Chapter 166: Sima Yi and Orochimaru, Two‑Tails and the First Generation Cell

After many days, Shisui was about to see Sima Yi again, and he, staying inside the camp tent, was rather nervous.

He paced inside the camp, sighing from time to time, causing the other four to glance at each other, not knowing why.

As for whether this would be noticed by others, that was unimportant.

Times had changed; he was now the Hokage, and being discovered only increased the chance of an ambush on his way back, which would not affect the overall situation.

While he was tangled in thoughts, the five noticed someone approaching the tent, and then saw a person lift the tent flap and peek inside.

"We've arrived~"

The newcomer was Hui Uchiha, who whispered a sentence, after which Shisui saw Sima Yi slowly walk in.

"Grandpa, Brother Hui~" Shisui hurried forward, saying.

Hui signaled the other four, and the five silently withdrew to guard the perimeter, leaving only Sima Yi and Shisui.

"Grandpa, how have you been lately? Are you still comfortable in the camp? Thanks to your victory in the north, I was able to more smoothly gain the Jonin Council's support."

Shisui couldn't stop talking, continuously recounting everything that had happened during this period.

Sima Yi had always been a good listener; he did not interrupt Shisui, but sat quietly beside him, listening.

After an unknown amount of time, Shisui finally stopped, and Sima Yi also gained a general understanding of what had recently occurred in Leaf and its clan.

He finally understood why Shisui had suddenly changed his plan to become Hokage.

"Danzo, this person."

It's hard to judge. If you call him foolish, he knows how to cooperate with the Uchiha and to negotiate with the great families; with both supporting him, he would inevitably become the Fifth Hokage, indulging his Hokage desire.

If you call him clever, he treats the Uchiha as idiots, repeatedly backstabs, and even leaves Leaf at such a critical moment.

"Fine then, mortal plans are no match for heaven's, the matter has come to this, overthinking is useless."

Sima Yi wasn't one to dwell on the past; after a simple sigh he continued, "So you're here this time because of the tailed beast and Shiliuye's matter?"

"Yes, Grandpa, regarding Shiliuye."

Shisui felt embarrassed; after receiving advice from Orochimaru, he promoted it without testing, essentially setting a trap for his own people.

"These people are all your trusted followers, your foundation; how could you be so reckless?"

Even though the events had long passed, when they were brought up again, Sima Yi still scolded him.

Shisui kept nodding, unable to argue.

"Fortunately the outcome wasn't too bad, but now you're the Hokage; every future action will affect more people, so you must think thrice before acting."

"Grandpa, that's right."

Sima Yi said only a few words, then softened his tone, stroked his beard, and continued: "But becoming Hokage without causing a civil war must mean you and De Qiu have made considerable effort."

Hearing Sima Yi's praise, Shisui's previously low mood instantly brightened.

"The teacher indeed helped me a lot, but Grandpa's victory over Cloud Hidden Village was also crucial."

Sima Yi let out a light laugh, then signaled Shisui to summon Hui.

"The Two‑Tails is in Hui's hands; we sealed it with a sealing technique into a ninja gourd, you take it back. Though Cloud Hidden Village has been quiet for a while, I hear this generation's Raikage is also an impulsive fellow, unlikely to let it rest, and may soon lead troops here himself."

A tailed beast can provide the Village with a stable powerhouse, an undeniable massive asset; those in Cloud Hidden Village, who only want profit without loss, will certainly not make life easy for Leaf.

Hui, hearing this, retrieved the scroll; with a "Peng!" a one‑person‑tall large gourd materialized through spirit summoning.

The gourd was covered with dense talismans that had suppression and sealing effects.

Shisui could claim a slight understanding of sealing techniques and quickly recognized these formulas.

"By the way, Grandpa, this is the gift I brought you."

When Shisui saw the sealing technique, he remembered the items he had prepared before arriving, and immediately took out several scrolls to hand to Sima Yi.

"These are some sealing techniques I obtained from the Barrier Division; most originate from the Whirlpool Clan, some of which the clan keeps, and I didn't bring them."

In the ninja world, regarding sealing techniques, no clan or Village surpasses the Whirlpool Clan.

Sima Yi instantly became interested, stood up, took the scrolls, and said with a smile, "You have thoughtfulness."

