsuki organization were different. The former sought power support, while the latter was thinking if he could solve his own physical problems.
"I understand."
Yakushi Kabuto nodded at Huang Izumi, who returned a smile, acknowledging the greeting. His gaze fell on Hiruko, and the corner of his mouth curved.
"You must be Hiruko. I heard you were a contemporary of the 'Konoha Sannin'. Although your strength is somewhat lacking, your research on the human body is even praised by that adult."
Hiruko coldly glanced at Yakushi Kabuto. "Hmph, a genius like Orochimaru would praise me? Don't joke."
"Don't say that. That adult's heart is not that narrow; he wouldn't deny your strengths just because your aptitude is average."
Yakushi Kabuto smiled. "I have achieved what I have today not because of so-called aptitude, but from a little luck and Orochimaru-sama's technical research…"
"That's enough. I'm not here to listen to you praise Orochimaru."
Tendo Pain interrupted their conversation expressionlessly. "Let's begin now, Yakushi Kabuto. State the experimental materials you possess."
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