chapter 78 part 5
"Heh, it seems you got the Jutsu you wanted. Was it the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags?"
Under the night sky, Orochimaru leaned against a tree trunk, evidently having waited for a long time.
"Orochimaru, you didn't return to rest after your report?"
"A little rest won't make a difference. I'm more concerned about you, Tsukasa Kaede... I can't wait to work with you. I've already submitted a request to the old man to invite you to join. What did he say?" Orochimaru chuckled darkly, instinctively licking his lips.
"Regarding the human experimentation, the Hokage didn't mention it. He must know I'm very suitable for such research. Kaedence he didn't say anything, it means it's not yet time for me to openly join," Tsukasa Kaede replied.
"It's only a matter of time. The war has only temporarily ended, and every ninja village is trying to increase their power. The Hidden Leaf Village will surely do something, and nothing is more cost-effective than human experimentation projects."
Orochimaru and Tsukasa Kaede walked side-by-side down the street.
People continuously stopped, casting gazes of interest and respect, watching the two of them depart.
"Tsukasa Kaede is already a very famous Ninja. In another two or three years, when you're twenty, you'll surely become a Kage-level powerhouse, capable of leading the Village forward."
"Flattering words are useless to me. I'm not striving for such fleeting fame," Tsukasa Kaede calmly stated.
"I see. So you prefer practical things. Speaking of which, during the war with the Hidden Stone Village a few days ago, Tsukasa Kaede must have gained something."
"Yes, I gained the trust of my comrades and the Village's commendation. I feel my Will of Fire has become even more resilient," Tsukasa Kaede responded.
"..."
After several exchanges, Orochimaru couldn't find any flaws in Tsukasa Kaede. However, being too perfect, from another perspective, seemed to be a flaw in itself.
He had always suspected that Tsukasa Kaede might secretly collect some illicit goods during the chaos of the final battle, such as Senju Clan, Uchiha Clan, or Hyuga Clan.
This was a once-in-a-millennium opportunity, and almost the only one in recent years. If Tsukasa Kaede, a man who manipulates corpses, didn't do this, that would be truly strange.
"Heh, I never knew that Tsukasa Kaede, a war orphan, would constantly speak of the Village and the Will of Fire. It's truly heartwarming to hear."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly, "I'm usually very accurate when it comes to judging people. You should become my fellow traveler; this is your true path. I have something you'll be very interested in, something you'll surely love... When you stand beside me and assist me with human experimentation projects, you'll understand what I mean."
"Orochimaru, after all that, what do you want?"
"You're a clever person; you must have already guessed. Yes, it's that forbidden jutsu of yours. A forbidden jutsu I'm currently developing greatly needs your Jutsu as a supplement."
"You're in the prime of your life, why are you interested in this kind of Jutsu? I won't teach you my Jutsu. Only I can unleash its true power in this world; others, even you, cannot. Even if you learned this Jutsu, casting it rashly would be suicide."
Tsukasa Kaede refused: "However, if Orochimaru wishes to gain the benefits of this Jutsu, I would be very willing to trade with you—for instance, those things you mentioned that would interest me."
"Hehehe, indeed, Tsukasa Kaede, you and I are of the same kind. We are the ones who should be pursuing ideals... those things destined to vanish are merely temporary passengers in our lives."
Orochimaru grew excited, a single finger trembling slightly. Even winning the Second Great Ninja War hadn't thrilled him this much.
Tsukasa Kaede calmly said, "I seem to have heard similar words from someone else, but that's not important. If I can help the Village and save more comrades through trade, I am willing to do everything in my power."
"Exactly, exactly! That's exactly what I think. Tsukasa Kaede's mind is truly meticulous."
However, the two did not immediately enter a research lab. The war had only recently ended, its aftermath still unsettled, and various political and diplomatic squabbles would continue for a long time. Tsukasa Kaede himself also needed a period of temporary seclusion.
"I absolutely love the current atmosphere; it suits me perfectly."
Tsukasa Kaede first returned to his old, dilapidated residence. He had lived there for many years and felt a certain attachment to it.
But old things are ultimately not eternal. With the passage of time, there will always be an end. Now, that time had come.
Just as Tsukasa Kaede would inevitably discard his current body and choose a new one.
For the last time, Tsukasa Kaede organized his belongings here, categorizing item after item and sealing them into various sealing scrolls.
Finally, Tsukasa Kaede activated the Spatial Rift Jutsu and left the Hidden Leaf Village.
In the Hokage's Office, the Third Hokage watched the images displayed in his Crystal Ball, pipe clenched in his mouth, deep in thought.
"He left, did he? He probably plans to establish his own secret base or research lab elsewhere... After all, his Jutsu isn't suitable for extensive research within the Village."
The Third Hokage actually didn't mind such behavior. People of special value to the Village always received privileges, and as long as they didn't go too far, the Third Hokage would choose to turn a blind eye.
Leaving Danzo aside, it was mainly Jiraiya, who had run off for over two years without asking for permission. If anyone else did such a thing, they would have long been labeled a Rogue Ninja, and hunter-nin squads would have already been on their way to the Land of Rain as soon as the war ended.