Land of Rice Fields

The Land of Rice Fields boasts an environment second only to the Land of Fire in the entire Shinobi World. It lacks towering mountains and harsh deserts, and is located in the temperate Land of Rice Fields of the continent, experiencing four distinct seasons.

If it weren't for its extremely small land area and being surrounded by large countries, this would be a very livable country.

"Kabuto, you can stop now..."

It was Kabuto's first time going out with Kato Osamu, and he seemed quite excited, talking much more along the way.

"Master, is Lord Orochimaru in the Land of Rice Fields?"

"Perhaps it is, but it could also just be a temporary stopover..."

Kato Osamu took out the food and water stored in the scroll and placed them on the dining table constructed using Earth Release techniques. Although using scrolls to store non-essential items was considered a great luxury by other ninjas, Kabuto and he were already used to the dishes that Nonō prepared according to their preferences.

"I can now use the Chakra Scalpel, although I'm still a bit clumsy..."

"Guren's body has recovered, but she doesn't seem to remember when she left that Cursed Seal..."

Why did Lord Orochimaru place that Cursed Seal on Guren?

Although Kato Osamu hasn't told Kabuto too many details yet, Kabuto can clearly sense that being Cursed Seal is not a good thing.

"This matter dates back to a long time ago..."

Kato Osamu glanced at Kabuto, a slight smile playing on his lips, as if reminiscing.

"Back when I was studying in Orochimaru's laboratory, I worked with my teacher Orochimaru to develop a special technique..."

"This Cursed Seal is the prerequisite for casting this spell..."

Thinking of Guren's unique Crystal Release Kekkei Genkai, Kato Osamu couldn't help but admire the wonder of the Kekkei Genkai. This special technique, a fusion of Fire Release and Earth Release, possessed a very high potential.

"Perhaps Guren was once one of Orochimaru's candidates..."

Kabuto seemed quite interested in this past event, even though he didn't know what this special ninjutsu was or what the candidate meant, he still looked at Kato Osamu with anticipation.

A gust of wind rose from nowhere, scattering golden leaves across the ground. The autumn sky was exceptionally blue. A slightly feminine voice suddenly emerged from the dense forest during a pause in their conversation.

"It's truly a rare treat... to meet Xu-kun here..."

"Is the scenery of the Land of Rice Fields to your satisfaction, Osamu?"

Orochimaru's figure gradually emerged from the jungle as the sound rang out. Kato Osamu looked at Orochimaru, ignoring Kabuto's tense body, and a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

Orochimaru, dressed in a white robe, seemed unchanged from years ago.

"Orochimaru- sensei... such a sudden appearance might frighten my adorable little disciple..."

He gently tapped Kabuto's shoulder, and Kabuto's body seemed to relax instantly, breaking free from a suffocating aura. His eyes, filled with fear and disbelief, stared intently at Orochimaru —perhaps this was the first time he truly felt the terror of a powerful opponent...

"Xu-jun's disciple... well, it seems I'm rather interested..."

"It would be an honor for him to study under Orochimaru- sensei for a period of time..."

They chuckled softly, both seemingly observing each other quietly.

Looking at Orochimaru's almost unchanged appearance, Kato Osamu couldn't help but show a somewhat puzzled expression.

"I didn't expect that Orochimaru- sensei would come personally right after performing that technique. It seems the Living Corpse Reincarnation Jutsu is going very smoothly..."

Kato Osamu's voice made Orochimaru narrow his eyes, a hint of gloom creeping into them.

The Land of Rice Fields was one of his most secretive strongholds, so he could naturally sense that someone was getting closer and closer to the base, and that someone was a powerful figure whose strength was unmatched by his subordinates.

If not, he wouldn't have come to investigate personally. No one knows better than him the weakness period after Living Corpse Reincarnation —except for this former disciple in front of him.

"It seems that in all these years, Xu-jun has grown into a true powerhouse..."

The two stared at each other. Kabuto stood to the side, not daring to speak, but he could clearly feel the atmosphere gradually becoming heavy.

Orochimaru seemed to be trying to discern his intentions from Kato Osamu's eyes, but a slow smile crept onto Kato Osamu's lips— Orochimaru in his weakened state was being a little too cautious.

"It seems that if I don't tell Orochimaru- sensei the purpose of my visit, I won't even be able to get through the gate..."

"Summoning Technique!"

The giant serpent emerged from the white mist and slowly spat out a huge crystal coffin from its mouth. Inside, a woman lay quietly.

"There are some things that Orochimaru- sensei might know..."

With a gentle pat, the giant snake transformed into white mist and returned to the Summoning World. The three of them then focused their gazes on the woman inside the crystal coffin, who appeared to be sleeping peacefully.

"Kushina Uzumaki...?"

"It seems the Nine-Tails Rebellion is greatly related to Osamu..."

Orochimaru quietly looked at Kato Osamu, his brows slightly furrowed, as if he were pondering the causes and consequences of these events, and also as if he were waiting for Kato Osamu to speak.

"Among Sealing Jutsu, there is a very special one, which was also used by the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, to seal the Nine-Tails — the Dead Demon Consuming Seal!"

"Over the years, I've gathered some information. This Sealing Jutsu exists in Konoha's Scroll of Seals, but originally, it flowed into Konoha from the Land of Whirlpools..."

"Kushina Uzumaki was a survivor of the Land of Whirlpools, and held a high position..."

"I think that, as one of the Third Hokage's disciples and someone who was once in the Konoha High Command, Orochimaru- sensei must know this technique, and may even have consulted the Scroll of Seals..."

"I'm afraid it's not just that... You must have seen Minato Namikaze use this forbidden technique before, right? The price is so high, you wouldn't want to tell me you'll use it yourself..."

As he spoke, Orochimaru gently placed his hand on the crystal coffin, seemingly checking on Kushina Uzumaki's condition.

"I didn't originally intend to hide these things from Orochimaru- sensei, but some things are still in the realm of speculation. If Orochimaru- sensei is interested, I will tell you some of my speculations..."

"For example... Shinigami and the Pure Land..."

"Oh?"

"Is Osamu, who excels in Soul Secret Technique, exploring the power of Shinigami and the Pure Land...? Let me guess what Osamu is planning... It seems like an interesting thing to do..."

"Xu-kun, do you perhaps wish to wield the power of the Pure Land and the dead?"

Orochimaru's eyes were fixed on Kato Osamu, seemingly analyzing every expression on his face. Having been exposed to the Impure World Reincarnation, knowing about the Living Corpse Reincarnation, and being proficient in the secret arts of soul and body, this former disciple before him seemed to be growing increasingly ambitious...

Kato Osamu remained noncommittal, not answering Orochimaru's question, but simply continued to smile at Orochimaru, a strange glint in his eyes.

"Orochimaru- sensei, would you be interested in doing something big...?"

"A 'major event' that could overturn the entire Shinobi World!"