Only by becoming a Tailed Beast Jinchuriki, or possessing the chakra of multiple Tailed Beasts, can one use Hiraishin no Jutsu at will to roam the shinobi world.
"Shimizu-kun, follow me."
Orochimaru led Shimizu into a secret passage. Shimizu did not use honorifics or attach the suffix "-sama" to his name, but Orochimaru didn't seem to mind.
Thinking of the perfect body walking right behind him, Orochimaru couldn't help but lick his lips involuntarily. Shimizu, following behind, frowned slightly. In that instant, he captured Orochimaru's palpable greed toward him.
Orochimaru's body trembled for a moment. How could a shinobi of Sannin-level strength tremble? It could only be caused by intense excitement.
Tap, tap, tap...
The two walked continuously through the secret passage. Candles lined the walls, held by bases shaped like snake heads. Eventually, Orochimaru reached a door engraved with a relief of eight intertwined giant snakes.
"So many white snakes."
Shimizu looked at the glass tubes, each taller than a man, containing massive white snakes. Their bodies were curled up, submerged in a green liquid. These glass tubes were arranged in a dense, orderly row.
"Heh..."
Orochimaru smiled and spoke to Shimizu in a raspy tone. "Shimizu-kun, do you know the myths and legends surrounding the white snake?"
"I imagine few people don't. Legend says the white snake is a spiritual creature governing luck and regeneration—or rather, a symbol of longevity."
Shimizu touched a test tube, observing the snakes up close. Suddenly, one of the white snakes snapped its eyes open, staring intently at him. Shimizu met its gaze with an indifferent expression. Within a single breath, the white snake withdrew its gaze and curled its body back up, as if it had encountered a natural predator.
"You really do know a lot, Shimizu-kun. This child is shy; please don't scare it." Orochimaru walked over slowly.
"Where did you get all these snakes?" Shimizu asked, retracting his aura.
Though these white snakes looked massive, they were essentially average Ninja Beasts. In this world, for creatures other than humans, the more chakra they possess, the larger their physical size becomes. The largest Ninja Beast was likely the Katsuyu Sage; her size was so immense that even with Tsunade and Sakura performing the Kuchiyose no Jutsu together, they could only summon a tenth of her body.
"Shimizu-kun, have you heard of Ryuchi Cave? It is a kingdom of snakes," Orochimaru said mysteriously.
"Take me there sometime when you're free. I actually have an interest in snakes."
"Haha, that is quite unfortunate; those snakes aren't very welcoming to strangers." Orochimaru bypassed the topic.
He picked up a syringe filled with a turbid liquid and injected it into his own arm. The veins on his hand bulged, and his brow furrowed deeply.
"Shimizu-kun, perhaps you are wondering why I do this," Orochimaru said, preempting the question. "I am but a civilian with no Kekkei Genkai. Such a body is far too fragile; I can only rely on the regenerative power of the white snake to survive, ensuring my life doesn't simply vanish with a gust of wind. You, however, are of the Uchiha Clan. You were born with powerful strength dwelling within your body."
Orochimaru's golden vertical pupils stared at Shimizu. The laboratory lights cast shadows over the purple markings around his nose, and his magatama earrings swayed slightly.
"Shimizu-kun, join me. Let us explore the mysteries of life together." Orochimaru extended his hand.
"Fine."
To Orochimaru's surprise, Shimizu agreed immediately.
"You should still have more of this White Snake Power, Orochimaru. I think we can cooperate," Shimizu said calmly.
Orochimaru coveted his body; why should he not covet Orochimaru's knowledge? It wouldn't be long before Orochimaru's illicit activities were exposed, forcing him to flee Konohagakure in disgrace. Maintaining a cooperative relationship now would make it easier for Shimizu to track Orochimaru's movements across the shinobi world later.
To Shimizu, Orochimaru was like a crop—he just needed to "harvest" his knowledge every so often. Currently, Orochimaru was the leading researcher on the power of the Cursed Seal. Although he had mastered some aspects of the seal, he hadn't yet attempted to incorporate Natural Energy because he hadn't discovered Jugo yet.
But he could not be underestimated. As the man—or woman—with the greatest scientific spirit in the entire shinobi world, Shimizu believed that many of Orochimaru's perspectives would provide him with inspiration.
"A pleasure cooperating with you."
Orochimaru's mouth split into a wide grin. He shook Shimizu's extended hand before they pulled away.
