The Kusanagi Sword and the Sky Tachi

"My lord, news has arrived from the Land of Waves."

"Dead?"

Danzo glanced up.

Yamanaka Itsuki nodded. "Yes, sir, but our men only saw an explosion and didn't know the specifics. When they went to check afterwards, the area below was completely destroyed."

"It must be the work of Hiruko."

Danzo answered calmly.

He knew Hiruko all too well; that guy was arrogant, yet he hated those more talented than him, and in the end, he certainly wouldn't leave anything to Konoha.

The Yamanaka Itsuki did not answer.

Danzo pondered for a moment, then said, "Hiruko dead, so our actions that day were likely also within Konoha's surveillance range..."

The Yamanaka Itsuki shook its head.

"Your subordinate did not detect any enemy movements that day."

"This is none of your business. Kyohiko Yoshimine's methods are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. If he doesn't want us to know his location, even your clan's secret techniques won't work."

Danzo's expression was solemn.

He never underestimated Kyohiko's abilities, especially after his Shadow Clone was easily defeated by the opponent last time.

Although Shadow Clone and the original body are different, but...

This also proves that the other party has already developed the ability to threaten him, which is why Danzo urgently needs to improve his own strength.

Unfortunately.

Hiruko died just like that!

"That idiot!"

Danzo snorted coldly.

Although he had a premonition that Hiruko die, he still couldn't help but curse when he actually received the news.

If Hiruko could cooperate with him obediently like Orochimaru did before...

Danzo sighed regretfully.

In the past, Orochimaru was basically indifferent to everything except the requirements for his experimental subjects.

Unfortunately, Orochimaru betrayed him!

A hint of hatred flashed in his eyes.

If it weren't for Orochimaru, he wouldn't be in this predicament today.

"There's no need to follow up on Hiruko's matter anymore. That brat is even more outrageous than Orochimaru; he'll take everything he can, leaving nothing for us."

Danzo said calmly.

The Yamanaka Itsuki nodded and then retreated.

Leave Feudal Lord's Mansion.

After a long while, a passing bird, carrying a small bag in its beak, took flight from an alley and flew away into the distance.

Two days later, Konoha Hospital was completely busy, and even Kyohiko had to take time off from his work in the Anbu to help them recover their memories and emotions.

but.

On the side of the Anbu, there's usually Gekko Shusaku, and occasionally Sarutobi Shinnosuke will come to help out, so Kyohiko doesn't actually have much work to do.

In comparison, Minato Namikaze has been busier lately.

Although he didn't lead the team, the effectiveness of the Flying Raijin Formation Technique was fully demonstrated in the battle against Hiruko.

He needs to fully summarize and write down the Flying Raijin Formation, and ideally, make it widely applicable, at least—

Tsunade's bodyguards must be proficient in the Flying Raijin Formation Technique to ensure the Hokage's safety.

certainly.

Besides Minato Namikaze, Kyohiko would sometimes help with guidance as well.

Especially after the intelligence network was established, and with nothing major happening in the Shinobi World, the Anbu Captain didn't have much work to do.

[Under your leadership and participation, the Flying Raijin Formation Technique was promoted.]

[Reward: Upgrade to Flying Raijin Formation Technique]

[Under your guidance...]

These rewards are the ones Kyohiko received over the past few months.

Now, his Flying Raijin Formation has reached the master level.

The Flying Thunder God Technique benefited from this, advancing to the "Mastery" level. In addition, techniques like Water Dragon Bullet and Willow also saw improvements.

only.

Improving ordinary Ninjutsu is no longer of much use to Kyohiko; he is more concerned with improving his ability to Smoke Transformation and his physical body.

He has now developed Smoke Transformation to the point of "mastery".

On one hand, it's the improvement from its own development; on the other hand, it's the benefits derived from the Iburi Clan settling down and establishing themselves in Konoha, gradually becoming bound to them.

The Iburi Clan, now improved by Orochimaru's Curse Mark, has gradually gained a more stable ability to Smoke Transformation, and their numbers within the Anbu are increasing.

so.

The current intelligence network is quite comprehensive.

Ordinary ninjas were responsible for simpler intelligence work, while the more difficult infiltration work was mostly carried out by the Iburi Clan.

Gekko Shusaku was under immense pressure.

result.

After the Iburi Clan began to exert their influence, he discovered that intelligence work could actually be quite simple!

also--

During this period, the rewards from Kyohiko's previous bloodline enhancement gradually became apparent.

His physique and bones have grown rapidly, but he hasn't made many moves recently, so not many people have noticed the change in his strength.

but.

There was one exception.

"Kyohiko, your body has gotten even stronger in just one month!"

Orochimaru licked his lips.

"The more you eat, the more you grow."

Kyohiko answered naturally.

At his age, he's in a period of rapid physical development, so it's normal for his physique and physical constitution to improve.

Orochimaru said with envy, "Confined to their own bodies and bloodlines, many ninjas, despite having many ideas, find it difficult to make progress."

"For example, Hiruko?"

"Yes, he's a good example, and so am I."

Orochimaru chuckled lightly, "With my abilities, to advance further, I'd need to consider bloodline research and fusion. As for Sage Mode..."

He sighed softly.

There's no hope for Ryūchi Cave.

Orochimaru didn't elaborate, but Kyohiko knew that he had left Konoha for a period of time in the past few months and had asked him not to reveal it.

