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JST Chapter 134: Root of Paranoia, Root of Innovation
🕑 Added 2024-12-21 03:30:26 +0000 UTC"Kazuki, how do your eyes feel when you use Amaterasu?" Tobirama asked, puzzled. "Can you activate Susanoo?"
“It felt like casting a normal ninjutsu.” Kazuki replied calmly. “My reserves of ocular power are quite extensive. Amaterasu, at this level, feels like using the Great Fireball Technique: it consumes some, but not too much…”
Kazuki pondered: "As for Susanoo, it should not be possible yet, but maybe I can do it if I try?"
Tobirama said quickly: "Kazuki, don't try it. That technique will only cause your eye power to be lost irreversibly faster!"
"Water Release along with the forbidden techniques you have mastered are enough to confront your enemies."
Tobirama's concern was evident. If Kazuki continued to explore Izuna's power further, it could trigger irreparable consequences.
Kazuki narrowed his eyes and looked at Tobirama suspiciously. "Tobirama, you don't want to control me, do you?"
"Water Release and forbidden techniques? It sounds like you only want me to use your combat style."
Tobirama waved his hands quickly. "It's just a suggestion, a suggestion!"
After watching him for a while, Kazuki finally nodded. "It's okay, I believe you, Tobirama."
Tobirama let out a long sigh, though deep down he still blamed Mito for Kazuki's paranoia.
It's all Mito's fault, who invented that strange theory of the experimental subject, causing Kazuki to develop a distrust complex.
As Kazuki manipulated the Amaterasu flame, exploring the Mangekyo technique, he let out a light laugh.
Uchiha Fugaku... still has potential.
As long as he is given enough pressure, as the leader of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku will always find a way to survive this oppressive feeling of being betrayed by his friends and family.
Kazuki had decided not to reveal his intentions to Fugaku, but to keep him in constant uncertainty. Lack of certainty was a terrifying emotion, capable of wearing down anyone's nerves and mind, but if overcome it could squeeze out one's potential.
Now it seemed that this method had yielded good results.
In Kazuki's mind, from the moment Yashiro informed him that Fugaku and Setsuna had supported him in looking for trouble with him, the clan leader's destiny deviated from any possibility of salvation.
And when Fugaku tried to bully him in front of the other clan members, his life had already been planned in advance.
It wasn't that Kazuki held a grudge; there was simply no chance for the two of them to become close allies. He could only be cast in the role of antagonist.
While Kazuki was pondering, Hiruko appeared before him.
"Kazuki-sama, the Explosion Release transplant experiment is ready. Would you like to take a look?"
Kazuki nodded. "Okay."
On the way to the lab, Kazuki came across a curious couple who seemed to get along surprisingly well.
Sakumo seemed to be telling one of his cold jokes. After finishing, he was laughing so hard he could barely stand up, radiating overflowing joy.
If one ignored the blood-stained Tanto in his hand and looked only at his sports bag, he looked like an elderly, carefree college student.
Beside him, Kakuzu tried to keep a serious expression, but the slight curve of his lips gave it away. Still, he couldn't help but complain: "Sakumo, weren't you known as the White Fang of Konoha, the sharpest blade in the shinobi world? How do you know so many bad jokes?"
Sakumo shrugged with a carefree smile. "After reviving and leaving behind those heavy thoughts and useless responsibilities, I discovered that killing alongside you, completing quests, and enjoying good food in my free time is all I need. Why should I take life so seriously?"
After a pause, he added: "I used to think too much about everything. I was caught up in other people's expectations, forgetting what I really wanted. I was a soulless weapon, not a person. But now, as I am, I feel much better."
Kakuzu sighed. "While it sounds logical, I never imagined you'd be so talkative, even when sober. That's enough to exhaust me."
"Hey, what are you talking about? Who was the one who drank and cursed Takigakure for two hours the day before yesterday?"
Kakuzu and Sakumo were arguing, and the atmosphere between the two was unusually good.
As Kazuki approached, the two of them became serious and greeted him.
Kazuki looked at them with a smile. "Kakuzu, are you satisfied with your work in the root?"
In a playful tone, he added: "And allow me to officially congratulate you on becoming a Konoha ninja. If you have any complaints, such as reduced bonuses or labor exploitation, please feel free to tell me."
Kakuzu looked at Kazuki with a complicated expression.
Although he and Kazuki have been keeping in touch through letters, this is only the second time they have met.
