Orochimaru and Shion (Large Cup)

Kushina arrived at the office quickly.

She possessed Mind's Eye of the Kagura and sensed the intense fluctuations in Shiraha's Chakra, so she rushed here immediately.

Noticing the murderous intent in Shiraha's eyes, Kushina was startled. She had rarely seen Shiraha show such obvious emotional fluctuations in recent years. She quickly and gently hugged Shiraha and asked, "What's wrong? What happened?"

"Shion has been kidnapped. We don't know which faction did it yet, but it might be Iwagakure. I have to go out for a while," Shiraha explained.

"Shion has been kidnapped?" Kushina's expression changed. Although she didn't like Miroku, she didn't dislike Shion.

Shion had stayed with the Uzumaki Clan for a while before, and as the older sister, Shion was very kind to Taichi and Hikari.

Kushina quickly realized what was going on and said, "Could it be that someone discovered your relationship with Shion and captured her to blackmail you? If that's the case, then the child should be safe now."

"That's what I think too. She's not in any immediate danger." Shiraha's expression darkened slightly. "I'd like to see who dares to mess with me!"

"You should set off now. Let me know if you need any help, and I'll be there immediately. Or... why don't you bring the Kurama ' clone with you?"

Kushina instructed.

Upon hearing this, Shiraha shook his head. "You still need to guard this place. Taking away the Kurama ' clone will affect your power. I can go alone. I know what I'm doing."

"Okay, go and come back soon, and be careful." Seeing that Shiraha had regained his composure, Kushina didn't say anything more.

Don't worry.

Shiraha agreed, then left the office and quickly headed towards the Demon Country.

The ninja world is vast. Even if he travels at a fast pace, it would still take him at least a day to reach the Demon Country. Fortunately, after Shiraha advanced to the first level of "Spirit Summoning Warlock," his physical abilities have surpassed those of ordinary humans.

The Land of Waterfalls, located near the western border, is separated from the Earth Country by only a river. The Water Mist City Land of Waterfalls of Waterfalls because of its close trade relations with the Earth Country.

At this moment, in the forest not far from Water Mist City, two figures, one tall and one short, were walking towards Water Mist City.

The tall man was dressed in an earth-yellow kimono, with long black hair reaching his waist. His skin was slightly pale, his face was thin, and his eyes were narrow with black eyeliner and purple eyeshadow. His pupils were strange golden vertical pupils. He wore blue and green Magatama-shaped Earrings. He was none other than Orochimaru, who had obtained the Shiraha's Blood and the "Companion Serpent Meditation Method" a few months ago.

Orochimaru was followed by a little girl who looked to be only five or six years old. She had long, black hair that was tied into a bun at the back of her head. She had fair skin and delicate features, and was as cute as a porcelain doll. It was none other than the missing Shion.

"Uncle, I'm hungry and can't walk anymore," Shion said sweetly, suddenly stopping by the roadside.

Orochimaru paused upon hearing this.

Since receiving the blood from Shiraha and the "Companion Serpent Meditation Method," Orochimaru has devoted himself to research for nearly half a year. He discovered that there is a very special energy in the blood, which is mixed with a Mental Power aura similar to that of Shiraha.

Recalling the bloodline requirements recorded in the "Companion Serpent Meditation Method," Orochimaru guessed that the source of the blood was Shiraha. Once he absorbed the blood, he would naturally be able to begin practicing the "Companion Serpent Meditation Method." However, he would also develop a bloodline connection with Shiraha, thus becoming subject to Shiraha's control.

Just like the Heavenly Cursed Seal and Earth Cursed Seal he researched, anyone who has the Cursed Seal planted on them can gain the power of the Cursed Seal as long as they endure the pain when the Cursed Seal erupts, similar to the all-around bonus of Sage Mode.

However, the Cursed Seal contains Orochimaru's Chakra. Although Orochimaru cannot directly control the person who has the Cursed Seal, he can indirectly influence them through his own Chakra. Moreover, even if his physical body dies, he can be resurrected through the Cursed Seal.

For Orochimaru, Shiraha's methods were somewhat similar to his own.

Of course, it seems that Shiraha's blood has very few side effects and is of great help to his soul repair.

