Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

"Where did it come from?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi toyed with the tentacle of the Eight-Tails, Gyūki. "Pretty capable, huh? You even brought back some souvenirs from Kumogakure. They look pretty much like octopus tentacles..."

Orochimaru felt relieved.

The teacher didn't immediately ask him why he didn't report it...

That puts half the battle in the bag.

"When the Eight-Tails was hit by Kurama Genshin Impact's illusion technique, I used the Kusanagi Sword to cut off a piece from a distance..." Orochimaru added softly, "It wasn't just that, there was another piece."

I roughly gestured with my hand to indicate the length.

"You little brat..." Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, "If you keep it a secret, probably no one will know."

Orochimaru laughed too: "After all, it's a tailed beast, how could I not tell you, sir?"

"I'm just unsure of your opinion, teacher. This stuff is dangerous, after all. I'm thinking of keeping some experimental data to try it out, but overall I'll listen to your opinion."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised.

As expected of his best student... he has already mastered the art of using a retreat-to-advance conversation technique!

That sounds really helpful!

But so-called routines and techniques, in the final analysis, cannot be created out of thin air; at most, they can improve the visual appeal of language and reduce friction and internal friction.

The core issue is that both sides' bottom lines do not conflict and their interests are aligned.

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that it was virtually impossible to get 100% obedience to the rules from a ninja like Orochimaru.

This self-awareness is sometimes precisely the source of their ability to create value.

As long as the bottom line isn't crossed, some degree of freedom should be granted.

"That's just a preconceived notion..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi remarked, pulling out his pipe: "The history of wars in the ninja world can, to some extent, be seen as the history of the evolution of ninjutsu. I have never had any aversion to studying it."

"However, research and development is often accompanied by bloodshed. In the past, I was worried that the results would not be realized before the village could bear the cost."

"Now I've come to terms with it. I'll just find a way to shift the burden onto them. The village can help you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke:

"But we must not do things like taking away Ibli and the Tsuchigumo clan members by half-deception and half-coaxing, and using their physical characteristics to study the first generation cells.

"Although they are not Konoha ninjas, they have lived in the Land of Fire for a long time. Once we have more money, you and I can draft a plan to settle things."

Orochimaru's eyes lit up: "I understand, Master!"

The cost is shifted, and the village helps. Don't you understand what that means?

Hiruzen Sarutobi's bottom line is also very clear: without permission, no one is allowed to take action against the village or even the members of the Land of Fire.

This is not excessive.

"We are all ninjas of Konoha. I grew up under the protection of Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama."

"And you, too, were brought up by me, carrying the ninjutsu manuals of Konoha and relying on the village's resources, little by little..."

"When you grow up and become stronger, you should always think about giving back to the village. As long as you have that in mind, what does researching tailed beasts matter?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke to Orochimaru with a mixture of emotion and seriousness.

"Teacher, with your words, I will definitely report any similar situations immediately in the future..." Orochimaru grinned.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, seemingly helpless, and chuckled, "You brat!"

"Take a look at this list."

Orochimaru took it, raising an eyebrow.

It was a list of "Konoha Committee Members," with several names highlighted in red.

He himself was number one, followed by Jiraiya, Tsunade, and the leaders of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio.

Next came Inuzuka, Aburame, the head of the Kurama clan, as well as Hatake Sakumo and Yuhi Makoto.

"These eleven people are overlaps between the lists drafted by Koharu, En, and Danzo, and they are also the ones I approve of," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

Orochimaru nodded; he was more concerned about the two pairs of names.

They are Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Tenzo, and Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Isshin.

He glanced at the rest and found they were all non-ninja clan members, such as Baiyun Gushan.

There was even a name he didn't recognize—Maruboshi Kosuke. "This is… probably not a Jonin?"

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, realizing that two spots were still missing.

"Do you have any candidates in mind? I'd like to hear your opinion," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

Orochimaru's heart skipped a beat.

Oh dear, what is the teacher doing?

He was just a Jonin, and a member of the "Konoha Committee," so how could he be involved in such important personnel matters?

This isn't good!

But his body betrayed him with a knowing smile, as if a voice were telling him, "This is the treatment of a 'crown prince'!"

"Hmm... I have a good friend, also a Jonin, named Hiruko." Orochimaru pondered for a moment before slowly saying:

"His combat ability is not outstanding among Jonin, but he has a keen understanding of ninjutsu and his understanding of scientific research is far beyond that of ordinary ninjas."

Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled for a moment and realized that he didn't have a deep impression of this ninja in his memory.

It is relatively average in all aspects.

