With no progress in his research on Kimimaro, Orochimaru turned his attention to experimenting on a few children from the Hyuga main family. However, this plan required careful preparation.
The Hyuga Clan was facing a situation even more difficult than what the Uchiha once endured. Many shinobi clans had come to realize the tremendous potential of Byakugan that hadn't been sealed with the Caged Bird mark. Though they didn't dare act, Konoha's upper echelon certainly would.
If he couldn't get his hands on main family members, then branch family children who hadn't yet been marked would suffice.
If Orochimaru were in a position of authority within Konoha, he would undoubtedly abduct a few of these children to unlock the Hyuga Clan's secrets. Given their large population, losing two or three young children wouldn't be seen as a big deal.
"If it's children of the right age, they should possess a strong desire within them…"
As Orochimaru was considering his next move, Kimimaro entered to report.
"Orochimaru-sama, two women have arrived at the Village Hidden in Sound claiming to be your friends. They're asking to see you."
"Friends? Kimimaro, where are they?" Orochimaru asked. Anyone bold enough to call themselves his friend had to either be one of a few very specific people—or a shameless liar.
Kimimaro thought for a moment, then described them in more detail: "One is blonde with two braids. The other has short black hair and is carrying a pig."
"Oh, it's them. They really are friends of mine. Though I have to wonder—what is Tsunade doing here?"
Orochimaru instantly realized who they were—Tsunade and her sidekick Shizune. Still, Tsunade's purpose was unclear.
Not wanting to give her any chance to use this visit to blackmail him, Orochimaru ordered Kimimaro to notify Kabuto to hide anything related to Hashirama Cells and change the appearance of all research involving them. Only then did he go out to meet her.
When Orochimaru arrived, he found Guren engaged in a sparring match with Shizune. If not for Tsunade's constant advice from the sidelines, Shizune would've already lost.
"Tsunade, what brings you here?"
Orochimaru gave a hoarse chuckle as he walked over to her.
Tsunade tilted her head and looked at him. She felt he had changed again since the last time they met. "Orochimaru, you've changed a lot... again."
"That's not important. People change, Tsunade. Just like you've changed a lot too. Guren, stand down."
Orochimaru smiled and called off the eager Guren.
Despite being by Tsunade's side for years, Shizune hadn't learned much about her combat techniques. Instead, she had picked up medical ninjutsu and poison crafting. If it hadn't been for Tsunade's guidance and Shizune's own poison, she would've lost badly.
"You've trained your subordinates well, Orochimaru. How many of these unknown talents do you have hidden away?"
"What are you planning?"
Tsunade pouted. "If I'm going to become Hokage, I need a few competent assistants. Shizune's good, but she's useless outside the medical field."
Orochimaru refused without a second thought. "Tsunade, I don't have many people either."
"Orochimaru, we've been teammates for over ten years. Can't you at least help me out a little? Besides, I know you're researching my grandfather's cells. Help me this once, and I'll repay the favor."
Tsunade spoke casually, but Orochimaru had heard this same tone from her countless times back in Konoha.
Back then, whenever she wanted to borrow money from him or Jiraiya, she used this same attitude. It had been over ten years, and she hadn't changed at all.
If he refused again, Tsunade might just stay in the Hidden Sound and pester him every day under the excuse of drinking.
"Heh… Tsunade, you really haven't changed a bit—not in looks, not in personality."
Orochimaru gave a raspy chuckle. He was willing to lend her some help—especially since he had an idea that required her cooperation.
"I happen to have two candidates suited to your needs. But Tsunade, you'll have to agree to one condition: once you become Hokage, allow my people to move freely within Konoha."
Tsunade frowned. "What are you planning? If it's anything too blatant, I can't just ignore it. I am going to be Hokage, after all."
Orochimaru smiled. "Don't worry. I won't do anything bigger than what Danzo's already pulled. I simply want to observe whether there are any promising youths in the Hyuga main family. If they exist and are willing to leave Konoha, I want you to look the other way."
"You're bold to say that. As if the Hyuga main family would ever leave with you. Fine. If that's all you ask, I'll agree."
Tsunade hadn't returned to the village in a long time and didn't believe any Hyuga main family child would willingly follow Orochimaru. He might have many kids around him—almost like a trafficker—but Hyuga children lived in comfort, often better off than even the Hokage.