Orochimaru also tried to eliminate the Mental Power energy of Shiraha from his blood through experiments, but once Shiraha's Mental Power was removed, the special energy in his blood would quickly dissipate.

Orochimaru had already consumed nearly half of the blood in the small bottle during his experiments, but he hadn't found any clues.

This gave Orochimaru a deep sense of frustration, as Shiraha's research level had far surpassed his own at the bloodline and cellular levels.

However, Orochimaru did not give up. After all, neither the Living Corpse Reincarnation nor the Impure World Reincarnation seemed to have much hope of being fully developed at the beginning, but he still managed to do it. Orochimaru believed that he was not incapable of doing it, but rather that he had not found the right method.

So he continued to travel around the Shinobi World, where he encountered ' Shinnō ', with whom he had previously made a deal. This guy had been researching a Forbidden Technique called "Meat Rebirth" in hopes of gaining Immortal Body.

Orochimaru had made several deals with Shinnō, and discovered that Shinnō was recently traveling in the Demon Country. He also learned that a Medical Group called "Serpent Spirit" in the Demon Country possessed various miraculous medicines. Therefore, Orochimaru had an idea and accepted Shinnō's invitation to go to the Demon Country.

Unexpectedly, after arriving in the Land of Demon Country Demon Country, he discovered that there were powerful figures stationed there, including Kakuzu, who had fought with him before, and Sasori of the Red Sands Demon Country Sunagakure who had been missing for many years.

Given that Orochimaru had only recently completed his reincarnation, he wasn't even confident of winning against one person alone, let alone against two people working together.

However, unexpectedly, the remnants of the former Yomi Sect were causing trouble in the Demon Country, while another force also attacked the Priestess Miroku of the Demon Country, thus diverting Kakuzu and Sasori away.

Then, it was suspected that ninjas from Iwagakure) kidnapped Shion, the daughter of the Priestess Miroku.

Orochimaru initially only intended to save Shion and then negotiate with the Demon Country, but he suddenly discovered that Shion possessed the Chakra aura of Shiraha.

For a moment, Orochimaru fell into deep thought.

He followed the ninjas from Iwagakure all the way to the border of the Earth Country, where he rescued Shion. Afterwards, he went to Land of Waterfalls, which is separated from the Earth Country Water Mist City by only a river.

"We'll eat when we get to the city," Orochimaru said casually.

"Then, Uncle, carry me on your back." Shion looked up at Orochimaru with her little face upturned and stretched out her hands.

Orochimaru was taken aback by this, then frowned and said, "You don't seem afraid of me at all. Do you know you've been kidnapped?"

"Uncle, you don't look like a bad person, and didn't you save me?" Shion replied.

The main reason was that she felt a sense of closeness to Orochimaru. Another reason was that she had inherited the power of Priestess, which allowed her to see some visions of death in the future. She found that following Orochimaru, there were no signs of danger, so she felt at ease.

"Doesn't look like a bad guy?" Orochimaru paused, then said in a deep voice, "I saved you for an experiment."

"Experiments... the kind where you get injections and blood drawn?" Shion frowned, as if she had thought of something.

"What? Someone drew your blood?" Orochimaru asked, slightly puzzled.

Shion said, "My father drew blood from me before, saying that he wanted to leave a bloodline mark."

"Bloodline mark?" Orochimaru's eyes shifted slightly. "Who is your father?"

Shion: "My dad's name is Yagami Shiraha."

"Shiraha?!" Orochimaru's expression changed in surprise, and his pupils contracted sharply. He had already considered the possibility that Shion and Shiraha were related, but he never expected that this child would actually be Shiraha's daughter.

Orochimaru asked somewhat uncertainly, "Is your mother Miroku, the Priestess of the Demon Country?"

"Hmm." Shion nodded, then asked curiously, "Uncle, do you know my mom and dad?"

Orochimaru fell into a brief silence, finally realizing why the ' Serpent Spirit ' group had been able to rise so rapidly in just a few years, possessing Medical Ninjutsu scrolls and various special medicines.

You need to know that in the Shinobi World, if you don't have connections, you'll be bothered by various forces and wandering ninjas. To develop steadily, you need a strong background.

Even though Orochimaru became missing-nin, he still lived a comfortable life. Besides the large amount of savings he had left behind, the most crucial factor was the strong support from the Daimyo of the Land of Rice Fields.

