A swishing sound resonated through the forest.
The trio had already retreated from the initial battlefield. Compared to Orochimaru's spotless body, Sasori and Hiruko appeared somewhat disheveled.
Particularly Hiruko, whose complexion was pale, with a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.
"That woman's Gentle Fist is too powerful. It seems I won't be able to engage her head-on next time..."
Hiruko felt terrified. While he had witnessed the Hyuga Clan's attacks before, but relatively speaking, it wasn't as exaggerated as that of Hyuga Ayane. He had already overestimated the maximum power of her Gentle Fist, but still underestimated it in the end. He wouldn't be so reckless next time.
After all, he was different from Sasori and Orochimaru. One body was hidden inside a puppet, the other's body wasn't even human anymore. They could ignore physical attacks. They were unlike ordinary people. Naturally, there was no need to worry too much about Ayane's Gentle Fist.
"I should have reminded you long ago not to engage her the same way you would against a ninja from the Hyuga clan. Otherwise, you'd suffer greatly."
Orochimaru knew the heavy price Root had paid trying to besiege and kill Ayane, only to return unsuccessful. Presumably after that time, her strength was likely to increase.
"Why do you keep running away? If the three of us joined hands..."
Sasori and Orochimaru hadn't exerted their full strength, neither had Hiruko. If the three of themcould give it their all, victory was still possible.
Moreover, Orochimaru could use those his strange forbidden jutsus. Like the Edo Tensei he used in summoning the first and second hokage.
With the strength of five people, it was unbelievable that Hyuga Ayane could not be defeated.
"No. That woman wasn't going all out."
Sasori asserted. Most mechanisms on his puppet were broken, including the steel tail on his back. She could use a unique defensive move against physical attacks from all directions, likely an application of the Rotation.
As far as Sasori knew, the Hyuga were first-class ninja in chakra control. With their Byakugan, they could clearly see its flow within themselves and their enemy, enabling easier chakra control.
Ayane had condensed an almost transparent chakra barrier on her skin's surface, rendering his hidden weapons useless. Even poison-laced ones that could cause fatal injury from a nick would be meaningless if they couldn't penetrate her body.
This was the most difficult aspect of facing Ayane, as Sasori thought.
To break through the persistent protective layer covering her, more powerful offensive ninjutsu was needed. Ordinary swords and kunai couldn't penetrate that protective wall.
"The three of us gave our best, and judging the outcome between us and her will be uncertain. Even if she did defeat three of us, she would end up seriously injured. But it isn't the reason I why i used the Edo Tensei..."
Of course, Orochimaru truly coveted her Byakugan, which differed vastly from other Hyuga clan members.
According to intel gathered by Konoha's top, the Byakugan also had strong and weak pupil power like the Sharingan. Although the Byakugan couldn't eveolve into a more advanced doujutsu, disparities in pupil power still existed.
In Orochimaru's view, Ayane had an extremely powerful white eyes and pupil power, surpassing all current Hyuga ninjas. What was even stranger, he sensed something familiar within her—Senjutsu chakra.
Although the feeling was completely different from Ryuuchi Cave's senjutsu chakra, the feeling was unmistakable.
Hyuga Ayane was harnessing natural energy.
Recalling what Tsunade said about Chiba Shiraishi signing a contract with the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest, perhaps Ayane had learned how to use natural energy and Sage Mode there?
Orochimaru couldn't find an answer. He was recently exposed to senjutsu himself and his research on Ryuchi Cave's sage mode still left him confused.
"What's the reason for that?" Hiruko interrupted Orochimaru's contemplation.
Orochimaru stopped in his tracks and exhaled lightly. For a ninja, the priority in every battle wasn't how to win, but how to exit the battlefield after failure.
Being alive holds meaning, death leaves nothing behind.
Sasori also noticed something amiss, slowly taking two steps forward and stretching out his hand to touch the air ahead.
Bam!
