Chapter 171: Hiruzen, Who Wants to Counter All Ninjutsu; Hanzo, Who Needs Nagato
Flowers bloom on two branches, each with its own story to tell.
The joys and sorrows between people, and between hidden villages, are not always mutually communicable.
No matter how much Madara Uchiha stirred things up in Kirigakure, separated by a vast ocean, others couldn't feel it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and Konoha had to live their normal lives...
Half a month later.
Konoha Hospital.
Hanzo felt his completely rejuvenated body, clenching his fists again and again, still finding it unbelievable.
Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi had held back, Hanzo still felt that after being slammed like that, his strength and body would probably be far inferior to before. Just surviving was good enough.
But Hanzo didn't think it was a loss, either.
Being able to profoundly experience Hiruzen's martial might and sincerity in cooperation was already worth it.
But he didn't expect that after undergoing a "factory overhaul" at Konoha Hospital, his physical condition would actually surpass what it was before the duel, approaching his peak during the Second Great Ninja War.
"Hiruzen..."
"How can I ever repay this?" Hanzo sighed.
In the half month since finishing his surgical convalescence, as soon as he could get out of bed, Hanzo had been constantly wandering through the streets and alleys of Konoha.
Under Hiruzen Sarutobi's instructions, no one bothered him. They openly allowed Hanzo to deeply experience the daily lives of Konoha's diverse shinobi today.
From Genin to Jonin, from children to the elderly...
Authentic and unadulterated, allowing Hanzo to see for himself.
Occasionally, when he encountered something he didn't understand, Tenzo Hyuga, the Konoha Commissioner specifically in charge of diplomacy, would coordinate with him and explain.
Because of this, Hiruzen Sarutobi increasingly felt that Tenzo Hyuga was a true talent.
It was just that he hadn't been used in the right place before; being the head of the Hyuga clan was truly a waste of his talents.
He could even explain logic clearly to a muscle-brained idiot like Kimimaro Kaguya...
Let alone someone like Hanzo, who rose from the bottom step-by-step to become the leader of a hidden village?
"I originally thought Hiruzen was worried about losing the duel with me..."
"Looking back now, how laughable that thought was! He chose such a secluded area entirely to save my face."
"If I had his power, I definitely wouldn't have been able to resist using myself to establish dominance, right? But Hiruzen didn't. He doesn't care about such empty fame; he considered the problem from my perspective."
Hanzo shook his head, the complex taste in his heart difficult to describe for a moment.
Let alone Konoha shinobi, if the scene of his defeat were made public, it would be a significant blow to his own prestige in Amegakure.
The Amegakure shinobi would also naturally swell with resistance, believing that this cooperation carried strong elements of violent coercion, even if Konoha's terms were perhaps very generous.
"Hiruzen, you treat me like this, and I will absolutely not let you down!"
Hanzo took a deep breath, his gaze grave: "Watch what I do! Actions speak louder than words."
And at this moment.
There was a knock on the door of Hanzo's hospital room.
Hiruko, Orochimaru, and Tsunade walked in.
"Did you go out for a walk again? Didn't I tell you to rest quietly?"
Tsunade frowned and scolded, "What if you ruin the medical effects? You might feel perfectly comfortable calling Sensei your brother, but if something goes wrong, I'm the one who gets blamed!"
"Sensei has repeatedly instructed me to guarantee the effects of your treatment. Are you trying to make me look bad?"
"If you don't want to be treated, then don't! Go to another village for treatment!"
Hiruko and Orochimaru froze.
Wasn't Tsunade's temper a bit too explosive?
The person opposite her was Hanzo of the Salamander from Amegakure!
And the man hadn't even gone overboard. He was a powerhouse with a special constitution; what's wrong with going out for a walk?
What Hiruko and Orochimaru didn't know was that, as a physician, what Tsunade found most annoying were patients who didn't follow medical advice, no matter how high their status or strength was.
This was fundamentally a disrespect to her work.
And Tsunade's special status and the temper she'd had since childhood meant she didn't coddle anyone. Unlike other medical shinobi who had to compromise based on a patient's status...
In Konoha...
Tsunade only restrained herself in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Mito.
With anyone else, including Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, if her temper flared, she wouldn't hesitate to grab them by the collar and roar, and no one would be surprised.
While this was somewhat acting as she pleased...
Given Tsunade's respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi, her status, and the fact that she had never caused a problem in the grand scheme of things, the Hokage just let her be.
