Chapter 373: Shield of the World
Clang~
Before Tobitake Tonbo lay a chunk of tree root. At this moment, he had used the main body of the root to forge a shield, which bore the face of an evil god on its surface. He had stored away the remaining scraps.
Although the Department of Research and Development had been under construction lately, that wasn't his primary focus. His main task was his own development of ninjutsu. He had already gained inspiration for a technique to counter Killing Intent Reflection after gathering some of Kaguya's physical data. This ninja tool made from the God Tree root was a crucial part of that.
"I hope I haven't gotten this wrong!"
Tonbo wasn't entirely sure if he could complete it. After all, it involved a new nature transformation—one that balanced luck and misfortune. This tool made of the root was the insurance for this move.
Tonbo called this technique World Harmonization.
When he takes damage, the technique returns that damage to the opponent. In other words, it imposes his own misfortune onto the enemy under equal conditions. The downside of this nature transformation was that he would still suffer the same injury; it didn't simply transfer the damage away. This was the side effect of such a powerful jutsu—strength accompanied by risk.
This was where the God Tree tool in his hand came into play. He would connect his chakra to this tool to transfer his own injuries into it. Essentially, he would make the tool bear the side effects meant for him.
Shield of the World.
This was the name Tonbo gave to his new ninja tool. However, since the nature transformation wasn't fully developed yet, the Shield of the World was only in its early stages. The technique World Harmonization was still in the conceptual phase and had not yet been born.
"Haha, the kite is flying!"
"This is so much fun!"
"Let's play hide and seek!"
In the orphanage, Kabuto Yakushi, wearing his headmaster's robes, watched the frolicking children with a gentle smile on his face.
"Headmaster Kabuto, it's so good that you're back. The children are much happier than before!" Urushi remarked, sharing the sentiment. Looking at the kids' faces brought back memories; once, he and Kabuto were among them. Now, Kabuto had taken up the responsibilities of Headmaster Nono Yakushi. Urushi, along with Itachi and the others, had become the adults of the orphanage, assisting Kabuto in its management.
Since the war ended and Kabuto returned to Konoha, order at the orphanage had improved significantly. Furthermore, his outstanding medical ninjutsu could provide a massive source of funding.
Kabuto sighed. "Yes, the world is at peace now, and the environment for the children will be much better. But the issue of funding... relying solely on my medical ninjutsu and the mission funds from Urushi and the others isn't enough to let these children's living conditions keep up with the other kids in the village."
This was Kabuto's current dilemma. He had found himself within Izanami and faced his own existence squarely. Naturally, he would no longer engage in shady dealings. However, Konoha was in a post-war recovery phase. Combined with the deaths of many ninja in the war, there were even more orphans, leaving the orphanage stretched thin.
"Actually, Headmaster Kabuto, you could serve as a consultant for the Land of Fire's Medical Co., Ltd. With your rank as a Two-Star Medical Ninja, you'd be able to secure a large amount of funding."
After the establishment of the World Ninja Association, companies saw the potential for profit and began extending olive branches to ninja in various fields. Anyone reaching the rank of a One-Star Ninja became a prize in the eyes of those corporations. As a Two-Star Medical Ninja, Kabuto naturally received numerous invitations. However, he was unwilling to leave the orphanage because he wanted to watch over the children.
"Resources are important, but the children are more important. I won't let them experience what I went through. War... never stops."
As Orochimaru's successor and one of the people who knew the most in the Shinobi world, Kabuto knew that war would never truly end. Under the leadership of powerful, charismatic heroes like Naruto and Tobitake Tonbo, a surface-level peace was maintained. War would simply manifest in the Shinobi world in another form. He feared that someone like Danzo would appear in Konoha again and target the children of the orphanage.
"You're right. War won't stop; it will only change form and present itself in a different way. That's why I need your strength, Kabuto."
Urushi was about to say something when he heard the voice and turned around. A familiar figure slowly came into view.
"O-O-O... Orochimaru!"
"Long time no see, Kabuto. What do you mean by that?" Kabuto looked at Orochimaru, his eyes filled with vigilance. In Konoha, the person he worried about most was Orochimaru. Even though Orochimaru was under surveillance, the sneaky Yamato behind him didn't inspire much confidence in his ability to actually keep Orochimaru in check. He was a messenger at best.
"Congratulations on finding the meaning of your existence and becoming a person with a true personality. I didn't think you would succeed." Orochimaru didn't state his purpose immediately but offered congratulations first. Kabuto had not only innovated in his research but had also found his self-worth, fulfilling Orochimaru's expectations. He had always said Kabuto was a genius who surpassed Sasuke, only lacking a personality.
"Thank you. But I hope Lord Orochimaru won't lay a hand on the children," Kabuto said.
Orochimaru laughed. "So you're worried about that? Rest assured, they don't even have the qualifications to be test subjects. I have a much better specimen now."
Kabuto frowned. So if they were qualified, you'd act? He knew Orochimaru all too well.
"I didn't come for anything else. I want you to be my assistant once more and help me and Tobitake Tonbo research something." Orochimaru didn't beat around the bush, using a voice transmission that only Kabuto could hear.
Kabuto replied, "I have to take care of the children. I don't have time."
"You misunderstand. This is a research project where you'll have normal working hours—just like that fellow Tonbo. You can still look after the children; Tonbo is the role model here," Orochimaru said.
"Why should I help?"
"Money. Tobitake Tonbo is rich. This project is his key research priority. Any money you save him by using your knowledge, I'll skim off and give to you, reporting the losses as normal expenses. You know I don't like to joke. There's a lot of money involved, and it should be very useful to you."
Orochimaru looked at the children in the distance. He was determined to have Kabuto; even the Sage of the Six Paths couldn't stop him—Orochimaru had spoken. Since it was Tonbo's money anyway, he was certainly going to make use of it.
Kabuto frowned upon hearing this. "How much?" If he could care for the children and earn money at the same time, he could go to work.
"Tonbo's investment is beyond your imagination—tens of millions a month. As long as you complete the tasks, I'll divert all the remaining R&D funds to you and tell Tonbo it was used for research. I'm the Director. As long as I don't conduct forbidden experiments, my power is greater than his. Don't worry, it's a guaranteed profit."
Orochimaru knew that as long as they succeeded, Tonbo only cared about results. Money was a minor issue. But for Kabuto, it was a major one.
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