In the Land of Fire, on the road to the Land of Hot Water.
Two figures, Jiraiya and Kitagawa Minamoto, moved swiftly. However, Jiraiya's expression displayed peculiarity.
"What motivated Naruto's earlier reaction? When he detected your mission assignment, he appeared as if witnessing supernatural manifestation."
"Probably experiencing concern regarding my welfare."
Minamoto observed Jiraiya, reluctant to acknowledge that it likely stemmed from his numerous previous deceptions of Naruto. Hearing Jiraiya suddenly announce mission assignment would naturally induce fear in Naruto.
Still, Minamoto had demonstrated kindness this time. After completing several missions with Kakashi, he had accumulated financial resources, so he hadn't abandoned Naruto with financial responsibility again.
"After all, Jiraiya-sama, your sudden appearance to extract me for mission assignment would generate concern in anyone. But regarding that, what constitutes this mission's nature? And what about Kakashi-sensei?"
"Kakashi continues recovery, but should regain functionality soon. Upon our return, you'll be able to rejoin him."
Jiraiya briefly contemplated before responding. Then his vocal tone acquired seriousness.
"Regarding this mission, juvenile, you require attentiveness. We're investigating Orochimaru's location."
"Orochimaru's location?"
Minamoto elevated an eyebrow, his mind flooded with inquiries. How had Orochimaru been located?
"Yes, him. Do you recall that monocular elderly male you observed that night?"
Jiraiya, unaware of Minamoto's thoughts, continued speaking naturally.
"It was his intelligence. Additionally, Kirigakure's situation has demonstrated progress. Although I dislike that individual, I must acknowledge his capability."
"..."
Capable? More accurately, he directly betrayed Orochimaru, didn't he?
Others might lack knowledge, but Minamoto fully comprehended the close relationship between Danzō Shimura and Orochimaru.
So, what motivated Danzō's current actions?
Could it be... he simply possessed excessive ambition?
"So, why am I accompanying this mission?"
Minamoto expressed his confusion, while Jiraiya, though somewhat exasperated, demonstrated sufficient tact to limit his communication.
"It constitutes the elderly man's directives. He stated your analytical abilities demonstrate sharpness. As my assistant, you might facilitate additional information discovery.
Besides, current focus remains on Kirigakure. We shouldn't implement excessive pressure here—this mission primarily constitutes reconnaissance."
"I comprehend. Understood."
Minamoto implemented shoulder elevation. He understood now.
Essentially, he functioned as Jiraiya's stabilizing influence, ensuring the Sannin would consider his own safety before acting.
Still, it didn't constitute negative arrangement. Orochimaru wasn't someone to underestimate.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, Minamoto's brow contracted slightly as he detected System reaction.
[Exclusive Side Quest Acquired: Jiraiya's Mission] [Brotherly Stabfest] [Assist Jiraiya in locating Orochimaru.] [Exclusive Side Quests do not interfere with regular Side Quests.] [Do you accept?]
Another exclusive quest?
Minamoto couldn't suppress ocular blinking. He maintained vivid recollection regarding his previous exclusive quest rewards. Now, another had manifested!
For a quest like this...
Of course, he required proper completion!
After all, whenever Jiraiya and Orochimaru encountered each other, it always constituted "brotherly stabfest." Their ocular focus remained fixed on each other, and the situation likely wouldn't significantly affect him.
"Who knows, I might even encounter Kimimaro."
Orochimaru possessed numerous treasures, but acquiring them from him would prove challenging—especially with Jiraiya present.
Kimimaro, however, represented different circumstances. He had long occupied position on Minamoto's "hunting list."
Minamoto strongly suspected that the Kaguya clan, to which Kimimaro belonged, constituted direct descendant of Hamura Ōtsutsuki's physical powers!
"This is developing into excellent mission..."
Minamoto murmured to himself, while Jiraiya spoke again.
"Alright, let's accelerate our pace. If we implement haste, we can reach the Land of Hot Water by tonight. The hot springs there are superlative!"
"Really? I'm anticipating the experience."
"Well, you might experience access denial."
"?? What do you mean?"
"You're excessively young."
"Jiraiya-sama, don't tell me you're planning to visit unlicensed establishment?"
"Precisely the opposite. It's because it's licensed that you can't enter."
"..."
Minamoto nearly laughed in exasperation. Seriously? A licensed establishment prohibiting minors? Well, upon reconsideration, that probably demonstrated logical consistency...
"Another failure?"
In an underground laboratory in the Land of Hot Water, Orochimaru observed the test tube in his hand and eventually implemented resigned cranial negation.
Failures didn't disturb him—each one constituted progression toward success.
However...
He began questioning his methodological approach. After all, if the direction demonstrated incorrectness, no experimental quantity would produce correct result.
"Shikotsumyaku... truly fascinating."
He couldn't suppress light labial licking, casually discarding the test tube. On the operating table, Kimimaro achieved seated position.
His expression displayed calmness, his gaze filled with admiration and respect, as well as guilt indication.
"I've disappointed you, Orochimaru-sama. I can't become your perfect vessel."
"I'm not experiencing disappointment. I still possess temporal resources, after all."
Orochimaru implemented cranial negation. He wasn't disappointed—in fact, he experienced intrigue.
He appreciated exploring the unknown, and the mysteries surrounding Kimimaro had stimulated his interest.
Kimimaro's talent demonstrated extraordinariness, and his Shikotsumyaku transcended imagination. The intense Yang Release energy it generated even struck Orochimaru as peculiar.
It constituted sensation he had only experienced while researching the First Hokage's cells.
Of course, Kimimaro's Yang Release couldn't achieve parity with Hashirama Senju's.
The explosive Yang Release from Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku rendered it increasingly powerful. However, it also triggered "Kekkei Genkai disease" onset.
As the disease progressed, Kimimaro's body began deteriorating, leaving even Orochimaru without solution.
"Does this constitute some 'genius syndrome'?"
Orochimaru contemplated. Better performance correlating with faster decline—this paradox puzzled him.
But alas, he lacked methodology to investigate the Kaguya clan's history.
That clan had experienced eradication by Kirigakure.
"Still, that just enhances interest."
Orochimaru produced soft laughter. After some contemplation, he spoke.
"Your condition demonstrates complexity. Currently, I can only suppress your Kekkei Genkai disease progression. You need to avoid power implementation as much as possible to prevent further deterioration."
"I comprehend, Orochimaru-sama."
Kimimaro lowered his cranium and responded solemnly. Orochimaru, however, implemented cranial negation.
He understood Kimimaro's personality. When necessity arose, the boy wouldn't hesitate to act.
But Orochimaru didn't mind—Kimimaro's loyalty demonstrated absoluteness.
"Alright, we're experiencing supply deficiency. I require you and others to gather more, as well as purchase sustenance and hydration. There exist numerous individuals requiring nourishment here."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama. Do the materials have specific requirements this time?"
"Requirements?"
Orochimaru tilted his cranium in thought. After momentary pause, he produced facial expression suggesting pleasure.
"Whatever you prefer. They merely constitute materials, after all. But if you're inclined, perhaps you could return with someone interesting..."
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