Escape From Konoha

On the way to Konoha Hospital.

Jiraiya and Lujiu walked side by side, judging from the expressions on their faces, they were talking about important matters.

"Now that the village is leaderless, I still hope that Master Jiraiya can act as soon as possible to bring Master Tsunade back and stabilize the restless people in the village. Of course, if Jiraiya assumes the position of the Fifth Hokage, I will not I don’t mind.”

While walking forward, Lu Jiu smiled at Zilai.

"Forgive me, I can't become a qualified Hokage. Even Danzo may be more suitable than me."

Jiraiya mocked himself in a self-deprecating tone.

I am very clear about my own political mind, even if I have a few catties and a few taels. In the past, when his mentor Sarutobi Hiruken was alive, he talked about this issue more than once, but he flatly rejected them all in the end.

His wandering mind is not suitable for staying in one place.

His succession to the position of Hokage will only make Konoha more chaotic.

"But if there is a just in case...if Tsunade-sama refuses, I can only do that."

Shikaku said.

"Don't worry, I will bring Tsunade back, and then there will be no problem."

Although he got Jiraiya's guarantee, Lu Jiu still couldn't let it go.

At any time, as a strategist, he must prepare for the worst. Some things cannot be thought too optimistically.

"In that case, when is Jiraiya-sama planning to leave?"

Shikaku paused and continued to ask.

"Leave early tomorrow morning. Anyway, being anxious now can't solve anything, can it?"

"Yeah, in this situation, it's better to stabilize."

"So, how are the negotiations with the consultant going?"

Jiraiya asked with interest.

"It's still like that. They are still hiding something. I really don't know what kind of bombs are hidden in this peaceful village."

When Lu Jiu said this, his eyes narrowed slightly, showing dissatisfaction in his eyes.

"You just get used to this kind of thing." Jiraiya patted Shikaku's shoulder comfortingly and said with a smile: "However, in the future, please limit the power of those two people. They are only suitable for logistics and transportation. As for other aspects, it's better not to have confidence in them. In the past, Mr. Sarutobi was too spoiled to them and gave them too much say, which was why so many things happened in the village. There were many things that should have happened It could have been avoided, but it ended up like this.”

Jiraiya had been clear about this from the beginning.

But with his ability, he is unable to change all this.

In terms of relationship, those two consultants were his seniors and peers of his teachers.

In terms of origin, they were disciples of the Second Hokage. Before he became famous and gained a certain status in Konoha, they were already the most prominent figures in the village.

If you want to bring them down, you can only rely on the power of Naruto.

Once the Hokage also covers up what they did, even the Sannin can only look back and sigh.

He has been wandering outside these years, partly to find the son of the prophecy, and partly to avoid the political struggles in the village, not wanting to get involved in these messy things and allowing himself some peace and quiet.

It is better now, it is indeed much quieter, and Danzo, who has always been at odds with him, has also ended his political career, but the sacrifices Konoha has made can be said to be extremely tragic.

Shikaku agreed with Jiraiya's words.

Hokage passed away and Danzo was imprisoned, so now he, the Jonin squad leader, will bear the brunt of these two high-level advisers.

Shikaku fully understands their difficulties.

"By the way, what's the situation with Sasuke Uchiha? Have you investigated his whereabouts?"

Jiraiya asked this question.

Shikaku nodded and replied: "Not long ago, there was an urgent report from the border. Someone witnessed Uchiha Sasuke and Kakashi together, and then disappeared in Tian Country."

"Kakashi?"

Jiraiya's expression was extremely complicated.

If the evidence were not conclusive, it would be difficult for him to believe that the ANBU minister, whom he regarded as an outstanding junior and served as Hokage's deputy, would be Orochimaru's spy rooted in Konoha.

Over the years, how much information has Kakashi passed on to Orochimaru by using his identity?

This kind of loss was unimaginable for Jiraiya.

"So, the person behind the scenes who encouraged Sasuke Uchiha to leave the village was Orochimaru?"

"That's 80% true. I heard that during the Chunin Exam, Orochimaru had already targeted Sasuke. Now that Uchiha Sasuke has suddenly left, I'm afraid his instructions are indispensable behind this. And Kakashi is probably one of them. liaison between them.”

"Is it to get the Sharingan? That guy Orochimaru seems to have not given up on that unrealistic idea. It would be terrible if he gets the power of the Sharingan."

