Chapter 52: Orochimaru: Rukongai, Home of Souls?
1 additional chapter because 800 power stones have been reached.
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Tsunade's eyes were resolute. She needed to go to the Kingdom of Whirlpool to uncover the true identity of that figure!
Even though Nawaki was believed to be dead, what if...
Understanding that the mission was not something Orochimaru could decide, she headed straight for the Hokage building to find Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Seeing Tsunade's determined figure retreating, Orochimaru felt a sinking sensation in his heart. He understood that Tsunade hadn't moved on from Nawaki's death. They were among the few remaining relatives. How could she let go so easily?
Just like when he lost his parents...
He understood Tsunade's feelings, but Nawaki was truly gone...
At the Hokage building, Tsunade barged into the Hokage's office.
She slammed her hand on the desk, her expression serious. "I want to go on the mission to the Kingdom of Whirlpool too!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was taken aback for a moment, realizing Tsunade must have learned about the mission from Orochimaru. He frowned slightly. If it were an ordinary mission, he might have allowed her to go. But this involved the Nine Tails Jinchūriki; it was too critical to be handled recklessly. Additionally, Tsunade's impulsive nature could cause problems.
Sarutobi Hiruzen rejected her, "No!"
Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained unmoved.
They reached an impasse, and seeing that Sarutobi wouldn't relent, Tsunade turned and left without another word.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned and instructed, "Keep an eye on Tsunade. Don't let her leave Konoha during this period!"
"Yes!"
Several voices echoed from the office before it fell silent again.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen had ordered, when Tsunade returned home and packed her belongings, she was stopped by Anbu as she tried to leave.
"Tsunade-sama, please don't make this difficult for us."
Several Anbu operatives surrounded Tsunade, hinting at encircling her.
Tsunade frowned, her voice cold, "Step aside!"
Chakra erupted from Tsunade, causing her clothes to flutter.
But Anbu did not budge.
Tsunade took a deep breath, preparing to use her immense strength to force her way through.
If they didn't heed her warning, they'd end up in the hospital for months, effectively giving them a long vacation.
Just as Tsunade was about to act, Uzumaki Mito's voice rang out.
"Tsuna, you just returned to Konoha. Where are you going?"
Tsunade's aura calmed, and she hesitated, "To the Kingdom of Whirlpool..."
"The Kingdom of Whirlpool?"
Uzumaki Mito frowned, "The situation in the Kingdom of Whirlpool is unclear. It might be dangerous to rush in."
Since the reconstruction of the Uzumaki Kingdom, no one had been sent to establish contact, so it was uncertain whether the Uzumaki clan still held power there. Moreover, with so many powerful individuals appearing suddenly, a conflict could make it difficult for Tsunade to return.
"But..."
Tsunade began, wanting to tell Mito about the person resembling Nawaki.
But Mito interrupted, "I've already lost Nawaki. Do you want me to lose you too?"
Tsunade was momentarily stunned, then spoke softly, "I understand..."
You're not the only one who lost Nawaki...
The next day, Orochimaru set out from Konoha. Tsunade specifically asked him to observe whether there was anyone resembling Nawaki in the Kingdom of Whirlpool. Since she couldn't go herself, she entrusted Orochimaru with the task.
Orochimaru agreed outwardly, but internally he was bitter. Tsunade must be delusional. Nawaki was definitely dead, right in front of her eyes...
However, feeling guilty towards Tsunade, he decided to take a closer look at the Kingdom of Whirlpool.
From the Land of Fire to the Kingdom of Whirlpool, Orochimaru's speed allowed him to reach the border in less than half a day. After meeting the border patrol, he handed over Konoha's documents.
Soon, news of Orochimaru's visit reached Uzumaki Chihiro.
"Orochimaru?"
Uzumaki Chihiro was slightly surprised. Why send Orochimaru when they wanted Uzumaki Kushina? What was Konoha up to?
Nevertheless, she didn't refuse Orochimaru's visit.
"Bring him in."
"Yes!"
Rukia Kuchiki was about to relay the order when Uzumaki Chihiro suddenly said, "Wait!"
Rukia Kuchiki halted respectfully.
Chihiro's eyes gleamed as she instructed, "Have someone give him a thorough tour of the Kingdom of Whirlpool, with a focus on the Technology Development Bureau."
"Yes!"
Rukia Kuchiki retreated.
Chihiro smiled to herself. Orochimaru was a rare genius in the ninja world, leading the way in scientific advancement. With such talent visiting her, how could she let him leave?
The Technology Development Bureau of Seireitei still lacked a leader. If they could recruit Orochimaru, the bureau would be complete. Moreover, the previously obtained Shinigami Job Transfer Scroll had its use—transforming Orochimaru into a Shinigami.
Of course, winning over Orochimaru wouldn't be easy. He wasn't yet the person obsessed with immortality. But Chihiro believed that once Orochimaru saw everything Seireitei had to offer, he would eventually be tempted and intrigued by the Kingdom of Whirlpool.
At the border of the Kingdom of Whirlpool, after a short wait, Orochimaru saw a figure approaching: a slim, well-endowed woman with a poised demeanor. Her hairstyle featured long sideburns and bangs with a braid tied at the back, adorned with a red circle at her neck. She wore a kimono with a short skirt and thick-soled sandals.
She spoke softly, "Kurotsuchi Nemu, Vice-Captain of the Technology Development Bureau of the 12th Division of the Kingdom of Whirlpool. Pleased to meet you."
Since Orochimaru needed to be well-acquainted with the Technology Development Bureau, Nemu was the perfect guide.
12th Division, Technology Development Bureau?
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with surprise. The Kingdom of Whirlpool had a scientific research institute?
Though surprised, Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged. He replied with a smile, "Konoha envoy, Orochimaru."
Kurotsuchi Nemu nodded, "Next, I'll take you to meet the Spirit King."
Orochimaru nodded slightly and followed Nemu into the Kingdom of Whirlpool. Soon, they left the border and arrived at Rukongai.
Orochimaru's golden eyes sparkled. The construction of this complex wasn't a small project. However, the area seemed somewhat desolate, not matching the status of the Kingdom of Whirlpool among the five great nations. Moreover, the people here seemed confused, almost as if something was off. Was it an illusion?
Yet, as they neared the center of the Kingdom of Whirlpool, the environment became more vibrant, and the people more energetic.
At this point, Kurotsuchi Nemu introduced, "This is Rukongai, the..."
"Home of souls."
......
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