Konoha's Team Leaves

Undeterred, Feng once again carefully and attentively sensed the energy within the Gelel Stone.

"Damn, although there are a small amount of other unknown energies inside, most of it is Natural Energy."

So... could this be the stone from the Tsuchigumo Clan that can absorb Natural Energy?

Then, Feng discovered a heartbreaking truth.

He had originally hoped that after obtaining the Gelel Stone, he could have Yakushi Kabuto study Timothy, a member of the royal family who could not turn into an animal, as well as Hyde and his three subordinates who could turn into animals after having the Gelel Stone implanted in them.

Once we discover an effect that enhances abilities without transforming into an animal, we'll give all our subordinates a significant power boost.

After all, beneath these ruins lies an entire Gelel Stone mine.

However, if the so-called enhancement effect of the Gelel Stone is merely the use of Natural Energy, then researching it would be a complete waste of time.

Orochimaru already has a mature Curse Mark. If any of Feng's subordinates really want to gain the ability to use Natural Energy, he can easily introduce them to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru probably wouldn't mind having a few more research materials on hand.

"Kabuto, you should still be able to contact Orochimaru, right? Send this thing and these people to Orochimaru later and see if it will help his research."

But they also told Orochimaru that if they actually made any research, they should share the results.

"Yes, I'll trade him the corpse of the Otsutsuki."

Feng turned his head and gave instructions to Yakushi Kabuto.

At the same time, he casually tossed the Gelel Stone, which he had already lost interest in, and the crippled and knocked-out Hyde, to Kabuto.

Then, he and Kabuto waited quietly for Ao's side to finish, while also watching the Konoha members who hadn't left yet with smiles on their faces, wanting to see what they intended to do.

Under Konoha's gaze, the Konoha members felt as if they were being pricked by thorns. Captain Shikamaru tried to say something several times, but hesitated and didn't dare to speak.

"Uchiha Feng, is my sister Hanabi alright?"

But suddenly, Hinata Hyūga, who rarely spoke in the group, ran up to Feng and asked him in a solemn voice, her face showing both fear and worry.

Shikamaru and Kiba: '... Oh no, how could we forget about that?'

The two were instantly shocked, their eyes widening as they were momentarily at a loss for what to do.

"Yeah, you're the bad guy who stole Hinata's sister."

Damn it, give the Hanabi back to Hinata!

Also, the old man had nothing to do with this, but he also added chicken sauce."

Naruto then followed Hinata closely and also questioned Feng sternly.

He also wanted to rescue the old man Heyan, who had been captured by the enemy.

"!!!" Shikamaru and Kiba turned pale, and for the first time, they had the thought that they might not have accepted the mission and left the village.

Feng frowned, ignoring Hinata and Naruto.

His gaze swept past the two of them, landing directly on Shikamaru, the smile still on his face, as he asked, feigning ignorance:

"Your name is Shikamaru Nara, right? And you're wearing the Chunin standard vest, so you must be the team leader."

Then you should know something about me and Konoha, right? Are you sure Konoha wants to pursue what happened before?

As for this old man, as far as I know, you got involved in this because of a mission, but this old man doesn't affect your mission, right?"

Although Feng's tone was calm, it carried an undeniable air of authority.

"Hey, Shikamaru!" Shikamaru called out before Naruto could answer cautiously, "Chicken sauce has nothing to do with this, we can't just stand by and watch him die!"

"Heh." Feng snorted coldly, saying nothing.

But the pressure from that cold snort instantly soaked Shikamaru's back with cold sweat.

He's not like Naruto, a simple-minded person; on the contrary, he has an extremely high IQ.

Therefore, he was well aware that the current alliance between Konoha and Land of Whirlpools was obtained by the Lord Hokage through kinship ties from Uchiha Feng.

Therefore, if they offend the other party because of something that has nothing to do with Konoha, the other party could break the alliance with just a single sentence.

And that outcome... Shikamaru dared not even imagine.

After a long silence, Shikamaru forced a smile and bowed to Feng.

"Lord of the Land of Whirlpools."

Konoha has absolutely no intention of pursuing past grievances, and will never let anything unrelated to Konoha affect its relationship with you.

"Well, you go ahead with your work, I'll lead the team away now."

As he spoke, he desperately gestured with his eyes to Kiba Inuzuka, who was standing beside him.

Kiba Inuzuka understood immediately, grabbing Naruto before he could speak and pressing Naruto's head down in a deep bow, "Greetings, Your Sovereign. Um... our mission isn't finished yet, we'll be leaving now."

"Shikamaru! Kiba! You guys..."

Naruto wanted to say something more.

Shut up!

Kiba and Akamaru quickly covered each other's mouths with their own, dragging and pulling each other backward.

Shikamaru, pulling Hinata along, nodded in greeting as they retreated.

Feng watched this scene with a satisfied smile on his lips.

He waved his hand, indicating that the people of Konoha could leave.

"Hanabi is doing well with me. Once I've resolved the matter I needed her help with, I'll let her return to Konoha."

As for the old man, he knows this ruin very well. We can leave once he has explained all the information."

But considering that these young seedlings of Konoha would all become his subordinates in the future, Feng took the initiative to explain.

Shikamaru was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, then immediately said thank you, "Thank you for informing us, Your Sovereign. We will absolutely not reveal anything that happened today!"

But he and Kiba didn't stop pulling Hinata and Naruto backward.

"Hehe."

Feng couldn't help but laugh out loud. Shikamaru is quite perceptive.

He casually offered an explanation, and the other party immediately reciprocated by saying they were willing to keep quiet about what happened today.

This is normal, though. The alliance between the Land of Whirlpools and Konoha is currently only maintained by his face. As long as Shikamaru and the others aren't stupid, Konoha High Command isn't stupid, they certainly won't dare to divulge a single word about Feng.

"Master, the entire Land Cruiser has been searched."

About fifteen minutes after Naruto and the others left, Ao finally emerged from the Land Cruiser.

Behind him followed several researchers in white lab coats, trembling with fear, as well as several high-ranking members of Hyde's team.

He strode up to Feng, bowed respectfully, then turned and pointed to the people behind him, saying:

"Master, these are Hyde's men who research the Gelel Stone. The current results are all their work."

These are the research and operations personnel on the Land Cruiser.

They were all people Hyde brought back from overseas, and they knew the exact route back from the Overseas Continent."

Even before entering the Land Cruiser, Feng had already told Qing who to capture, and now he had brought them all as ordered.

"Hmm, not bad."

Feng nodded approvingly, then continued:

"Qing, keep an eye on this place, and contact Tekka to come and take over."

"Kabuto, take these few good-for-nothings with you. Contact Orochimaru and see if he wants them."

Of course, if you are also interested, you can stay and study it.

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the ruins.

He had already mastered Natural Energy through the secret techniques of the Tsuchigumo Clan, so he naturally had little interest in this place.