Rōran Town seems to possess a unique vitality, which permeates this increasingly prosperous town.
Chiyo didn't disturb many people. He took Orochimaru and appeared directly on the roof of a high building in the center of town, overlooking the bustling crowd and the sizable streets below.
"A very interesting place."
Orochimaru's golden snake eyes swept across the entire town, his tongue unconsciously licking his lips, with the interest of a scientist examining an experimental subject.
"Reconstructing the Barrier here is definitely easier than in the rule-bound Konoha."
He paused for a moment, then put forward his first idea.
" Chiyo-kun, if we are looking for efficiency and coverage, the most convenient way is to coordinate with Konoha's large-scale protective Barrier."
Konoha's Barrier system has been perfected over many years and has a solid foundation. Only a few energy transfer nodes need to be established here to...
"No need."
Chiyo interrupted him directly, her gaze still fixed on the ground below.
"Too many people know the core of Konoha's Barrier and how to enter it, so there are quite a few loopholes."
What I need is a completely independent, Absolute Defense system that belongs solely to Rōran and is under our control.
It must not only be able to issue early warnings, but also be able to proactively defend against, identify, and even... annihilate the invading enemy.
His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable determination.
In the original story, Konoha's Barrier described as being like a sieve.
They come and go as they please, they're practically useless.
Connecting it to Konoha's Barrier is practically the same as not having Barrier at all, isn't it?
A hint of surprise flashed in Orochimaru's eyes, which quickly turned into even greater interest.
"An independent Barrier... also needs to possess such strong offensive and identifiable characteristics."
In addition to the previously required Senjutsu, this necessitates a profound understanding and ability to guide Nature Energy, combining it with complex Sealing Jutsu, and even some special Ninjutsu...
Extremely difficult, but also... very attractive.
He became completely absorbed in this technical challenge almost instantly.
"Difficulty is not a problem; I will provide all the resources I need."
Chiyo turned around and looked at Orochimaru.
"What I need is results. A barrier strong enough to ensure that any petty person who tries to come here never returns."
"Hehehe... As you wish."
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Such a grand Barrier must require an extremely large and stable source of Nature Energy for its core to support and for precise control."
This requires...
Some special 'mediums' or even 'living organisms' are used for preliminary research and energy channel construction experiments...
He mentioned the test subjects, speaking as casually as if he were discussing how many test tubes were needed.
Chiyo's eyes flickered slightly, and a name instantly flashed into her mind— Jugo.
That boy who was born with the ability to absorb Nature Energy and transform into a sage, Mirai to become the source of the Curse Mark.
He is the most perfect and ideal sample for studying the combination of Nature Energy and the human body, and also a key to potentially solving the problem of core energy manipulation in the Mirai.
"Experimental subjects... I do know of one extremely special one."
Chiyo spoke slowly.
"A boy who was born with the ability to absorb and integrate Nature Energy on his own."
His constitution is extremely unique; emotional fluctuations trigger a loss of control over Nature Energy, leading to uncontrollable physical mutations, a condition known as ' Scales '.
"Born... to autonomously absorb Nature Energy? Could it be a physique of an immortal?!"
Orochimaru's breathing instantly became heavy, his golden pupils suddenly contracted, and he burst forth with a light of almost insane scientific fanaticism!
This excited him more than any Forbidden Technique or Kekkei Genkai he had ever encountered before!
This is the key to unlocking the ultimate mysteries of life and energy!
"Where is he?! Where is the experimental subject?!"
Orochimaru pressed on impatiently, his body even leaning slightly forward in excitement.
"I cannot determine the exact location at the moment."
Chiyo shook his head.
"All we know is that he probably lives in some secluded stronghold with exceptionally rich Nature Energy. It will take some time and manpower to search for him."
"Search! Send men to search immediately!"
Orochimaru almost blurted it out, then realized his slip and slightly toned down his tone, but the eagerness in his eyes remained undiminished.
"Please be sure to find him, Chiyo-kun! His existence will play a decisive role in the research of Barrier and even the exploration of Life Energy!"
Even... far beyond our imagination!
"I will arrange for people to help."
Chiyo nodded, putting the search for Jugo on the agenda.
"However, he is still human after all."
If you find him again, please do not harm him directly.
This is not only to meet Orochimaru's research needs, but also a necessary preparation for dealing with even more powerful enemies in the Mirai.
"Um."
After calming down a bit, Orochimaru thought of another problem.
"By the way, constructing such a complex Barrier, including the initial basic data measurement, energy node testing, and a large number of subsequent calculations and repeated experiments, would be very inefficient and would seriously slow down the progress if I did it alone."
I need an assistant, someone who is smart enough, meticulous enough, preferably with some Medical Ninjutsu, and who can understand my thinking and execute it efficiently.