Sasori's palm bounced back as a rainbow-colored light wall suddenly materialized, extending skyward and enveloping the forest.
"Clearly, Hyuga Ayane's intention was to temporarily restrain us while lowering our guard. Her subordinates have secretly erected barriers around us to prevent our escape."
The perplexing aspect was that Hyuga Ayane displayed strength which differed from the information Konoha previously gathered.
Furthermore, Hoshigakure must be a crucial operational base for Ayane and her team. So it would be imporssible to allow anyone knowledgeable about its existence to leave alive.
Therefore, only one explanation remained. Hyuga Ayane focused on restraining them, while the remaining ninjas constructed the barrier at a remote location without their knowledge.
"I'm not good at breaking barriers."
Sasori admitted with a slight shake of his head. He wasn't particularly good in barriers. The jutsu cleverly concealed an extensive-range barrier with powerful concealment, yet setting it up was time-consuming and needed some troublesome preparation.
However, once activated, escaping such a barrier proved extremely difficult. What awaited them next would no longer be a small battle, but rather a full-on, potentially fatal storm..
Sasori's gaze shifted to Orochimaru. A master of forbidden and secret jutsus, evasion tactics, genjutsu, and even seals, Orochimaru was likely well-versed in barrier jutsu as well.
A white snake emerged from Orochimaru's sleeve, hissing and flicking its tongue against the barrier. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Five minutes. That's how long it will take to break."
Five minutes. An incredibly short timeframe, especially considering Orochimaru's confidence in his abilities. But in this situation, even five minutes felt like an eternity, knowing they wouldn't just be facing Ayane alone.
With no trace of the pursuers, it seemed they had eluded her for now.
"It appears we have no choice but to fight to the death."
Sasori said as he prepared for a desperate battle. While the enemy was powerful, defeating him wouldn't be a walk in the park.
A scroll appeared within his puppet's hands, unfolded, revealing the kanji for "three".
"Hold on." Orochimaru intervened, stopping Sasori's impulsive act. "We need more information."
"Isn't the situation clear enough?"
"No. Just wait." Orochimaru smiled mysteriously.
"Wait?"
"Yes. I'm going to break the barrier while you two stay by the side, be alert,"
Orochimaru refrained from elaborating, be he touched the shimmering wall, analyzing the flow of chakra within.
"Truly a sophisticated sealing jutsu... Likely the work of the Uzumaki. They certainly have talented individuals at their disposal."
Gathering the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Uzumaki… With a force like that... Orochimaru doubted they were just in Hoshigakure to simply establish a stronghold to live peacefully. Perhaps Hoshigakure wasn't even their true base of operations at all.
Orochimaru, as a rogue ninja, understood the value of "having many holes to hide in."
In the past two years, he had used Akatsuki's resources to establish forty-two hideouts throughout the world. Seventeen of those were known to Akatsuki, while the remaining twenty-five were known only to him and his confidantes.
For a rogue ninja, ignorance of this vital principle could be fatal.
And of course, the combined resources at the disposal of Hyuga Ayane and her team far exceeded his own. It was highly unlikely Hoshigakure was their only hideout, and their true headquarters would likely be hidden far more deeply.
....
The three figures stopped at the barrier's edge, precisely as Ayane had anticipated.
In other to deal with the three enemies, the barrier used this time was significantly larger than the previous barrier used against Hoshigakure.
Because these three enemies were no ordinary ninjas. Ayane understood that confining them too closely would trigger their awareness due to their exceptional abilities. Still, she didn't anticipate Orochimaru's vigilance, which allowed him to see through her plan.
Fortunately, the barrier had been aced with numerous ninjas behind it provided sufficient power which should be enough to deal with the three.
Ayane preferred avoided involving Shiraishi unnecessary..His affairs in the Land of Demons were already demanding.
Her Byakugan maintained constant surveillance, keeping track of Orochimaru and the other two who were invincible. Their elimination would secure their safety.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, an unexpected presence entered Ayane's field of vision, one undetected by her Byakugan.
