Aoki Yoru looked at his clone speechlessly. "You really know how to show off!"
Then, as if he had thought of something, he paused for a moment.
'Oh, how could I forget that clones can think too? This way, I don't have to scratch my head in the lab all by myself. I can just let the clones do the experiments while I rest.'
Aoki Yoru almost wanted to slap himself; all that hard work for nothing.
"Well, I'm leaving now. Remember to develop followers to the north, not the south, or you'll easily provoke that pacifist, Nagato."
"Remember, transmit your memories back every few days."
This was a Wood Clone Jutsu modified by Aoki Yoru himself. He could have a clone create sub-clones, then "summon" the sub-clones back to the main clone through a mental link, and finally, the original body would read the main clone's memories.
As for why the memories of a Wood Clone's clone don't return to the original body after being released? Aoki Yoru shrugged: "I guess this move specifically exploits a system bug. As long as it works."
"I'm not going to rebel, what are you worried about!" the clone said speechlessly.
Aoki Yoru waved his hand and walked toward the cave entrance. He had been too tired lately and hadn't rested properly, so he planned to go to the Land of Hot Springs to relax.
The Wood Clone watched the original's carefree departing back, his mouth twitching as he grumbled inwardly, "So, you come up with these wild ideas and in the end, I'm the one who has to work myself to death to realize them, huh?"
Stepping out of the cave, Aoki Yoru summoned Yatagarasu and jumped onto its back. Yatagarasu let out a loud cry, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky.
After a wonderful soak in the Land of Hot Springs to wash away his exhaustion and stress, Aoki Yoru leisurely made his way back to Konoha.
The Hokage Office.
"What? Sasuke defected? And to Orochimaru?"
Aoki Yoru didn't expect to hear such explosive news the moment he walked through the door.
"Wait, what's his reason for defecting? Does he really think he can grow better with Orochimaru?"
If nothing had changed in Konoha, he wouldn't be so surprised, but Kakashi was already a solid Kage-level powerhouse, more than capable of teaching him.
Aoki Yoru also knew that during the Chunin Exams, Sasuke had been branded with a Cursed Seal by Orochimaru in the Forest of Death. Before the preliminary rounds began, Kakashi had taken him to a room and used the Evil Sealing Method to seal the Cursed Seal on his body.
At that time, Orochimaru appeared and said a lot about how Sasuke would seek any kind of evil power just to become stronger.
Before leaving, he even put on a big show, turning his back to Kakashi and saying, "You just said you'd kill me. If you can do it, then try!"
Then, he was nearly sent away by an unexpected Kamui from Kakashi. If his 'Legendary Survival King' attribute hadn't kicked in, there would have been no Konoha Crush later.
Unlike in the original story, where Kakashi was so overwhelmed by Orochimaru's immense killing intent and terrifying aura that he couldn't even move, let alone resist.
It was at that moment that Sasuke became utterly disappointed in Kakashi; the gap between him and Orochimaru was simply too large.
Looking back at Orochimaru's appearances, besides showing off in front of the three genin of Team 7 and making them feel for the first time the helplessness and despair of "the opponent is like a high mountain that one can only look up to"...
Every other time he was in a pathetic state. Killing the Third Hokage was his only decent feat, but that shouldn't be enough for Sasuke to be so desperate to go to Orochimaru's side.
Hadn't he been taught Breathing Styles before? Combined with Kakashi's Lightning Release, it should have been enough for him to learn. His strength in two years would definitely exceed the original story's timeline.
Seeing Aoki Yoru's confusion, Tsunade explained, "A few days ago, after Sasuke's injuries healed, he had a match with Naruto and didn't hold the upper hand. I think that's what sparked the idea of going to Orochimaru."
Someone like Tsunade, who had spent decades in the Ninja World, could see the reason for Sasuke's defection at a glance.
After being taught a lesson by Uchiha Itachi, he felt that his growth in Konoha was too slow, and Orochimaru's Cursed Seal gave him a taste of the pleasure of a rapid leap in power.
"So, Jonin Aoki, Kakashi and the others are still out on missions. You must go immediately to support Shikamaru and the others. A medical team will also be sent to assist later."
At this, Tsunade sat up straight and looked at him with a serious expression. "If it's not feasible, don't worry about Sasuke. Just bring the others back safely."
Seeing Tsunade's expression, Aoki Yoru knew he couldn't refuse. "Alright, but who did you send to pursue them?"
"Led by Chunin captain Nara Shikamaru, the team includes Uzumaki Naruto, Akimichi Choji, Inuzuka Kiba, Hyuga Neji, and Rock Lee."
Hearing these names, Aoki Yoru was stunned for a moment, then remembered that Lee's injuries were mostly healed.
"The combined strength of those few should be enough, right?"
Then Tsunade slammed her fist on the table and said through gritted teeth, "I underestimated Orochimaru. The Sound Four's strength isn't that simple. Shizune sent word that Shiranui Genma and Raido Namiashi encountered them and are now severely injured."
"I originally wanted to ask Sunagakure for help, but since you're back, you go. Depart immediately to provide support; I'm afraid something might happen to them."
"Alright, I'm heading out now."
Even with Lee added and Neji's strength enhanced, without the support of Gaara and his siblings this time, who knows which of them might get hurt.
Without further delay, Aoki Yoru immediately got up and headed out of the village.
Watching Aoki Yoru's departing back, Tsunade muttered through gritted teeth, "That damn old man, leaving me so much trouble even after he's dead."
If the Third Hokage hadn't handled the Uchiha matter so crudely, this annoying situation wouldn't have arisen.
Once out of Konoha, Aoki Yoru summoned Yatagarasu and had it fly toward the Valley of the End. At the same time, he spread his spiritual energy to its full extent, searching for Shikamaru and the others along the way.
In the forest before the Valley of the End.
At this moment, Jirobo had completely entered his Cursed Seal Level 2 state, his Chakra skyrocketing tenfold. He grinned cruelly as he raised his foot and stomped hard on Choji's hand, his immense strength instantly pinning the boy's entire hand deep into the muddy ground.
"You really are a piece of trash used as a pawn. Die, you pathetic fat pig abandoned by your comrades."
As he spoke, his hand suddenly clenched tight, his knuckles turning white, letting out a series of crisp cracking sounds.
Choji's pupils constricted. Jirobo's words stung him, reminding him of everything he had shared with Shikamaru.
Then he smiled, his face full of determination. He picked up the last Red Pill and was about to put it in his mouth. He had promised Shikamaru that he would hold back the enemy; he couldn't let him down.
Sizzle—!
A flash of lightning streaked past, and the still-grinning Jirobo froze instantly. A crack appeared on his neck, and his head slowly fell off.
"Eh? Why can I see my own body?"
Before he could figure it out, his consciousness sank into darkness.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Aoki Yoru, still in a charging stance, stood up and nodded with satisfaction. Thunder Breathing in his normal state increased his speed by at least fifty percent. Only speed types like the Raikage and Shisui could keep up with this pace.