Chapter 211: Orochimaru's Exposure
Hoshikawa returned to the convoy. Seeing that he was unharmed, Hizashi Hyūga and Chen Baojun did not ask any questions. It went without saying that the Kirigakure ninja had been dealt with.
The supply convoy continued its journey.
As before, Hoshikawa stood on the roof of the carriage, using his Mind's Eye to scout the surroundings.
Time passed slowly, and in the afternoon, they finally reached the main camp of Konoha and Sunagakure.
"Hoshikawa !" A faint, delicate fragrance wafted over. Kurenai Yūhi's beautiful and refined face appeared before Hoshikawa . She was all smiles, her good mood visible to the naked eye.
Hoshikawa reached out and patted her head. His gaze then shifted, and he saw Rin Nohara standing behind Kurenai. She was relatively more reserved, standing still, wanting to greet him but hesitant to speak. She hadn't been so conflicted before, but now she had noticed the change in Hoshikawa 's status in her heart. Coupled with the fact that she knew Kurenai liked Hoshikawa , she felt a sense of disorientation.
"Has Konoha changed at all?" Kurenai proactively took Hoshikawa 's hand and began walking toward the main camp.
"It's the same as before." Hoshikawa suddenly remembered something. "I brought back some Konoha snacks for you."
"Where?" Kurenai's eyes lit up like rubies.
"Here you go." Hoshikawa casually handed her a storage scroll. "I bought them two days ago. If you want to eat them, you'll need to warm them up first."
"Got it!" Kurenai said with a smile.
"You and Rin go eat first. I need to see Master." Hoshikawa released her small hand.
"Then go ahead." Kurenai knew he had to report the mission status to Tsunade, so she didn't say anything else.
"Where is Master?" Hoshikawa asked casually.
"She's resting in her tent." Kurenai explained. "She just returned from a mission. I heard she fought the Fourth Mizukage."
"The Fourth Mizukage?" Hoshikawa was somewhat surprised. "Did he finally decide to show up?"
"I don't know." Kurenai shook her head.
"Then I'll go find Master first." Hoshikawa turned and walked toward Tsunade's tent.
"Rin." Kurenai asked strangely, "Why do I feel like you're not in a good mood today?"
"No, I am." Rin Nohara quickly replied. "I'm very happy."
"Let's go try the snacks Hoshikawa bought." Kurenai didn't think too much of it and said with a smile, "If they're not good, we'll make him cook us an extra meal tonight!"
"Okay." Rin Nohara sighed in relief.
Hoshikawa walked into Tsunade's tent. She was sitting on the mat, looking at a map of the Land of Rivers.
"You're back?" Tsunade asked without looking up. Hoshikawa was the only person in the entire Konoha camp who dared to enter her tent without knocking.
"Mmm." Hoshikawa walked over and sat down opposite her. His gaze involuntarily fell on Tsunade's bare feet. They looked soft, fair, and delicate, making him want to reach out and touch... no, massage them.
"Did you encounter any unexpected trouble?" Tsunade, perhaps having sat for too long, stretched out her legs. Her dark blue long pants slightly tightened with the movement, emphasizing the shapeliness of her thighs.
"No." Hoshikawa paused, then asked with some curiosity, "Did you encounter the Fourth Mizukage?"
"Mmm." Tsunade put down the map. "His Water and Wind Releases are decent, and his strength is not much worse than the Third Mizukage."
"Did he retreat after fighting you?" Hoshikawa asked, puzzled. "What is he trying to achieve?"
"He probably just wanted to establish his authority." Tsunade suddenly smiled. "I think he only dared to come out because he knew you weren't here."
Hoshikawa paused. To be honest, he was skeptical, but upon reflection, it made sense. If he were at the Konoha main camp, unless Yagura Karatachi brought the Three-Tails Jinchūriki, he really couldn't defeat both him and Tsunade.
"It sounds like I'm about as important as Master now." Hoshikawa touched his chin.
"What do you think?" Tsunade's mouth curved slightly. "Who would dare to ignore a ninja who captured the Four-Tails alive and killed the Third Mizukage?"
"True." Hoshikawa nodded slightly. He realized that he had not only overshadowed Kakashi Hatake's reputation as a genius but had also largely stolen Minato Namikaze's thunder. This was supposed to be the era where the Yellow Flash shone brightly, but he hadn't achieved many major victories.
How should he put it?
Hoshikawa had already compensated them. Sakumo Hatake hadn't committed suicide. In the future Nine-Tails attack, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki would likely not be sacrificed. By then, Hoshikawa and Tsunade would certainly be in Konoha, and dealing with Obito Uchiha wouldn't be much of a problem.
