"What kind of help?"
Nono asked.
"It's very simple. I need your medical abilities. When I or someone I designate is injured, you will provide medical support, and when necessary, assist in researching certain medical topics."
Kiyohara took out a specially made container from his clothes. After opening it, inside were a pair of eyeballs floating in nutrient solution. The pupils were blood red, and within them was a horizontal "one" shaped marking.
"Help me study this."
Nono gasped sharply. "This is… the Ketsuryugan? I thought this bloodline limit had already gone extinct."
As a medical shinobi, Nono had studied many ancient texts.
The "Ketsuryugan" was among the subjects she had researched.
"I need to understand its properties, abilities, whether it can be safely transplanted and used, and the power contained within the eyes."
Kiyohara spoke calmly.
If Nono refused, in the next second he would use his Sharingan to guide and hypnotize her into believing this was just an ordinary research specimen before leaving.
She would not remember today's conversation about this pair of eyes.
Having retired for many years, Nono had declined far too much in terms of combat ability.
As for genjutsu, Kiyohara did not believe she could surpass him.
Only a very small number of civilian shinobis could match the genjutsu of a three tomoe Sharingan, and moreover, Kiyohara was not an ordinary three tomoe user.
Nono stared in astonishment at the pair of Ketsuryugan Kiyohara had taken out.
It was said that the Ketsuryugan possessed abilities similar to the Sharingan. Both were hypnotic eyes and extremely powerful in the field of genjutsu.
After a moment, Nono shifted her gaze from the eyes to Kiyohara himself.
Kiyohara seemed to be a member of the Anbu.
Was he unafraid of Danzo because he had the backing of Hiruzen?
Having been disconnected from the shinobi world for too long, Nono did not know that Kiyohara had already become Tsunade's disciple.
It could be said he belonged squarely to the Hokage's direct faction.
After a long silence, Nono took a deep breath. "If I agree, how will you guarantee the safety of the orphanage? Root's influence is vast. If Lord Danzo insists on targeting us…"
"Danzo does not dare to make things public."
Kiyohara said confidently.
"All of his actions are hidden in the shadows. If the orphanage were openly attacked and the matter exposed, it would affect him as well."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"I have the support of the Hokage. If necessary, I can place the orphanage under the Hokage's formal protection. No matter how bold Danzo is, he would not dare to openly oppose the Hokage."
Upon hearing this, a trace of hope flickered in Nono's eyes.
"Alright."
She finally made her decision.
"I agree to help you. But you must also keep your promise and protect these children."
Kiyohara nodded. "A pleasant cooperation."
If Nono was willing to help him, then Kabuto was as good as secured as well.
With just a small investment, he would gain two top tier medical talents. It was an extremely profitable exchange.
"However, tomorrow Aburame Tatsuma will come to see you again. Remember to agree to his terms."
"Why?" Nono asked.
"I intend to follow the trail."
Kiyohara replied calmly.
The next day.
Aburame Tatsuma returned once again and found the orphanage.
He stated that Root had suffered some losses while gathering intelligence on Iwa.
"We need to select a child from here to replenish our ranks."
Aburame Tatsuma spoke indifferently.
"Do not push your luck."
Children were Yakushi Nono's bottom line, yet the other party made such an excessive demand.
Having come from Root herself, Nono knew very well what kind of place it was.
Once you entered, you had to undergo training that erased your emotions.
Even she had only gradually regained her feelings years after leaving Root.
"Nono, you should know Root's methods. I would rather not say more."
Behind his sunglasses, Aburame Tatsuma's gaze flicked toward Nono.
"And besides, it is not impossible that among the children here, some wish to become Konoha shinobis."
He added.
Originally, Lord Danzo and Orochimaru had intended to personally come to the orphanage and bring Nono back.
But for some reason, in the end only he came, accompanied by other Root shinobis.
At that moment, an unexpected voice sounded.
"Wait."
Kabuto stepped out from behind Nono.
This child, usually gentle and shy, now had eyes filled with a maturity beyond his age.
Compared to his peers, he was far more composed.
"Director, let me go."
"Kabuto, no."
Nono shook her head.
If Kabuto went, it would ruin his life.
"You don't know what kind of place that is, you—"
"Director, I am suited to being a shinobi, and I also want to learn medical ninjutsu."
"Kabuto, don't go!"
Another child, Urushi, had been eavesdropping outside the window. He rushed in and tightly hugged Kabuto.