"This is only a portion; more are kept in the Village, along with a Seal Book that records many forbidden techniques, a large part of which the clan has never collected. If Grandpa is interested, you can come back with me."

Shisui said, when the plan runs out the dagger appears.

Sima Yi looked up at Shisui, stroked his beard and laughed, "Hahaha, with them protecting me, I'm safe in the army; you needn't worry so much. Moreover, there may yet be a great battle ahead—if I left now it would shake morale and damage your reputation."

Shisui had just become Hokage, a time when he needed to assert authority and solidify his position, yet he used his power to pull his own people from the front lines—how would other ninjas think? Shisui clearly hadn't considered this, and after Sima Yi's reminder he could only nod and accept.

"Then Grandpa, you must be careful; never act alone."

"Rest assured, I have no other skills, but I am adept at staying alive."

Sima Yi was in good spirits and joked.

The two later discussed further plans for Leaf; like Yan Shifan, Sima Yi also suggested Shisui first resolve the clan's issues, stabilize the foundation, and then gradually change Leaf.

"You are still young; no need to be overly hasty. To achieve our goal may take ten, twenty, or even fifty years to accomplish slowly. If the foundation is unstable, future problems will only multiply."

"Grandpa, rest assured, I will take it step by step."

Having said that, Shisui reluctantly left the camp, heading toward the Fields Country.

Just after Shisui led his men away, Jiraiya stood far from the tent, watching the departing silhouettes and shook his head.

"Fine, he's already Hokage; let him be."

Jiraiya's perception far exceeded Shisui's; he had sensed Shisui's arrival early, but since Shisui is now his superior, Jiraiya didn't go to join the commotion.

Elsewhere, Orochimaru stared at Shiliuye, who, after taking the nutrient solution, cheerfully let him draw blood.

"Do you still want to draw? Your daily test results are always the same; are you even capable?"

Shiliuye frowned, speaking impatiently, yet despite his words he cooperated and let the blood be drawn.

"Hehehe, the experiment must continue, and your condition needs daily records. Of course, I'm genuinely interested in your body; consider this blood as the cost of the food I provide daily. Your clan head hasn't paid me in a while."

Orochimaru looked at the blood in his hand, his pallid cheek flushing slightly.

Shiliuye:.

"By the way, here's some good news: Shisui has already become the Fifth Hokage, and I heard he was selected by the Jonin Council. When you live long, you really can encounter all sorts of strange things; members of the Uchiha clan can actually become Hokage, and even in front of those old guys."

Orochimaru thought of Shisui, couldn't help but lick his tongue, his expression a bit excited.

"What? The clan leader has become Hokage!"

Izayoi's eyes widened huge, he leapt straight out of bed, nearly toppling the surrounding equipment; seeing this, Orochimaru's eyelids twitched and he hurried forward to steady him, a fine sweat beading on his forehead. "Take it easy, these things are expensive!"

Izayoi looked at Orochimaru in disbelief; it was still the first time he had seen Orochimaru react like this.

Orochimaru was also helpless; for the mysteries of the Uchiha, he hadn't gone out for side jobs in a long time, the daimyō of the Field Country's stipend was nowhere near enough, Shisui hadn't been paying money for ages, and now he was truly broke.

Seeing Orochimaru's tense demeanor, Izayoi had to restrain himself a bit; during the time they had been in contact, the two already understood everything about each other.

To Izayoi's surprise, Orochimaru turned out to be easy to get along with— not only powerful but also erudite, constantly using various methods to help him control the Kaleidoscope.

He also lacked the airs of a strongman; whenever they chatted, no matter what he said, Orochimaru could converse smoothly, exuding great personal charisma.

He now understood why those kids revered Orochimaru so much.

Unfortunately, Orochimaru was always coveting his body, which made him a bit uneasy.

"Uh, hehe, after Lord Shisui becomes Hokage, he should still provide you with funds."

Probably, but actually Izayoi didn't have confidence either, because both knew Konoha's finances were a huge hole.

Orochimaru said nothing more, collected the blood, and prepared to continue the experiment.

At that moment, someone came in from outside and said, "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Shisui has arrived."

"Oh~"

Orochimaru's eyes lit up; he set the test tube aside and hurried outward.

Izayoi, seeing this, also rushed after him.

Because they had visited before, the ninjas of Sound‑Hidden Village knew Shisui was Orochimaru's guest, so they were extremely respectful.

