Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 120 The Unexpected Events with the Hand Rope Tree

Just as Orochimaru was letting his thoughts wander, the sound of footsteps outside suddenly interrupted his thinking.

Orochimaru frowned slightly and looked up at the door. His laboratory was generally unknown to the public; only his close friends and the Konoha leadership knew about it. Why would they be here at a time like this?

At the entrance, Tsunade appeared, looking around with disdain. She really disliked this dimly lit, claustrophobic laboratory, given her love of lively environments.

Seeing Tsunade's disgusted expression, Orochimaru didn't say anything. They had been partners in life and death for many years, and Orochimaru knew that Tsunade didn't like this kind of environment, so she usually wouldn't come here to find him.

Tsunade looked at Orochimaru sitting at his desk and said with a look of disdain, "Can't you change your environment? Besides, aren't you afraid of going blind in this environment?"

Orochimaru didn't mind. This wasn't the first time his partner of over thirty years had brought up this issue, but Orochimaru had no intention of changing it. This environment allowed him to concentrate better, and no one would disturb him.

Orochimaru was quite surprised that Tsunade contacted him at this time, as he knew she hadn't been in a good mood lately. Kato Dan's death had severely impacted her condition and exacerbated her dissatisfaction with the Konoha leadership. He was seen as a supporter of the Konoha leadership, a view shared by Tsunade. While this wouldn't affect their relationship, Tsunade's appearance here was still a surprise.

Tsunade should know she doesn't want to get involved in their struggle, but she's still here. Does she want my support? But she should know my personality; she shouldn't be helping me.

Orochimaru has always maintained a neutral stance, even acting as a third party and their rival. Someone like Tsunade, with her personality, wouldn't want to put her friend in a difficult position.

Tsunade seemed to have guessed Orochimaru's thoughts, observing the constantly changing expression on his face. Tsunade knew that if she truly asked Orochimaru for his support, he would definitely agree. However, last time it wasn't Tsunade competing for the Hokage position, but rather supporting Sakumo Hatake. Orochimaru wouldn't make things difficult for his teacher for Sakumo's sake, so he had remained neutral.

"Don't worry, I didn't come here for that. Orochimaru, I only need your help with one thing right now, which is also the only thing I hope you can help me with in this life. I hope you will do it."

"What is it? Tell me! I will definitely do it."

Seeing the solemn expression on Tsunade's face, and even the seriousness in her tone, Orochimaru knew that Tsunade genuinely wanted his help. Given the close relationship between himself, Tsunade, and Jiraiya, and considering Tsunade's earnest request, Orochimaru wouldn't refuse. Even if it meant helping her become Hokage, Orochimaru was prepared to support her. Previously, Orochimaru had harbored ambitions to become Hokage himself, but since his deal with Hyuga Kanan, the position held no appeal for him anymore. Furthermore, Orochimaru believed that Tsunade becoming Hokage would be a very good thing, capable of changing the current situation in Konoha.

Now, even Orochimaru himself feels that Konoha Village has become very bad, and even the village's strength is declining. His Hokage teacher is now somewhat obsessed; Hatake Sakumo, the war god of Konoha, a strategic deterrent weapon against external threats, is actually being eliminated by him.

"I hope you can protect my younger brother, Senju Nawaki! You must make sure nothing happens to him! Is that alright, Orochimaru?"

Tsunade's expression was very serious. By making this request to Orochimaru, she was essentially telling him that the Hokage of Konoha and their teachers could not be trusted.

As expected, Orochimaru's expression turned extremely grim. He knew Tsunade very well; the fact that she made this request meant she had sensed something. Moreover, and most importantly, Senju Nawaki was his only disciple, and he hadn't noticed anything unusual before.

The Konoha leadership completely disregarded Orochimaru's thoughts and planned to attack his own disciple, which meant that he himself had now become an object of Konoha's suspicion.

Seeing Orochimaru's expression, Tsunade knew her words would have a significant impact on him. But Tsunade truly had no other choice. If Senju Nawaki had stayed by her side, she wouldn't be so worried. However, lately, for some reason, Nawaki kept saying he wanted to leave the village for a mission, while also asking Tsunade not to stop him from training and gaining ninja experience so he could strive to become Hokage.

Tsunade knew she could stop it this time, but she couldn't keep doing it indefinitely. Her younger brother would eventually go out on a mission, but she had a nagging feeling that something was wrong, exactly the same feeling she had when Kato Dan left. Moreover, the area around Konoha was becoming increasingly unstable, and she herself would also be going out on a mission. Her brother, left unattended, would inevitably leave the village, and she wouldn't be able to protect him then. However, Orochimaru was her close friend and Senju Nawaki's teacher; taking him on the mission was the best option. She believed that, with her reminders, Orochimaru would be careful to protect Senju Nawaki.

