Plotting for Tailed Beast Cells, Don't Hold Me Back

Chapter 8

Plotting for Tailed Beast Cells, Don't Hold Me Back

The night was as black as ink. A thin mist shrouded the forest outside Konoha, while moonlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows.

Danzo moved through the woods alone, his steps as light as a cat's and utterly soundless.

A cold gleam flickered in his single eye, as though he could see everything even in the darkness.

After passing through a dense thicket, Danzo stopped before an ordinary-looking giant tree.

He formed several complicated hand seals, and a hidden door slowly emerged on the trunk.

The door slid open without a sound, revealing a staircase leading downward.

Danzo stepped inside, and the hidden door quietly closed behind him.

At the end of the stairs was a spacious underground laboratory. Glowing runes covered the surrounding walls, providing a faint but steady light.

The laboratory table was cluttered with all manner of instruments and test tubes, and the air reeked of pungent chemicals.

Orochimaru stood before a microscope, his golden Vertical Pupils fixed intently on the lens as the pen in his hand rapidly recorded something in a notebook.

"You're here."

Orochimaru spoke without looking up, his voice hoarse and calm, as though he had expected Danzo all along.

Danzo walked up to the lab table, his gaze sweeping over the documents and "samples" laid across it.

"Hiruzen has already ordered the Wood Release experiments stopped. You're still continuing them?"

Orochimaru finally raised his head, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"Why should scientific research be interrupted by a single order?

Besides, Lord Danzo, aren't you here for the same reason?"

Danzo gave a cold snort but did not deny it.

"I need the latest progress."

Orochimaru set down his pen and took a small container from a refrigerated cabinet beside him. A piece of tissue emitting a faint green glow floated inside.

"This is the latest Wood Release Cell culture sample. Its stability has improved by thirty percent over the previous version, but it is still far from true Wood Release."

Danzo took the container, and a trace of greed flashed through his single eye.

"Not enough. The First Hokage's Wood Release could suppress Tailed Beasts. That is the power we need."

Orochimaru's golden Vertical Pupils narrowed slightly.

"Lord Danzo, scientific research requires time. It also requires... more resources."

Danzo placed the container back on the table, his tone dark.

"Resources are not a problem. I'll soon be heading to the Land of Rain front. There are plenty of war orphans and refugees there.

However many test subjects you want can be arranged. You'd best use this opportunity to ask Hiruzen to send you to the border. It will be much more convenient for us to work together then."

Orochimaru's smile deepened.

"If I get the chance, I'll apply to go to the front. However, I've recently become interested in another kind of power as well."

"Oh?"

Danzo raised a brow.

"Tailed Beast cells,"

Orochimaru said slowly.

"If we can obtain the power of a Tailed Beast, it may accelerate Wood Release research and perhaps even allow us to develop an even stronger Kekkei Genkai."

Danzo fell silent for a moment, hesitation flashing through his single eye.

Tailed Beasts were the core secrets of every village. Obtaining their cells would be anything but easy.

Yet when he thought of the power of Wood Release, he ultimately nodded.

"Fine. But acquiring Tailed Beast cells is too risky. I can only provide some intelligence and assistance. You'll have to carry out the actual operation yourself."

Orochimaru gave a slight nod.

"That will be enough. Lord Danzo only needs to tell me which Tailed Beast is easiest to get."

Danzo considered it for a moment before speaking in a low voice.

"Kumogakure's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Fuka. He is impulsive by nature and has been appearing near the border frequently lately.

However, Kumogakure's defenses are tight. You'll need an insider to obtain exact information on the Jinchuriki."

"An insider?"

Orochimaru was intrigued.

"Someone from Root, Yakushi Nonō."

Danzo said coldly.

"She is currently undercover in Kumogakure as a Medical Ninja and will soon be assigned to the border. I'll notify her to cooperate with your operation."

Approval flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.

"Lord Danzo's plans truly reach far ahead. Then our cooperation is settled."

Danzo nodded and turned to leave, tossing out a final warning before he went.

"Remember, the experiments must be moved to a secret base outside. Hiruzen's Anbu have already begun to suspect something."

Orochimaru gave a soft laugh but did not answer.

His gaze returned to the microscope, as though their conversation had been nothing more than idle chatter.

After Danzo left, the laboratory fell silent once more.

Orochimaru took a Scroll from a drawer and slowly unrolled it. It contained research notes on various Kekkei Genkai.

His fingers gently brushed over the words "Wood Release" and "Tailed Beast," while a fanatical light flickered in his eyes.

"Power... the secret of Eternity..."

He murmured softly, his voice echoing through the empty laboratory.

Danzo's figure had already vanished into the depths of the forest.

Inside Konoha Hospital, the corridors carried a faint scent of disinfectant. Nurses occasionally hurried past, carrying medical supplies or patient records.

