Final Preparations Before Advancement (Combined Chapter)

The Land of Snow.

Because it is separated from the Earth Country by a strait and is far from the center of the Ninja Continent, and because the country is covered in ice and snow all year round, no one pays any attention to it.

Even if one day a country possesses the power to unify the Shinobi World, countries like the Land of Snow and the Demon Country would probably be among the last to be conquered.

Because the Land of Snow is covered in permafrost, the country is ahead of other countries in the application and technological development of geothermal energy, and it can even be said that it is ahead of the times.

Anyway, Shiraha and Kushina lived in the Land of Snow for almost a year, and they didn't feel the cold at all while staying in the castle of the Daimyo of the Land of Snow.

After helping Miroku successfully seal the Mōryō in the Demon Country and receiving the ' Priestess's Blessing ', Shiraha originally wanted to stay for a while longer. However, considering that the matter of the 'child' was unclear, he took Kushina and went to the Land of Snow early.

After all, choosing a headquarters for an organization is a major decision that must be made as soon as possible.

Although the Land of Snow's economic level is not high, its technological development has truly impressed Shiraha.

The ninja villages in this country have actually developed a special Chakra Armor that can amplify a ninja's Chakra and enhance the power of Ninjutsu and Taijutsu.

Although the technology is not yet mature, its development prospects are very good.

However, the Kazahana Sōsetsu of the Land of Snow, Chakra Armor and leading the Land of Snow onto the path of domination, and repeatedly rejected the requests of the Snow Ninja Village leader Roga Nadare.

Of course, these things will not affect Shiraha and Kushina's life in the Land of Snow.

Even disregarding the fact that Shiraha is Orochimaru's disciple, his Medical Ninjutsu alone has earned him the respect of Kazahana Sōsetsu, who treats him as an honored guest, and he is also respected by the entire Snow Ninja Village.

After all, many of the illnesses that they considered difficult to treat were easily cured by Shiraha.

In terms of Medical Ninjutsu, it is no exaggeration to say that Snow Ninja Village is one or two decades behind Konoha.

The innermost room on the ground floor of the castle where the Daimyo of the Land of Snow resides has been transformed into a laboratory by Shiraha.

He set up a barrier in the room, so even if Sealing Jutsu surpassed his, it would be impossible for them to enter the barrier silently.

Moreover, there's also Kushina, whose perception is even stronger.

At this moment, Shiraha was conducting an experiment in the laboratory.

Two enormous Culture Dish stood in front of him, filled with solutions of different colors.

The one on the left is emerald green and looks crystal clear, just like jade.

The one on the right is scarlet, and there seems to be something alive wriggling in the solution, which looks very eerie.

Shiraha drew a solution from the Culture Dish and placed it in Test Tube. The data derived from the "Eye of Truth" and "Super Brain Deduction" then appeared.

[The bloodline purity of the Third Level creature "Divine Tree" was detected at 91%, with "Perfect" quality. After the main body absorbs it, the success rate of advancing to First-Level Warlock is 85%; the failure rate is 13%; the mutation rate is 2%. If the bloodline purity is increased to over 90%, the bloodline level will be raised to half- Fourth-Level. If the same source bloodline is supplemented, the bloodline level can be upgraded to Fourth-Level. ]

[The bloodline purity of the Third Level creature "White Phosphorus Serpent" was detected at 88%, with "Perfect" quality. After the main body absorbs it, the success rate of advancing to First-Level Warlock is 80%; the failure rate is 19%; the mutation rate is 1%; if the bloodline purity is increased to over 90%, the bloodline level will be increased to half- Fourth-Level; if the same source bloodline is supplemented, the bloodline level can be advanced to Fourth-Level. ]

[Simultaneously absorbing the bloodlines of the "White Phosphorus Serpent" and the "Divine Tree," the success rate of advancing the main body to the next level as a "Spirit Summoning Warlock" is 80%, with a failure rate of 16%; the mutation rate is 4%.]

[Super Radiation Creature Cell - Perfect Quality (3/3), Success Rate for Advancing to "Spirit Summoning Warlock" Level 1 +9%]

"The promotion success rate has reached 89%, nearly 90%, so there's almost no chance of any unexpected events. However..."

Shiraha thought to himself, wondering if it was because of the increase in Luck Value that the experiments over the past year had gone very smoothly. The purity of the "Divine Tree" bloodline had increased by another 1%, reaching the limit that Shiraha's experiments could achieve. Even "Super Brain Deduction" could not continue to deduce and improve it.

In addition, the bloodline purity of the "White Phosphorus Serpent" has also increased to 88%. However, the experimental progress has almost come to a standstill. This may be because the source of the White Snake Sage Immortal bloodline is only at the level of a peak Third Level creature. Despite numerous experiments, Shiraha has been unable to increase the bloodline purity by another 2% to reach 90%.

Despite having a level Fourth-Level bloodline plus a Third Level peak bloodline, the success rate of advancement was as high as 89%, which was already very good. However, Shiraha still felt that it was still a bit lacking.