'I never expected Shiraha, who looks so serious, to be so bold, actually...' Orochimaru's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile.

Orochimaru couldn't help but laugh when he thought about how Shiraha used to be so obedient to Kushina, and then about how he had another daughter behind Kushina's back.

If Kushina found out, she might kill Shiraha.

However, Orochimaru's smile quickly faded.

Because time never returns, those days have long become memories. Kushina and Shiraha left Konoha, and he became missing-nin. Everything is irreversible.

"My name is Orochimaru." Orochimaru said, "Have you heard your father mention it?"

"Are you Orochimaru?" Shion asked in surprise. "My dad mentioned you when he told me stories before. You were his teacher."

"Oh? Is that so?" Orochimaru replied calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips, a hint of emotion stirring within him.

"Dad said you're a cold-on-the-outside-but-warm-on-the-inside, and very cunning person," Shion said, tilting her head as she recalled.

Orochimaru's expression froze, and the smile on his lips gradually stiffened.

"Dad also said that you are very protective of your own people, very kind to your own family, but very cold to outsiders. It's very comfortable to be around someone like you," Shion continued.

"Hmph." Orochimaru let out a soft, ambiguous snort through his nose.

"Mr. Orochimaru," Shion suddenly looked at Orochimaru with longing eyes.

Orochimaru was taken aback by the change in how Shion addressed him. "Sir?"

Shion: "You are my father's teacher, so you are also my half-teacher. It seems a bit impolite to call you uncle."

"Call me whatever you like," Orochimaru said expressionlessly, thinking to himself that this child was quite polite.

"Mr. Orochimaru, please don't send me home so early, okay?" Shion looked at Orochimaru expectantly.

"Why?" Orochimaru was taken aback.

If Shion were merely a person with special talent, he would have studied Shion bloodline power carefully and trained her to become a capable subordinate. However, since Shion is Shiraha's daughter, he probably cannot do that.

Even disregarding their past relationship, he couldn't afford to offend Shiraha now.

Orochimaru didn't want to see their relationship fall apart, since even though Shiraha was much stronger than him now, he was still very friendly towards him.

"I want to play outside a little longer. My dad hasn't come to see me for a while, and my mom is very busy with work every day and rarely lets me go out. I'm so tired from studying every day," Shion said with some grievance.

Orochimaru: "Aren't you afraid your parents will worry?"

Shion: "Then tell Dad that I'm with Orochimaru, and they'll be relieved, okay?"

"If you don't explain clearly, your father might tear me apart." Orochimaru's expression froze.

If Shiraha misunderstands that he kidnapped Shion, the consequences would be quite serious.

After all, Shiraha had already explained the consequences before giving him the "Companion Serpent Meditation Method" and blood, and had no intention of harming him. Yet, he turned around and kidnapped Shiraha's daughter, which seemed rather dishonest.

Even without the intervention of the Iwagakure, Orochimaru did intend to take Shion away when he discovered the presence of Shiraha Chakra on Shion.

"Aren't you afraid I'll catch you, lock you up, and never let you see your parents again?" Orochimaru said in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, I have Demonic items that my father gave me. If I activate it, all the bad guys will be driven away," Shion said confidently.

Naughty kid!

For some reason, when Orochimaru looked at Shion in front of him, this word suddenly came to mind. It seems that Shion deliberately cooperated with the kidnapping in order to come out and have fun. Does she even know how dangerous this world is?

It seems that Shiraha spoiled this child too much and protected her too well, which is why she is so naive.

It's normal for five- or six-year-olds to be a little naive, but that's a privilege reserved for children growing up in peacetime.

When Orochimaru was five or six years old, his parents died in the war, and he experienced the hardships of survival at a very young age.

When Shiraha was that age, the prelude to the Second Ninja World War had already begun. Some precocious children in the school knew early on that only by training hard could they have a higher chance of survival.

"Even if you have any so-called ' Demonic items ' on you, if I were truly a bad person and wanted to kill you, you would already be dead, understand?"

Orochimaru said coldly, his face grim.

"But Orochimaru- sensei, you are Dad's teacher, you are not a bad person," Shion insisted.

Orochimaru: "."

Seeing that reasoning wouldn't work, Orochimaru turned around and said, "If you're hungry, hurry up and leave."