Jiraiya's expression became serious.

"Having said that, there is nothing we can do here. Let's stabilize the village first, and let's talk about Orochimaru's matter after that. I just don't know what action the Demon Country will take when they learn this news."

Shikaku thought about this.

"Are you planning to use the kingdom of ghosts to deal with Orochimaru?"

Jilai also heard Lu Jiu say this, and heard his implication.

He showed a thoughtful look, as if he was also thinking about the feasibility.

"Ah, yes, the Uchiha clan over there in the Kingdom of Demons must find it difficult to tolerate the blood of their own clan being stolen by others. It would be great if they could instigate them and let the Kingdom of Demons eliminate Orochimaru. .”

Although this idea is a bit taken for granted, Shikaku does not completely deny the feasibility of this method.

The Uchiha clan is a ninja clan that attaches great importance to family honor.

In order to prevent the family's bloodline from being stolen by others, after learning this news, they will definitely not sit idly by and ignore it.

Even if he sits idly by, Konoha can secretly guide public opinion and point the finger of the Demon Country at Orochimaru.

In this way, it can not only solve Orochimaru's serious problem, but also consume the energy of the Demon Country and divert its attention.

Of course, the premise of all this is to attract enough attention from the ghost kingdom.

If the Kingdom of Demons does not pay enough attention to this aspect, then no matter how it guides, it will not be able to sow discord between the Kingdom of Demons and Orochimaru.

"It is not that simple to let the Kingdom of Demons fall into a trap. Moreover, since they did not take Uchiha Sasuke away with them when they visited Konoha four years ago, I am afraid that Uchiha Sasuke will not care about the people over there. For the Uchiha clan, it is not a vital existence."

What's more, they belong to two camps. The Uchiha clan on both sides cannot be said to be completely frictionless, but the relationship may not be as friendly as they imagined.

When Konoha Uchiha suffered genocide, the Uchiha clan in the Kingdom of Demons did not react excessively. They only took away the heritage belonging to Konoha Uchiha in the name of a visit. Other than that, they did not make any suggestions. request, and did not mention Uchiha Sasuke, an orphan.

Just like the Hyuga clan today, although they all inherited the name of Hyuga, in essence, they are two families, not a whole.

"That's true, but let's talk about this later. In that case, Naruto will ask Lord Jiraiya. Although the security personnel have been reorganized, the current situation in the village..."

Lu Jiu sighed.

Now the village is full of waste, and many ninjas are busy, including Anbu, so there is also a shortage of personnel to protect Jinchuriki.

If there is no ninja of the level of Sannin personally sitting in the town, Lu Jiu really can't feel at ease.

In the absence of Hokage, the power of Kyuubi is an indispensable deterrent for Konoha.

"Naruto, I'm here to protect you personally. Your job is to stabilize the village... If those two advisors cause trouble, you can use force to solve the problem if necessary."

"Hopefully it won't come to that."

"If the two of them were really courageous, they wouldn't always be on the sidelines in high-level meetings. But just in case, we can't take them lightly. They may have various shortcomings, but they can learn from them. Those who stood out from that era and became the students of the Second Hokage, their strength should not be underestimated."

Jiraiya smiled slightly, patted Lu Jiu on the shoulder, and walked towards Konoha Hospital.

◎

Since waking up, Naruto has been lying quietly on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling above his head.

Although the smell of disinfectant in the ward had a calming effect, Naruto felt irritable.

There are medical bandages wrapped around the abdomen, chest cavity, arms, and neck.

The ribs on my chest are still aching.

Perhaps because of the stiffness in his body, Naruto reluctantly gritted his teeth and sat up slowly from the hospital bed.

The bones creaked, although it hurt, but Naruto persisted, at least not as painful as it was at the beginning.

"You look like that, it's better to lie down."

The sound came from one side.

The door of the ward was pushed open, and Shikamaru and Sakura walked in.

Like Naruto, Shikamaru is also wrapped in bandages, but since his injuries are basically skin trauma, he recovers faster under the treatment of medical ninjas.

"Shikamaru, Sakura..."

"Why, did you just wake up and not come to your senses?"

Shikamaru asked with a smile.

"I'm sorry, I did not……"

Naruto didn't remember what happened when he fell into coma, but he could still vividly remember what happened before he fell into coma.

He lost, lost to Sasuke.

Obviously, his attempt to prevent Sasuke from leaving failed.

