Damn It, This Works Too?!

Orochimaru and Uchiha Obito were very alike.

They were both treasures from head to toe!

Orochimaru was a true "treasure from head to toe," while Orochimaru's value was reflected in his knowledge.

"Cloning technology, cell transplantation technology, and research materials on Curse Marks..."

Feeling the information emerge in his mind, Hyuga Makoto couldn't help but smile.

There was no need to mention Sealing Jutsu. These were genuine technological breakthroughs with a ruthless edge.

Not only did they cover every technology he had envisioned needing, but they even came with information on Curse Marks!

"This thing is Artificial Sage Mode..."

Although he didn't know why Orochimaru couldn't practice Sage Mode, Orochimaru had been researching it all along.

Especially after developing Curse Marks through Jugo, he had conducted an in-depth study and analysis of Natural Energy!

No wonder Mitsuki would know Sage Mode in the future...

Hyuga Makoto knew how powerful Sage Mode was, and he also thought of something else.

Could Otsutsuki Hamura also have reached the next stage through the power of nature?

In his memories, when the Sage of Six Paths went to Mount Myōboku to train, Otsutsuki Hamura had already been controlled and left idle.

After the Sage of Six Paths returned, he easily took him down!

If not for Mount Myōboku's "Talisman of the Sage," the Hyuga Clan probably wouldn't have had anything to do with it.

But after recovering, he had strength close to that of his elder brother, and together they sealed Kaguya. In that case...

Hyuga Makoto found it hard not to suspect that the Natural Energy contained within the "Talisman of the Sage" had been absorbed by him, causing such a change!

"If that's really the case, Natural Energy might help me even more."

Hyuga Makoto's eyes glowed faintly. After all, he was the "most standard Moon Ōtsutsuki."

Besides, he had always wanted to remove the word "Moon." A true Otsutsuki couldn't do without Natural Energy!

"The Ten-Tails itself belongs to nature..."

With that thought, Hyuga Makoto stopped worrying about the other troublesome matters and began concentrating on studying Orochimaru's materials.

The materials contained no method of training, but at least they would let him understand the Natural Energy of this world!

At the same time, while he was studying, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other three began a meeting in the office inside the Hokage Office Building.

"That's roughly what happened. What are your opinions?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly with his pipe clenched between his teeth, while Danzo and the other two exchanged glances.

They truly hadn't expected Kakashi's Squad to be so unlucky...

Even more unexpected was that Hyuga Makoto had discovered such serious problems with Orochimaru!

"I don't know the exact situation either."

Danzo finally spoke slowly after a long silence, though he felt quite troubled inside.

He had always been in contact with Orochimaru, but he truly had no idea what Orochimaru had been doing behind the scenes.

Orochimaru hadn't told him anything!

If he investigated Orochimaru now and actually found something...

At that thought, Danzo's expression suddenly turned solemn.

"However, Hiruzen, although Orochimaru is troublesome, I think we should focus our efforts on the Uchiha for now!"

"Indeed. Recently, the villagers have been filing more and more complaints against the Police Department, and their gatherings have also become increasingly frequent."

After thinking it over, Mitokado Homura nodded, but Utatane Koharu had a different opinion.

"But Orochimaru's problems are also very serious. If he truly has ulterior motives, the harm he poses to Konoha will only be greater than that of the Uchiha."

"That's right. Besides, I've said it before: the Uchiha are comrades, not enemies."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was extremely serious.

"At least they aren't enemies yet. Besides, I've already made some arrangements."

"Arrangements?"

Danzo was somewhat shocked. How did he not know about this?

"When did that happen?"

"I just started working on it. I'll tell you if anything changes later."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to say more. He was more concerned about Orochimaru.

"Danzo, I want you to investigate Orochimaru thoroughly. He's too dangerous."

"But the Uchiha problem is becoming more and more serious. You..."

Danzo was clearly dissatisfied, but Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him.

"Danzo, don't treat everyone with hostility because of one surname."