"But I can't walk anymore," Shion said softly, squatting down on the grass and looking up at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru frowned and said, "You need to understand that no one in this world will pamper you except your parents and relatives. I'm not Shiraha, your tricks won't work on me. If you don't get up, I'll release snakes to bite you."

"Hmph." Shion pouted and refused to look at Orochimaru.

' Summoning Technique!'

To teach Shion a lesson, Orochimaru bit his finger and used Summoning Technique to summon a giant, yellowish-brown python that was over ten meters long. He then ordered the python to intimidate Shion.

However, to Orochimaru's complete surprise, the Summoning Beast, which was usually obedient to orders, lowered its body and came to Shion's side, rubbing its head against Shion's body in a somewhat ingratiating manner, appearing very cautious.

Orochimaru was taken aback.

Shion: "Mr. Orochimaru, the snakes in Ryūchi Cave won't hurt me, that's what my father said."

As she spoke, Shion patted the python's head.

Orochimaru followed Shion's gaze, his temple twitching slightly, his expression a little embarrassed. He then quickly sent the Summoning Beast back to Shikkotsu Forest.

"If you don't leave, I'll just leave you here." Orochimaru snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Shion squatted on the grass, looking aggrieved, and cried out, "Daddy is a big liar, and Uncle is no good at all."

The title "Mr. Orochimaru" has been downgraded to "Uncle".

Orochimaru walked quickly, and when he could no longer see Shion's figure, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes.

"Why would I argue with a child? Is it because a weakened soul has such a big impact on emotions?"

Orochimaru returned the way he came and found Shion still in the same place.

"You'll have to walk by yourself next time." Orochimaru squatted down in front of Shion with his back to her, his voice much gentler than he had expected.

"Yes!" Shion said happily, "I knew Dad wouldn't lie to me."

Orochimaru remained silent, carrying Shion on his back as they headed towards Water Mist City.

After a hearty meal, Shion said she was sleepy, so Orochimaru could only arrange for her to rest at an inn in the city and soak in the hot spring below his inn.

After emerging from the women's bath, Orochimaru wrapped himself in a towel, dressed, and returned to the room next to Shion's. There, he put his human skin mask back on and returned to his original appearance.

Then, Orochimaru opened his mouth wide and vomited out a Storage Scroll from his stomach.

He took out paper and pen and began to write something. After he finished writing, he carefully sealed it away, then had the Message Snake swallow it and send it out.

After doing all this, Orochimaru's eyes shifted.

Perhaps he can find a way to obtain the power of Shiraha's bloodline from Shion, but without being controlled by Shiraha.

The Demon Country.

The Priestess Palace.

After several expansions, this place now covers an area comparable to that of Daming Daimyo's Mansion in a major country.

The entire Priestess Palace was heavily guarded, with sentries every five or ten steps, but this was only enough to deal with ordinary people and ninjas.

For Kage Level powerhouse, such defenses are simply insufficient.

When Shiraha arrived here, he encountered no obstacles along the way, because those who were loyal to the Priestess knew Shiraha's status in the Demon Country.

Soon, Shiraha arrived at the central hall of the palace.

"Lord Shiraha!"

The Land of Snow ninjas guarding the main hall all knelt on one knee. The enemy had captured Shion right under their noses. They were all filled with remorse and awaited Shiraha's punishment.

"Get up," Shiraha said calmly, without blaming these people.

He now wields considerable power, controlling the Uzumaki Clan, the Demon Country, the Land of Stone, the Bird Country, the Bear Country, and the Land of Snow. Especially after the Third Shinobi World War, military conflicts between the various countries gradually decreased, and economic warfare resumed.

In terms of economic strength, especially after the development of the ' Serpent Spirit ' Medical Group, the power controlled by Shiraha is no less than that of the Great Nations.

With the Uzumaki Clan's victory over Kirigakure, they can extend their reach to the island nation of the Land of the Sea on the southeast coast. The Serpent Spirit Corporation will soon become a top-tier conglomerate spanning multiple countries, with a steady stream of funds flowing in. Shiraha will then be able to attract more countries to join the Uzumaki Clan's warships.

Unfortunately, although he had the armed forces of the Uzumaki Clan, the Snow Ninja Village, and the Star Hidden Village, his foundation was insufficient. He had enough top-tier ninjas, but lacked high-level power at the Jōnin level.

