A, Don't You Dare Oppose Konoha!

In Konoha, Tsunade glanced at her reunion with Rasa, a smile on her face.

"Kazekage, there's a collaboration I'd like to work on together."

What kind of cooperation?

Rasa couldn't help but be curious.

He had already agreed to the previous cooperation in his heart, and secretly dispatched his Anbu to the village to have the elders meet with the Feudal Lord to discuss it.

If the Feudal Lord agrees, he can give the mine to Konoha in exchange for this other kind of Puppet Technique.

Tsunade has known her own personality for so many years, and she also knows that the ninja village does not have the power to monopolize resources.

She probably didn't come for that reason.

Tsunade laughed and said, "Both of our countries are by the sea. Many nobles in the Land of Wind have caravans that sail south across the sea. They must have quite a few conflicts with the Land of Water, right?"

Rasa glanced up, then remained silent.

Isn't this a rhetorical question?

With Konoha's intelligence network, surely they know that Sunagakure and Kirigakure have been fighting for many years, and that part of the reason they sent Pakura away was to ease tensions with Kirigakure and form an alliance.

but.

This matter will not be brought up again now.

He thought about it for a moment, figuring that Tsunade probably wouldn't hold a grudge, and that cooperation was just a formality...

Rasa's eyes suddenly lit up.

"You're going to open a sea route?"

"The Land of Sea to the south hired a group of ninjas from Kirigakure. You previously wanted to seize the interests in that area, am I right?"

Tsunade countered with a question.

Rasa nodded. "Mm."

"Actually, the Land of Sea's location will definitely be much stronger than the Land of Water's in the future. We should strike first and seize its territory!"

Tsunade's tone was firm.

Rasa's heart stirred, and he looked at the map beside him, then seemed puzzled.

Why did the Hokage believe the Land of Sea had more potential?

"Because there are many alternative places to settle in the Land of Water, but previously they were the safest. However, there is only one place like the Land of Sea."

Tsunade smiled.

Rasa's gaze swept over the area, and then his expression immediately turned serious.

really.

In the short term, the geographical location of the Land of Sea is indeed inferior to that of the Land of Water, but in the long run...

As ships become more powerful and faster, the Land of Sea will become increasingly popular, leaving the Land of Water in an awkward position.

The islands there are so densely packed that resources can be replenished anywhere.

He was tempted.

"Our two companies form an alliance?"

"Yes, if they form a three-way alliance, then of course we can form a two-way alliance as well."

Tsunade nodded.

She gave a cold laugh.

"Our Hidden Konoha has always been allied with Kushina Kumogakure, but they're always trying to profit from us. They even tried to capture Konoha before..."

Tsunade speaking, she leaned back, her smile fading slightly.

"So, their Killer B and Gyuki are now guests in our Konoha."

Eight-Tails Gyuki.

Tsunade had mentioned this before.

However, he was genuinely unaware that Kushina had been arrested.

So there are so many grudges between Konoha and Kumogakure, no wonder they showed no mercy.

This would make Sunagakure safer, and they wouldn't have to worry about being replaced by Konoha in the short term.

Rasa secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and then pondered for a long time.

The Land of Sea.

He rubbed his temples. "It's not easy. The Land of Sea is officially hired; attacking the Mist Village there is equivalent to attacking the Land of Sea."

"Rasa, why are you so inflexible? Who gave you permission to attack them?"

Tsunade was somewhat disappointed in him.

Rasa asked, puzzled, "Then..."

"Attack merchant ships! Isn't that what they do? Look, even you Sunagakure are involved."

Tsunade tossed the scroll to Rasa.

This was the intelligence she had Kyohiko pick out, related to the raids on the Land of Wind's caravans.

After reading it, Rasa's forehead veins bulged.

One or two servings may not seem like much, but when put together, they can raise your blood pressure.

He took several deep breaths.

"Calm down, we in Konoha have more than you do."

Tsunade smiled.

Rasa slammed the scroll on the table and snorted coldly, "If they can do it, of course we can too."

He understood Tsunade meant.

If these people can break the rules, then they don't need to follow them.

but.

Judging from Tsunade's words...

Clearly, they're not going to play at home; they're going to play outside.

Rasa was also intelligent.

He quickly realized the advantages: broken bottles and jars were his own, so he wouldn't feel bad about them, and it might even force some caravans that preferred safety to take other trade routes.

This gave them an opportunity.

for example--

Shipping routes along the coast of the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire.

If we can cause trouble and make the Land of Sea lose faith in Kirigakure, that would be even better. Once they settle in the Land of Sea, we can withdraw the pirates...

