As her gaze swept across the scene, Tagorihime immediately understood why she had this sudden realization.
"This isn't… Orochimaru?"
"It's been a long time. Looks like you're still unwilling to accept the Ryūchi Cave inheritance, huh?"
Orochimaru's pupils shrank sharply as he looked at the snake princess before him.
He had been to Ryūchi Cave before. Of course, he knew exactly who this was—this was one of the high-ranking snake princesses of Ryūchi Cave.
"Hehehehe… Tagorihime-sama, you jest. I'm doing just fine like this."
"As for Sage Arts, I have my own plans."
As Orochimaru and Tagorihime stared at each other, Gekko Chizan quickly spoke up.
"Tagorihime-sama, I called you here because I was hoping you could modify my sensei's Summoning Technique for me."
"My sensei's original summon was Manda, but as you know, Manda doesn't amount to much in Ryūchi Cave."
"Please link Jinlin to the Summoning Technique. I'll talk to her myself afterward."
"I'll need her help later."
The location of Island Turtle had to remain extremely secret—no one could be allowed to know. Other than himself, if Orochimaru wanted to set foot on the island, he would need help from other snakes.
This task, Gekko Chizan had entrusted to Jinlin. With her help, everything would become much easier.
"Hmph. Normally, someone who hasn't passed Ryūchi Cave's trials can't modify their summoning technique."
"But for your sake, I'll make an exception this once."
Though clearly displeased, Tagorihime still reached out her hand and tapped Orochimaru's arm.
As a green light flashed, the summoning markings on Orochimaru's arm shifted slightly.
Orochimaru felt it instantly—an entirely new sensation, like forging a connection with a true powerhouse.
"I've modified your Summoning Technique. Now you can summon Jinlin."
"But you'd better not let Manda find out. After all, Manda was bullied terribly by Jinlin. If he learns his summoner has made a contract with her…"
"Whether he'll still recognize you as his master… well, I can't say."
"Chizan, anything else?"
Gekko Chizan shook his head. He had nothing else for her—he only called Tagorihime here for Orochimaru's sake.
Tagorihime nodded, then smiled softly, her already beautiful face looking even lovelier.
"I can't help for free, you know."
"Even if it was just a small favor… Chizan, you know I'm rather fond of snakeberries."
Gekko Chizan laughed heartily, promising at once that he would send her some. At that moment, Orochimaru spoke.
"Snakeberries?"
"Wait a moment."
He pulled out a scroll and handed it to Gekko Chizan.
"This contains all sorts of snakeberries I've collected. When you suddenly bought out all the snakeberries in the village before, I thought you'd discovered something new."
"So every time I went out, I made sure to buy some as well."
"But after researching them, I found they're just fruits with a stimulating taste—no research value whatsoever."
"If you hadn't brought it up, I would've forgotten all about them."
"This scroll contains about 10 kilograms of snakeberries. Since Tagorihime-sama likes them, take them."
Gekko Chizan: …Good teacher…
Tagorihime:10 kilograms!!!!!!
A flash of green light, and the scroll appeared in Tagorihime's hands. Her eyes toward Orochimaru were full of approval.
"Orochimaru, you've done well. If you ever need my help, I'll lend you a hand once—as long as it doesn't violate Ryūchi Cave's principles."
"Just once. I'm leaving, Chizan."
Poof!
With her prize in hand, Tagorihime turned into a puff of white smoke and vanished on the spot.
Leaving Gekko Chizan completely bewildered.
"Sensei, let's head back. I'll set Island Turtle to move north through a longer route."
"Alright."
The Flying Thunder God activated, and Gekko Chizan and Orochimaru returned to the outskirts of the village.
...
Back in the laboratory once again—
"Chizan-kun, you still haven't told me why you want me to go to the Land of Waterfalls?"
"It's a long story."
Facing Orochimaru's question, Gekko Chizan recounted the recent events.
Of course, he left some things out—like Yugito, for instance.
After listening, Orochimaru's expression turned grave.
"So you sent the people from Amegakure to Takigakure and even helped them gain a foothold there?"
"You're plotting against Takigakure?"
Gekko Chizan nodded without the slightest attempt to hide it.
"Sensei, Takigakure isn't weak. Though the village doesn't have anyone like Hanzō of the Salamander, they've stayed isolated for too long."
"A huge waste of manpower and resources."
"Sending Yahiko and the others to Takigakure… my real goal is to take it over."
"This way, Takigakure becomes our base. Once you leave the village, you can head to the Land of Waterfalls anytime."
"Need people for experiments? Just capture some from Amegakure. I bet Yahiko would even thank you for it."
Orochimaru thought for a moment, then quickly agreed with Gekko Chizan.
Because he realized Chizan was right.
Takigakure rarely participated in wars. It was a perfect hiding place.
If things went as Chizan said, with hidden pawns already planted in Takigakure, everything would proceed much more smoothly.
He needed helpers for experiments. And when he needed to gather materials, couldn't he just post missions in Takigakure?
The master and disciple talked until night fell.
...
By the time Gekko Chizan left the lab and headed home, it was already dark.
In the Gekko family courtyard, dinner was an unusually silent affair.
Ever since Gekko Chizan was declared missing, Pakura hadn't smiled. Even Sayo had grown quiet.
"Pakura-san, Mom, you've been like this for days."
"Chizan will be fine, seriously—hey, hey!"
Now a genin, Ebisu looked helplessly at the two women of the house, both acting this way.
But the moment he spoke, two pairs of eyes full of killing intent landed on him at once, scaring him into silence.
"If you're done eating, then go train!"
"Don't just sit here in the way!"
"Or I'll beat you myself!"
Sayo snapped, waving her fist threateningly at the boy.
Ebisu yelped and bolted for the door—only for the next second—
"Ahhhh!!!"
A scream rang out as Ebisu was thrown right back inside.
"Kid, you're too reckless."
"Almost crashed into me. Looks like you need a good lesson."
The voice came before the figure appeared—familiar, cocky, playful.
But that trace of laughter made Sayo and Pakura's eyes fly wide open.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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