Chapter 212: Orochimaru's Revenge
Divine sense spread outward. After carefully inspecting the machine and failing to obtain any concrete results, Franklin inscribed a soundproof barrier beside the thunderous machine using Illusory World Genesis. In an instant, his ears were finally granted some peace.
Seeing Nagato in the distant observation room waving at them, Franklin brought the three girls with him, passing straight through all obstacles and flying directly into the massive observation chamber.
"What's going on here? Why is there so much noise?"
Nagato smiled and gave Franklin a slight bow before explaining, "After exchanging ideas with Orochimaru, we decided to build a detection device designed to identify non-human life forms.
"Human composition is easy to identify. This device can constantly monitor whether any life forms on Blue Star exist that do not belong to humanity, allowing us to prepare in advance.
"It can also help us better carry out the tailed beast capture plan. Strategic biological entities like tailed beasts should be centralized and placed under appropriate supervision. Otherwise, they're essentially mobile bombs.
"That poses a significant obstacle to unifying the ninja world, and didn't you say you were preparing to initiate the Fourth Great Ninja War?
"The existence of these tailed beasts introduces too many variables. The casualties they can cause are enormous, and the threat they pose to humanity is equally great.
"Using the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to imprison them first is an excellent option. Once everything stabilizes, we can decide how to deal with them.
"Besides, didn't you say that becoming the Ten-Tails' jinchūriki would make one the new Sage of Six Paths? That would be the ultimate deterrent before the ninja world comes to an end.
"Although this approach isn't exactly righteous, it's extremely practical. In the short term, it will absolutely prevent major unrest."
Hearing this, Franklin fell silent for a moment. Things were indeed progressing steadily, but they had already begun to exceed his original expectations.
"It's a good idea. I've finished my own business as well. The plan can be put into motion.
"Remember—do not involve ordinary civilians under any circumstances. As for how many ninjas die, that doesn't matter.
"Once everything stabilizes, an excessive number of ninjas will itself become a destabilizing factor. After stability is achieved, we'll begin teaching technology-based ninja arts for the new era."
Nagato nodded in agreement. "There's no place for the old generation of ninjas on the ship of the new era. Those who can't keep up with progress are destined to be eliminated. Letting them fade away is not a bad outcome."
Ending the brief conversation with Nagato, Franklin vanished with the three girls.
When they reappeared, they were already inside a cold, gloomy underground laboratory. Countless glass pillars stood all around, filled with unknown liquids and grotesque stitched-together life forms.
As they continued deeper, an intensely illuminated experimental platform and large quantities of advanced technology came into view.
At that moment, a chilling voice echoed through the space.
"Mr. Franklin, it really has been a long time. I wonder when I'll finally be allowed to leave this place.
"You promised me that you would let me kill the Third Hokage. I hope you don't go back on your word.
"Although you granted me eyes, and knowledge as well, the death of my parents cannot be compensated by such things. This vengeance is something I must carry out."
Following the voice, they saw Orochimaru staring straight at Franklin, his Mangekyō Sharingan already activated. Franklin frowned slightly, then relaxed his brow after a short while.
"I thought you would have given up by now. I didn't expect you to be this persistent. Don't tell me those eyes really affected you."
Hearing Franklin's words, Orochimaru fell silent. After a long pause, he lightly shook his head.
"That has nothing to do with you. I won't harm anyone else, but the Third Hokage must die. This is a knot in my heart.
"If I don't resolve it, I can't calm myself enough to continue researching the drop of blood you gave me. That would delay your progress as well."
At this point, Franklin had nothing more to say. He placed one hand on Orochimaru's shoulder, calculated the coordinates, and the four of them were instantly teleported onto the Hokage Rock in Konoha.
"Remember this. Your only target is the Third Hokage. As for how you manage to accomplish that within Konoha, that's up to you.
"One final reminder—do not harm ordinary civilians. I believe you understand what I mean."
Meeting Franklin's gaze, Orochimaru nodded calmly.
"You can rest assured, Mr. Franklin. I may be extreme, but I've improved quite a bit over the years. I still know how to keep things within bounds."
Seeing this, Franklin directly summoned back the Fourth Hokage. A flash of golden light appeared.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Orochimaru—who either out of habit or deliberate provocation was licking his face with his long tongue—froze instantly, the tongue drooping back down.
"Fourth Hokage?! Weren't you already dead? How is this possible?"
Seeing Orochimaru's long tongue and the black robe with red clouds he was wearing, Minato Namikaze frowned slightly.
"You're the Third's disciple? Didn't you defect years ago? Why are you back now?"
Staring at the very much alive Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru turned to look at Franklin.
"Mr. Franklin, this doesn't seem to match what we agreed on. With the Fourth Hokage here, how am I supposed to take my revenge?"
Franklin ignored him and spoke directly to Minato Namikaze. "This man is a genius in cellular biology and currently serves as a high-ranking member of the Akatsuki.
"He has a blood feud with that old Third Hokage over the deaths of his parents. Though they were once master and disciple, they've long since turned against each other."
"He's here to kill the Third Hokage."
"You'll keep an eye on him during this period. As long as he doesn't harm civilians, let him do whatever he wants."
"Once everything is over, Orochimaru will leave, and you can openly return to Konoha."
"But remember—while the plan is in motion, your identity as Naruto's father must remain hidden for now."
Hearing this, Minato Namikaze's eyes lit up, though he quickly concealed it again.
"I understand. I'll handle everything properly."
Seeing Minato's respectful attitude toward Franklin, Orochimaru's eyes filled with disbelief.
"It seems my guess about your identity was still wrong. You're even more mysterious than I imagined."
Franklin neither confirmed nor denied it, offering no response. Minato Namikaze looked as though he wanted to smile, but suppressed it well.
"You two get acquainted for now. You'll be dealing with each other plenty in the future. I still have other matters to attend to."
As Franklin finished speaking, he vanished again with the three girls.
When he reappeared, he was already standing beside a two-story wooden house hidden within a small forest.
Seeing the faintly whitening sky, Franklin walked straight into the kitchen and began preparing food. Using Illusory World Genesis, he created the necessary ingredients. Gradually, the fragrance spread throughout the wooden house.
The sounds of cooking and the unusual aroma caused the family of four upstairs to slowly wake from their sleep.
When the four stepped out and saw one another, a heavy silence settled between them.
They descended the stairs without a word. Franklin in the kitchen came into their view. Faced with his presence, the emotions of the four were incomparably complex.