"Then I can be at ease. No, this should have been expected."
Kakashi didn't really believe that Asami Shinsui would suffer serious injury from such an ambush.
"So, what is Orochimaru's purpose for infiltrating Konoha this time?"
Asami Shinsui inquired.
She needs to gather more information, adjust the recent action plan, and avoid Orochimaru's forces in Konoha as much as possible to prevent her identity from being exposed.
"I don't know for now, and what entered Konoha should only be a clone of Orochimaru, not his real body. But later, watch Yakushi Kabuto's actions, and you might be able to guess Orochimaru's main purpose for coming to Konoha."
Keeping a close watch on Orochimaru is unrealistic, the breakthrough can only be achieved through Yakushi Kabuto.
"Next, I'll find someone to keep an eye on Yakushi Kabuto, and you shouldn't slack off on your end either."
"Understood. Now that the discussion is over, I'll leave first. There's still a lot for me to handle on the Anbu side."
Kakashi nodded, then turned and left the ward, leaving Asami Shinsui alone to rest in the ward.
◎
A week later.
Land of Demons, Military Research Institute.
Hakushi held the research data sent from Konoha. Not only the drug research data to eliminate Chakra poison, but also the analysis data of the Fake Sage Talisman, which was sent together after the analysis for Hakushi's perusal.
Although there was no sample of the Fake Sage Talisman, as long as the structure and functioning of the jutsu were known, simulating it with Sage Art Chakra was not too much trouble.
"Is this the Sage Art data from Mount Myoboku, Hakushi-sensei? From the structure of the jutsu, it's somewhat different from the Sage Arts we use."
Hakushi's disciple Nohara Rin also stood by Hakushi's side, watching the Mount Myoboku Sage Art data together.
After a glance, Rin memorized it in her mind and gained a preliminary understanding of the Sage Arts from Mount Myoboku.
After all, no matter how the Sage Art transforms, its essence remains the same.
It is the combination of Chakra and Natural Energy.
"Indeed, but we don't need to learn the Sage Arts of Mount Myoboku, just simulate the jutsu in the Fake Sage Talisman."
"True, turning into a frog is quite unattractive."
Rin touched her nose. She was also a girl who cared about her appearance.
And the Sage Arts from Mount Myoboku would cause human features to partially transform towards frogs, especially the nose would enlarge, which is not very aesthetic for girls.
"Then I will assist Hakushi-sensei to quickly simulate the structure of the jutsu in the Fake Sage Talisman."
Rin volunteered.
Hakushi smiled and shook his head at Rin: "It's not necessary, I'm actually free recently, and I can complete it by myself. Plus, you've been working by my side for years, either training in Sage Arts or manipulating Tailed Beast Chakra, so occasionally, you should relax."
"But even when relaxing, I really don't know how to relax properly."
Rin tilted her head, a bit at a loss.
She was used to the research work at the institute from morning to night, as it was her main job.
Researching Tailed Beast techniques and also assisting in drug development to further improve the Land of Demons' medical system.
"What about that kid Obito? You guys could go play together."
"We did go out together on break days... but recently, the way he looks at me feels increasingly lewd."
Rin pondered thoughtfully.
"After all, you're not kids anymore, right? But that kid's always had the guts without the nerve, gotta give it to him."
Hakushi implied.
"Huh?"
Rin looked down at her increasingly womanly figure and only then realized she was no longer the little girl she used to be.
"So what does Hakushi-sensei mean?"
"I happen to have a task here that suits Obito going out to do. Disguise yourself, and when the time comes, go travel with Obito. Since the Uchiha Clan's population is so small now, as young people, you should set an example."
"More than that, Hakushi-sensei, you want leverage on Obito, right?"
Rin seemed to see through Hakushi's inner thoughts instantly and chuckled.
"Ahem, that's not it, it's just that the current national policy encourages young people to have children. Compared to the big nations, the Land of Demons' population is indeed a bit too small. I am thinking about the country's future."
"Still sounds suspicious."
"Okay, no need to doubt my intentions. After all, Obito's a good man, isn't he?"
"Hmm, he is quite obedient, like having a little puppy at home."
Rin pondered for a moment and came up with this statement.
"..."
Hakushi did not know where to start with the retort.
"So, what is the task assigned to us?"
Rin asked about the business.
Hakushi placed the research data aside, responded: "The transaction with Akatsuki, they previously ordered a batch of arms from the Land of Demons. I thought, Obito's Space-Time Donjutsu can be used for loading, which can save a significant transport fee."
"I see, I didn't expect that not only the Five Great Nations, but also the Land of Rain is making moves?"
"Then I'll leave it to you guys. The saved transport fees can be used as sponsorship for your travels."
Rin nodded, bid farewell to Hakushi, and walked out of the research lab.