"Master, what are you looking at?" Hoshikawa leaned over and looked at the map resting on Tsunade's lap. However, his gaze involuntarily drifted to the beautifully curved and full chest beneath her clothes. This auto-aim feature simply cannot be turned off.
"This is a new base established by Kirigakure." Tsunade reached out and pointed to an island on the map not far from the coast.
"Does Master want to eliminate this base?" Hoshikawa raised an eyebrow.
"This is a congratulatory gift for the Fourth Mizukage's inauguration, and also a return for his action today," Tsunade chuckled.
"As expected of Master, getting revenge immediately." Hoshikawa gave her a thumbs-up.
"This isn't revenge." Tsunade playfully swatted his hand. "This is called the deception of war."
"I'll go with you." Hoshikawa seized the opportunity and grabbed her hand.
"You definitely have to go." Tsunade glanced at him. "In attacking the island, as a Water Release ninja, you can play the biggest role."
"Mmm." Hoshikawa saw that she didn't pull her hand back, so he began playing with her slender fingers.
"There's one more thing, and it concerns you." Tsunade paused, then asked, "Do you know about the Hōzuki clan?"
"I've heard of them." Hoshikawa 's heart stirred, and he roughly guessed what it was. "I recall that the Second Mizukage, Gengetsu Hōzuki, was from the Hōzuki clan."
"Do you know the connection between the Hōzuki clan and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?" Tsunade asked again.
"The Hōzuki clan safeguards the summoning scrolls for the seven ninja swords." Hoshikawa smiled. "Does that mean the Hōzuki clan wants to reclaim the seven ninja swords from me?"
"That's right." Tsunade nodded. "The Hōzuki clan has produced a genius named Mangetsu Hōzuki, who has vowed to defeat you."
Hoshikawa thought, As expected. Mangetsu Hōzuki, Suigetsu Hōzuki's older brother, was one of the second generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, wielding the Twin Swords: Hiramekarei. However, his talent was high; in the original story, it was said that he could skillfully use all seven ninja swords. In addition to his sword skills, he possessed the Hōzuki clan's secret Water Release technique, the Hydrification Technique, which allowed his body to turn into a liquid state, granting immunity to all physical attacks. Its weakness, however, was Lightning Release ninjutsu.
Due to Hoshikawa 's butterfly effect, this Hōzuki clan genius had no ninja swords to use. Coupled with the fact that he possessed the sword summoning scrolls, it was logical for him to target Hoshikawa .
"Has he arrived at the Land of Rivers battlefield?" Hoshikawa 's mind raced, as he was interested in Mangetsu Hōzuki's Hydrification Technique.
"He's right here." Tsunade's lips curved as she pointed to the same island base.
"Were you being deliberate?" Hoshikawa was surprised and raised an eyebrow.
"My student has been provoked. As his teacher, I naturally have to help him out." Tsunade raised her hand, pinched Hoshikawa 's cheek.
"Master, you're so cute." Hoshikawa blinked.
"What are you saying? Mind your manners!" Tsunade glared at him and flicked him hard on the forehead.
"Yes, Master." Hoshikawa said obediently.
"I can't do anything with you." Tsunade saw his quick change of attitude and let him off.
"When are we going to attack this base?" Hoshikawa changed the subject to business.
"Tomorrow morning." Tsunade thought for a moment and said with a smile, "They will never expect us to move so quickly."
"Understood." Hoshikawa reminded her, "I'll deal with Mangetsu Hōzuki then."
"Don't worry, no one will fight you for him." Tsunade said with a hint of mischief. "Since Mangetsu Hōzuki wants to defeat you, we certainly have to help him realize that wish."
Mangetsu Hōzuki was a genius, but Hoshikawa was more than just a genius; he was already a powerhouse. It was self-evident who would win.
"When I returned to Konoha this time, the Hyūga clan invited me to dinner." Hoshikawa suddenly remembered something. "Uncle Hiashi said he wanted his future child to be my student."
"The Hyūga clan certainly knows how to calculate things." Tsunade snorted upon hearing this.
"I already agreed." Hoshikawa smiled. "If Master thinks it's inappropriate, I can go back and tell him."
"There's nothing inappropriate." Tsunade shook her head. "The child of the Hyūga Clan Head is qualified to be your student." She naturally knew what Hiashi Hyūga's move was for. But overall, there was no harm in it. After all, the Hyūga Clan had always been a strong supporter of the Hokage lineage and wasn't as troublesome as the Uchiha Clan.