Having such an unpredictable factor who ignored social pleasantries and spoke directly actually served as a very good check and balance against the various factions in the village.
After all, who wouldn't be afraid of meticulously plotting a grand scheme, thinking they could shift the blame, only to have Tsunade point at their nose and curse them out?
This person operated purely on vibes!
But to Orochimaru and Hiruko's surprise...
Hanzo showed absolutely no sign of anger, not even a trace of displeasure. He smiled sheepishly and said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I really caused you trouble."
"Mainly, I just wanted to see more of Konoha, to see the materialized manifestation of Hiruzen's Will of Fire. So I couldn't hold back for a moment. Please bear with me."
Hanzo had indeed instinctively felt a surge of annoyance at first.
But it subsided the next moment.
There was no helping it; Tsunade's words were very clear.
She was mainly afraid Hiruzen would blame her for not giving him good treatment.
Moreover, the vitality surging through Hanzo's body also told him that Tsunade had truly used the good stuff on him.
By all reason and emotion, taking a few scoldings was well-deserved.
Tsunade was stunned. She had actually been fully prepared to have a massive argument with Hanzo.
With her personality of responding well to softness but not hardness, Hanzo bowing his head like this actually left her at a loss for what to do!
What a mess...
"Enough!"
"I'm going to do one last follow-up physical examination now, just to ensure there are no omissions from the surgery." Tsunade waved her hand, skipping over the topic.
Interestingly, after scolding Hanzo a couple of times, her prejudice against him also diminished significantly.
The instruments were connected to Hanzo's body, and the various indicators jumped up.
Tsunade watched and nodded slightly: "Not bad, you recovered faster than I imagined. This shows that both your physical condition and willpower are still at an excellent level."
In the shinobi world, the effect of will on matter is very obvious.
A person with a strong desire to survive will achieve far better results under the same treatment than someone whose will is depressed.
"Here is the list of your treatments."
"Take a look. I took a portion of the raw fluid from your venom sac. If you have any issues, tell me now."
Tsunade crossed her arms and said.
Although Konoha had previously acquired some salamander venom to create an antidote...
It couldn't compare to the raw fluid.
Tsunade had a concept. The current difficulty in their Hashirama Cell project lay in how to control and reduce the overly exuberant vitality within them.
Yin Release was one aspect, and Tsunade also wanted to try using biological toxins.
Hanzo took the list and read it carefully.
"Emergency non-invasive repair of acute injuries—Mystical Palm Jutsu."
"Radical repair of the skeletal motor system, muscular and fascial systems—Cellular Activation Jutsu."
"Deep repair of internal organs and metabolic systems—Cell Cloning Technology."
"Complete structural reconstruction and regenerative repair of the venom sac—Cellular Fusion Jutsu, Delicate Illness Extraction Technique."
Hanzo let out a long breath. Although it was a bit embarrassing, he couldn't understand many of the technical terms.
However, he understood the effects.
Simply put, while Tsunade and the others were treating his injuries, they had conveniently renovated his aging body!
They had eradicated a massive amount of hidden injuries and ailments.
Especially his salamander venom sac. Using Hiruko's allogeneic cellular fusion technology, they processed it to completely integrate into Hanzo's body, becoming a part of his organs.
From now on, not only could he completely control the venom mist, but he could also massively enhance it with chakra, because he no longer had to worry about it rupturing from overuse.
Hanzo slowly let out a long breath.
At this moment, he finally understood why he felt young again. This wasn't just healing injuries; this was practically rebirth!
"Konoha's medical technology has truly opened my eyes; it's unheard of."
Hanzo said with heartfelt conviction, "It's no exaggeration to say it's comparable to recreating life!"
While will is certainly important, the physical body is also a crucial factor influencing the will.
When a person's body starts going downhill, the constant negative feedback from the flesh inevitably affects willpower, leading to a rapid deterioration in physical condition.
The old Hanzo was a prime example.
After the Great Ninja War, his body hadn't received adequate maintenance, causing his already unstable mindset to collapse further, nearly turning a shinobi hero into a short-sighted petty man.
It must be said, it was a lamentable situation.
"This..."
"How much do I need to pay for this? What must I do..." Hanzo thought for a moment and said in a low voice, "As for the salamander venom, take as much as you need."
If it were an ordinary treatment, he wouldn't even think about paying.
But the effects were simply too good. It was obvious that many resources and secret techniques had been utilized. This was a precious opportunity that was hard to find in the shinobi world, no matter how much money one spent.