Still, her assumption was based on limited information. Orochimaru, who had spies everywhere, knew better. He was fully aware of the growing tension between the main and branch families of the Hyuga. This tension would eventually lead to upheaval, and in times of upheaval, there were always exiles. That would be Orochimaru's chance.
As for the two people Orochimaru recommended to Tsunade:
"Kabuto Yakushi once worked under Danzo, but I brought him out. His strength lies not in medical ninjutsu, but in administrative ability. The Hidden Sound is basically run by him. I'll send him back to Konoha as a spy. Once he's there, you just promote and use him. Who knows—you might even gain control over Root through this."
Orochimaru laughed. If Kabuto returned and was noticed by Danzo, he'd definitely try to reclaim him. And once Danzo saw Tsunade making use of Kabuto, he wouldn't miss the chance to plant his own spy by her side.
This was Orochimaru's way of penetrating Root and seizing control of all of Danzo's hidden forces.
"The second person, Tsunade, you can keep at your side—Kimimaro of the Kaguya Clan. He has the Shikotsumyaku and will carry out your orders perfectly. If you become Hokage, having someone like him in the ANBU will give you peace of mind."
As for an excuse for Kimimaro's background, Tsunade could make one up. The Kaguya Clan had already been destroyed, and Konoha had no intel on her wanderings. A convincing backstory would prevent even ANBU from digging too deep.
"You really are thoughtful, Orochimaru. Hyuga Mirai only knows how to give me orders—never lends a hand."
Tsunade gave Orochimaru a hearty slap on the shoulder in appreciation. Orochimaru flinched and moved away. Part of the reason he'd made his body flexible was because he hated people like Tsunade, who relied on brute strength in combat.
Having gotten what she came for, Tsunade left satisfied. Before departing, she also borrowed some money from Orochimaru—enough to last her until she reached the Land of Grass.
Kimimaro obediently followed her, just as Orochimaru ordered. Since Hyuga Mirai was his true leader, he had no problem taking orders from Tsunade.
However, until he joined ANBU and donned a mask, he had to avoid using the Byakugan in public.
To seize power in Konoha quickly, Tsunade needed competent aides. Otherwise, she and Shizune would have to slowly build influence after returning—something Tsunade had no patience for.
Meanwhile, on the border of the Land of Rain, a secret meeting took place between Iwagakure and Konoha.
Iwa had learned that the Sand Federation declared war on Konoha, and that Hiruzen Sarutobi had dispatched troops to defend Kikyo Castle. However, Ōnoki hadn't uncovered the full story.
Still, from his perspective, this shift violated their original agreement. Konoha had diverted nearly half its forces, meaning Iwagakure would have to carry the burden of invading the Land of Rain. Ōnoki couldn't accept that.
To show sincerity, both sides brought minimal escorts, and both leaders—Ōnoki and Hiruzen—trusted their own strength. One was the "Ninjutsu Professor," master of all five elemental styles; the other, a Tsuchikage with Bloodline Elimination who could attack from mid-air.
Ōnoki brought only Kurotsuchi, and Hiruzen brought Nara Shikaku.
"Third Hokage, Iwagakure cannot accept your actions. If you fail to follow the agreed strategy, we will cancel this war."
Ōnoki came out strong. If Iwa withdrew, Konoha would face both the Sand Federation and the ever-ambitious Hidden Rain.
"Lord Third Tsuchikage, Konoha didn't break the agreement intentionally. The Sand Federation's sudden entry forced us to redirect forces."
Nara Shikaku explained with a smile: "Konoha will dispatch a second wave within a month. But for now, we need Iwagakure to spearhead the advance into the Land of Rain. In exchange, Konoha will revise the agreement—ceding an additional ten percent and offering extra resources before the war begins."
"Also, Lord Third Hokage will personally remain on the battlefield. Konoha's high-end combat strength won't decrease."
Compared to Konoha's abundant resources and the Land of Rain's steel production, Iwagakure was relatively poor—having a bit of everything, but not much of anything. This war was a chance for them to loot and develop.
Ōnoki was tempted but didn't immediately agree.
"Twenty percent, and increase the promised supplies by forty percent."
Before Shikaku could respond, Hiruzen flatly refused. "Impossible, Ōnoki. You're asking too much. Konoha can't agree."
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, don't forget—it was you who broke the agreement."
"And what you're doing now is making outrageous demands," Hiruzen countered. If he agreed, Konoha would pay far too high a price.
The two sides continued arguing over the terms of support and resource allocation.
(End of Chapter)