It's normal to get a kaleidoscope as a first deposit of six yuan, right?

She has gradually shifted her focus from research on possessing bodies to physical cloning technology. Once the research is complete, obtaining a cell sample from Uchiha Shiyuki, even just a single hair, would be a huge win.

Just as Orochimaru was still dreaming about his future, a dark figure walked out of the laboratory door. As if sensing the chakra of the newcomer, Orochimaru's expression changed drastically as he looked towards the distant corridor.

"who!?"

Footsteps echoed through the eerie corridor. Orochimaru's pupils dilated as he watched the figure gradually emerge from the darkness, clad in a wide black robe.

"The darkest scientist in the ninja world, an explorer venturing into forbidden territory, Mr. Orochimaru really has a clever plan..."

Seeing the black and white pitcher plant emerge from the door, Orochimaru drew his sword with a grim expression and said, "An intelligence agent from Akatsuki, I didn't expect you to find this place."

Seeing Orochimaru's seemingly unfriendly attitude, Black Zetsu chuckled twice and said, "Don't be so tense, Mr. Orochimaru. I've come alone this time with sincerity, and I absolutely have no intention of harming you..."

Looking at Black Zetsu emitting an inexplicable laugh, Orochimaru's expression became somewhat strange. He then took out a remote control from his pocket and pressed it. Instantly, the entire laboratory shook three times, and the narrow corridor, which resembled a long snake, was completely sealed off by more than thirty alloy doors.

“Ah, Mr. Orochimaru is quite vigilant. However, I don’t intend to arrest Mr. Orochimaru on behalf of the organization. I just want to discuss a collaboration with Mr. Orochimaru that you will definitely be interested in on a personal basis.” Zetsu said, taking out a jar containing cellular tissue from his large robe.

"What is this? I already have a lot of Hashirama cells..." Orochimaru said uninterestedly, looking at the transparent jar containing cells in Zetsu's hand.

"These are not Hashirama cells, but cells from the man once known as the Asura of the Shinobi World—the real Uchiha Madara."

Hearing what Zetsu said, Orochimaru was also taken aback. Then he reached out his snake hand, took the jar in his hand, and examined it carefully. Afterward, he licked his lips at Zetsu in a hoarse voice and said, "Nice gift, I like it very much. But don't you know that cooperating with me is a very dangerous thing?"

Seeing Orochimaru's increasingly dangerous gaze, Black Zetsu laughed out loud and then pulled a black rod out of his sleeve.

"This is a stick that can transmit information to Pain. If you insist on hitting the smiling man, then I'll have no choice but to expose your location. Don't underestimate me just because I'm an intelligence agent. My ability to deal with people is exceptionally strong. Mr. Orochimaru, you don't want to be blocked at the door by Pain or that brat Uchiha Shiyuki before the Fourth Shinobi World War even begins, do you?"

Seeing the black rod in Zetsu's hand, Orochimaru's face turned pale. Then, he recalled the scene in his mind when he was chased and beaten by Tendo Chao and that brat Zhixue.

Even though she's already trying to stay out of trouble, why does this constant stream of problems keep crashing into her life?

Chapter 258, A Magical World

Ding! The Tailed Beast Capture arc has ended. Congratulations, host, for completing the main quest. You have received the following rewards: Ninjutsu Power +10%, Charm +1, Affinity +1.

"There's a reward, which is... somewhat conscientious..." After taking a shower, Zhi Xue sat on the sofa with slightly weak legs. Listening to the system's notification, she also drank some herbal tea to help the blush on her face fade a little.

Having just finished handing over the mission, a little relaxation seems reasonable, right? Ahem…

"System, open the panel and let me see my current data," Zhi Xue said, taking a bite of the apple on the table.

With the Fourth Shinobi World War approaching, take a look at your stats first to get a sense of your own strength.

Uchiha Shiyuki

Gender: Female

Age: 17 (You are about to become a legal loli, congratulations!)

Charisma: 98

Affinity: 13. (Extremely easy to make people feel friendly, but please avoid excessive contact with yanderes.)

Personality: laid-back, kind, cunning, (hidden)

Likes: older brother, watching excitement, soft sweets, carbonated iced drinks, and exploring knowledge.