"I'm satisfied." Although his tone was expressionless, his eyes were sincere. "It's a good job, and you're a good boss."
He paused and added: "However, if possible, I would like to make a request..."
Kazuki nodded. "Just say it, Kakuzu."
"This guy talks too much. As his senpai, I request to be appointed leader of our duo so that I have a valid excuse to order him to shut up." Kakuzu pointed at Sakumo, with a hint of disgust in his tone.
Sakumo was stunned for a moment and spread his hands. "You can't blame me for this, Kazuki told me that you are a senpai with similar experiences to me, what's wrong with me talking to you more?"
Kazuki laughed. "This is really a happy trouble, Kakuzu, enjoy it?"
Kakuzu frowned, but eventually sighed in resignation. "For the sake of Root, I guess I'll tolerate him."
Kazuki looked at Sakumo. "Everything okay with you?"
Sakumo grinned from ear to ear. "Everything's perfect, Kazuki! I love my current life!"
Kazuki was surprised by his enthusiasm, almost expecting him to strike a Might Duy-style pose.
"That's good. Did you just come back?" Kazuki looked at the blood on Kakuzu's hands and Sakumo's bloody Tanto, and said softly: "Did the mission go well?"
Kakuzu spoke up: "Yes. We took out a group of shinobi from the Iwagakure Explosion Corps. We brought back eleven corpses in good condition, two in barely acceptable condition and one prisoner alive."
Sakumo nodded. "Don't worry, Kazuki, these blood stains were because we helped the lab staff handle the corpses, otherwise it would be more troublesome for them to dismantle the bodies."
With a mischievous smile, he added: "Kakuzu's ability makes it very convenient to extract organs."
Hiruko, who was standing to the side, took a deep breath and felt more and more that the Root was a place full of lunatics.
He glanced at the black lines moving across Kakuzu's wrist, feeling increasingly numb. 'That... isn't human. That's definitely not a normal human being.'
"Sakumo, take Kakuzu for a walk around the village. He already has his official Konoha ninja number." Kazuki ordered before turning and heading to the laboratory with Hiruko.
Sakumo shook his head with emotion. "Kakuzu, you have obtained your official registration as a Konoha ninja, and your speed of improvement is something I have not achieved in over 30 years of fighting..."
Kakuzu stared at Kazuki's back and chuckled. "An official Konoha ninja number? I'm not interested. I just want to do my job well."
After a pause, he continued: "In fact, after these ten years are over, I think it will be time to renegotiate my contract with Kazuki."
Sakumo, puzzled, blinked several times before asking: "Renegotiate contract? Kakuzu, have you gone crazy? I don't understand anything you're saying."
Kakuzu raised an eyebrow and snapped: "Idiot!"
...
In the Root Laboratory.
The room was bright and clean, but its contents were shocking pieces of meat floated in containers filled with a greenish liquid. Until recently, these remains had belonged to members of the Explosion Corps.
Orochimaru manipulated the scientific ninja tools to accelerate the growth of tissues.
After a few moments, he opened one of the containers, took out a piece of meat and examined it carefully. With a sickly look, he licked his lips and announced: "It's ready."
Turning to Hiruko, he added with a sinister smile: "If this lot doesn't work out, don't hesitate to find me again."
Then, he looked at Kazuki and changed his expression to a more friendly one. "The notes on the Second Hokage's forbidden techniques that you gave me were extremely valuable. I am very grateful to you, Kazuki-kun."
"It's an honor, Orochimaru-senpai." Kazuki replied with a smile. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to tell me."
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction before taking his leave. "See you later, Kazuki-kun. I'm going to oversee the development of the other projects I'm in charge of."
Orochimaru walked out enthusiastically, as if he were an overworked but energetic employee.
In Orochimaru's heart, he was very interested in the battlefield technology innovation proposed by Kazuki and the power it would exert in the upcoming Shinobi World War.
Besides, he wanted to end the war as soon as possible. After all, Kazuki had agreed to keep his end of the deal.
Knowing Kazuki, Orochimaru was convinced that he would not break his promise. This would be the beginning of his path to immortality.
Driven by an unwavering desire, Orochimaru rarely slept. When he was hungry, he injected himself with nutrients; when he was tired, he turned to forbidden stimulants. Thus, with unmatched fervor, he led scientific reform in the Root, consuming himself in the process.
A motivated Orochimaru was, without a doubt, the most dedicated and efficient.
Comments
Lord Xavier
Another chapter so soon? Awesome!!!