Rasa's eyes darted around.

What a profitable deal!

"We can't beat them in the north, so we'll attack the south. Two against one Kirigakure, and it'll be a piece of cake!"

Tsunade's tone was indifferent.

The rules of war in the Shinobi World are simple: either the majority fights the minority, or the strong bully the weak.

In this southern region, compared to Kirigakure, they have more people and both villages are stronger, so they would definitely come out on top in a fight.

Upon realizing this, Rasa's mind cleared, and he suddenly felt a sense of vastness and openness.

Previously, he felt that his subservience was the most shameful Kazekage a Kazekage in the history of Sunagakure, but now he feels...

Who knows, Sunagakure might even expand!

Can cooperation be called groveling?

He laughed and said, "It's a deal!"

Intelligence was transmitted very quickly.

In the southern part of the Land of Fire, several ships set sail. On one of the ships, a burly middle-aged man wearing an eye patch and exuding a fierce and imposing aura sat in a chair.

"Kosuke..."

"Um?"

The burly man glared at the other man.

They fell silent for a moment, then changed their tune. "Takimizu, isn't your attire a bit too avant-garde?"

Kosuke sighed.

He didn't want to, but in order to appear more like a pirate, he had no choice but to make use of his advantages.

The eyes are its biggest advantage.

He paused for a few seconds, then shouted, "We wandering ninjas make a living by robbing, but we're a bit short-handed right now. Let's go to sea and capture a bunch first."

They're definitely not professional pirates.

so.

First, we need to capture a group of real pirates.

Maruboshi Kosuke sat on the pirate chair and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Having been a ninja for thirty or forty years, he was suddenly forced to become a pirate, and he was quite unaccustomed to it.

That Kyohiko Yoshimine!

What a tragedy!

How could I have ever thought he resembled Second Hokage?

No wonder he went blind in one eye!

Maruboshi Kosuke berated himself, but after a few seconds, he thought about it again and fell silent.

If the Second Hokage were to be resurrected, he would probably do the same.

"The Land of Sea? What would I do with a base there?"

Orochimaru's tone was indifferent.

He's in Konoha, with countless experiments to do; where would he find the time to travel elsewhere?

Kyohiko explained.

"Some things in the sea are also worth studying, and besides, the Land of Sea has a very good geographical location."

"That's true."

Orochimaru nodded in agreement.

He understood Kyohiko's thoughts.

However, Orochimaru really didn't want to move.

After pondering for a moment, he gradually came to his senses and looked at another person in the research institute.

"Let him go instead."

Kazuma.

This guy is a bit ambitious, but quite talented. Over the years, following Orochimaru and being trained by him, he has become increasingly clever and quick-witted.

However, since his former Teacher was a spy, he could hardly gain much trust even if he worked under him now.

Even Kyohiko didn't believe him.

Orochimaru chuckled, "This guy is interesting. And now that my Curse Mark has made progress, I'm not worried about him disobeying."

"That's fine, it's just reserving a spot anyway, but it would be best to keep those secrets under wraps."

Kyohiko pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.

Don't worry.

Orochimaru nodded.

The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.

He also knew this technique, and had already used it on Kazuma to prevent the kid from revealing his research.

Therefore, he has to update it every now and then, which is very troublesome.

but.

Kazuma is a good fit and a valuable asset. Orochimaru is currently short of manpower, so why would he kill him?

He walked into the base.

"Kazuma, you must really want to go out, right?"

"Lord Orochimaru, I absolutely have no such thoughts!"

Kazuma was horrified upon hearing this, wondering if he had done something wrong that Orochimaru wanted to kill him to silence him.

From the moment he stepped inside, he knew he wouldn't be able to get out.

The only way out is to get out lying down.

When he first arrived, Kazuma still had the resolve to die, but now, he has gradually lost that spirit.

On the contrary, it's actually quite good to follow Orochimaru in doing experiments and research. The so-called "jade" and "orthodoxy" of the past seem really foolish to him now.

That was clearly a brainwashing technique used on him by his spy Teacher.

Kazuma hurriedly pledged their loyalty.

Orochimaru grinned but did not stop him.

After several seconds, he finally said, "Alright, I enjoy listening to your nonsense, but we have serious business to attend to today."

"Please give your instructions!"

Kazuma immediately lowered his head, showing utmost respect.

Orochimaru said, "I want you to go to the Land of Sea and establish a secret base."

"One of my subordinates?"

Kazuma was stunned for a long time.