Money couldn't possibly compensate for it, but Hanzo didn't have anything else Konoha needed. So he figured offering money would at least show a proactive attitude.
"Since you called Sensei 'Big Brother,' then Sensei naturally has to take care of you, his younger brother."
Tsunade said grumpily, "I won't take your money! Besides, the three of us working together isn't something that can be measured with money."
"Go talk to Sensei yourself!"
Orochimaru chimed in with a smile, "Your Excellency Hanzo, if any problems arise with your body in the future, we provide a post-surgery warranty."
"Sensei specifically told me that your physical health, Your Excellency Hanzo, is an important foundation for ensuring the deep cooperation between Amegakure and Konoha, and told me to be absolutely fully attentive."
Actually, Hiruzen Sarutobi had never said this, but Orochimaru felt Sensei wouldn't mind.
Using his name to do things beneficial to Konoha—wasn't that exactly what Sensei normally did?
He had to apply what he learned!
"That's right, Lord Hokage instructed us to spare no effort in using the latest technology."
"I was the lead surgeon for the fusion of your venom sac. How does it feel?" Hiruko also spoke up with a smile.
"Good, very good!"
Hanzo stood up, his expression serious as he first shook Orochimaru's hand: "You and I did have an unpleasant encounter in the past, but that is all behind us."
"From now on, I, Hanzo, and Amegakure, will be the most reliable companions and comrades to Konoha shinobi!"
Orochimaru applied a slight pressure to the handshake: "How was it unpleasant? It was exactly Your Excellency Hanzo's timely lesson that let me know the vastness of the shinobi world."
"The technology you experienced today can also be considered the echo of your will and power passed down to me back then."
"This proves that the cooperation between Amegakure and Konoha was actually destined long ago!"
Hanzo laughed loudly upon hearing this: "Yes, exactly! Although the despicable Sunagakure and Iwagakure deceived us, leading to unfortunate fighting and detours between brothers, luckily it is not too late for anything."
Both Tsunade and Hiruko were somewhat surprised inside.
Orochimaru's speaking style truly carried a third of Hiruzen Sarutobi's shadow. Could they only say, as expected of the Hokage disciple favored since childhood?
"Thank you, thank you."
Hanzo shook hands with Tsunade and Hiruko in turn, saying earnestly: "Let's cooperate more in the future. If there is anything I can do, please be sure to let me know."
Orochimaru smiled inwardly.
The shinobi of Amegakure might not have any valuable materials themselves, but it was very easy for them to obtain intelligence on materials.
Because of their geographical location at the junction of major and minor nations, their intelligence network was the most well-informed.
However, Orochimaru didn't mention this to Hanzo, because he knew Sensei would arrange it clearly.
He wasn't Hokage yet; there was no need to worry about so much.
"Your Excellency Hanzo, if there are no more problems, you should go talk to Sensei."
"He has been waiting for you to recover your condition to finalize the deep cooperation agreement with the village," Orochimaru said softly.
Hanzo's expression turned solemn: "I'll go right now!"
Hanzo hurriedly nodded to the three of them in farewell and headed for the Hokage Building.
"Wait a minute..."
"Why did he shake your hand first?" Tsunade only just realized this, frowning, but her tone was more teasing.
"That's naturally because Orochimaru looks more like the next Hokage," Hiruko, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, fanned the flames.
Ever since he figured out that consolidating his current position was more important than climbing higher...
Hiruko's mindset had become much more peaceful, and he was no longer as sensitive.
Kakuzu and Asuma—an important figure directly under the Hokage and the Hokage's son, respectively—had both built increasingly close personal relationships with him, and their growth curves were visible to the naked eye.
Moreover, there was Hizashi, who also shared a sense of mutual appreciation with him.
And by working closely with Konoha shinobi like Hizashi, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and others who were either resolute in their will or brimming with talent, Hiruko had to admit in his heart that the village was truly full of talent.
Being in his current position was already very lucky!
"Hey, what kind of talk is that! I won't give up!" Tsunade said rather seriously.
Orochimaru just made noncommittal sounds of agreement, not minding it at all.
He was currently thinking...
He absolutely had to become Hokage; after all, it was the obsession of the first half of his life.
But as for how long he would serve when the time came, and how he would serve... that was hard to say.
If worse came to worst, he could just do it for a few years and then run away. That way, he could still display his noble character, and then go enjoy a happy retirement researching ninjutsu with Sensei.
"I still need Sensei to work for a few more years. At least until the situation in the shinobi world stabilizes. A war will definitely break out within the next few years."