"We promised to grow up together. If you leave, what will I do?"
Aburame Tatsuma watched this scene coldly, without the slightest ripple in his eyes.
To him, this was nothing more than a meaningless emotional drama.
In the end, Aburame Tatsuma stepped up to Kabuto and extended his hand.
"Let's go."
Kabuto gave one last look at Urushi, who was clinging tightly to him, and at Nono. He took a deep breath and broke free from Urushi's grasp.
"Urushi, take care of the Director for me."
Then he placed his small hand into Aburame Tatsuma's.
Nono tried to rush forward, but was blocked by the other Root shinobis behind her.
She could only watch helplessly as Kabuto was taken away by Aburame Tatsuma.
"A wise choice. The funding will be delivered on time. Rest assured."
After saying that, he turned and left, his black cloak swaying in the morning wind.
Seeing this, Nono immediately went to find Kiyohara.
After learning of the situation, Kiyohara told her not to worry.
He then went to find Kakashi and said he wanted to patrol the nearby area alone.
"No need."
Kiyohara shook his head.
"I'm more efficient on my own."
Hearing this, Kakashi felt a bit stung, but with Kiyohara's flying ninjutsu, his efficiency would indeed be much higher.
"Be careful."
In the end, Kakashi only said those two words.
Kiyohara nodded, and in the next instant, his figure vanished from where he stood.
From a distance, Kiyohara followed Aburame Tatsuma and his group.
His stealth skills were extremely high, and with the insight of the Sharingan, he remained just outside the range of their perception the entire time.
After traveling through the forested mountains for an entire day, Aburame Tatsuma and his group finally stopped and entered a cave.
"One of the secret entrances to a Root base."
Kiyohara memorized the location, the hand seals Aburame Tatsuma used, and the flow of chakra that his Sharingan had discerned.
After everyone had entered, the hidden door closed, and the sealing technique concealed itself once more.
Kiyohara waited for five minutes. Only after confirming that there was no ambush nearby did he quietly approach.
His hands rapidly formed the exact same hand seals and rhythm that Aburame Tatsuma had used.
The sealing formula appeared again, and the hidden door opened.
Kiyohara slipped inside in a flash, and the door closed silently behind him.
Inside was a descending staircase. The walls were built of stone, and every ten meters there was an oil lamp, casting dim, flickering light.
Kiyohara activated his Sharingan and spread out his chakra perception.
Within his senses, the underground base was quite large, with at least four levels. Each level had dozens of chakra signatures.
Most of them were outer members at the genin level, with a few chunin. There were only three at the jonin level.
"Find Kabuto first."
Kiyohara sensed a moving chakra signature that matched Kabuto's characteristics.
He moved stealthily in that direction.
The internal structure of the base was complex, with crisscrossing corridors like a labyrinth.
Kiyohara avoided the patrolling Root members, moving through the passageways like a shadow.
Occasionally, when there were guards he could not avoid, he dealt with them instantly before they could raise an alarm.
A punch crushing the throat, or a kunai piercing the heart. His movements were clean and precise, without making a single sound.
Five minutes later, he arrived at a relatively open training area.
Several young children were undergoing basic taijutsu training there, supervised by a masked Root chunin instructor.
Kabuto stood to the side, while Aburame Tatsuma was speaking with another shinobi who appeared to be a supervisor.
Kiyohara concealed himself in the shadows and observed the situation.
"This child has good aptitude."
The supervisor flipped through Kabuto's simple file.
"Psychological tests show he is rational and calm, suitable to be trained as an intelligence operative."
Aburame Tatsuma nodded. "Arrange training for him. Integrate him into the organization as soon as possible."
"Integrate into the organization…"
Kabuto's body visibly stiffened for a moment.
"What, afraid?"
Aburame Tatsuma looked at him.
"This is a process every Root member must go through. It will make you into a pure tool, existing only for missions and for Konoha."
The supervisor beckoned two subordinates. "Take him to Brainwashing Room Number Three."
The two Root shinobis walked toward Kabuto.
At that moment, Kiyohara moved.
He burst out from the shadows, so fast that only an afterimage could be seen.
The two Root shinobis did not even have time to react before being struck at the back of their necks, collapsing limply to the ground.
"Who is it?!"
Aburame Tatsuma shouted sharply, his hands already forming seals.
The other Root members in the training area quickly gathered, surrounding Kiyohara.
The chunin instructor shielded the children and retreated.