"That's good." Hoshikawa had been worried about losing Hinata Hyūga as his shy student. Besides her, who would be the other two?
Hoshikawa suddenly inhaled sharply. He had a feeling that Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze would entrust Naruto Uzumaki to him. Perhaps the Uchiha Clan, in an effort to get closer to the new Hokage Tsunade, might also have Itachi Uchiha or Sasuke Uchiha become his students.
Hoshikawa thought about this and was immediately impressed. Furthermore, the possibility of this happening was high because his strength and status were so prominent. Everyone would want to be his student.
"Go back and rest." Tsunade finished discussing business, waved her hand, and said, "Get enough sleep. You'll be needed as the main attacker tomorrow."
"Mmm." Hoshikawa recovered his senses and asked, "Master, are you hungry? I bought your favorite tender chicken."
"Give it to me quickly!" Tsunade's eyes lit up, and she said impatiently.
"I bought it two days ago." Hoshikawa opened the storage scroll. "Wait for me to warm it up for you."
He placed his hands over the tender chicken, and Fire Release chakra flowed out. A moment later, an enticing aroma filled the air. Tsunade subconsciously swallowed. Hoshikawa felt she looked like a little hungry cat—no, a big hungry cat.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Tsunade took the chopsticks and asked, somewhat surprised.
"This was bought specifically for Master." Hoshikawa stood up. "I told Kurenai and Rin earlier that I would eat with them."
"Then go ahead." Tsunade picked up a piece of chicken and put it in her mouth. After Hoshikawa left, she suddenly felt the tender chicken wasn't as delicious as it used to be. Her previously high spirits also became dull and uninteresting.
Hoshikawa walked into Kurenai's tent and was greeted by bursts of fragrance. They had already warmed all the snacks and were sitting at the small table eating.
"Come quickly!" Kurenai beckoned to Hoshikawa as soon as she saw him. She held a skewer of three-color dango, having already eaten one.
"Thanks." Hoshikawa looked at the dango offered to his mouth and took a bite of one.
Rin Nohara pursed her lips, a little envious. The intimate way Kurenai and Hoshikawa interacted was something she couldn't reach.
"Do you want one?" Kurenai noticed Rin Nohara's gaze and gave her the last dango.
Rin Nohara's eyes widened. She felt that three people eating from the same skewer of dango was too intimate.
"Thank you." Rin Nohara hesitated, then finally took a bite of the dango.
Konoha Village, A Secluded Alley
Bang! A puff of smoke rose out of thin air and quickly vanished.
"Konoha doesn't seem to have changed much." Jiraiya looked around, then stretched. He had rushed back from the Land of Hot Water because of the request Tsunade had given him a week ago to investigate the Wood Release experiments.
In front of him stood a very ordinary-looking toad.
"Lead the way." Jiraiya said. He had sent out many toads to investigate several of the Root's former bases and had finally found something. Of course, they were former Root bases. These toads weren't his summoning animals, but the most common kind. A regular ninja would likely subconsciously ignore them.
It was fortunate that Danzō Shimura had gone to the Kumogakure battlefield. If he were in Konoha, the investigation wouldn't have been so easy. After all, he was powerful and knew Jiraiya could manipulate toads, so he would naturally be suspicious.
Jiraiya followed the toad, carefully hiding along the way, and finally arrived at an underground secret room. He opened a drawer and found sealed experiment records. After reading for a moment, Jiraiya's face was filled with rage. Years ago, over sixty infants had disappeared from the villages near Konoha. The investigation at the time yielded no results. But no one had suspected that Danzō Shimura and Root were behind it, with the sole purpose of using them for Wood Release experiments.
"This is utterly deranged!" Jiraiya couldn't help but curse.
He continued reading. As expected, these were all records of failed experiments. But he was somewhat confused that the Wood Release experiments were stopped midway.
Jiraiya thought of the mysterious Wood Release ninja Tsunade had mentioned. The most likely scenario was that Danzō Shimura's Wood Release experiment had been successful. But how many Wood Release ninja were there?
Jiraiya flipped to the last page and suddenly froze. He recognized the handwriting; it was Orochimaru's.
Could it be... No, that's impossible!
Jiraiya's mind was suddenly in chaos. He couldn't believe that Orochimaru was involved in this. Jiraiya forced himself to calm down. Handwriting alone didn't prove anything. If Orochimaru was truly involved, there would be many traces left in his lab as well.
Jiraiya decided to investigate both Danzō Shimura and Orochimaru. Once confirmed, he would go discuss the next steps with Tsunade.
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