Chapter 138: The Stirring Land of Water and a Reunion
The southeastern part of the Ninja World is a vast, endless ocean dotted with countless, star-like islands of all sizes.
Islanders with diverse customs and regional cultures live scattered throughout, gradually evolving and developing to form one of the Five Great Nations: the Land of Water.
Because the Land of Water is surrounded entirely by the sea, the air has extremely high humidity. It is highly prone to rain and fog. During the rainy summer season, most of the country is shrouded in a faint, white mist, making it bizarre and mysterious.
The Hidden Mist Village, Kirigakure, is said to be built in a secret place, perpetually locked away in dense fog.
In a simple yet grand and dignified room within this fog-shrouded village, Hōzuki Gengetsu (Third Mizukage), wearing his deep-blue Kage robes, sat quietly at his desk, his red writing brush suspended without falling.
The highly restrained aura on his body became increasingly difficult to suppress. It was like a sea surface that was perfectly calm one moment, only to be hit by a sudden storm of wind and towering waves the next.
This uncontrollable Kage-level aura pressed down on Hōzuki Mangetsu and Yagura who stood waiting nearby, making it difficult for them to breathe. They dared not utter a sound.
Gengetsu pondered for a long time before finally setting down his brush with a heavy flourish. He looked up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Although he retracted the unintentionally leaked Kage-level aura, he radiated a stern solemnity and intense dominance.
"Yagura!" Gengetsu called out.
"Present, Mizukage-sama!" Yagura hurried forward, responding respectfully.
Hōzuki Gengetsu rolled up the scroll of the confidential document he had just annotated and handed it to Yagura: "Give this document to the Great Elder. Tell him I have approved his proposal. Our Kirigakure has been dormant for too many years. It is time for us to step onto the fertile lands of the central continent!"
Hearing the implied information in Gengetsu's words, Yagura's spirit lifted. He accepted the scroll with both hands and bowed in assent.
After Yagura left, Gengetsu turned to Hōzuki Mangetsu, who was waiting at his side, and commanded in a low voice: "Mangetsu, go inform all the major Kekkei Genkai clans of this decision. Furthermore, summon all Jōnin-level Mist Ninja to an urgent Jōnin meeting. I have a decision to announce!"
"Yes, Mizukage-sama!" Mangetsu bowed and withdrew.
In the room, only Hōzuki Gengetsu remained, and an atmosphere of bloodlust and killing intent slowly brewed around him.
Reunion
That evening, Orochimaru and Maji returned home, and a group of friends, having heard the news, also quickly arrived.
The formerly spacious courtyard instantly became lively.
Jiraiya, Tsunade, Chi, Blue Bird, and Hyūga Harano were there, and even Sakumo rushed over from his home to join the meal.
Jiraiya was his usual self. Although he had grown taller and his physique was more robust, he was still habitually cheerful and disorderly. However, his strength had improved significantly over the past three years, reaching the Elite Chūnin level. As in his previous life, he obtained the Toad Clan's summoning scroll during an accident while learning summoning jutsu. Having been guided by the Toad Elder, his combat power was not to be underestimated.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Tsunade had experienced a massive change. Orochimaru thought Maji's changes were significant enough, but upon seeing Tsunade, he realized there was always someone more impressive.
The same age as Orochimaru—fifteen—Tsunade's enviable figure had fully developed. Her full, soft chest and cute, rounded hips perfectly accentuated her captivating S-curve, which, combined with her unparalleled beauty and her strong background as a Konoha princess, already showed signs of her future stunning elegance. She had already attracted numerous admirers in Konoha.
Tsunade's strength had also increased considerably over the past three years. Like Jiraiya, she had reached the Elite Chūnin rank and had signed the Slug Clan's summoning contract. The Chakra Enhanced Strength (Monster Strength) Ninjutsu that Orochimaru had taught her early on had also been mastered, making her actual combat strength formidable.
Under Hiruzen's arrangement, both Jiraiya and Tsunade had begun leading Genin squads.
Blue Bird, who had awakened the Jūgan (Heavy Eyes) thanks to Orochimaru's help and seen a significant jump in power, had been arranged by Hyūga Harano to return to the clan to take on some duties. He had become much more composed and stable, though he remained exceptionally respectful and subservient toward Orochimaru.
Chi needs no introduction. He had been constantly traveling back and forth between Konoha and Orochimaru's secret base for three years, carrying out various missions assigned by Orochimaru. His strength had skyrocketed like a rising rocket, and the murderous intent surrounding him had grown day by day.
Twilight Serenity
Reunited after a long separation, everyone was in high spirits. Even Maji, who never drank, was persuaded by Tsunade to have two cups.
With a naturally low tolerance, she quickly became dizzy after two cups.
Her delicate body swayed erratically. When she dimly saw Orochimaru, she gave a silly chuckle, tilted her head, and instinctively leaned against him.
Her exquisite, charming face was flushed from the alcohol, adding a touch of dewy, enticing allure.
Her soft, small mouth, puffing out faint gusts of alcohol-scented air, was slightly pursed and adorable. The air of vulnerability around her intensified, forcing Orochimaru to helplessly let her lean on his shoulder.
By the time dinner ended, it was already ten o'clock at night.
After settling Maji and the others, Orochimaru, who was also feeling slightly fuzzy from the alcohol, slowly walked into the courtyard.
The December night wind was chilly, but to Orochimaru, it was perfect. The cold breeze was instantly refreshing, and he sobered up considerably.
He sat down casually on the ground, leaning obliquely against a porch pillar. Orochimaru looked up at the scattered stars and the bright moon against the dark night sky. For a moment, his mind was utterly empty, and his heart was exceptionally calm.
Yamata, who had been sleeping on Orochimaru's chest for an unknown amount of time, also slithered out, revealing its pale-golden body.
Yamata, whose size seemed unchanged after three or four years, was quietly coiled on Orochimaru's shoulder, raising its small snake head. Its pair of scarlet snake eyes admired the beautiful night sky alongside Orochimaru.
In the shadows nearby, Chi slowly materialized. Looking at the figure sitting on the ground, he immediately took up his post to guard and watch over Orochimaru.
Orochimaru felt Chi's presence through the Yamata Cursed Seal and chuckled: "Heh-heh, Chi, don't be so stiff when you're home. Come over."
Chi paused. As one who never went against Orochimaru's words, he slowly walked to Orochimaru's side and respectfully knelt behind him.
After about an hour, Yamata had long since returned to Orochimaru's chest to sleep.
Orochimaru was mostly sober now. Without turning his head, he said lightly: "Alright, Chi, let's go."
He then continued to himself: "It's time to visit that place again."
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