"Why do you need to apologize? You've already tried your best, and you've made yourself look like a mummy..."

With a smile on her face, Sakura put down the fresh fruit she bought.

Although she was smiling, Naruto could see the loss and reluctance on Sakura's face.

"Sakura, I..."

"It goes without saying, Naruto, Shikamaru has already told me, I'll be fine."

Sakura took a deep breath and looked at Naruto seriously, as if revealing some determination.

"Yes...really?" At this moment, Naruto suddenly remembered something and asked: "By the way, how is Hinata? Is her injury okay?"

"Well, I'm fine now, and I'm being sent to the Hyuga Clan to recuperate now. Sasuke may have shown mercy in the end, or maybe it was to let us feel his determination, but it's also true that he didn't kill him in the end..."

Shikamaru walked to the window and looked at the scenery outside.

"Then in this case..."

As if aware of Naruto's compassion, Shikamaru's expression suddenly became serious.

This serious look made Naruto's heart skip a beat.

"What, what's wrong?"

"Stop chasing Sasuke. Soon, when the Fifth Hokage succeeds to the throne, a wanted order will be officially issued for him and he will be treated as a traitor to the village. I didn't want to say these words, but you and I are I don't want to lie to you, friend—Sasuke can't possibly be back."

Shikamaru's expression was more serious than ever.

Naruto's expression immediately stiffened.

Even Sakura lowered her head, as if she was saddened by this incident.

"But……"

"There's nothing wrong with it. Although Sasuke saved our lives, it's true that he hurt our companions. Besides...forget it, it's nothing."

Although I really wanted to tell Naruto the facts I guessed, the current situation was really not suitable to tell Naruto such things.

It's better to wait for Naruto to calm down, and then tell him a little bit, to dispel his idea of ​​chasing Sasuke back.

"Sakura, let's go, let him be quiet here for a while."

Shikamaru felt Naruto's sinking will and said to Sakura.

"Well, let's leave first, Naruto, you can have a good rest here."

Sakura nodded and left the ward with Shikamaru to visit the other wounded.

Shikamaru and Sakura left, leaving Naruto alone in the room again, sitting on the hospital bed, his shoulders shaking slightly, as if he was sobbing.

"Don't act like a little girl and cry when something like this happens?"

These inappropriate words reached Naruto's ears, causing him to raise his head and look toward the window.

A white-haired man in his late fifties appeared there, making fun of him.

"A lecherous fairy?"

"It's been a long time since we said goodbye to the Kingdom of Ghosts, Naruto. I didn't expect that little devil who refused to admit defeat would also cry secretly."

"I'm not crying!"

Seeing Naruto's embarrassed look wiping his tears, Jiraiya burst out laughing.

Naruto stared at Jiraiya viciously, unhappy that the other party had made trouble.

"what's so funny?"

"No, I'm not making fun of you, it's just that your mummy appearance is a bit funny. However, that Nara boy is right. It's impossible for Uchiha Sasuke to come back. You'd better give up on this idea completely."

Just as Naruto was about to refute, Jiraiya fired another bullet:

"More than that, the ninja who prompted him to leave Konoha and assisted him in his defection is the 'Kakashi-sensei' you have always respected!"

"?"

It seemed that because Jiraiya's words were too shocking, Naruto sat on the bed stunned, and didn't react for a long time, thinking that his ears had heard it wrong.

"Don't show such disbelief. Not only you, I was also shocked when I first learned about this information. And Kakashi's charge of defection will soon be determined - assisting Orochimaru, assassination The Third Hokage!"

Jiraiya's speech made Naruto even more unbelievable. His mouth opened wide and he didn't know how to react. His brain obviously couldn't process such a complicated situation in a short time.

Today is not April Fool's Day.

◎

Through the dark and narrow corridor, on both sides are iron prisons where prisoners are held.

These prisoners were skinny, with gloomy eyes. They were wearing heavy shackles on their hands and feet. They stretched out their black and gray hands to grasp the iron bars, and stared straight at the two people walking in the aisle with their big bulging eyeballs. people.

Sasuke looked at the mental appearance of these people. Their energy levels could be said to be extremely poor. The sounds coming out of their mouths were incomprehensible at all. They sounded like wailing or screaming.

For a while, I could still hear the hoarse voice of someone begging for mercy.

Kidomaru led the way ahead, and he didn't care about the prisoners on both sides. He grew up in Otonin Village since he was a child, and he has long been accustomed to these scenes.