Chiyo Uchiha stood in the center of the lobby and looked around before asking a passing Medical Ninja where Tsunade was.

"Lady Tsunade? She's in the laboratory on the third floor."

The Medical Ninja pointed toward the stairs.

Chiyo nodded his thanks and quickly headed upstairs.

On the third floor, bright light shone through the crack beneath a door at the end of the corridor.

Chiyo knocked lightly, and Tsunade's somewhat impatient voice came from inside.

"Come in."

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When he pushed open the door, he saw a room piled with Scrolls and experimental equipment.

Tsunade was bent over her desk, writing furiously. Her long golden hair was casually tied behind her head, with several loose strands falling beside her cheeks. Her flawless face was especially focused.

Hearing footsteps, she spoke without looking up.

"If you're reporting on the wounded, just leave it on the desk."

"Lady Tsunade."

Chiyo spoke with a smile.

Hearing the familiar voice, Tsunade's pen paused. She abruptly looked up, surprise flashing through her bright brown eyes.

"You?"

Chiyo waved the Scroll in his hand and smiled.

"Looks like I interrupted you."

Tsunade set down her pen, crossed her arms, and leaned back in her chair, raising a brow.

"What is an Uchiha brat doing at the hospital? Are you hurt? Do you need me to treat you?"

"Not at all."

Chiyo stepped forward and handed her the Scroll.

"Lord Hokage asked me to give this to you."

Tsunade accepted the Scroll and opened it, her brows gradually furrowing.

"Medical Ninja Training plan... I'm in charge of it with you?"

"Yes."

Chiyo nodded.

"Lord Hokage has a lot of faith in us."

Tsunade gave a soft snort, though she could not hide the smile in the corners of her eyes.

She tossed the Scroll onto the desk, her tone carrying a hint of pride.

"Training Medical Ninjas isn't that simple. Do you think teaching a few Healing Jutsu is enough to handle a battlefield?"

Seeing her slightly raised chin and unconvinced expression, Chiyo could not help but laugh.

"What are you laughing at?"

Tsunade glared at him.

"Nothing."

Chiyo waved a hand, though amusement still filled his eyes.

"I just think Lady Tsunade looked a little like she was showing off her expertise just now."

"Showing... showing off?!"

Tsunade froze, then realized what he meant. A flush instantly spread across her fair cheeks.

She slammed a hand onto the desk, gritting her teeth.

"You little brat, don't think that just because you helped me before, you can talk to me like that. Are you mocking me?"

Chiyo hurriedly shook his head.

"I wouldn't dare. I just think Lady Tsunade is very cute."

"C-Cute?!"

Tsunade's voice abruptly rose, and her face turned even redder.

She took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing her emotions before speaking coldly.

"Enough nonsense! Since the old man sent you to assist me, tell me how we're supposed to begin this training plan."

Chiyo watched her try to maintain a serious expression despite being unable to hide her embarrassment and irritation. He laughed inwardly, but his face became serious.

"We're in wartime right now. What we need are Medical Ninjas who can be sent to the battlefield quickly, not experts who study medical theory in depth.

So the training should focus on battlefield first aid, basic Healing Jutsu, and Chakra Control."

Tsunade's expression softened slightly at that, and she nodded.

"You have some ideas, at least."

"Also, we can divide the trainees into groups and have experienced Medical Ninjas lead them through training directly in a Simulated Battlefield Environment."

Chiyo continued.

"That will not only improve efficiency, but also let them adapt to the pressure of the battlefield in advance."

Tsunade considered it for a moment, approval flashing through her eyes.

"Not bad. Practical training is indeed more effective than empty theory."

She paused, then added.

"However, precise Chakra Control is the foundation of a Medical Ninja. We must be strict when it comes to that."

"Of course."

Chiyo smiled.

"In that regard, I'm afraid no one is more skilled than Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade gave another soft snort, but the corner of the mouth lifted slightly.

"At least you have good judgment."

The two exchanged a look, and for some reason, the atmosphere became more relaxed.

"Then, happy working together?"

Chiyo held out his hand.

Tsunade looked at his hand, then at his smiling eyes. In the end, she let out a light sigh and reached out to shake it.

"Just don't hold me back."

Chiyo's smile deepened.

"Don't worry. I'll do my best to keep up with Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade withdrew her hand and turned to organize the documents on the desk, hiding the faint heat in her ears.

For some reason, she found herself looking forward to their coming cooperation, though her words remained as unforgiving as ever.

"Tomorrow morning at eight, meet at the Training Ground. If you're late... you know the consequences."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade."

Chiyo answered with a smile, then turned and left.

After the sound of the door closing, Tsunade stopped what she was doing.

She looked toward the door and softly snorted, but the smile in her eyes could not be hidden no matter what.

"That little brat..."