In the dim woods, Zou Hyuga met with the battered Nadare Rōga.
Compared with a genius like Kakashi, Nadare Rōga was mediocre despite being a jonin. Only with the Chakra Armor's assistance could he barely hold his own against Kakashi.
Zou Hyuga looked at Nadare Rōga and asked, "Did they choose another route?"
"Everything went exactly as you predicted, my lord."
Despite his exhaustion, Nadare Rōga wore a broad smile.
He could taunt Kakashi to his face, but he dared not show Zou Hyuga the slightest disrespect.
Besides, Zou had deliberately sent him out to persuade Asama Santarō to change routes.
That was probably also a warning to Lord Dotō. With Kazahana Koyuki in his hands, Zou could depose the current ruler and replace the Land of Snow's daimyō whenever he pleased.
At that thought, Nadare Rōga could not help fearing the man's cunning.
Zou Hyuga knew nothing of Nadare Rōga's wild speculation. Had he known, he would probably have laughed it off.
Compared with a small country like the Land of Snow, he had far more need for technologies that could genuinely improve his strength.
Chakra Armor technology, for instance, or Orochimaru's Cursed Seal techniques.
After chatting for a while, Zou Hyuga received several suits of Chakra Armor from Nadare Rōga and waved him off to report back.
Returning to the Merchant Company's quarters with the Chakra Armor, Zou Hyuga took out the relevant documents and began his research.
With actual specimens on hand, mastering the armor's technology became much easier.
Only after studying it did Zou Hyuga discover that Chakra Armor was not particularly complicated. Fundamentally, it differed little from puppet technology, aside from significant differences in materials and a few special chakra circuits.
After spending the entire night mastering the technology, Zou Hyuga summoned the Merchant Company's