According to the description of the "Spirit Summoning Warlock" profession, the fusion of two Third-Level Bloodline gives the practitioner the hope of breaking through the bloodline shackles and reaching Fourth-Level in the future.

However, it is clear that if the two semi- Fourth-Level bloodlines are fused, Shiraha will have a higher probability of breaking through the bloodline shackles and reaching the Fourth-Level, and it will be easier for him to break through.

The research on the two bloodlines alone has consumed an immeasurable amount of his energy. Making more preparations now could save him years, decades, or even hundreds of years in the future.

After all, it's only a 2% difference.

Of course, Shiraha wasn't planning to wait indefinitely.

According to Miroku, the child will be born in two years.

At that time, the Priestess's power will combine with his power as a sorcerer, and perhaps he will be able to explore the secrets of the Priestess's power.

If Shiraha hasn't broken through by then, there's an 89% chance he'll have to risk advancing himself.

At that moment, footsteps were heard, and the laboratory door was pushed open.

"Shiraha."

Kushina walked in.

Shiraha put down the Test Tube in his hand. Even Kushina wouldn't disturb him while he was conducting the experiment, which meant something important was happening.

"What's wrong?"

"Daimyo's younger brother Kazahana Dōtō, wants to see you."

"Kazahana Dōtō?" Shiraha frowned slightly. Compared to the Kazahana Sōsetsu, Kazahana Dōtō made no attempt to hide his ambition and had been trying to win over his subjects. Most importantly, he was also a ninja with considerable strength, probably at the level of Jōnin. It's not easy for a small country to produce Jōnin.

Shiraha just wants to conduct his experiments peacefully and doesn't want anyone to cause trouble.

"Let's go see him next door."

Shiraha walked out of the laboratory, wanting to see what Kazahana Dōtō was up to.

Kushina followed.

In the next room, Kazahana Dōtō was waiting, accompanied by three ninjas, one of whom was Roga Nadare, the leader of the Snow Ninja Village.

Upon seeing Shiraha and Kushina enter the room, Kazahana Dōtō quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Shiraha Yu, I'm sorry to have bothered you again."

As the younger brother of a daimyo and Jōnin himself, he treated Bai Shiraha, Chunin, with utmost respect and without the slightest negligence. Besides Shiraha's Medical Ninjutsu skills, the most crucial factor was his identity: a disciple of the Three Ninja, with the behemoth Konoha standing behind him.

Even though Konoha is currently under siege by the villages of Sunagakure and Iwagakure, it still shows no signs of weakness.

No one dares to underestimate Konoha, the overlord of the Shinobi World.

Of course, except for Shiraha.

Orochimaru has repeatedly conveyed the Third Hokage's message through his Contact Snake, urging Shiraha and Kushina to return to the village. Clearly, the battle situation is not as optimistic as outsiders imagine.

"Dotō Highness, you're too kind. I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll just ask directly. May I ask why you've come to see me? With such a grand entourage, Your Dotō, you're not inviting me to a banquet, are you?"

Shiraha said.

"Your Excellency Shiraha is too kind. Since you are being so direct, I will be frank as well. Some things may happen in the castle in the next couple of days, but they will absolutely not affect you two. So I hope that you two will not become our enemies."

The smile on Kazahana Dōtō's face faded, and he said with a serious expression.

"Are you planning a coup?!" Kushina realized.

"Kazahana Sōsetsu's thinking is too rigid. The Land of Snow will have no future if it continues like this. It's time to give the Land of Snow a more enlightened daimyo!" Roga Nadare, the leader of the Snow Ninja Village behind Kazahana Dōtō, said, "We don't need your help, but we also don't want you to help Kazahana Sōsetsu!"

Roga Nadare's tone carried a subtle threat.

Kushina narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint flashing in them, but Shiraha stopped her.

"That's easy to say. We just want to stay in the Land of Snow peacefully. After all, if we return to the village, we might be forced to participate in the Ninja World War."

Shiraha said with a smile.

"It is truly a pleasure to converse with such a clever person as Lord Shiraha. I thank you both for your cooperation." Kazahana Dōtō's face regained its smile, and he extended his hand to Shiraha.

After Shiraha shook hands with him, Kazahana Dōtō nodded slightly and left with three Snow Ninja.

"Shiraha, why?"

Kushina was about to ask a question, Shiraha raised his hand to stop her, saying, "Now you know why it's so difficult to rebuild the Land of Whirlpools the military and government are integrated, right?"

"This..." Kushina paused for a moment, then realized what she meant and nodded, saying, "It is indeed very easy for ninjas to rebel, especially in a remote place like the Land of Snow."

But should we really just sit idly by? That Kazahana Dōtō doesn't seem as easy to talk to His Highness Sōsetsu.

"Of course I have to get involved. While I admire ambitious people, I hate uncontrollable accidents. If the Land of Snow wants to forge a different path in the future, it does need to develop its economy and technology. The Chakra Armor is an excellent invention, but to think that it can leverage the dominance of the Great Nations is a pipe dream."