They most likely went to Ryūchi Cave.

"In short, a physique like yours is extremely rare even within the Senju Clan. Kyohiko, you must make the most of it!"

Orochimaru was unusually serious.

Kyohiko nodded. "Definitely, even now, I haven't lowered my standards for myself."

Orochimaru smiled.

Then he took out a scroll and threw it at him.

"It was your birthday a few months ago. I didn't have anything to give you. I asked you to come out and see me. Of course, if you can't come out... then never mind."

At this point, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Kyohiko opened it and took a look.

The Sealing Scroll contains a rather complex Sealing Technique technique.

A few months ago, he might not have been able to undo it, but recently, he had studied Sealing Technique, and the improvements to the Flying Raijin Formation and Flying Thunder God had also brought him some knowledge of Sealing Technique.

The Sealing Technique before him was very simple for him now!

Decode.

Two knives appeared.

One is Double-Edged Kusanagi Sword, and the other is Single-Edged Kusanagi Sword.

These two...

Weren't they the two Kusanagi Sword that Orochimaru later obtained?

Kyohiko looked up at Orochimaru with some surprise.

"Give me both?"

"They're useless to me, as for the other one..."

Orochimaru, engrossed in his research, calmly replied, "When can I see the information you got from Hiruko?"

Previously, he was preoccupied with Ryūchi Cave and didn't pay much attention to the research on Hiruko.

but.

After returning from Ryūchi Cave, the path of immortals was effectively severed.

Orochimaru's mind started working again.

You need to find my sister.

Kyohiko immediately shifted the blame.

Orochimaru scoffed, "Looking for her? Do you think I'm asking for a beating?"

He coughed lightly.

"Aren't you satisfied with these two knives?"

"Neither of my two attempts were effective."

Kyohiko glanced at it.

but.

He thought about it and realized that there was no harm in saying some things. With Orochimaru's abilities, if he really wanted to study Tsunade, there was nothing he could do to stop him.

"Actually, I've glanced at Hiruko's research a few times, and it's nothing special. Before his death, he showed initial signs of bodily decay..."

Kyohiko described the situation of Hiruko at that time.

And, the future state of Hiruko.

"Based on my prediction, Hiruko the fourth Kekkei Genkai, his physical condition will further deteriorate, until the fifth time..."

Kyohiko smiled. "Although Hiruko very confident, writing in his plan that he can achieve immortality after the fifth time, I'm not optimistic."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.

When it comes to immortality, he has more authority than anyone else.

"This ability certainly can't achieve immortality. Or perhaps, he needs a special ritual to help him fully fuse his Kekkei Genkai in order to complete a new evolution."

Orochimaru squinted.

Even if he didn't know the specifics of Hiruko's Hiruko -Chimera, the essence of everything was similar; Kekkei Genkai and Chimera were just like that.

After pondering for a long time, he said, "The conflict Kekkei Genkai will inevitably lead the body to develop in an unpredictable direction, and this development may even be malignant."

As for fusion...

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "I don't believe that immortality can be achieved solely through bloodline, and—"

He sought not just physical immortality, but immortality itself.

Based on Orochimaru's earlier speculation, even if such a fusion of Kekkei Genkai could achieve the "immortality" Hiruko by Hiruko, it would likely come at a great cost.

It certainly can't last long in terms of the soul.

After all, energy is limited; without external replenishment, how can one achieve immortality?

Orochimaru shook his head. "It's not worth considering. This kind of thing should be sealed away to prevent it from harming others."

Kyohiko's lips twitched slightly.

"It's truly rare to hear such words from you."

"Heh, I know that forbidden techniques cannot be abused indiscriminately."

Orochimaru chuckled softly.

However, knowing something is one thing, but being able to do it is another matter entirely.

He was silent for a few seconds, then waved his hand.

"If you're not going to help me with my research, then take the sword and leave. I need to continue my research on Kekkei Genkai."

"Tsk, the art of Smoke Transformation..."

"You know what, when you think about it carefully, this thing actually has some merit."

Orochimaru muttered to himself.

Kyohiko didn't bother him again.

Two Kusanagi Sword...

Even he was somewhat fond of such weapons, especially the one Orochimaru originally used.

Now, Orochimaru has given it to him directly.

This is something that can go toe-to-toe with the Golden Cudgel that the Enma transforms into!

Kyohiko drew his sword.

The wind howled as he carefully sensed the condition of the sword, and then gradually felt its difference.

This sword is infused with Chakra iron, and its length can be altered using Chakra.

In addition, there is--

Sky Tachi!

Call out!

With a sharp whistling sound, the sword shot out and embedded itself directly in a tree.

Fine sword!

Sky Tachi in combination with Flying Thunder God...

Kyohiko could already imagine many uses for it.

This thing might be better than Kunai.

This is really good stuff!

"With this sword, dealing with Danzo will be much easier."

Kyohiko put it away and took out another one.

Lightning Style enhancement.

The blade immediately changed!

This is also a characteristic of the Kusanagi Sword.

Each Kusanagi Sword has a special ability, and this one is enhanced with Lightning Style release, making it perfect for Kakashi.

Kakashi is, after all, one of his top generals. He has been on numerous missions and has accumulated a great deal of merit in recent months. The stronger Kakashi becomes, the less trouble he will have on his side.