Dislikes: sticky, slippery, wet things, menstrual blood, bitter chocolate, alcohol, and troublesome things.

Strength: Six Paths (Pseudo)

Ninjutsu: 10, Body: 10, Illusion: 10, Hand Seals: 9. (10 is the maximum.)

Intelligence: 5~8 (You may be a bit slow, but when you're in a good mood, you might be a genius.)

Talent: 10 (Sharingan +5, Hashirama Cells +4.)

Chakra: 300 calories.

Lifespan: 230 years.

Chakra natures: Fire, Water, Yin, Yang, Earth, Wind, Lightning (arranged in order of mastery).

Bloodline Limits: Byakugan, Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, Rinnegan, Wood Release, Magnet Release.

Specializes in: Five Elements Ninjutsu, Eye Techniques.

Ninja tools: Kusanagi sword (fire), Flying Thunder God kunai (pure version).

Ninjutsu: Omitted.

……

"Emmm... never mind, I won't argue with the system. Anyway, I'm not going to admit that I'm stupid. (Intelligence)" Zhi Xue said stubbornly, looking at the line of small print next to Intelligence.

Ding, main quest updated—

The Fourth Shinobi World War (Main Story)

Introduction: Due to the rise of the Akatsuki organization, the five great nations have sensed the danger and are preparing to unite to wipe out the Akatsuki forces in the Land of Rivers. As the one who announced the Fourth Shinobi World War, the host will also occupy an important position.

Main story rewards: Eye Technique: Tsukuyomi, Bloodline Limit: Dust Release.

While Zhixue was still reading the mission description, a string of question marks appeared above her head when she saw that there were no mission requirements.

Does this mean I should just play around with the options from option four?

.........

While Zhixue was still discussing mission matters with the system, Orochimaru, far away at his base on the East China Sea coast, had also completed some illicit cooperation with Zetsu.

"I can provide you with perfect materials for the Impure World Reincarnation technique. With your constantly improved technique, I believe it will be no problem to unleash 90% of the deceased's strength in life."

Looking at Zetsu beside him, who seemed very optimistic about him, Orochimaru hesitated for a moment before asking, "Logically speaking, you and Uchiha Shiyu are both members of Akatsuki, so why would you settle for second best and ask me to cooperate in dealing with her?"

Seeing Orochimaru's puzzled, dark gold snake eyes, Black Zetsu replied, "You should know that Uchiha Shiyuki is extremely powerful and has many suspicious aspects. She is a rather unstable factor for my plans."

Orochimaru nodded after hearing Black Zetsu's explanation.

She could understand that. Uchiha Shiyuki's power was already enough to make people very wary. If he betrayed them during their plan, the result would be fatal. However, he was talking about his plan. So this guy in front of her was not on the same boat as Pain after all?

"To join forces with the enemy to eliminate dissidents within your own organization, it seems you're quite a dangerous fellow. But let me make this clear beforehand: if the offerings you give me are unsatisfactory, I won't cooperate with you even if I'm cornered at the door."

Seeing Zetsu looking quite pleased, Orochimaru spoke up to remind him.

Without a sacrifice that could fully match the Impure World Reincarnation technique, she really wouldn't dare to set her sights on that alluring little girl.

"Don't worry, the offerings I provide will be absolutely useful. As long as we are careful, we will achieve what we want..." Black Zetsu said with a smile.

Even if Uchiha Shiyuki is strong, Black Zetsu doesn't believe that so many resurrected ninjas are helpless against her. After all, Madara's power at his peak was absolutely unmatched in the entire ninja world...

"I hope so..." After opening the door to the experimental base, Orochimaru turned around and went to get the materials needed for the Impure World Reincarnation technique.

How come she didn't notice how cunning this seemingly insignificant guy was when she joined Akatsuki?

……

Meanwhile, in Konoha, Uchiha Shisui and the others had brought Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi back to the village. Because they had been attacked by the Heavenly Meteor after the Five Kage Summit, Kakashi and Itachi had suffered some minor injuries and went to the temporary medical center in Konoha for treatment.

Shisui, standing on the Hokage Rock, was somewhat amazed as he looked at the Konoha houses, which had been mostly restored.