Ignoring the encirclement, Kiyohara walked to Kabuto's side. "Are you alright?"
Kabuto stared at him in shock. "Kiyohara… sir? How did you…"
"I came to take you back."
Kiyohara said calmly.
"By order of the Hokage, I am investigating a series of recent child disappearance cases. According to the clues, they seem to be related to this illegal facility."
The expression beneath Aburame Tatsuma's mask stiffened.
Kiyohara's words both identified his authority and justified his actions, giving him legitimate grounds.
"Everything here has been approved by Lord Danzo. This is a training facility for Konoha."
Aburame Tatsuma said coldly.
"You are the one trespassing illegally."
"Oh? Approved by Lord Danzo?"
Kiyohara raised an eyebrow.
"Then is there an official document from the Hokage? As far as I know, any shinobi training facility within Konoha must be registered with the Hokage. I do not recall this place being listed."
Aburame Tatsuma was momentarily speechless.
The existence of Root bases was top secret, so of course there were no official documents.
If this matter were brought into the open, Danzo would indeed be in the wrong.
The very creation of these secret bases was meant to bypass the Hokage's oversight.
"Kiyohara, you are playing with fire."
Aburame Tatsuma's voice was full of threat.
"Lord Danzo will not let you off."
"I am merely carrying out the Hokage's orders."
Kiyohara replied with an innocent expression.
"If this is truly a legitimate facility, then please have Lord Danzo provide documentation. If not… then I suspect illegal activities may be taking place here, such as kidnapping children or conducting unlawful human experiments."
The surrounding Root members became tense.
Most of them were brainwashed auxiliary personnel. They did not understand high level politics, but they still understood words like illegal and kidnapping.
Aburame Tatsuma knew he could not delay any longer.
Every additional word from Kiyohara would shake the faith of the Root members.
Although these auxiliary members had undergone brainwashing training, they were not indoctrinated from childhood as absolute loyalists. Once doubt arose, they could lose control.
He clapped his hands together, and a large number of black kikaichu insects surged out from his body, buzzing as they flew toward Kiyohara.
"Take him down!"
The Root members in the training ground moved.
The first to charge forward were five combatants at the chunin level.
They attacked from different directions, their shinobi blades gleaming with cold light.
Kiyohara stood in place, completely motionless.
Until all five blades struck at the same time.
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang.
Five crisp sounds of impact rang out almost simultaneously.
The blades struck Kiyohara's body, but the sound was like metal striking steel.
The shinobi swords left only faint white marks on his body, unable to even break his skin.
The five chunin froze in shock.
In the next instant, Kiyohara moved.
His actions were simple to the point of brutality. He swung both arms, throwing punches with each hand.
Bang.
The two directly in front of him had their chests cave in simultaneously, flying backward and knocking over several companions behind them.
Then he twisted his body and unleashed a sweeping kick.
Crack.
The ribs of the two on his left shattered at the same time. Their bodies were sent flying like broken sacks, smashing into the wall and leaving two human shaped indentations.
The last one, seeing the situation turn bad, tried to retreat.
Kiyohara's hand had already grabbed his ankle, lifting him up like a hammer and slamming him violently into the ground.
The stone floor was smashed into a shallow crater. At least half the man's bones were shattered. Blood sprayed from his mouth and nose as he fainted on the spot.
The Root members who had been preparing to rush forward froze in place, their eyes filled with fear.
This was not a battle. It was a massacre.
"Fall back!"
Aburame Tatsuma shouted. He knew that sending ordinary members forward would only result in death.
"Provide long range ninjutsu support!"
As if granted amnesty, the Root members quickly retreated and formed ranks at the edge of the training ground.
Several shinobis skilled in sealing techniques began setting up barriers, attempting to restrict Kiyohara's movement. Others formed hand seals, preparing a bombardment of long range ninjutsu.
But Kiyohara did not give them time.
His figure vanished in an instant.
He did not charge toward Aburame Tatsuma, but toward the shinobis forming hand seals.
His speed was too fast. To ordinary eyes, he seemed to split into countless afterimages.
More than a dozen Kiyoharas appeared simultaneously in the training ground. Each one moved at high speed, each one emitting a real chakra fluctuation.
"Are those clones? No, they are afterimages created by extreme speed!"
An experienced instructor cried out.
Then a series of explosive sounds rang out one after another.
Bodies began to burst apart, as if explosive tags had been planted inside them.
Flesh and blood flew everywhere. Fragments of organs and shattered bones splattered across the ground.