Rainbow-colored ripples materialized before Ayane and the ninjas behind her, causing a stir. Sensing something amiss, Ayane signaled the ninjas to halt, and she too stopped.
The next moment, the suddenly appearing rainbow-colored ripple began to violently trembled. Slowly, it took on a deliberate pattern, ultimately forming a very familiar face known to Ayane.
"Long time no see, Hyuga Ayane-san. It's been five years since we last saw each other."
Even though they were aware of each other's existence, direct contact had not occurred for over five years since Uchiha Madara's death.
The figure who materialized before Ayane was none other than the hidden leader of Amegakure and the current leader of the Akatsuki Organization — Nagato.
The Rinnegan seemingly devoid of any emotion and desire, imposed an incredibly terrifying pressure on everyone behind Ayane. Standing there like a natural barrier, he made them subconsciously feel that crossing this peak was impossible.
Ayane's smile faded, replaced by seriousness. After a moment, she chuckled.
"It has been a long time indeed. May I ask about the reason for your presence, Nagato-san?"
"I wish to request your forgiveness for their rude behavior this time."
Sasori's desire to acquire the Hoshigakure's star for his puppet collection led him, Orochimaru, and the new member to the village. Unexpectedly, the village was already occupied by someone, and it was occupied by an old acquaintance.
Nagato was equally surprised upon hearing the news. However, he dismissed the notion that this was their hidden base.
Having remained hidden for so many years, their main base wouldn't be easily infiltrated by the three
Ayane had devised a barrier to trap the trio, but her hasty approach resulted in a simplistic plan.
"Very well, I have no objections. After all, Nagato-san request deserves consideration." Ayane thought for a moment and readily agreed.
Nagato recognized the insincerity behind Ayane's quick agreement. He knew she would still attempt to attack the three of them the moment he left, her smile masking her true intentions. That smile was just as deceptive as White zetsu's who obeyed his orders.
"My request is made with utmost sincerity."
Despite being a request, Nagato's tone remained calm and overbearing, devoid of arrogance or self-deprecation, as if he was discussing a trivial matter.
With Akatsuki in the process of building, and Orochimaru and Sasori were valuable assets. If Ayane were to kill them here, it would impede Akatsuki's progress.
"My agreement is equally sincere."
Ayane nodded, a sincere smile gracing her face, adding a touch of radiance.
Nagato remained silent, responding flatly, "Hoshigakure seems to hold significant importance in your plans."
Ayane maintained her smile, revealing no flaws.
"Since I'm aware of this, even eliminating the three of them won't be of any help."
"Oh, such remarkable confidence."
"It's not confidence; I'm merely stating facts. I have no desire for a conflict between us. After all, the Land of Rain is open to the public. If the incident with Hoshigakure leaks out, you could seek revenge upon Amegakure at any time."
Nagato understood the ramifications of such revenge, which would be far more devastating than Konoha's invasion of Amegakure.
Currently, he desired to avoid conflict with Ayane and her allies. This was his true intention.
Both parties acknowledged each other as threats exceeding the five great powers, yet neither took the initiative to break the stalemate. The reason was simple: neither could bear the consequences.
"So what?"
"Not long ago, I reached a preliminary agreement with Chiba Shiraishi."
Nagato looked at Ayane calmly.
The smile on Ayane's face faded slightly, and she gestured for all the ninjas behind her to disperse, setting up defenses around them.
"A trade?"
"That's correct, a deal he couldn't refuse."
Ayane didn't know the specifics of the transaction, but Nagato wouldn't make such a claim without some assurance.
Moreover, Nagato didn't need to lie.
The disruption of the Hoshigakure plan would only delay the expansion of the Land of Demons. By then, the strategic goal for the Land of Honey could still be achieved, but the Land of Bears would have greater convenience.
However, if Nagato lied, it would bring disastrous consequences to Amegakure and Akatsuki.