"Likewise."
Shimizu also let a smile show. In the past, he hadn't dared to contact Orochimaru, repeatedly refusing him for fear of losing control of the situation or having the secret of his rapid growth discovered. Now, he possessed a decent amount of strength. Even if Orochimaru coveted his body, so what? He would just have to accept being harvested.
Sasuke trained under Orochimaru for three years and came out strong enough to challenge him. As long as the Sharingan remained, Orochimaru could never successfully seize Shimizu's body. Fushi Tensei required entering the spiritual realm; for a person without a Kekkei Genkai to attempt a mental battle against a wielder of the Yin Release-based Kekkei Genkai was nothing short of suicide.
"By the way, aren't you on a mission with Danzo?" Shimizu asked.
"Danzo went to discuss matters with Hanzo of the Salamander. Heh... my title as one of the Sannin was bestowed by him, after all." A cold glint flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.
Back then, he, Tsunade, and Jiraiya had surrounded and attacked Hanzo together, yet even with their combined strength, they couldn't gain any advantage. In the end, they were granted the title of "Sannin." It wasn't an honor; it was mercy shown by the strong to the weak. It was just that to others, surviving a fight with the legendary Hanzo of the Salamander was the best proof of one's strength. Those lacking ability had already died from his deadly poison.
"The Land of Rain hasn't been peaceful lately. An emerging organization called 'Akatsuki' has been active. In a short time, they've gathered many shinobi." Seeing that Shimizu was finally willing to cooperate, Orochimaru was in a much better mood and began sharing recent intelligence.
As the shinobi of various nations withdrew from the Land of Rain, two major powers now controlled the territory. The largest portion belonged to Hanzo's forces. The other was Akatsuki. Akatsuki was the largest and most promising of the many loose organizations in the Land of Rain. Nagato's Rinnegan was seen as a symbol of hope, and countless people followed them.
"I see," Shimizu replied.
He then requested a sample of the White Snake Power. Shimizu wouldn't inject this directly. Knowing Orochimaru's habit of leaving "backdoors," the man might have left some defect to backstab him later. He could hand it over to Rin Nohara and have her analyze the data to see its composition.
White Snake Power was good stuff; its regenerative capabilities were legitimately powerful. Orochimaru's Orochimaru-ryu Kawarimi no Jutsu and various snake-summoning techniques were inseparable from it. Of course, Shimizu had no intention of turning himself into a snake. However, the biological genetic information contained within could be used to develop a "Snake Cursed Seal." When the time came, the effect would be the same.
Akatsuki Base
"Are you the leader of Akatsuki, Yahiko-dono?"
"That's right."
Yahiko, leading a group of his people, looked at the one-eyed middle-aged man before him, feeling a surge of nervousness.
Kanzo placed his right hand over his chest in a polite gesture and continued, "I am Hanzo-sama's assistant; my name is Kanzo. I have long heard of Akatsuki's deeds—that you do not advocate the use of force and insist on peaceful resolutions."
"That is the philosophy of our Akatsuki."
"Hanzo-sama asked me to deliver a letter... Hanzo-sama has recognized Akatsuki and invites you to a meeting."
The members of Akatsuki looked on with amazement and joy. They hadn't expected Hanzo to actually recognize them. As Kanzo conveyed Hanzo's intent, a trace of contempt flickered at the corner of his mouth. Unfortunately, the group, blinded by joy, didn't notice this detail.
"Hanzo-sama has also entrusted you with the task of negotiating between Kirigakure and the three surrounding nations."
Kanzo continued to dangle the carrot until the group was completely hooked and agreed to the meeting. Only then did he depart with peace of mind. All the members of Akatsuki were wearing smiles.
"By the way, where is Konan?"
"She went to patrol the Seventh District."
"I see. It's rare to encounter such good news." Yahiko shook his head, then opened his arms to the group. "In any case, Akatsuki has taken a major new step today. Everyone, forget about missions today and just relax!"
A Noodle Shop
Before heading to the Seventh District for patrol, Konan decided to grab a bite to eat. She sat in the far corner, enjoying her meal.
"We meet again, Konan-san."
Shimizu sat down next to her. Konan's brow furrowed slightly. After Shimizu's last visit, they had investigated him. An Uchiha shinobi now known as "Shunshin no Shimizu," he was active on both the front lines and in logistics. He possessed superb Medical Ninjutsu—some even saw him as a young Tsunade.