"You have as much knowledge as me, isn't that enough?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go immediately!"

Kazuma quickly woke up.

really.

He possesses the knowledge Orochimaru taught him over many years and has mastered far more Ninjutsu than he did back then. Although his current strength is unclear,...

This is more than enough for a small Land of Sea.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a slight smile.

"Before that, I have a gift for you."

"Varied..."

Kazuma Gang responded and looked up. In a flash, Orochimaru stretched out his neck and darted to his neck like a snake.

One bite!

A sharp pain shot through me.

He forced himself not to scream, while the Monkey around him chattered and jumped around, clearly terrified.

A Curse Mark appeared on the Kazuma's neck.

When Orochimaru pulled out his teeth, Kazuma instantly collapsed to the ground, his forehead covered in cold sweat.

Orochimaru smiled and said, "This thing can help you in crucial moments, but it can only be used once."

"What will happen after you use it?"

The Kazuma's mouth was dry.

Orochimaru smirked slightly. "Not so great. I'll come to your rescue."

Kazuma breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, his pupils contracted, and he quickly realized—

This is more terrifying than death!

This means that this Curse Mark not only contains Orochimaru's techniques, but also seals one of Orochimaru's clones.

If he were to betray him, Orochimaru could take his life at any time.

He felt both fear and respect.

Perhaps Kyohiko is stronger, but Orochimaru's methods are too bizarre in Kazuma's eyes, and his various forbidden techniques inspire awe.

His bowed head became even more respectful.

"Your subordinate will certainly not disappoint Lord Orochimaru!"

"Come with me."

Orochimaru led him outside.

Upon exiting the building, Kazuma saw Kyohiko Yoshimine, who slightly raised his head, his eyes revealing a fighting spirit.

Over the years, he has learned a lot from Orochimaru and is much stronger than he was back then!

Kyohiko glanced at it and asked, "Where are we taking him?"

"It's near the south, and then he'll go to the Land of Sea on his own."

Orochimaru laughed.

Kyohiko nodded and placed his hand directly on Kazuma.

Kazuma Orochimaru in front, Kazuma dared not resist.

As he was pondering this, the space before him shifted, and in an instant—

We came to a cliff from the forest.

This is?

He looked outside; the sea roared, and a fishy wind brushed against his face.

seaside?

Kazuma was stunned.

What kind of power could have transported him directly from Konoha to the seaside...?

Could one person's Chakra alone achieve such a terrifying Flying Thunder God teleportation?

His gaze was vacant as he looked around.

Can.

As it turns out, this was not an illusion.

Real!

Just how powerful is Kyohiko Yoshimine?

Kazuma muttered to himself.

He believed that although Kyohiko had made progress over the years, he had made even greater progress by following Orochimaru.

but.

Upon seeing this technique, he realized that he was no match for Kyohiko.

even.

The other party should be able to kill him easily!

It's hard to accept, but it's very likely the truth.

Kazuma fell silent.

He walked along the coast, looking for boats or houses, and trying to gather information.

result.

He found a town and learned that it was located in the southern part of the Land of Rivers, where many wandering ninjas gathered.

He learned a lot from them Kazuma.

for example.

Even the wandering ninja knew the name Kyohiko Yoshimine.

The opponent's strength is comparable to that of Hashirama Senju, and everyone believes that he can inherit the title of God of Shinobi.

God of Shinobi.

This was a title that Kazuma wouldn't dare dream of at night, yet Kyohiko Yoshimine had already gained recognition from many people...

He understood that the gap between them was as vast as heaven and earth, and they were no longer comparable.

The other party may have noticed your hostility, but they may not care.

after all--

Who would notice someone so much weaker than themselves?

Kazuma remained silent.

Losing to someone like that is not shameful at all.

He sighed deeply, resigning himself to his fate.

At this moment, the Third Raikage was traveling towards Konoha with Minato and the others.

He was very eager to bring Killer B back.

after all.

The longer Killer B stays in Konoha, the greater the chance that something will be discovered about him, perhaps even --

Whether the Eight-Tails Gyuki can be saved is also unknown.

Minato Namikaze is too powerful.

The Third Raikage had a vague sense of foreboding.

I may not get everything I want on this trip.

Maybe...

It's very likely that we won't be able to bring all Eight-Tails Gyuki back.

This is the price they, the Kumogakure, have to pay.

"Father, is something on your mind?"

"Nothing."

The Third Raikage shook his head.

After a long silence, he sighed, "Ai, if my generation fails, you must never oppose Konoha again. They are too strong!"