Orochimaru pondered internally: "The village's rapid development will make the other hidden villages wary and anxious. Whether it's to interrupt Konoha's development process or to plunder, this is inevitable."
"Just like this battle with Hanzo!"
"By the way, did you receive Jiraiya's letter?" Tsunade spoke up again, her eyes smiling: "That guy actually said he wants to challenge Sensei! He even said he wants all the shinobi in the village to come watch and admire the bearing of the Great Toad Sage..."
Orochimaru and Hiruko exchanged a look and both laughed.
They had also received Jiraiya's letters.
During these days of training at Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya had been cultivating diligently in seclusion, but life wasn't easy.
Putting aside eating bug meals every day, the main issue was that the village was developing with each passing day. As a combat-oriented shinobi, it wasn't that he was useless, but he couldn't keep up with Konoha's current R&D-focused tone.
Actually, it was normal not to keep up, but the problem was that the main participants—Hiruko, Orochimaru, and Tsunade—were his peers. This made Jiraiya very depressed.
So his frequent letter-sending behavior was, on one hand, indeed bragging and hyping because his strength had reached a new limit, but on the other hand, it was also a desire to connect more emotionally with his Sensei and companions so he wouldn't fall behind.
In a sense, he was somewhat like a lively, proactive version of Hiruko.
"Why tell him?"
"That idiot... I understand he wants to tell Sensei not to feel too much pressure, that his good disciple can step up." Orochimaru shook his head: "But Sensei isn't old yet. And not only is he not old..."
Hiruko laughed: "Perfect. I was just feeling sorry I missed seeing Lord Hokage fight. Anyway, now that the medical chakra scroll is out, having one more volunteer to test it is a good thing."
"I agree with not telling Jiraiya. When the time comes, we'll invite all the Commissioners and Jonin in the village to come watch."
Tsunade nodded in profound agreement.
"Setting up" childhood friends was something that always brought a hint of joy!
"Then it's settled. No one tells Jiraiya-sensei's current strength. On the contrary, we need to pump him up. Didn't he say he wanted to be Hokage?"
Tsunade said.
Hiruko shook his head and said poetically, "Orochimaru is obsessed with scientific research; Jiraiya should be encouraged to step up! How pleasing to the ear..."
Although Hiruko was Jiraiya's good friend.
But the thought of the Hokage teaching his disciple a lesson to establish authority, drawing cheers from the shinobi and further strengthening Hiruzen Sarutobi's authority...
Hiruko felt it was worth it.
As for Jiraiya, he would just have to suffer a bit.
He still had the path of writing books, anyway!
...
Hokage Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was staring at the fireball in front of him.
This was something he had molded using Fire nature chakra.
"The so-called release jutsu are all composed of formless chakra applied with nature and shape transformations. If one can find the key structure within, they can be broken back down into formless chakra."
"If that happens, the power of the release jutsu will drop drastically."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered.
Techniques to absorb chakra and ninjutsu, while rare in the shinobi world, were not non-existent.
Some shinobi were born with this constitution, like Kisame.
Among corresponding Kekkei Genkai, Kirigakure possessed one called "Dark Release," whose ability was to absorb release jutsu and release them.
"Sealing jutsu actually have a similar effect on release jutsu."
"Like the Fire Sealing Method. The reason it can massively counter Fire Release chakra is that no matter how exquisite its shape and nature transformations are, it can still seal it."
"The essence is still destroying its structure, sharply reducing its intensity, and sealing it."
Ever since Hiruzen Sarutobi mastered dual Kekkei Genkai, after two "threads" appeared within his body...
These "threads" entangled with his "Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration Mark" that formed his second heart, enhancing his understanding of the ordinary five elemental releases considerably.
It wasn't in terms of nature or shape transformation, nor power.
Rather, in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, he could vaguely see a "core array" within ordinary five elemental ninjutsu, representing the key part of the release jutsu that maintained its shape and nature transformation.
"The cause of this is inseparable from my mastery of the five releases and my sealing jutsu constitution."
Hiruzen Sarutobi stared at the fireball in front of him. He could see a faint "core" within it.
Hiruzen Sarutobi reached out his hand and slowly released a trace of chakra towards this "core."
Although it was only a trace, when the structure of the "core" was destroyed, the entire fireball collapsed instantly, turning into a smooth current of chakra.
"Just as I conceptualized."
