An Unscathed Return
Konoha
An underground base outside the village
Naraku reviewing the various Wood Release experimental data records and Hiruko's personal speculations, Naraku felt they were quite reliable.
After submitting the experimental data, Hiruko continued:
"The three people survived, their physical condition is stable, and they have passed the critical period."
"Three out of thirty test subjects survived? Not bad, Hiruko."
"They are currently only alive and out of danger; further follow-up and monitoring are needed to obtain more specific data."
"Hmm, let's observe first."
Naraku didn't take Hiruko's words seriously. In his memory, Yamato Tenzo also gained Wood Release abilities after surviving.
The same experiment was conducted, but with fewer test subjects and a higher survival rate. In the second experiment, Hiruko had roughly figured out the pattern.
Of the three survivors, one is a child, one is a teenager, and one is an adult. The adult and the teenager both possess earth and water attributes, Hiruko is related to Chakra properties.
Regarding Hiruko's speculation, Naraku only knew that Wood Release seemed to be Kekkei Genkai combining Earth and Water attributes, and there were also rumors that Yang Release was added.
But no one can say for sure what the specifics are.
Some say it requires a balance of Yin Release, others say it requires the elements of Earth and Water, and still others believe it requires Yang Release.
Regardless of Hiruko's speculations, his three test subjects have already survived the terrifying devouring power of Wood Release. As long as the observations are accurate, it must be a success.
"Naraku, we don't have any Wood Release ninjutsu. I'm afraid we'll need you to find a solution."
Hiruko raised a practical problem.
Unlike the Third Hokage and Danzo, Naraku possessed the Scroll of Sealing, Scroll of Sealing contained numerous forbidden techniques and powerful Ninjutsu, including Wood Release Secret Technique.
Naraku really wants to see the Scroll of Sealing Konoha, but it's currently very difficult. He can only wait for an opportunity, or observe Konoha Scroll of Sealing Naraku using their Ninjutsu Wood Release then Sharingan.
Uchiha Madara, the ancestor of the First Hokage, fought with him for many years and was very familiar with Wood Release ninjutsu. After obtaining the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai, he was able to use it very easily.
In this era, Wood Release is practically extinct; even if Naraku wanted to copy it, there's nowhere to find it.
"Hmm, I'll figure out a way to use the Wood Release ninjutsu. As for these three, take them to Yuho City for training, observe them, and have them serve Yuho City."
"Yuho City?"
Hiruko asked, somewhat puzzled.
"The Yuho City is a Tea Hidden Village supported by the Daimyo of the Land of Tea, and it is an overseas stronghold of my Uchiha Clan."
Hiruko, if possible, I hope you will go to Yuho City develop your career and become Jonin or high-ranking member.
The ninja forces in Yuho City are at your command, Yuho City's finances offer you great convenience.
Even finding your Kekkei Genkai is something they can do. In exchange, you need to protect the peace of Yuho City."
Naraku slowly said that Naraku was truly reluctant to kill this talent who created Chimera and deciphered the secrets of Wood Release.
Naraku's original plan was that once the Wood Release problem was solved, Hiruko could die.
Hiruko ambitious and capable, and had even harbored inappropriate thoughts in the past. However, Naraku truly couldn't bear to kill such a talented researcher.
Even if Hiruko is a dangerous person, Naraku is confident that he can still control him as long as he pays the price and uses the right methods.
Just like the cooperation with Chimera and the Wood Release experiment, although there were some unpleasant things along the way, Naraku was arrogant enough to keep Hiruko.
Furthermore, they seized the final experimental results, further strengthening Naraku's power.
"Yes, if Yuho City can search for my Kekkei Genkai and support my experiments, I agree, Naraku!"
Hiruko heard about this good opportunity, he agreed without hesitation.
They'll send money and ninja troops, all they need to do is protect Yuho City when facing powerful enemies.
I should definitely accept such a good offer. If there is real danger and it is difficult to resist, am I, Hiruko, going to be foolish enough to fight to the death?
I suppose the Uchiha ninja forces are strong enough that I don't need to intervene. They're too powerful for me to handle, and my intervention might not even be effective, so I don't need to.
"What a free benefit!"
Hiruko understood the cause and effect almost instantly and raised both hands in agreement.
"Such an amazing scientist is worth paying a price for. Let's see if we can find a way to cooperate with another mad scientist, Orochimaru."
Naraku didn't think much of Hiruko's agreement; Hiruko, having successfully used the Chimera Technique, still possessed some fighting power.
Give him a ninja squad, give him money, give him everything he wants, and I don't believe he'll give up this privileged life of being a superior person.
Once he enjoys the power and status, let's see if he'll risk his life when Yuho City is in trouble.
Hiruko of her own self-interest, while Naraku used a perfectly legitimate and open strategy.
Konoha
Konoha Military Police Force Headquarters
"Naraku, this is a letter from the Barrier Team. Please take a look."
"Okay, sure."
After Naraku returned to the Security Department, Naraku's assistant, Uchiha Yakumi, selected some important matters to report to Naraku.
Naraku returned to Konoha last night and came to the Security Department headquarters during the day to handle the Military Police Force' work as usual.
Back in Konoha's Naraku, all was calm and uneventful. There was only a letter signed by the Third, a handover document between the Security Department and the Barrier Team.
Naraku picked up the letter and read it. After finishing the contents, he couldn't help but smile slightly.
The letter stated that the Barrier Team had been adjusted as scheduled, the fifteen weak points had been optimized, and there was no longer a need for the Military Police Force to protect them.
After the barrier was updated, there are only three weak points, which can be easily guarded by three security teams dispatched by the Security Department.
The guards who were dismissed from the weak points of the barrier were reassigned by the Security Department without any pay cuts or reductions in their funding.
"The Third Hokage's intention in adjusting the Barrier Team was probably to let him know if I wanted to leave the village, so I wouldn't sneak out anymore. Heh, how could that be?"
Naraku sneered inwardly. If Naraku's travels revealed the entire Third Hokage Faction's secrets, what could Naraku possibly do? Which secret base Naraku dare to go to?
As for the three weak points left in the barrier, Naraku estimated that there were Anbu guards stationed around them, or secretive Anbu monitoring them.
The original fifteen weak points of the barrier would have been impossible for the Anbu forces to monitor, but with only three weak points, the Anbu would have no problem.
As for the previous fierce battle with Root, it seemed as if it had never happened; the Third Hokage didn't send anyone to inquire, and Danzo didn't come to hold them accountable.
The Third Hokage didn't say much about Naraku's escape from Konoha, only issuing a notification regarding the update and adjustment of the Barrier Team system.
The Third Hokage's approach was more cautious, optimizing the Barrier Team and giving Naraku a slight tap. However, he still left three weak points.
In fact, Naraku breaking through the barrier and slipping out of Konoha was a way of giving face to the higher-ups.
Otherwise, even if Naraku brazenly leaves the perception barrier, Barrier Team senses it and reports it to the higher-ups, what can they do to Naraku?
Such a trivial matter, are you suggesting we should attack or kill the leader of the Uchiha? Not to mention the chaos that's erupting in the Shinobi World right now.
Even in peacetime, they wouldn't dare do anything to Naraku, the leader of the Uchiha Naraku something so trivial.
Naraku concealed his whereabouts because he feared that if they found out, they would target the Uchiha clan in Konoha, sowing discord or plotting conspiracies while Naraku was away.
If Naraku remain in Konoha, their actions would be impossible to succeed.