After taking a few deep breaths and reluctantly being persuaded, the others waited for the next speaker to explain the purpose of the meeting.
"The main reason I've gathered you all today is to disclose some sensitive information."
Just a few days ago, he had dispatched someone using the Flying Thunder God Technique to rescue a key individual. In the process, he had come face-to-face with the legendary, malevolent beings. It was now imperative that everyone understood the truth of the grave challenge that lay ahead. Although he had mentioned bits and pieces of this to one of them before, the details had been incomplete. Now, with the need to brief the others, he had also summoned the genius scientist to join the council.
Hearing this, both of them fell silent, waiting for him to continue.
"To my knowledge, there exists a clan known as the Ōtsutsuki..."
As the explanation unfolded, he not only described the true intentions of the masterminds but also detailed the various dangers the future protagonists might encounter. Finally, he unveiled a targeted strategy to counter the potential crisis.
As Orochimaru listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter. To him, this meant an opportunity to learn countless new and unknown technologies. On his unending quest to explore the mysteries of life, such a chance was an incredibly rare and priceless treasure.
"We can't just defend forever without preparing a counterattack."
"No one will believe you based on words alone."
"That's why each of us must strive to improve and, most importantly, properly cultivate the strength of the new generation."
"Naruto and Sasuke will undoubtedly become incredibly powerful shinobi, but we cannot rely entirely on those two children."
"If possible, it would be best for us to handle things ourselves."
"Minato," he said, turning to the Fourth Hokage, "you need to be careful with how you train those two. Get them accustomed to a real battlefield sooner rather than later. They need to mature quickly."
Kawasaki then briefly explained the mission concerning Tazuna's bridge to Minato.
Although Minato had been resurrected, his previous family assets had long since been squandered by the Third Hokage. His current living expenses were being covered by Kawasaki and Orochimaru. While neither of them cared about the money, Minato found it rather humiliating to have to pinch every penny whenever he bought something.
"That man, Gatō, has amassed a considerable fortune. You're short on funds right now, so this is a perfect opportunity to secure some capital from him," Kawasaki advised. "Otherwise, it would be quite unbecoming for the Fourth Hokage to be without a single ryo to his name."
"Also, don't worry too much about Kushina. It might take a year or two, maybe three to five at most, but I will definitely reunite your family."
"Thank you, Kawasaki. I understand," Minato said, his face filled with gratitude. From a young age, Naruto's life had been difficult, and Kawasaki had been the one supporting him all along. Now, not only had he brought Minato back to life, but he was also planning to resurrect Kushina.
Minato secretly resolved that from this day forward, his life belonged to Kawasaki.
After offering a few more words of comfort, Kawasaki turned to Orochimaru. "How is the development of the new vessel coming along?"
At the mention of this topic, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "I had originally intended to use my own cells to cultivate a body with all chakra natures, but the difficulty of doing so is immense. Several experiments have already failed. I'm now preparing to try extracting high-quality cells to cultivate embryos with a single chakra nature and then fuse them."
Kawasaki reminded him, "Besides having all the elemental affinities, a body compatible with Sage Mode is also essential."
"Of course," Orochimaru replied. "I have already obtained Jūgo's cells, and I've collected a considerable amount from Kabuto as well. As for Hashirama's senjutsu, which comes from Shikkotsu Forest, I was planning on asking Jiraiya for some knowledge regarding Mount Myōboku."
Kawasaki shook his head. "Rather than getting a sample from Jiraiya, it would be better to use Minato's cells."
The moment he finished speaking, a chill ran down Minato's spine as he met Orochimaru's gaze. "Lord Orochimaru, rest assured, I will cooperate fully."
Orochimaru chuckled lightly. "Relax. I only need a little blood. There's nothing to be afraid of."
After saying this, Orochimaru seemed to recall something else and began to complain with a hint of annoyance. "For an ordinary person, extracted and purified Hashirama cells are practically a lethal poison. The success rate has always been extremely low."
"There's no use rushing these things," Kawasaki consoled him. "We have plenty of time. Let's take it one step at a time." He then informed Orochimaru about the large number of White Zetsu that had been discovered near Nagato.
"These plant-like beings can use a floating ability to move freely underground, making them incredibly difficult to detect by normal means. I suspect a good number of villagers may have already been affected by the Spore Technique." He then gave a brief explanation of the unique jutsu.
After hearing the description, Orochimaru marveled, "Such excellent research material. I must capture a few for analysis. Since you're so familiar with this, you must know how to deal with them, don't you?"
Kawasaki smiled. "You saw right through me. Using senjutsu-based energy can force a hidden White Zetsu to reveal itself. Another solution is to have them absorb an excess of natural energy. However, not everyone can safely wield that kind of power." He added with a knowing look, "But I'm sure a problem like this is a simple matter for someone as brilliant as you."
Orochimaru did not disappoint. "I previously created a device capable of extracting and diluting natural energy, making it easier for an ordinary body to handle. It should be possible to adapt it to force our hidden enemies into the open."
This reminded Kawasaki of his suggestion to have Kisame relocate. He could use this opportunity to have him transport the device. After discussing the specific implementation with Orochimaru, they decided that Kabuto Yakushi would deliver the message and invite Kisame to participate in the operation.
Finally, with all preparations in place, the day came for the Uchiha clan to depart from the Hidden Leaf Village. Although many came to see them off out of personal friendship, offering their sincerest blessings, the event left an indelible scar on the heart of the Third Hokage. He had won the political struggle through forceful means, but the price was a heavy and lasting one, creating a rift even between himself and his closest friends.
As he watched the massive procession slowly recede into the distance, with only a few members remaining in the village for various reasons, the old Hokage sighed with deep emotion. No matter what, things could never go back to the way they were.
Meanwhile, Kisame departed from the Hidden Sound Village, heading for Konoha with Kyoko. At their pace, they would likely arrive in a few days.
There was no need to worry about Jūgo, either. The Uchiha convoy was not only filled with its own members but was also accompanied by many ninja from Konoha.
Before they left, Kawasaki paid one last visit to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru had already informed the Third Hokage that Kawasaki would be transferring ownership of his shop on Yagai Street to him, and in return, Orochimaru's shinobi would escort the Uchiha. The Third Hokage had not objected; in fact, he was quite pleased. He had been worried about the Uchiha causing trouble, and this gave him the perfect excuse to openly send his own forces to "escort" them, which suited his intentions perfectly.