The places where they had stood instantly turned into pools of mangled flesh.
The stench of blood became so thick it almost seemed tangible.
"Ugh…"
Some of the younger trainees bent over and vomited uncontrollably.
Even the veteran members had turned deathly pale, their hands trembling violently as they gripped their weapons.
This was not a battle.
This was a one sided slaughter.
Behind his mask, Aburame Tatsuma's face had completely twisted.
He had expected Kiyohara to be strong. After all, someone who could be taken in as Tsunade's disciple and achieve remarkable feats on the battlefield could not possibly be weak.
But he had never imagined that Kiyohara would be this strong.
According to intelligence reports, Kiyohara excelled in Magnet Release and Lightning Release, had outstanding taijutsu, and possessed the Sharingan.
Yet the Kiyohara before him displayed nearly barbaric physical strength, defense as hard as steel, and speed as fast as lightning.
This had already far exceeded the category of a jonin.
They were all jonin, but was the gap really this enormous?
Could this even still be called a jonin?
"All of you, fall back behind me!"
Aburame Tatsuma shouted.
"I will handle him!"
He knew that continuing to send his subordinates to their deaths was meaningless.
It would only further crush morale and might even trigger a complete rout.
The Root members hastily retreated, gathering behind Aburame Tatsuma and forming a fragile defensive line.
The way they looked at Kiyohara was now filled with fear, as if they were staring at a demon crawling out of hell.
Kiyohara stood where he was, flicking the blood droplets off his hands.
When it came to killing Root members, he never showed mercy.
At least half of the blame for the dark deeds of the shinobi world belonged to Danzo, and these Root shinobis were equally guilty as his accomplices.
His gaze passed over the crowd and once again settled on Kabuto.
"Kabuto, come here."
Kiyohara said.
Kabuto's body trembled. He instinctively tried to step forward, but Aburame Tatsuma's hand pressed down on his shoulder.
"You think you can take him away?"
Aburame Tatsuma sneered.
"Kiyohara, I admit you are very strong. But this is my territory."
He formed hand seals, beginning to refine the chakra within his body.
A swarm of kikaichu insects surged forward like a black cloud. This was the secret technique of the Aburame clan. The swarm could devour chakra, and once entangled, the target would quickly be drained dry.
But Kiyohara did not dodge or evade. He did not even form seals to defend himself.
He simply stood there, allowing the swarm to surround him.
Aburame Tatsuma sneered inwardly.
Young people were still young, overly confident.
The mandibles of the kikaichu could chew through steel, let alone human flesh.
However, in the next moment, his smile froze.
The kikaichu covered Kiyohara's entire body, biting frantically, yet produced only the grating sound of metal scraping against metal, completely unable to break through his defense.
Kiyohara's Earth Release Earth Spear had hardened his skin to a level comparable to diamond.
At the same time, his Steel Release bloodline further enhanced his defense.
"How is this possible…"
Aburame Tatsuma was shocked.
The kikaichu could even chew through the chakra cloaks of tailed beasts, yet they could not pierce Kiyohara's skin?
Kiyohara moved.
His body trembled slightly as lightning burst forth from within.
"Chidori Current!"
Violent electricity spread outward from him, covering a radius of five meters.
The kikaichu crackled under the lightning, instantly electrocuted in large numbers. The air was filled with the smell of burnt flesh.
Aburame Tatsuma's eyes turned red with anguish.
These kikaichu were the result of years of careful cultivation. Each one was extremely precious.
With that single move, Kiyohara had killed at least one third of his swarm.
"Damn it!"
Aburame Tatsuma roared, forming hand seals again.
"Secret Technique: Insect Sphere!"
The remaining kikaichu gathered into a black sphere, spinning rapidly as it slammed toward Kiyohara.
This was the Aburame clan's killing move. The impact of the insect sphere was enough to shatter rock, and upon contact, the swarm would instantly spread out, completely enveloping and devouring the target.
Kiyohara's eyes sharpened, and instead of retreating, he advanced.
His right hand clenched into a fist and punched directly at the insect sphere.
"Magnet Release: Electromagnetic Fist!"
His fist collided with the sphere, producing a heavy, muffled boom.
Cracks appeared across the surface of the sphere, and then it exploded in midair.
A wave of white air surged outward, slamming into the walls.
However, the scattered swarm did not dissipate. Instead, it seized the opportunity to wrap around Kiyohara's fist and crawl up along his arm.