"It's right ahead, Sasuke-sama."

After turning a corner, Kidomaru said respectfully to Sasuke behind him.

Sasuke stepped forward without changing his face, turning a deaf ear to the wailing of the prisoners on both sides, and just followed Kidomaru with a cold expression.

Not long after, Kidomaru opened the door in front of him.

A miserable green light came out of the room and shone on the faces of Sasuke and Kidomaru.

Opposite culture tanks are placed on both sides of the road. Through the transparent glass, you can see that the culture tanks are filled with green luminous liquid. In the liquid, there are twisted alien shapes that cannot be described as any known creature.

It's like biological mutation, scary and evil.

At the end of the road, a slender figure stood.

His pale skin was as transparent as a candle, his long black hair was hanging down, and he was surrounded by an atmosphere that was too evil to be judged.

Especially the look he directed at him was full of enthusiasm and greed, which made Sasuke tense up and feel extremely uncomfortable.

"You came here earlier than I thought, Sasuke-kun. I've said it before. Playing house in a place like Konoha won't help you grow at all. This is your real home."

The long-haired man chuckled.

"You're still just as disgusting as you were during the Chuunin Exams."

Sasuke looked at Orochimaru without fear, his eyes revealed coldness, and the three Magatama Sharingan, which exuded huge intimidation, appeared from the pupils, resisting the strong pressure from the surroundings.

Unlike during the Chunin Examination, he was already able to move freely according to his own will under Orochimaru's murderous aura, and he could even find opportunities to fight back.

When Kidomaru heard that Sasuke was being disrespectful to Orochimaru as soon as he opened his mouth, his face turned pale and he winked at Sasuke crazily.

So far, he has seen countless ninjas who got carried away because of the curse seal, and acted mischievously in front of Dashemaru, and eventually became frequent visitors on the operating table, and he has never seen it again.

He didn't want Sasuke, whom he had just bet on, to be given up by Orochimaru for this reason.

"Don't worry, Kidomaru, I don't mind. After all, Sasuke-kun can directly enter the second state with his own strength, which really makes me happy."

The only disappointment is that Sasuke did not awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.

According to his initial prediction, knowing the truth, coupled with the double erosion of the curse seal, should be enough to create the dark feelings that make Sasuke's Sharingan evolve into a kaleidoscope Sharingan.

However, this ‘miracle’ did not occur.

Could it be that, regarding the Mangekyou Sharingan, are there any prerequisites that have not yet been completed?

What is missing from this?

Although Orochimaru was confused, he did not say such words.

As long as Sasuke is in his hands, it is only a matter of time before he gets the Mangekyo Sharingan, or even the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Even the reincarnation eye... this is not impossible.

"Thank you for your magnanimity, Orochimaru-sama."

Kidomaru immediately knelt down on one knee and apologized to Orochimaru, with nervous sweat still on his forehead.

He both admired and feared Orochimaru.

"Then, you four sound ninjas, please follow Sasuke-kun."

As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, Sasuke said coldly:

"This kind of thing doesn't matter. I heard from Kakashi that I came here because it can give me strength. If I can't meet my requirements, then I don't have to obey your orders."

"Don't worry, Sasuke-kun. Before I teach you how to practice, you must first master the power of the second state of the spell seal, which will help you practice in the future. As for the second state, the four people have unique insights and will give You are a great inspiration and help.”

To let the curse seal further control my body is the real reason! Sasuke snorted in his heart.

The curse mark on his neck was created by Orochimaru.

The deeper into the power of the curse seal, the more unable to escape Orochimaru's control.

Especially the so-called state two, although powerful power can be obtained, it also means that the abuse of this power means that the more dependent on Orochimaru to survive.

He had already noticed it when he was fighting Naruto.

The darkness in his heart was not only guided by the Sharingan, but also by the curse mark on his neck, which was also the culprit that guided the dark feelings in his heart.

Orochimaru knows very well the conditions for opening the Mangekyō Sharingan! Sasuke confirmed this fact.

"Then, Kidomaru, Sasuke-kun is entrusted to you for the time being. Come to me after you have mastered the power of the second state."

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

Kidomaru said respectfully.

Then he stood up and said to Sasuke beside him: "Lord Sasuke, please give me your advice next time. The four of us will train you strictly."

"It better be so."

Sasuke dropped these words and turned to leave.