After all, Shiraha can't handle everything himself.

The incident in the Demon Country also exposed a problem: Kakuzu and Sasori are not weak, but after all, they were not trained by him. They are not as cautious as him and were easily distracted by someone else's diversionary tactic.

There are other countries as well, especially the Land of Snow, which cannot be lost, but the combat power of Jōnin level cannot be cultivated in a short period of time.

Kage Level ninjas are not as common as cabbages; they're everywhere.

Even geniuses like Haku and Kimimaro need time to develop.

Shion, Taichi, and Hikari will also need seven or eight years to grow up.

If we could win over powerful Ninja Clan like the Hyūga Uchiha at a time like this, there wouldn't be any problem protecting the Whirlpool Country Alliance.

"Shiraha."

Upon seeing Shiraha enter the main hall, Miroku, dressed as a Miko outfit, came to greet him. She did not appear to be crying and fearful as Shiraha had imagined; instead, she seemed very calm and composed.

"Okay, let's sit down and talk." Shiraha nodded and took the seat of honor.

"Shion's Priestess power has not returned to me, so she should still be safe. I have now issued a bounty in the Shinobi World. If I can find Shion and return her to the Demon Country unharmed, I will receive a reward of 100 million ryo and shares in the Serpent Spirit Corporation."

Miroku told Shiraha about the countermeasures he had taken.

The reason why the Serpent Spirit Corporation was able to develop so rapidly in just a few years is that, in addition to Shiraha's technical and power support, the most crucial factor is the adoption of a shareholding system.

The daimyo or leaders of countries such as the Land of Stone, the Bird Country, the Bear Country, and the Land of Snow all own shares and receive dividends every year. They are members of the Whirlpool Country Alliance. Countries like the Land of Rice Fields, although not members of the alliance, also acquire shares by investing funds. Furthermore, the Medical Scroll and medicines of the Serpent Spirit Corporation circulate freely in the Land of Rice Fields.

However, at present, Serpent Spirit Corporation only cooperates with major countries in trade, but does not support major countries to invest in it.

Perhaps this is the reason why Shion had this incident.

Shiraha had already learned about this matter from the information that Miroku had given him, so he was quite satisfied with Miroku's response. He nodded and said, "I didn't expect Iwagakure to be so bold. I've already sent people to warn them. It seems that they not only want the shares of Serpent Spirit Company, but more importantly, the formula."

"Three days have passed since I posted the bounty. The person who kidnapped Shion must be trying to make us wait longer before making more demands."

Miroku said in a deep voice that although Shion was not in danger at the moment, she was actually very worried about her daughter. However, after experiencing so much, she was no longer the weak girl she used to be.

"I won't let them have their way." Shiraha's face turned cold as he stood up and said, "Miroku, you continue to wait here for news. I'm going to find Shion."

He could only sense that Shion was roughly located in the north, which was obviously near the Earth Country. So he decided to search for it himself first, and then teach the Earth Country a lesson.

The reason he came here first was because he was afraid that the enemy would capture Shion and then attack Miroku.

"Yes, be careful." Miroku nodded. Her Priestess power had basically been passed down to Shion. If she left the palace, she would be no different from an ordinary person.

Shiraha left the main hall and encountered Kakuzu and Sasori coming towards him at the gate.

Shiraha remained silent, merely glancing at the two of them expressionlessly.

Scorpion felt his heart clench suddenly, and a bone-chilling cold filled his heart. He had hardly ever felt this way since he turned himself into Human Puppet.

Why is Yagami Shiraha here?

Kakuzu bowed respectfully to Shiraha and lowered his head, while simultaneously grabbing Sasori's neck.

This time it was indeed their oversight.

After Shiraha left, Sasori finally breathed a sigh of relief, "Kakuzu, you're not going to tell me he's the leader of the organization, are you?"

"Hmm." Kakuzu nodded, his eyes shifting slightly. This mistake was a huge blow to his reputation as someone who was paid to do a job. He didn't know how long it would take him to earn back the 100 million taels bounty. Most importantly, he was afraid of Shiraha.

"He's the ' Dragon King '?!" Scorpion asked, his face filled with surprise and uncertainty.