A flash of delight crossed Aburame Tatsuma's eyes.
It worked.
As long as the swarm made contact, it could begin devouring chakra.
But that delight quickly turned into horror.
The kikaichu indeed covered Kiyohara's arm and began biting, yet his skin was as hard as steel, completely impervious to their attacks.
Even more terrifying, flames suddenly ignited along Kiyohara's arm.
"Fire Release: Flame Fist!"
Kiyohara infused fire chakra into his fist, intending to burn the swarm.
The high temperature flames spread along the insects, and the kikaichu writhed in agony, letting out sharp, piercing screeches.
Aburame Tatsuma hurriedly recalled the surviving insects, but it was too late. Another third of his swarm had been lost.
In just two exchanges, more than half of the swarm he had spent years cultivating was gone.
"My turn."
Kiyohara looked at Aburame Tatsuma and formed hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!"
Three massive dragons of flame burst from Kiyohara's mouth, roaring as they lunged toward Aburame Tatsuma.
Each dragon was three meters long, radiating intense heat that distorted the air wherever they passed.
Aburame Tatsuma's expression changed drastically. He quickly retreated while summoning his swarm to form a shield in front of him.
The fire dragons crashed into the insect shield, flames and insects clashing violently.
The insects were continuously burned to death, but were also continuously replenished, barely managing to hold the attack at bay.
However, Kiyohara's assault did not stop there.
While the fire dragons drew attention, he had already rushed to Aburame Tatsuma's side, a shinobi blade appearing in his hand at some point.
A flash of cold light.
Aburame Tatsuma truly lived up to being an elite of Root. At the critical moment, he twisted his body, and the blade only sliced across his right shoulder, drawing a spray of blood.
Feeling the intense pain in his shoulder, he let out a muffled groan and flung a handful of poisoned needles with his left hand.
Kiyohara swung his blade, knocking the needles aside with a series of metallic clinks.
But in that brief delay, Aburame Tatsuma had already widened the distance and formed hand seals again.
"Secret Technique: Insect Clone!"
His body suddenly burst apart, transforming into countless kikaichu that scattered in all directions.
This was the Aburame clan's escape technique. By controlling the kikaichu within his body to form a physical clone, he could confuse the enemy and buy time to escape.
Kiyohara smiled faintly.
Did he really think he could leave after provoking him?
He put away his blade and formed hand seals.
"Magnet Release: Iron Sand Drizzle!"
The gourd at his waist opened, and black iron sand poured out, gathering in the air into countless fine needles that shot toward the dispersing swarm like a torrential downpour.
The iron sand needles carried magnetic properties, automatically tracking their targets, with extremely high density and wide coverage.
A scream from Aburame Tatsuma rang out from within the swarm.
Although most of the insects escaped, at least a tenth of them were pierced by the iron sand needles.
These insects were part of his body. Losing even one was like having a piece of flesh cut away.
For the Aburame clan, their insects were treated as part of themselves.
It could even be said that their bodies were nests for the insects, which usually resided within them.
In their blood, in their eyes, in their internal organs.
In short, an Aburame clan shinobi was, more often than not, filled with insects throughout their entire body.
The swarm reassembled in the distance, forming Aburame Tatsuma's body once more, but he was now in a miserable state. His mask was half shattered, revealing a pale face.
The purple markings on his face were smeared and obscured by blood.
His body was riddled with wounds, and his aura had weakened significantly.
"Kiyohara… you…"
He gritted his teeth, but fear had already appeared in his eyes.
Kiyohara's strength far exceeded expectations.
His taijutsu, ninjutsu, and bloodline abilities were all formidable, and his combat experience was rich, leaving almost no openings.
If this continued, he would undoubtedly die here.
There was no second possibility.
This man was too strong.
Absurdly strong.
At this moment, Aburame Tatsuma was already regretting coming alone.
If he had known, he would have brought more manpower.
Then at least he would not have been pushed into such a passive position against Kiyohara.
But now, aside from regret, there was nothing he could do.
"You are too weak."
Kiyohara shook his head.
In the shinobi world, relying on insects offered no real advantage.
Feeding one's own body to insects was, just thinking about it, repulsive.
To Kiyohara, the Aburame clan seemed even more extreme than Sasori.
But it did not matter. He did not care about such things.
"Go back and tell Danzo."
Kiyohara said calmly.
"If something like this happens again, the next time I come, I will not be so lenient."
(End of Chapter)