Gift, Scheme

Holding the ninjutsu scroll gifted by the Third Hokage, Senba stood respectfully at the doorway, watching Hiruzen Sarutobi depart until his figure disappeared into the moonlight.

During this time, Senba committed no impropriety. Even when Grandma Momoka and the Third Hokage chatted privately, Senba waited respectfully in the outer hall, confident that his every action was being observed.

On his way to Grandma Momoka's room, Senba couldn't wait to open the ninjutsu scroll in his hand.

An A-rank ninjutsu, Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld.

In the original timeline, Jiraiya used this technique to engulf the giant python summoned by Orochimaru. It was a spectacular battle back then, and ninjutsu required hand seals.

It was an excellent ninjutsu for both group battles and one-on-one duels.

After putting away the ninjutsu scroll, Senba entered Grandma Momoka's reception room. The Third Hokage's visit today was likely more than just a casual reunion.

"Are you satisfied with the gift from Hiruzen?" Grandma Momoka asked with a relaxed smile, looking at Senba.

"Yes, the Third Hokage was very generous," Senba truthfully told Grandma Momoka about the ninjutsu he received. He recalled that on the forums, many people looked down on almost all ninjutsu except for a select few A-rank ones.

This was because many people identified with the protagonists of the story. When Senba actually entered this world, he realized the true value of A-rank ninjutsu. It wasn't just a matter of obtaining it, but whether one could learn it.

Being able to learn and skillfully use an A-rank ninjutsu was also a direct measure of one's aptitude.

Naruto and Sasuke were geniuses, but which of the elite Jonin weren't geniuses? It was just that they weren't reincarnations of Indra and Asura, so bloodline ultimately reigned supreme here.

"Don't think so much at such a young age," Although Grandma Momoka didn't know what Senba was thinking, she could guess from her years of experience that he felt some unease.

"Little Senba, you can resemble the Second Clan Leader, but never your personality. Just live your own life." Senju Momoka was clearly worried that Senba might force himself to emulate Tobirama Senju in order to bear the responsibility of the Senju Clan.

This might be good in the short term, but it would cause great harm to his state of mind and ultimately destroy the child.

Sensing Grandma Momoka's concern, Senba realized his train of thought had worried the elder before him. He quickly changed the subject and asked his question.

"Don't worry. Although Hiruzen was probing my thoughts this time, Konoha benefited from the situation with Kusagakure, so he won't investigate too deeply."

"He came this time hoping I would keep an eye on Konoha after he left. After all, this old woman's face still carries some weight."

Grandma Momoka stopped speaking. Senba didn't need to get involved in Konoha's decision-making circles too early. He just needed to focus on improving his own strength.

Senba naturally wouldn't harbor any doubts because of this. Today, he not only received a substantial reward but also exquisite ninja tools. He needed to plan carefully to convert these into his own foundation in his next mission.

However, tonight was destined to be a sleepless one for Senba. Just as he stood up to take his leave, hurried footsteps sounded.

A hastily arriving maid brought Senba terrible news: his grandfather's condition had suddenly worsened and he was on his deathbed.

The next second, Senba's figure vanished from the room. Hearing that another peer had passed away, Grandma Momoka slumped weakly onto the couch, her eyes showing faint tear tracks.

On the training grounds of Konoha's Root, Danzo looked at his subordinates lying on the ground, veins bulging on his left hand gripping his cane. That scoundrel Orochimaru had brazenly broken in.

At that moment, Danzo wished he could unseal his right hand and transform into a multi-eyed Yaoguai to teach Orochimaru a lesson. However, he remembered that he needed Orochimaru to balance the two powers within him, so he forced himself to endure by taking deep breaths.

Although he knew Danzo wished he could eat his flesh raw, Orochimaru felt no concern. Danzo, to prevent his subordinates from betraying him, subjected them to a rotation of various sealing jutsu and brainwashing training.

The only result of such training was mindless death warriors. Scientific experiments required flashes of inspiration, and even if his experimental data were placed before Danzo, he would only be able to imitate it superficially.

Just as Danzo was about to question him, Orochimaru tossed a thick scroll over. As it was about to hit him, it was caught by a short, white-haired ninja.

Orochimaru glanced at the short ninja, then looked directly at Danzo and said, "The method described within can balance the two powers within you."

"However," Orochimaru looked at him with ill intent, his long tongue licking his lips, "after the first use, there will be an adaptation period of about half a month where you won't be able to engage in strenuous activity. Dare to try?"

"Hmph! Orochimaru, I've faced countless difficult situations in my life. You don't need to scare me."

"That's right, your disciple was attacked by my people. It's also a warning to you about respecting your elders," Danzo said defiantly, but he still had someone beside him put the scroll away and find a test subject first.

Seeing this, Orochimaru knew his plan had succeeded. Shimura Danzō would be unable to cause trouble for at least a month, and he had fulfilled his promise to the Third Hokage.

"Advisor Danzo, since that's the case, shouldn't I receive the materials I need?" Looking at Orochimaru's half-smiling expression, Danzo thought of Orochimaru's current status in Konoha.

If that weakling Hiruzen were to meet with misfortune this time, this viper would be his greatest rival for the position of Hokage.

"In three days, what you need will be delivered on time," Danzo said, then turned and left with a few confidants. Seeing Danzo agree so readily, Orochimaru couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

Walking down a corridor that resembled a sewer, Danzo suddenly stopped. "Capture some of those who oppose me in Konoha Village and send them to Orochimaru. There are plenty of test subjects, it just depends if you have the teeth for it."

"As you command!"

A response came from somewhere in the darkness, and then there was no further sound.

"Run, run quickly, leave the Land of Water, don't trust anyone."

"Kill him, kill this monster, kill!"

"No, don't kill me, ah!"

With a startled cry, Haku, who had been lying on the back of a Kirigakure ninja, suddenly woke up. Before he could react, a warm hand gently touched his forehead.

"Good, no fever. Little sister, what's your name?"

Haku, regaining consciousness, looked at the messy surroundings and then at the gentle face he had seen before falling unconscious. He said softly, "Sister, my name is Haku."

Looking at the somewhat frail Haku before her, Mei Terumi felt a surge of pity. "My name is Mei Terumi. You can call me Sister Mei from now on. Don't worry, you won't be wandering anymore."

"Sister Mei?"

"Yes, what is it, Haku?"

"I'm a boy."

"Ha!" Not only Mei Terumi, but even the other Kirigakure ninja beside them looked astonished. These Jonin had all been fooled.