"Wow, the construction team in Konoha is working so fast? It looks like in a few days, Konoha will be restarting all sorts of activities and initiatives within the village..."

When Shisui returned to the Hokage Building, Nara Shikaku, seeing him return, rushed over.

"Lord Hokage, you're back."

"Ah, Shikaku, I'll have to trouble you to take charge of things in Konoha while I'm away."

Looking at the very polite Shisui in front of him, Nara Shikaku shook his head, then took out the Hokage's robe from the drawer and smiled, "As the strategist of Konoha, I naturally have to do my best for the village. But did the Fifth Hokage obtain any important intelligence when he participated in the Five Kage Summit?"

After putting on the Hokage's robes, Shisui sat in the Hokage's chair, shook his head, and said, "The general news of the Five Kage Summit should have reached Konoha yesterday. I don't know much, but regarding the appearance of Uchiha Madara, have there been any strange reactions in the village?"

When asked by Shisui, Nara Shikaku shook his head and said, "I intercepted the message. Only a small number of people in Konoha knew about this information, so there was no panic or anything like that."

Upon hearing Nara Shikaku's proposed solution, Shisui nodded. It was indeed inappropriate to release the news of Pain's attack on Konoha so soon.

In the following days, Shisui learned a lot about the recent events in Konoha from Shikaku and began to take on his own responsibilities. However, when he heard Jiraiya's account of the information about the Land of Rivers, Shisui sensed something.

"So Shisui is still there after all..." Shisui murmured, her feelings complicated, after hearing what Shikaku had said.

Nara Shikaku couldn't help but facepalm as he watched Shisui seem to know something.

"This world is getting more and more surreal..."

Chapter 259, The Tragic Yamato

“More and more ninjas are coming to the Land of Rivers, and we probably can’t stay here any longer,” Obito, disguised as Madara, said to Pain in the cave.

"You want me to move back to the Land of Rain?"

"Of course not. Our intelligence has been leaked. Even if the war hasn't started yet, there will probably be a lot of little bugs coming to waste our energy. It's a very bad deal."

Listening to Obito's explanation, Pain turned his gaze to the enormous body inside the cave and said, "What you said makes some sense, but there aren't many places that can hold the Ten-Tails."

After Pain gathered all the tailed beasts, the Ten-Tails' size had increased to over 500 meters. There weren't many places in the ninja world that could accommodate such a colossal creature and have excellent concealment.

"Hehe, what you're talking about are just minor issues. The world is so big, there's bound to be a suitable place. Just leave these to Jue."

Upon hearing "Zetsu," Payne's expression turned somewhat strange. This guy hadn't been back to the organization for a while; he wondered what the situation was like in various countries...

Three days later, news of the Akatsuki's war with the five great nations had spread to most parts of the ninja world. However, just as the spies from various countries finally managed to break through the barrier within the Land of Rivers, this dangerous terrorist organization had already disappeared.

"Search this place with all your might, and try not to miss a single clue!" Tu Tai, who already knew that the enemy had moved their position, also gave the order, sending the remaining Cloud Ninja to search the surrounding terrain.

Within five minutes, a Cloud Ninja rushed over in a panic.

"Lord Tsuchidai, there is a large cave inside these mountains!"

Seeing the Cloud Ninja's flustered appearance, Tsuchida frowned.

Isn't it normal to have caves in the mountains? Is there really such a rush?

"First squad, follow me and charge in!" Tsuchitai waved his hand, then summoned a squad of more than a dozen people to run with him in the direction the Cloud Ninja pointed out. However, when he arrived at the huge cave that seemed to have hollowed out the entire mountain, he couldn't help but be shocked.

After wiping away the traces of cleaning on the cave surface, the first team took out flashlights and explored the surrounding area, recording some useful traces.

"What exactly was stored here before..." Looking at the collapsed footprints in the cave, a sense of fear from his very blood sent a chill down Tu Tai's spine.

Northern part of the Land of Fire…

Obito put down the daimyo of the Land of Frost, and the pattern in his pupils gradually stopped spinning.

"From now on, the Land of Frost will be the Akatsuki's base, and you, as our shield, must do everything in your power to cover our presence and whereabouts, understand?"