Nagato might not be able to kill her, but for him, Amegakure was of great importance, which would certainly not withstand the invasion of the three them.
Nagato, as temh inheritor of Hanzo and Akatsuki's legacy, wouldn't joke about such a matter.
"The news should not have reached here from. Shiraishi-san, but this contract cannot be forged."
Nagato formed seals with both hands, summoning a scroll which he then handed to Ayane.
Ayane accepted it, scrutinized Nagato's face, then opened the scroll, revealing the contract's contents and the two chakra signs on it.
One chakra sign undeniably belonged to Shiraishi. Shich was impossible to fake.
The contract was straightforward. Akatsuki and Amegakure would refrain from meddling with their affairs. Similarly, they couldn't interfere with Akatsuki and Amegakure's affairs. It is valod for a period of ten years.
Ayane noted that Nagato had initiated this contract.
What intrigued Ayane was what Nagato had leveraged to persuade Shiraishi to agree.
Afterwards, Ayane found her answer in the last column.
Yin-Yang Release.
Ayane smiled lightly, closed the scroll, and handed it back to Nagato.
"Nagato-san is truly generous."
Yin and Yang release..... The legendary method for creating life. This method held great importance to Shiraishi.
Because he had been unable to master the Yin-Yang release, Shiraishi had resorted to alternative methods for creating his clones, but these clones were imperfect. If these clones were recreated with Yin-Yang release as a foundation, their power would significantly increase.
Nagato's willingness surprised Ayane. While Shiraishi had studied Madara's body, he only gleaned secrets of the Wood Release and Sharingan.
Regarding the Yin-Yang release for life creation, Shiraishi had been searching in vain for a long time.
The Yin-Yang method Nagato handed over had resolved Shiraishi's current research dilemma. A timely boon.
"Those strange summoned beasts.... must be Shiraishi-san's clones." Nagato stated calmly, surprising Ayane. "After you three fought Madara back then, I had a brief understanding afterwards."
This understanding confirmed Nagato's belief that Shiraishi would cooperate. Yin-yang release was a crucial method that Shiraishi urgently required, making it unlikely for him to refuse.
"You've only witnessed one battle, yet you understand this much… your Rinnegan is truly extraordinary."
Ayane doubted Nagato's simple understanding, but she lacked confidence in how much Nagato knew and what secrets he held.
Facing Nagato, who even managed to coax Orochimaru who he had a blood feud against into cooperation, Ayane briefly considered killing him. However, she abandoned the idea; she might be able to do it with Shiraishi and Ruri, but not alone.
The mysteries surrounding the Rinnegan still outnumbered the solutions they had.
Furthermore, their current focus should remain on expansion, not engaging in a conflict with Nagato and introducing unnecessary chaos into their plans.
"So, can I take the three of them away?"
"Of course." Ayane replied. "However, since you have contacted Shiraishi-kun, I don't understand why you wouldn't pursue a deeper cooperation."
Nagato and Shiraishi's connection likely resulted from the scroll Ayane acquired from Masumi Asami, enabling the two to connect secretly.
Nagato gave Ayane a deep look before responding, "I admire Shiraishi-san's abilities, but the battle of ideals ultimately leads to death. Shiraishi-kun is no pacifist."
"That's a pity."
As Shiraishi's confidante, she possessed a keen understanding of his ruthless nature. He believed the current era was unreasonable and sought to change it according to his whims.
So, Nagato's statement about Shiraishi not being a pacifist held true. Peace was an ideal that didn't align with Shiraishi's character.
Nagato, whi had inherited Akatsuki's will, pursued peace through a different approach than his predecessors. However, his ultimate goal remained the same. The specific details of his plan likely revolved around the tailed beasts.
"Then, farewelll."
"Please... However, I would not want to hear any news that isn't favorable for Hoshigakure from the outside world." Ayane offered Nagato a piece of advice.