"I actually don't need to try to absorb this dissipated chakra like 'Dark Release' does. When my 'Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration Mark' is cultivated to a profound level, it will naturally possess this capability."
"Equipping an additional ability will inevitably reduce the upper limit of my capacity to destroy the structure of release jutsu."
"What I need to do is nullify the enemy's ninjutsu. What I can absorb, I'll absorb with the 'Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration Mark.' What I can't, I'll destroy its jutsu structure."
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought of Onoki.
In the current shinobi world, the two shinobi he was most wary of were the Third Raikage and Onoki.
These two guys: one had an innately active body, relying on the furious Lightning Release Chakra Mode and physical strength to possess nearly unlimited margin for error.
The other could use Particle Style to forcefully erase all margin for error, disintegrating any object down to the molecular level.
Besides these two obvious strong enemies.
There were all sorts of various ninjutsu in the shinobi world. Although Hiruzen Sarutobi was known as the "Professor of Ninjutsu," he himself didn't agree with the title.
How could he possibly have seen every ninjutsu?
And in the shinobi world, this is exactly where intelligence is crucial. "First-encounter kills" were simply too numerous.
"Back then, Tobirama-sensei was able to develop the Flying Thunder God Technique, heavily injuring Izuna Uchiha the first time he used it. Yet he himself was forced into a passive state by Kumogakure's Six Paths Sacred Treasures."
"If a research shinobi like him could be caught off guard, what about me?"
There has never been a rule that only the Hokage can use information gaps against others, while others cannot ambush the Hokage.
To prevent others from doing so, he had to trace it back to the source and dismantle all jutsu into formless chakra.
Even if they couldn't be fully dismantled, he had to do his utmost to destroy their structure, achieving a "downgrading" effect.
If he did that, he could truly "remain steadfast as a mountain amidst a myriad of ninjutsu."
Hiruzen Sarutobi conjured a cloud of acid mist in front of him again.
This time, it was difficult for him to clearly see the "core" within it.
"Kekkei Genkai are still different, not to mention Onoki's Kekkei Tota, Particle Style."
"But it's no matter. My limits will grow."
He would first familiarize himself with the five elemental releases, then practice with Kekkei Genkai. Eventually, there would come a day when he could touch upon Kekkei Tota.
Besides, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't intend to completely dismantle Onoki's Particle Style into formless chakra. As long as he could partially affect the structure of his Particle Style, stripping it of its molecular disintegration lethality, that would be enough.
If it was just a Kekkei Genkai, or a half-step Kekkei Tota, Hiruzen Sarutobi could find a way to withstand it.
"Kekkei Tota... It's not impossible for me to master it!"
"One step at a time. Mastering the method to destroy the core of a ninjutsu is also a way to understand the construction of a jutsu from its foundational structure. This is beneficial for my development of Kekkei Genkai, and even Kekkei Tota."
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought of Tobirama.
In the past, Tobirama had criticized him with disappointment:
"Monkey, with your ninjutsu talent, you won't have major development if you only follow the paths of predecessors. It's too rigid!"
"You must learn to develop jutsu that suit yourself. Only then can you become a unique powerhouse!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.
For this jutsu, he really did need Tobirama-sensei's help.
To destroy the structure of an enemy's release jutsu using chakra, releasing formless chakra externally was clearly too obvious and easily guarded against and targeted.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's first thought was to use Yin nature chakra as the base, employing formless Yin Release and spiritual energy as the "spear" to dismantle the core of the enemy's release jutsu.
In Konoha, there were many shinobi clans that excelled in Yin Release.
Tobirama-sensei, who had already become an Uchiha and excelled in ninjutsu development, was clearly a perfect candidate to help him consult on this jutsu.
"I should call the Kurama clan as well. Genma Kurama is also a Konoha Commissioner, after all."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled faintly.
This was the advantage of being Hokage.
When he wanted to develop a ninjutsu, he could freely mobilize the resources of the entire village to serve him.
After all, if he became stronger, didn't that mean Konoha became stronger too?
If a war broke out, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have to fight one-on-one against the enemy's strongest shinobi. In extreme situations, he might even have to fight one against two or three.
In front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, five chakra orbs of different natures appeared again, roughly the size of fists.
The Hokage narrowed his eyes, anchoring onto the "cores" of these release jutsu, and poked them one by one with chakra.
One after another, the elemental chakra dissolved into formless air currents.
And just then.
Danzo pushed the door open and walked in. Seeing this scene, his expression stalled.
What was Hiruzen researching again, again, again?
