Konoha
An underground base outside the village
Hiruko sat in the base's lounge, eyes closed as he rested and waited patiently.
Footsteps echoed down the corridor. Whoever was coming walked at an unhurried pace, their calm evident in every step.
A young man in a black robe and a purple open-front jacket pushed open the door and walked in.
Hiruko looked at the man before him and broke into a scientist's chilling grin.
"Lord Naraku, I came as promised. Let's get started. Where are the materials?"
When Naraku had told him to return and continue the experiments, Hiruko had hesitated. The Chimera Technique had already succeeded, so there was no need for him to return to Konoha.
Besides, Uchiha Naraku was cunning and powerful, with many formidable ninja under his command. He was an extremely dangerous man.
At first, when Hiruko saw that Naraku had really summoned him, he hadn't wanted to return. But his craving for the First Hokage's power made it impossible for him to pass up this opportunity.
Wood Release—the power with which the First Hokage had brought an end to the era of chaos. Hiruko couldn't stop thinking about it. He had wavered for two full days, but Naraku had kept his word last time, which had earned him some trust.
In the end, he decided to return and take a gamble for the power that could bring peace to the world. Once he'd made up his mind, he hurried back to the Land of Fire and got in touch with Uchiha Naraku.
It was just as the saying went: people died for wealth, and birds died for food.
"Haha, Hiruko, this impatience doesn't suit you."
After Naraku had released Hiruko last time, he'd been free to go wherever he wanted, yet he'd still returned to