While Hoshigakure holds great importance to the Land of Demons, it wasn't its weakness. Abandoning it allowed them to proceed with the expansion plan using an alternative strategy at any time, albeit with a delay.
In contrast, the Land of Rain wasn't just Amegakure, it was Nagato's lifeblood, his roots. Nagato couldn't relinquish everything there. It wass the country and village he would defend to death.
Nagato, serious about this commitment, nodded earnestly and departed.
.....
Yin Release bestows the spirit.
Yang Release gives life to the body.
Their combination forms an unseen creation, the Yin and Yang release of artificial life.
While seemingly easy, combiningthe Yin and Yang release was far more complex than imagined.
Particularly for ordinary bloodline ninjas like Shiraishi, lacking Otsutsuki's bloodline meant investing considerable energy and time to explore Yin-Yang release, and there wasn't even a guarantee of solving its mysteries.
In the laboratory, Shiraishi delved into the Yin and Yang release obtained from Nagato.
Many of these mysteries eluded Shiraishi previously or seemed unsolvable. Although Nagato didn't provide the complete method, the data offered was sufficient for Shiraishi to deduce and it shouldn't be difficult to practically apply them to his research.
Its was just..... Shiraishi glanced awkwardly at the massive glass cylinder next to him. A human body soaked within it was slowly regenerating bones and flesh, which would be complete in a few days.
"It's rare to see you looking distressed."
A voice broke the silence. Ruri had appeared, observing Shiraishi's troubled expression.
"As per the original plan, the Yang clone was was supposed to be put use officially, replacing Ayane in Hoshigakure, cooperating with Red Shadow to manage the village. But now, it seems, the plan needs some adjustment. Nagato gave me a scroll on Yin-Yang release, and I will need time to research the final product. Investing in the Yang avatar will probably take a long time."
Shiraishu intends to use the Yang clone as the first experimental subject for the Yin-Yang release. If was successfully applied, its strength would increase.
Unlike Ruri and Ayane, Shiraishi's talent as a ninja was ordinary, and he couldn't improve significantly through training alone.
Despite a well-thought-out plan, Jonin was essentially his limit. Ninjas like Kakashi, lacking kekkei genkai but possessing extraordinary talents, were exceedingly rare. Of course, the dead Namikaze Minato was among them.
"Isn't it enough to select someone from the other clones?"
"Well, it appears to be the only option. We'll let Raimei take charge."
Amongst his clones, Raimei was the sole one capable of speaking normally and quite unoccupied at the moment. If they couldn't communicate, it would lead to an awkward situation.
After all, Shadow Dancer needed to follow his shadow to protect his life.
"By the way, why have you come to see me?"
"I need to borrow Shikkotsu Forest. Some in the clan have made progress in their sage mode training. I want them to advance further..To see them attempt to get more pupil power in their three tomoe state, similar to mine."
Shiraishi knew what Ruri meant by 'more pupil power'.
Visualizing the Uchiha under Ruri, each with the three tomoe sharingan, condensing the power chakra giant, while holding giant sword as they charged into battle...
For their enemies, it might be a tragic massacre.
While not as exaggerated, Shiraishi envisioned such a scene in the future.
"Understood. I'll inform Katsuyu. However, you've been away from home frequently recently, so please take care of Kazuhime."
Shiraishi suddenly felt a headache and sighed.
"Kazuhime? What happened to her? Did she cause trouble at school?"
"Don't worry, she's well-behaved at school and hasn't caused any trouble..."
But not necessarily at home.
Whenever he thought of Kazuhime's actions at home left Shiraishi felt dizzy. If Ayane suddenly returned, seeing their child in women's clothing, it could undoubtedly lead to a confrontation.
Despite getting along well with outsiders, Kazuhime's attitude at home seemed different. Or was that her way of showing her love to her brothers?
With three children, none seemed trouble-free after he thought carefully. Stupid, crazy, weird... Such thoughts caused Shiraishi's blood pressure suddenly increased.
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