Danzo subconsciously sighed.
The only thing that could console him was that his Wind Release Chakra Mode was nearing completion. He, too, was about to become a shinobi with "distinctive characteristics," as Hiruzen put it.
But the next moment, Danzo entered combat mode. This was also why he opened the door immediately after knocking today.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
Danzo opened with his classic nostalgic rhetoric: "This Hanzo is incredibly sinister! If you cooperate with him, problems will arise! You must be wary of him, suppress him. How could you let him recover his combat power?"
"I know all about you having the R&D Division treat his injuries!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi replied with a smile: "Look at what you're saying. It's not like I tried to hide it from you. Treating a foreign shinobi while keeping the Assistant in the dark—would that be proper?"
Danzo froze. That actually made sense...
But then he flared up again: "That's not the issue!"
"Don't worry. I have a relatively complete plan regarding this. In the future, I will also have you handle the supervision work for Amegakure."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously: "I'm not just blindly following Lord Hashirama's idealized peace. The binding of interests and reasonable supervision will both be necessary components of our cooperation with Amegakure."
"Danzo, you need to learn to view things with a win-win mindset."
"It's like two shinobi. One is powerful but burdened with many tasks, while the other is weak but highly perceptive and energetic. Together, they can complement each other. Killing the other one would at most just earn you some money..."
Danzo let out a heavy sigh: "Fine! Fine! I can't out-argue you. Anyway, I will be keeping a close eye on Amegakure at all times!"
"Thank you for your hard work."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded: "Without your assistance, the cooperation with Amegakure couldn't move forward. It was exactly because I considered your intelligence and supervision capabilities that I planned to do this."
Danzo desperately suppressed the corners of his mouth, but couldn't help letting them curl up.
He knew it!
This village of Konoha would have fallen apart long ago without him!
Thank goodness Hiruzen understood it all.
"I'm going to get busy!" Danzo turned around, holding back a smile, completely forgetting what he originally came to do.
He was now going to Root to have a chat with Shibi Aburame, to have him assist with "Seisui's" medical work.
Although the current Danzo was still the Commander of Root, things were different from before. It was no longer his private kingdom.
For "private jobs" like this, he couldn't just forcefully demand it with a commanding tone.
Otherwise, Danzo worried Shibi Aburame would learn from the past Seisui and report him directly to Hiruzen.
And Danzo hadn't taken more than a few steps out the door before he ran right into Hanzo.
The two nodded at each other with fake smiles.
After entering the Hokage's office, Hanzo's opening words immediately cracked the Hokage's composure: "Big Brother!"
"I am absolutely not trying to sow discord, but you must be careful of this man, Danzo Shimura!"
"He has secretly contacted me multiple times in the past, hiding it from you and hiding it from Konoha."
Hanzo threw Danzo right under the bus right from the start.
Given Root's past style, Hanzo, who wanted to consolidate his power, hit it off perfectly with Danzo, who acted without constraint and was ruthless. The two had a very pleasant cooperation.
But pleasant as it was, they were also highly wary of each other.
That old bastard was not a good person!
"If you don't believe me, I can go back to Amegakure and fetch the recorded intelligence and documents for you."
Hanzo frowned and said in a deep voice: "I know your nature is generous and merciful, but some people are difficult to reform."
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples: "How could I not believe you, good brother?"
"Don't worry. I know all about Danzo's affairs as well. Besides, don't I have you? I'll be sending Danzo to Amegakure to carry out some work later. You can help me keep an eye on him then."
Hiruzen Sarutobi repeated the same thing, just swapping the active and passive positions.
"Alright then, leave it to me, Big Brother!" Hanzo nodded heavily.
"Take a look at this document."
Hiruzen Sarutobi handed Hanzo the pre-drafted mutual cooperation agreement.
Hanzo respectfully took it with both hands and began to read.
Point one.
Amegakure shinobi would take on the surplus Land of Fire mission quotas that Konoha couldn't digest.
But the requirement was that every Amegakure shinobi entering Konoha had to undergo a detailed filing and physical examination at the Administration Department beforehand, registering according to the standards of a Konoha shinobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had done this after careful consideration.
Konoha also took a cut of the missions performed by Amegakure shinobi, but that was just a trivial amount.
The main point was to cultivate a sense of belonging and aspiration towards Konoha among the Amegakure shinobi.
Not only that, after implementing the new mission rules in the Land of Fire, there were still some shinobi and nobles who, out of habit, missed the old Shinobi Code of Conduct that treated shinobi as tools.