"But their actions don't look anything like those of comrades. What you should do is carry out our teacher's will!"

"Our teacher never intended to isolate them. He was considering Various Clans. Don't forget Kagami Uchiha."

"Of course I haven't forgotten. His ocular jutsu helped me before, but not everyone is Kagami!"

"Enough, Danzo. I'm the Hokage!"

Looking at Danzo's expression, as if he were saying, "I'm the one who's right," Hiruzen Sarutobi was truly angered.

Moreover, he realized that Danzo seemed to have led him off track.

They had clearly been discussing Orochimaru, so how had the conversation turned to the Uchiha again?

Seeing Danzo's lips tremble as if he wanted to say something, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately spoke first.

"I order you to investigate the Black Market immediately, especially anyone wearing Black Cloaks with Red Clouds. Understood?"

Danzo's words, "You'll regret this," had yet to leave his mouth before he forcibly swallowed them back down.

He was furious as well, but back then, he had simply been one second too late.

One second!

"Hmph. I understand. I'll do as you say."

This scene made Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura shake their heads.

Even though they had seen it many times, it somehow felt fresh every time...

"Good. I believe you'll do it well."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's mood finally improved somewhat. Although Danzo always opposed him, his abilities were beyond question.

However, he didn't adjourn the meeting. He still had other matters to discuss.

"Now, shall we move on to the next topic?"

"Hmph."

Danzo snorted coldly, leaving Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura somewhat puzzled.

"Third Hokage, is there something else?"

"It concerns Ao."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly spoke with his pipe clenched between his teeth.

"He was killed by Makoto, and the Byakugan also needs to be returned. However, I think we can do more."

"Do more? You mean..."

Mitokado Homura instantly realized what he meant, while Utatane Koharu also asked thoughtfully,

"Third Hokage, are you thinking of telling the Hyuga about this?"

"That's right. After all, this was Makoto's achievement. It's what he deserves. Besides..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, then turned his head and looked in the direction of the Hyuga Clan.

"They also suppressed the information. However, this violates Anbu regulations, so I wanted to discuss it with you."

"This..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's words immediately energized all three of them.

Anbu missions were indeed strictly confidential, but they were the ones who had established the rules!

And in Ao's case, there was truly a lot of room for maneuver.

"Principally, I have no objections. Hyuga Makoto displayed both courage and intelligence this time and deserves a reward."

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses, while Utatane Koharu also sat up straight.

"I read the report. Kakashi's evaluation of him was, 'Although he lacks experience, his strength is already no weaker than my own.'"

"Besides, announcing it under the pretext of Ao would be perfectly reasonable, and the Hyuga wouldn't be so unreasonable as to object."

Although Danzo was displeased, he rubbed his chin as well.

"Besides, the Main Branch has very few members. They're different from the Uchiha, so we don't need to worry about them causing trouble."

Although the Hyuga placed their clan's interests above those of the village, they really were different from the Uchiha!

Their foundation was "supporting the Hokage," although they didn't care who the Hokage was...

Moreover, the conflict between the Main Branch and the Branch Family was right there, while the Main Branch had very few members.

If not for the Caged Bird, they might have already started a civil war!

The opening created by Hyuga Makoto had already been made. It was only natural for them to push a little harder.

Even considering the worst possible outcome, if the Main Branch wanted to become rebels, the Branch Family would join them for the sake of their own lives and the fate of their descendants? That would be absurd!

"So, I support you."

Danzo spoke solemnly. His answer immediately made Hiruzen Sarutobi smile, but Danzo's next words caused his expression to stiffen.

"With more Byakugan, we can also deal with the Uchiha more effectively!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his brows painfully. Although they had reached a consensus on the matter,

his old friend's attitude toward the Uchiha truly exhausted him...

Just as their meeting was about to end, Hyuga Makoto slowly opened his eyes inside the room.

His expression was somewhat dazed, and the corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.

"Damn it, this works too?!"