An assistant...
Proficient in Medical Ninjutsu...
Almost instantly, another name popped into Chiyo's mind: Yakushi Kabuto.
In the original story, he was Orochimaru's most important assistant.
"In the Konoha Orphanage, there is a child named Yakushi Kabuto, who is my disciple."
Chiyo mentioned it seemingly casually.
"He has good talent, especially in Medical Ninjutsu and memory; he is a promising talent."
You can go and take a look; if it's suitable, then let him learn from you."
" Yakushi Kabuto..."
Orochimaru silently memorized the name, a hint of interest curving his lips.
"For Lord Chiyo to specifically mention them, they must possess extraordinary abilities. I will keep an eye on them."
He had already begun planning how to assess and "train" this Mirai assistant.
Just as the two had tentatively finalized the direction of their Barrier research, the search for experimental subjects, and the selection of assistants...
A series of hurried yet light footsteps approached from afar, accompanied by a few suppressed calls of joy.
" Chiyo!"
" Chiyo!"
At the end of the street, several beautiful figures were seen rushing towards them.
Leading the group was Sara, who had changed out of her usual elegant long dress for her medical outreach and was now wearing a more practical light purple outfit. Her face was flushed from running, and her eyes were bright and full of surprise.
Beside her were Yugito Nii long, light brown braids, their expressions still somewhat indifferent but their steps not slow, and Pakura, dressed in ninja attire, looking travel-worn but with a bright smile, who had rushed over immediately upon hearing the news.
Three women, each with a distinct style yet equally beautiful, now share the same goal.
In an instant, he locked onto Chiyo standing on the rooftop, almost ignoring Orochimaru beside him, whose aura was chilling.
" Chiyo! Why didn't you tell me you were coming!"
Sara was the first to run downstairs, tilting her head back and calling out, her tone slightly coquettish.
"Exactly! If the Guard Unit hadn't said they saw you coming this way, we wouldn't have known!"
Pakura stood with her hands on her hips, a bright smile on her face, her gaze fixed intently on Chiyo.
Although Yugito didn't speak, her eyes were fixed on him, and her slightly pursed lips revealed a hint of barely perceptible anticipation.
This display caused Orochimaru to raise an eyebrow slightly, a hint of understanding and amusement flashing in his eyes.
He very tactfully bowed slightly.
" Chiyo-kun, since you have other matters to attend to, I shall take my leave now."
I will immediately begin the preliminary development work on the Barrier and await your news regarding that 'special experimental subject'."
After saying that, he chuckled softly.
He vanished in Body Flicker.
The space was left entirely to Chiyo and his female confidantes.
Chiyo lightly leaped down from the rooftop and landed in front of the three women.
Seeing the undisguised longing and joy in their eyes, a gentle smile couldn't help but appear on his face.
"I just finished taking care of some things and stopped by on my way."
Sara raised her chin with a touch of pride, then stepped forward and naturally took Chiyo's left arm.
"Now that you're here, you're not leaving today! We're preparing a barbecue! Pakura caught the freshest lamb, Yugito even found some very special spices!"
Pakura smiled and took Chiyo's right arm.
"That's right! We absolutely have to celebrate today!!"
Her enthusiasm was like the desert sun, direct and warm.
Yugito he looked at Sara and Pakura, who were each holding onto Chiyo on either side.
She stepped forward gently, without saying a word, but reached out and carefully took a piece of Chiyo's clothes, lowering her head slightly, her ears turning a little red.
Three women, who appear dignified, aloof, or dashing in front of others, now reveal a girlish demeanor as they surround the same man.
Chiyo looked at them, she felt a rare sense of relief.
The sense of urgency that had been rising in my heart seemed to be diluted by the warmth in front of me.
"Good."
He smiled and nodded.
"We're not going anywhere today, we're just going to try your cooking."
"Very good!"
Sara and Pakura cheered at the same time, "holding" Chiyo on either side, and walked happily towards Sara's residence.
Yugito continued to hold onto his clothes, quietly following beside him, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips.
The setting sun cast long shadows of them, and their laughter echoed through the streets of Rōran Town, creating a warm and vibrant scene.
In the shadows in the distance, Orochimaru, who had quietly departed, glanced back at the harmonious scene.
A complex, indescribable light flashed in the golden snake's eyes.
The methods and charisma of this Uchiha Clan Head are indeed extraordinary.
Perhaps, by following such a powerful figure, one can truly glimpse a realm of truth never before seen.
" Barrier, Senjutsu..."
"Who exactly are they guarding against?"
Orochimaru murmured softly.
Without lingering, his figure completely disappeared into the shadows, ready to begin preparations for his new research...
The twilight in Rōran Town is destined to become exceptionally lively and long with the arrival of Chiyo.