"Tsunade, Nawaki is Orochimaru's disciple! I will keep an eye on him and make sure nothing happens to him."

Orochimaru, though his face was grim, still assured Tsunade. He was burning with rage; those high-ranking officials of Konoha were becoming increasingly brazen, even targeting his own disciple. It seemed his recent silence had made them forget his reputation as the Cold-Hearted Orochimaru.

Tsunade breathed a slight sigh of relief after hearing Orochimaru's assurance. She knew that since Orochimaru had made the promise, and since Nawaki was Orochimaru's only disciple, Nawaki's basic safety was guaranteed, so she could rest assured.

He then nodded to Orochimaru and left.

Watching Tsunade's retreating figure, Orochimaru now realized that the Konoha high-ranking officials had truly gone mad and were beginning to show their wariness towards him. He now wanted to see what their plans were for dealing with his disciple.

The next few days were very calm, and nothing happened, but Orochimaru knew that this was the calm before the storm.

Sure enough, a mission order was soon delivered to Orochimaru, ordering him to leave the village and head to the Land of Fire near the ruins of the Land of Whirlpools to investigate the activities of the Mist Ninja. Tsunade was also on the journey.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a sinister smile. The other party was truly unscrupulous. But as long as he remained a Konoha ninja, he had to carry out orders and go to the border to carry out the mission.

Tsunade also received the mission assignment and knew she had to carry it out. If she, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya went on this mission simultaneously, then it was likely that all of Tsunade's other subordinates would also receive missions and need to leave the village. Fortunately, she had spoken to Orochimaru beforehand and warned him.

Now Orochimaru needs to step in.

As Orochimaru's disciple, Senju Nawaki can accompany Orochimaru on missions whenever Orochimaru requests it, without having to stay alone in Konoha.

Orochimaru rushed to the mission center, proposing to take Senju Nawaki with him. Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, firmly refused. The mission was of an unimaginable level and was far more dangerous than they could have imagined, and Senju Nawaki was merely a rookie genin, utterly incapable of handling such a daunting task.

Orochimaru stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi, whose hair was now slightly gray, and a sense of unfamiliarity he had never felt before welled up inside him. The current Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to have become a complete stranger, one that even his closest disciple could hardly recognize.

Perhaps Orochimaru never truly understood the Hokage before him, and that the Hokage's previous kindness and gentleness were merely a facade.

However, given the current situation, Orochimaru had no intention of arguing with him, as it was pointless. He directly declared to Hiruzen Sarutobi that Senju Nawaki was his beloved disciple, and that there would be absolutely no problem with him carrying out missions with his disciple.

After that, they left the mission issuing center and headed to the village gate, where Tsunade was waiting with Senju Nawaki, along with many other ANBU ninjas to carry out the mission.

When Orochimaru arrived, he simply shook his head slightly at Tsunade without saying anything. Seeing Orochimaru's action, Tsunade's face showed disappointment, but she remained silent.

Led by Orochimaru, the group began their journey, heading out of the village.

Throughout the journey, Senju Nawaki was extremely excited and kept talking. Orochimaru and Tsunade simply listened to him, not wanting him to be exposed to the darkness of Konoha too early, and said nothing in front of him.

Then came the mission: Tsunade and Jiraiya each led a team in different directions, while Orochimaru led Senju Nawaki in one direction to gather intelligence.

The mission progressed exceptionally smoothly, and although some unexpected events occurred, they were easily resolved. After all, Konoha had dispatched the "Legendary Sannin" for this mission, and the accompanying ninjas were all Konoha's elite troops.

On the way back to the village, Orochimaru's wariness gradually subsided like a receding tide. After all, during the mission, although Senju Nawaki had been somewhat dangerous, he had been like an ant in his palm, completely under his control. Now that the mission was complete, all should be well and there was no more danger.

Suddenly, another ANBU team appeared beside Orochimaru, indicating they had information to report to him privately. Orochimaru could only signal his troops to continue, while he slowed down to await the ANBU team's report.

But in that short time, the advancing group was attacked. Orochimaru's expression changed, and without delay, he quickly moved towards the group in front.

He breathed a slight sigh of relief when he saw that his squad had suffered no casualties. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, he noticed that Senju Nawaki hadn't stopped and was chasing after them in one direction.

Orochimaru's expression changed slightly, and he chased after Senju Nawaki, shouting for him to stop. But Nawaki had already gone far ahead, and although he was slower than Orochimaru, it would still take him some time to catch up.

Soon, countless explosions sounded ahead, and Orochimaru's expression turned extremely grim.