Shisui was quickly led to the laboratory entrance, while Orochimaru and the other two happened to walk out from the same entrance.

"Lord Shisui!"

Izayoi stepped forward first, approached Shisui, and spoke proactively.

Shisui also sized up Izayoi, noticing he had become much thinner, and felt an immense guilt.

"Lord Shisui, I heard you've already become Hokage— is that true?"

It's not that he doesn't trust Orochimaru; the news is just too bizarre— the Uchiha have come in second four times, fifty years have passed, and this year is already Konoha's fifty‑first year!

Shisui nodded, "That's right. I've already passed the Jonin Council; once the daimyō there gives his nod, I can prepare the succession ceremony."

"Great!"

As a member of the Uchiha, Izayoi naturally hoped his clan would produce a Hokage—not for glory, but simply to have a Hokage lead them out of trouble and give his children a stable environment.

"Don't worry, both of them are fine."

Shisui vaguely guessed what Izayoi was thinking and offered some reassurance.

Seeing that the two had mostly caught up, Orochimaru finally moved beside Shisui and said, "Shisui, you truly kept your promise. However, I'm curious how you became Hokage under those old guys' watchful eyes— could you tell me about it?"

The specifics were certainly unspeakable, but the general situation could be told to Orochimaru; Shisui spoke while walking, and the group soon entered the laboratory.

"Ah, I see, hehe, Tuan Zang really is as greedy and foolish as ever."

Orochimaru didn't hesitate to mock the old superior.

"Today I'm here to resolve Izayoi's issue; regarding the transplant, how confident are you now?"

Shisui wasn't in the mood to judge Tuan Zang; looking at the lab equipment, he frowned and asked.

"In the more than half‑month since Lord Shisui left, I've conducted many experiments; theoretically, I have a hundred percent confidence."

"And in practice?"

"Hehe, fifty percent."

Shisui sighed; a fifty‑percent success rate was enough to gamble on.

"If the transplant succeeds, Izayoi's body will not only recover but may also gain control of Wood Release! Perhaps even the use of the Kaleidoscope will become easier!"

Orochimaru said, staring at Izayoi, his eyes sparkling.

Izayoi, hearing that, felt a bit yearning, his breathing quickening.

"No, you help me with the transplant first," Shisui waved his hand, had the others leave, shook his head, and said softly.

"What?"

Orochimaru was stunned, Izayoi also froze, then quickly recovered and said, "Lord clan leader! Orochimaru only has about fifty percent chance; if it fails, you'll turn into a tree person!"

Although tempted, Orochimaru still spoke, "Primordial cells have a strong corrosive ability; if an accident occurs, you'll slowly become a tree person. The process is excruciating, and even I currently have no way to remove the cells' corrosion."

"Thanks for the warning, but I've made up my mind— let's do it!"

Shisui swept his hand dramatically, his tone decisive and unquestionable.

Reason told him he should let Izayoi be the first test subject; whether success or failure, Orochimaru would gain experience that might be useful later.

But this matter arose because of him; Shisui cannot use others' lives to pay for his mistake.

"Lord!"

Izayoi was about to persuade further, but saw Shisui's eyes suddenly turn into three tomoe, and before he could react, Shisui transformed directly into a Kaleidoscope.

"What is this?"

Izayoi was stunned; he hadn't expected Shisui to also possess a Kaleidoscope.

But now that he thinks about it, his Kaleidoscope was a result of Shisui's special method; Shisui actually knew this, likely having already awakened his eyes back then.

He was simply in a complex emotional state of awakening and his life being threatened, so he completely overlooked the matter.

Orochimaru, of course, had known this information early on; if Shisui hadn't had a Kaleidoscope, he would never have agreed to Shisui's proposal.

After all, his purpose in conducting experiments was to investigate, not to torment people.

"Don't worry, I have these eyes, nothing will happen, and besides, don't I still have you?"

Shisui smiled gently, his eyes full of trust toward Shiliuye.

Shiliuye possesses the power to alter others' destinies, Yixie Naqi, and that is also why Shisui kept him aside.

Shiliuye was startled, and after a moment of tangled thoughts, slowly nodded.

"Chief, you must succeed!"

Finally finished a chapter before twelve o'clock! Leimu~ (End of chapter)