Kidomaru had no choice but to follow, and thanks to Orochimaru's connivance, he also developed awe of Sasuke in his heart.

◎

Iron country.

The earth is freezing cold, the north is roaring, it’s another cold day.

"Tsunade-sama, please stay."

In the snow of the forest, three root ninjas followed closely behind Tsunade, and the leader was the root's Jonin Yamazhazu.

He led two accompanying root ninjas, sticking behind Tsunade like a cowhide plaster, never letting go.

"I said, I won't assist you in any human research. Anyway, what you are hosting is not a serious human experiment."

Tsunade turned around and said impatiently to the three of Shan Zhongfeng.

As a medical ninja, she is not opposed to human experimentation, but the premise is that the kind of formal and safe human experimentation, and human experimentation like Root, which unscrupulously holds living people and cannot guarantee life and death, will only make Tsunade feel Feeling unhappy.

Therefore, even if she was from the same village, she never had a good look at Genbu.

His teacher was too indulgent towards Danzo.

Sooner or later, there will be a big somersault on this.

"Sorry, this time we are here, not for this matter."

Shanfeng smiled bitterly.

Moreover, the human experiment or something is basically an excuse forged to frame Tsunade, in order to keep Tsunade in the country of iron, so that she cannot get in touch with Konoha.

As long as they wait for their leader Danzo to become the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade can be let go.

But the plan will never keep up with the changes. Danzo is charged with attacking and controlling Hokage. Unless Danzo kills all witnesses, this matter cannot be concealed at all.

Moreover, it is not to say that this cannot be done with the power of the root, even if it can be done, neither Danzo nor the rest of the root dare to act so recklessly.

Because that would only result in the destruction of Konoha.

This is completely different from the results desired by Root and Fighters.

What they want is to strengthen Konoha in another way, not to destroy the village of Konoha.

"Then why are you brats bothering me? Even if you catch Shi Jing, I won't give in to you. Or do you want to persuade me by force?"

Tsunade clenched her fists, and there was a crackling sound in the air. She looked at the three people in the mountain with a scrutinizing look, showing disdain.

Then, Tsunade continued:

"If that's the case, then call out all the people you have hidden. Just the three of you are not my opponent."

With Tsunade's strength, she naturally realized that there were many root-level ninjas hidden in the darkness of the snowy forest, and they were not weak in strength.

"You, you are joking."

The wind in the mountain was full of cold sweat.

Putting aside the gap in strength, the gap in experience alone was enough for ninjas of the Sannin level to beat them.

The Sannin are all Konoha ninjas who have come through the war years and have experienced two extremely cruel ninja wars.

Even though Tsunade's main job is medical ninja, it doesn't mean that medical ninjas are easy to bully. If you think that way, it can only be said to be a big mistake.

"Then get out of here. If Shizune loses a finger, I will twist off your heads and use them as balls."

Listening to Tsunade's disgusted tone, Shanfeng felt calm.

As a member, he naturally understands the underlying virtues.

For the things they do secretly, it would be really weird if people could like them.

Therefore, Shanfeng and others have long been accustomed to Tsunade's harsh words.

"Actually, the reason why we came to Tsunade-sama this time is to..."

Shanfeng stopped mid-sentence.

Because he saw two figures walking on the snow, slowly approaching them, and their expressions changed drastically.

He waved his hand suddenly, and there was a swishing sound, and the root ninjas hiding in the dark jumped out at the same time, surrounding Tsunade in an instant, protecting her in the center, and staring at the uninvited guest with vigilant eyes.

Tsunade naturally also noticed the abnormal breath in the air, turned around and swept towards the people, and suddenly asked with interest: "Why, is it a lively festival today, even you came to join in the fun?"

The person coming was none other than Shiraishi.

Behind him, followed a white-haired boy in white clothes, holding a long gun wrapped in a white cloth in his hand, his eyes were sleepy, the bubbles coming out of his nostrils fluctuated from big to small, and he was snoring quietly.

The mouth also follows the bubbles in the nostrils, which suddenly become larger and smaller.

Shiraishi stopped five meters in front of the circle formed by the root ninjas. He looked at the group of root ninjas who were staring at him with unkind eyes. A kind and friendly smile suddenly broke out on his face:

"Long time no see, Tsunade-sensei... Well, it seems that I came at the wrong time. So, do you want me to help you clean up all these vicious guys?"