But upon reflection, it makes sense. After all, not every research talent is like Orochimaru, possessing the status of a Hokage's disciple and abundant resources.

If you're gold, you won't see its light if it's buried in the sand, let alone a long-term research talent.

"Alright, have him come to see me tomorrow." Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pen and wrote Hiruko's name on the paper.

Orochimaru was quite pleased with himself.

Regardless of whether Pirukho is ultimately elected, having his name written on the candidate list is already a form of recognition.

"I'll keep this piece of the eight-tailed beast..."

"When researching the other Eight-Tails organizations, be careful about safety. If you have any ideas, contact me to discuss them. I am also very interested in the unique characteristics of the Tailed Beasts."

Tailed Beasts are something that Hiruzen Sarutobi cannot yet fathom.

Sometimes it takes the form of pure chakra, sometimes it is a biological entity, and sometimes it is like a collection of resentment.

Some ancient texts record that tailed beasts are reborn several years after their death. They seem to be creations of the universe, operating under rules distinct from those of ordinary beings.

There must be a great secret hidden within.

"I understand, teacher. I also need your wisdom..." Orochimaru replied with a smile.

"You noticed the names Isshin, Fugaku, Hizashi, and Tenzo and seemed puzzled. Are you wondering why I included them on the list?"

"My main purpose in bringing Hizashi into the Anbu wasn't to suppress the main family, but to make the Hyuga clan work for the village..."

"Giving the main family a seat not only gives them dignity and prevents them from being driven to extremes, but also keeps the struggle confined to the branch family and the main family, so that the front line of conflict will not be between the village and the Hyuga."

"Uchiha Isshin and Fugaku are a different case..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi explained Orochimaru's thought process: "Isshin Uchiha is actually somewhat like me in the past, or rather, Koharu and Enma. He is essentially an extreme conservative."

"Making him a committee member won't change his mindset; it's to create a balance in numbers between the Uchiha and Hyuga clans."

"Judging from Sakumo's report, Fugaku Uchiha has been quite enthusiastic about having his clansmen participate in the patrol force from the very beginning. This is different from Isshin, and he is someone who can be won over."

"Establishing a bridge of communication would be beneficial for the relationship between the village and the Uchiha clan."

"You probably have a vague idea of ​​these things in your mind. Let me help you sort them out, which will be helpful for your future work."

Hiruzen Sarutobi patted his apprentice on the shoulder and said with emotion, "I'm not young anymore! The future depends on you all..."

The Hokage has declined; you should strive harder.

"Teacher, please don't say that..." Orochimaru's pupils narrowed slightly as he tried to calm himself, and he uttered auspicious words: "You can lead Konoha for another hundred years!"

"Are you joking again? I'm afraid only immortals can work for a hundred years without getting tired, right?" Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand.

But deep down, the Hokage was actually thinking that he might indeed have the possibility of achieving immortality...

If that were the case, I wonder if Orochimaru would cry out, "How can there be a crown prince who lasts for fifty years?"

Thinking about it now, it's kind of funny.

However, this possibility must ultimately be grounded in the practicalities of the present, allowing the village and his talent to flourish together.

So he only let the thought cross his mind occasionally to avoid getting distracted.

"How's the study of the Second Hokage's notes coming along?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked casually, seemingly to change the subject.

"I've found a lot of interesting points, and I'm almost finished with a forbidden technique."

"Once I'm completely finished, I'll give you a surprise, but it might also be a shock..." Orochimaru joked, keeping everyone in suspense.

In the past, Orochimaru had some reservations. The body-snatching technique, which could achieve the effect of "body snatching," was still quite shocking, and it was best not to let his teacher know about it.

But after seeing the techniques and ideas that Tobirama Senju had researched, Orochimaru felt relieved.

He's actually just average; for true unrestrained behavior, you have to look to this Thousand Hands of Love.

The teacher is a disciple of a second-generation master, so his ability to learn should be very strong!

"Alright, then I'll be looking forward to your skills..."

"There are no wrong techniques, only wrong uses." Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to have seen through Orochimaru's thoughts: "Don't carry any burdens, at worst you can just put it in the Scroll of Seals."

Orochimaru listened with great satisfaction.

After Orochimaru took his leave, Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered his next move.

After Kushina and Tsunade visited Mito Uzumaki, it was his turn to pay a visit.

The administrative department has already started making inroads into the Land of Fire, and the daimyo has shown great interest in the "miracle drug," repeatedly requesting that Hiruzen Sarutobi come and meet him.

This steady stream of cash flow needs to be established...

"Let's go check out the master's secret room again." Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flashed.

If Orochimaru's thinking is similar to his, then it's time to prepare for the teacher's new identity and new body!