"The intelligence you wanted... we haven't prepared it yet," Konan said with a tone of detachment. Shimizu was a Konoha shinobi, after all; since she was alone, she had to remain vigilant. With Akatsuki expanding so rapidly, where would they find the time to collect info on orphans for him?
"It's fine. I'm not here for that." Shimizu shook his head.
"Then what for?" Konan's brown eyes scrutinized him, trying to discern his motive.
"For the one you love."
Upon hearing this, faint traces of paper sheets appeared on Konan's face, as if she were ready to fight at a moment's notice.
"Don't misunderstand, I'm not threatening you." Shimizu took out a slip of paper. Written on it in large characters were the words "Divine Physician." Below that was a string of smaller characters—his address.
"Your Akatsuki fights shinobi every day, right? Scrapes and bruises are inevitable. If you encounter any serious injuries, you can come find me."
With that, Shimizu pushed the door open and left.
"Strange man..." Konan looked at the slip of paper on the table. After a moment of thought, she tucked it away. According to the intelligence they gathered, Shimizu's medical skills were indeed exceptional. After finishing her meal, Konan set off for her patrol in the Seventh District.
After Shimizu had stayed at Orochimaru's place for a few days, he began to catch an unusual scent in the air. The pedestrians on the street looked more desolate, and even when he went out for a meal, he hardly saw anyone.
"It seems they are about to make their move."
Shimizu created a Shadow Clone and sent it back to Orochimaru's base. His true self headed toward the location agreed upon by Akatsuki and Hanzo of the Salamander. Only by experiencing the power of the Rinnegan up close could he directly understand the gap in ocular power.
"Looks like I'm not late."
A light rain fell steadily, soaking the soil. This never-ending rain felt like the Land of Rain's weeping—crying for its ruins and its bleak landscape. Uneven crags and valleys were scattered around the area.
At the lowest level were Nagato and Yahiko, who had come alone to the meeting. On the level above were Hanzo of the Salamander and the Ame-nin, looking solemn, alongside Danzo Shimura and the Konoha Root members. On a higher level were Uchiha Obito and White Zetsu, watching everything from above.
As for the highest level... that was Shimizu. Because he was flying in the sky, using the long-range vision of the Byakugan to look down upon the entire scene.
"Red-head, use this kunai to kill Yahiko."
Hanzo threw a kunai that landed in the ground, demanding Nagato stab Yahiko. "If you do it, I'll release this woman and you."
"Nagato, don't worry about me!" Konan shouted urgently. If she hadn't been careless and taken hostage, how could things have ended up like this?
"Kill me."
Yahiko looked at the anxious Konan and tilted his head up slightly, letting the rain wash over him. At this moment, his heart was more peaceful than ever before.
Hanzo of the Salamander had never intended to live in peace with them; he feared Akatsuki's growth would affect his rule. Yahiko felt it was ironic—the idol he and the others respected most turned out to be such a two-faced hypocrite. It was all his fault; his poor judgment had led Nagato here and dragged him into this danger. At the very least... he had to protect Konan and Nagato.
The cold rain beat against Yahiko's face. He looked at Konan, a trace of tenderness rising in his heart. He had known Konan the longest; Nagato had joined later. But the bond between the three of them was now firmly woven into their hearts.
"Nagato, kill me!" Yahiko roared.
"Do it quickly! Do you no longer care about this woman's life?" Hanzo urged Nagato, seeing that Yahiko had given up resistance.
"Ha... ha..."
Nagato gasped for air, his lungs burning. He picked up the kunai with trembling hands. His mind was a complete blank. Why am I picking up this kunai? Do I want to kill Yahiko? No... but if I don't, Konan is in danger.
"Konan..."
Nagato's breathing grew more rapid as he looked at Yahiko, feeling utterly helpless.
High in the sky, Shimizu saw his chance and condensed Water Release chakra in his palm. A single droplet of water, encasing a tiny pebble, fell from the heavens.
Right at that moment, Yahiko lunged toward Nagato. Nagato felt his hand get struck by something, shifting its position slightly.
Puchi.
The kunai sank into Yahiko's abdomen.
"You... and Konan... must survive no matter what. Because you are... the Savior of this world."
Yahiko slumped against Nagato, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He took one last lingering look at the rain and the damp earth.
"If it were you... truly..."
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