"Then what about us?" Kushina's eyes lit up.

"I've been very busy with experiments lately, so I'll leave this matter to you. I'm sure Lord Sōsetsu will be very grateful to you."

Shiraha said with a smile.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this," Kushina said confidently.

"Remember to keep things quiet."

"Knew!"

Two days later.

at night.

A fire broke out in the room on the top floor of the castle where Kazahana Sōsetsu was staying.

"Fire!"

"Quickly, put out the fire!"

"Lord Sōsetsu is trapped!"

The entire top floor of the castle was quickly engulfed in flames, making it impossible for ordinary people to approach.

At this moment, Kazahana Dōtō was still in Kazahana Sōsetsu's room.

"Brother, if you hand over the Hexagonal Crystal now, it's not too late. I can still help you escape from here. You can live as a wealthy merchant under an assumed name. I'll take good care of the Land of Snow. This is your last chance."

"Don't even think about it! I will not hand over the Land of Snow to someone like you!" Kazahana Sōsetsu resolutely refused.

"What a pity." Kazahana Dōtō narrowed his eyes.

"Father! Father!"

The door to the room was opened, Roga Nadare entered the room carrying a little girl who looked to be about three or four years old. The little girl struggled and cried.

"Xiaoxue?! Dotō, what are you doing?" When Kazahana Sōsetsu saw her daughter Kazahana Koyuki being captured, her face turned horrified, no longer showing the same fearless expression as before.

"You don't really think anyone would dare to tip you off beforehand, do you? Where exactly is the Hexagonal Crystal?" Kazahana Dōtō came up to Roga Nadare and gently grasped Kazahana Koyuki's neck.

"Zaoxue, I really want to spare your and Xiaoxue's lives, but if you don't speak up, don't blame me."

As she spoke, Kazahana Dōtō's hand slowly tightened.

"Dotō, stop!"

"What? Have you thought it through?"

"Even if you obtain the Hexagonal Crystal, it will be useless. The treasures of the Land of Snow are of no use to you!"

"Whether it's useful or not, we'll see after I get it. I'll count to three, and Xiaoxue's life will be over—"

Boom!

Before Kazahana Dōtō could finish his threatening words, he suddenly turned into a blur and flew away. The black Chakra Armor he was wearing instantly shattered into pieces, leaving only a large hole in the wall of the room before he was gone.

"What?!"

Roga Nadare was shocked; they hadn't even seen the attack before the Kazahana Dōtō vanished.

"It's you!?"

Looking at Kushina, whose body was filled with orange Chakra, Roga Nadare was horrified. He originally thought that Kushina was just an ordinary Genin of Konoha, but he did not expect that she was so powerful. Kazahana Dōtō, who was wearing the Black Dragon Armor, was even stronger than him, and her armor was shattered by her in one blow.

They're not even in the same league!

I should have known better than to threaten her just two days ago.

"Don't come any closer, or Princess Xiaoxue will..." Roga Nadare grabbed Kazahana Koyuki by the neck, trying to figure out how to escape successfully, but found that Kazahana Koyuki in his arms had suddenly disappeared.

The next second, behind Kushina, Mini Nine-Tails Fox about a meter tall, holding Kazahana Koyuki, said with a disdainful look, "Just to deal with a few weaklings, I have to refine so much Chakra, it's making me excited, and this is it!?"

"Us."

Boom!

Jōnin Roga Nadare and the two Jonin behind him could speak, the three of them were sent flying out of the large hole created by Kazahana Dōtō.

"Your His Highness Sōsetsu, are you alright?"

Kushina withdrew her fist and asked with a smile.

"Doggy! Doggy!" Startled and crying, Kazahana Koyuki reached out her little hand, hugged the Mini Nine-Tails's neck, and grabbed one of its ears.

"Huh?!" The Kurama fox's crimson pupils contracted, and like a cat with its fur standing on end, it extended its sharp claws from its paw pads, baring its teeth and revealing its ferocious nature.

"Wow--!"

Kazahana Koyuki was so frightened that she burst into tears.

"Kurama!" Kushina flashed forward and gave Kurama a sharp rap on the head. "Why are you angry with a child? How am I supposed to let you take care of me in the future? Cough cough! Apologize now."

Kurama- Tailed Fox pursed its lips, an embarrassed expression on its face. Its sharp claws retracted into its paw pads, and it rubbed its head, which had been punched.

Humans are all the same; once they get something, they don't cherish it anymore. How dare they hit it?

However, seeing Kushina's aggressive demeanor, Kurama thought for a moment and realized that a fox under the eaves has no choice but to lower its head, so it gently hugged Kazahana Koyuki and coaxed her.

"Doggy!" Kazahana Koyuki burst into laughter through her tears, climbed onto the back of the Kurama, grabbed its two ears, and then lifted it up.

Kurama looked at Kushina with a look of utter despair.

Will we really let it take care of the kids in the future?

PS: We can start making things interesting in the next chapter. I'm asking for some recommendation votes, right?