The Amegakure shinobi served as a perfect supplement for this group.
People always need comparison to know their lives are better than others.
Point two, regarding the "Sovereign Sage Pill."
Konoha would hand over the overseas version of the "Sovereign Sage Pill" to Hanzo as an agent to sell to the Amegakure nobility.
Of the profits obtained, thirty percent would be given to Hanzo for Amegakure's infrastructure and border defense. As for the remaining seventy percent, Konoha wouldn't recall it either. Instead, it would be fully reinvested into Amegakure as mission orders.
A portion of Amegakure shinobi would be combined with artisans from the Land of Rain to form a labor-intensive workforce of skilled laborers for initial processing, laying a material foundation for Konoha's R&D.
For example, producing the rough blanks for chakra scrolls, polishing ninja tools, crafting boxes for the Sovereign Sage Pills, and other low-tech industries.
Furthermore, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have Hanzo use the Land of Rain as an infiltration hub, isolating the sensitive Konoha from the other major hidden villages, and peddle the future surplus production of "Sovereign Sage Pills" to foreign nobles.
Using the massive profits of smuggling to acquire extra funds while simultaneously expanding Konoha's influence.
Point three.
While building infrastructure, Amegakure also had to handle intelligence and border defense work properly, conducting preemptive war planning in the northern part of the Land of Rain, serving as the first line of defense against Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure in the future.
In return, Konoha wouldn't treat them as cannon fodder. They promised to provide corresponding medical chakra scrolls and, if war broke out, would send immediate reinforcements.
The two sides would stand united as brothers!
This could hardly be considered ungenerous.
Don't be fooled by the fact that the missions Konoha handed out were the leftovers after their own shinobi had their pick, and the orders given to Amegakure were all for rough processing products without high added value.
For Amegakure shinobi, this was already immense happiness.
Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't even taken the profits from the Sovereign Sage Pills. A portion was left for Hanzo to decide upon himself, and the remaining money flowed back into Amegakure in the form of industrial orders.
Hanzo knew the score.
Konoha would absolutely never hand over core industries to Amegakure, and that was as it should be.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi had done so, Hanzo would have instead pleaded bitterly with his Big Brother not to, because he worried Amegakure's weak military forces couldn't possibly defend the formula.
"Work relief—solving two difficulties at once."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Hanzo with a smile: "Good brother, are you satisfied?"
"Big Brother!" This call from Hanzo was brimming with emotion.
He could practically already envision the scene: every Amegakure shinobi finding work, massive funds pouring in to build effective flood control infrastructure, and the northern defense line being built high.
And his prestige as the leader of Amegakure would undoubtedly soar!
This was far more brilliant and effective than his previous method of maintaining power in Amegakure through scheming and internal politics.
"It's just these nobles..."
Hanzo said with some difficulty, "I'm actually not very good at communicating with them. Big Brother, could you send someone to guide us? I'm not very skilled at pricing, quotas, and assessing the nobles' financial power. Rest assured, I absolutely won't let your shinobi come for nothing."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed inwardly.
This was exactly what he wanted. Taking down the nobles of the Land of Rain was equivalent to securing more than half the legal justification for annexing Amegakure.
However, he was in no rush. To make Konoha shinobi accept Amegakure, it would always require time for integration.
It also required sweat and blood to prove their reliability.
"It's possible, it's possible."
Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long sigh: "Since my good brother has asked, then this foolish older brother will see it through to the end. I will cash in some favors and invite professionals to help you."
The professionals he referred to were Kakuzu on one hand, and the Hyuga Main Family on the other.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had, after all, promised to find work for Ko Hyuga.
Since he promised, he had to deliver. The Hokage's word was his bond.
Hanzo lowered his head in deep shame: "I truly have troubled you, Big Brother!"
He had no other choice.
In all of Amegakure, there were simply too few talents who understood economics and how to deal with nobility.
This was also one of the problems of small hidden villages: having a weak leg, and sometimes more than one.
"When you go back, take the lead in aligning the various leading shinobi of Amegakure. Announce our cooperation, organize some training, and have everyone come to Konoha so we can all put faces to names."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly, "Good brother, you should be able to see that we in Konoha also have extreme conservative factions. People like Danzo, although Konoha shinobi, have a relatively superficial understanding of the Will of Fire."
"I am also doing this under pressure, so don't drop the ball on your end."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's meaning was very clear.
He wanted Hanzo to properly educate the Amegakure shinobi to work honestly.
Otherwise, if something went wrong, Konoha had dedicated personnel to hold them accountable!
"Big Brother, rest assured!"
A hint of murderous intent flickered in Hanzo's eyes: "If anyone under my command dares to ruin things, I will chop off their head!"
"Look, you're talking about killing people again."
Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, sighing lightly: "My hope is that one day, the shinobi of Amegakure can also enjoy the same welfare and guarantees as Konoha shinobi."
"For now, we can only say let's work hard together."
Hiruzen Sarutobi could see that this Hanzo was fundamentally a battle-tested warrior of the Shinobi Code of Conduct.
The old-school mentality in his bones couldn't be changed just by one Liger Bomb slam.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't mind too much.
The Shinobi Code of Conduct did have its merits when it came to getting things done.
"I understand, Big Brother!"
Hanzo was also rapidly pondering in his mind who would be suitable to liaise with Konoha in the future.
Thinking back and forth, he just felt that his subordinates were all a bunch of useless eaters!
Besides being relatively loyal, their abilities were truly not worth mentioning.
"It seems I need to find some young people..."
"Wait!" Hanzo's heart suddenly stirred. He remembered the Akatsuki organization, which had recently gained some prominence in the Land of Rain.
That was a group of capable young people.
And among them was Nagato, rumored to possess the Rinnegan, who also had red hair, highly likely making him a member of the Uzumaki clan.
"I heard they might also have some connection to Jiraiya." The more Hanzo thought about it, the more he felt lingering fear. Because of the Akatsuki organization's rapid rise, he had previously harbored thoughts of killing them.
Because their ties to Konoha, young age, and outstanding abilities would threaten him.
Now, Hanzo could basically be said to be hoping that Yahiko and the others from the Akatsuki organization really did have a connection to Jiraiya!
This was just like Danzo wanting "Seisui" to marry into the Uchiha.
Nagato and his group were also candidates recognized by both Konoha and Amegakure, capable of acting as a bridge!
Hiruzen Sarutobi chatted with Hanzo for a few more sentences.
Hanzo, unable to wait to start changing Amegakure, took a few medical scrolls per Hiruzen Sarutobi's instructions, stored them carefully, and hurriedly left.
To accomplish great things, one must go all out and dedicate their utmost effort!
After Hanzo left.
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to ponder his "ninjutsu cancellation" jutsu.
"I should give it a name."
"Let's call it Spirit Release. Comprehending the spirit of release jutsu, dismantling the root of release jutsu."
Hiruzen Sarutobi casually named it. Compared to Minato's flashy, dramatic naming style, his was quite grounded.
"My further cultivation of the 'Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration Mark' also needs adjustment."
"I can set aside Water Release for now and change to installing the 'Evil Sealing Method.' This will be helpful for improving my spiritual energy and Yin Release."
This way, under the guise of training, he could also naturally increase his contact with the Uchiha, and even Tobirama-sensei.
So that the Uchiha and Kurama could help Hiruzen Sarutobi research together how to use formless Yin Release as a carrier to destroy the "core" within ninjutsu, completing his first original secret technique, "Spirit Release."
Could this also be considered a Kekkei Genkai?
After all, he was the only one who could see the "core" of ninjutsu.
"That little rascal Jiraiya is still training at Mount Myoboku. It seems Sage Mode truly is difficult."
Hiruzen Sarutobi actually missed that living treasure a little.
Furthermore, he also wanted to have a chat with Mount Myoboku, which had given him the title of "Master of Prophecy," to establish a deep cooperation.
It would be best if he could have the Three Great Sage Regions give his summoning beast, Monkey King Enma, a wave of special training, finding room for improvement in all aspects.
When the master is training, how can the summoning beast fall behind?
It was better to train!
...
Three months later.
As the cooperation between Amegakure and Konoha gradually deepened.
Kirigakure, however, under the manipulation of invisible hands, had its entire village's perception of Konoha regulated by Madara Uchiha. They were sprinting wildly down the perspective that "Konoha's higher-ups lost control because they made concessions to the shinobi."
The scenes in the Village of the Bloody Mist consequently grew increasingly intense.
If the enemy made a mistake, it naturally proved that Kirigakure was doing the right thing.
Inside the Kirigakure Internal Affairs Department.
Kisame's eyes were bloodshot. Staring at his blood-stained hands, he descended into madness.
And behind him...
Kimimaro slowly appeared, smiling as he spoke: "Are you alright? My brother."
☆☆☆
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