Chapter 168: Entrapment, a Tried and True Method

Mass Release 5 Chapters! --- "The Chimera Technique?" Orochimaru, who had been in the middle of his research, stopped his actions upon hearing the term and turned around. "Why are you suddenly asking about this?" He frowned. Then, before Kyohiko could answer, he realized. "Hiruko has appeared?" "It’s suspected to be him. So, I want to know what kind of effects the Chimera Technique will have once it’s successfully researched, what the success rate of absorbing Kekkei Genkai is..." Kyohiko asked a series of questions. But all of these questions were crucial. After listening, Orochimaru quickly recalled the details of the Chimera Technique and some of the intelligence he had obtained in the past. "Have you read the Anbu records?" "Mm." Kyohiko nodded. He had already read the Anbu records. There wasn’t much, only a brief, abbreviated account of what had happened back then. The cause was not described in detail. Orochimaru put down the things in his hand, walked a few steps out of the cave, looked up at the sky, sighed, and then chuckled lightly. "Hiruko, a foolish yet respectable man." "Hmm?" Kyohiko was a bit surprised. He had thought Orochimaru would be more appreciative, since the other was his friend and also engrossed in research, they should have more in common. The result was somewhat different from what he had thought. "The Chimera Technique is a decent forbidden jutsu. It can absorb Kekkei Genkai and integrate them into oneself, allowing one to gain power beyond their limits, but... is fusing more necessarily better? Kekkei Genkai are strong, but often have flaws, like the Iburi clan. The Chimera Technique can make one stronger, but it also carries great risks." As Orochimaru spoke, he couldn’t help but chuckle. "Tell me, if he absorbed the Smoke Transformation Jutsu, would he just turn into smoke?" "If he somehow survives it, that would still be very terrifying," Kyohiko thought of the Hiruko from the original timeline. After absorbing multiple Kekkei Genkai like Steel Release and Swift Release, he displayed powerful abilities. Although he became neither human nor ghost, he at least stabilized his physical form. However, this also proved Orochimaru’s point was right. The Chimera Technique could make one stronger, but the consequences of mixing multiple Kekkei Genkai were unknown and terrifying. Orochimaru continued, "Actually, if one could decipher the mysteries of bloodlines, one could achieve a similar effect directly through bloodline and genetic implantation." This was also why he was disdainful of it. Kyohiko thought for a moment and smiled. "Orochimaru-senpai, he must not have a good relationship with you, right? Or rather, he probably hates you in his heart." "Our relationship on the surface was decent. Secretly, he probably hated me, and maybe all three of us." Orochimaru was completely unconcerned. He played with the scalpel in his hand and said, "If you hadn’t brought him up, I would have almost forgotten about him." Speaking of which, Orochimaru suddenly smiled. "I just thought of something interesting." "What?" "If it really is Hiruko, the one he hates most right now probably isn’t me, Tsunade, or Jiraiya, but you." "Hmm?" Kyohiko was stunned for a moment, then pondered and realized it was true. Originally, Hiruko’s wish was probably to be as strong as the Sannin, but now, in terms of talent, he himself was clearly superior, and his reputation was also greater. To Hiruko, he was the one to be more hostile towards. What’s more, he had also displayed the ability of Wood Style. Kyohiko wasn’t afraid of being targeted. The Chimera Technique was indeed strong, but Kekkei Genkai could also be seen as stronger, more special ninjutsu. For every technique, there is a counter. If one person couldn’t beat him, he’d just call a few more. A code of honor? What’s that? A preliminary battle plan had already formed in Kyohiko’s mind. Furthermore, against such an enemy, it was naturally better to find him as early as possible. The best way was still—baiting a trap! But using himself as bait, even a fool like Hiruko wouldn’t believe it now. The current Hiruko, if he had truly mastered the Chimera Technique, should be looking for a Kekkei Genkai that could strengthen his own body. For example, Steel Release. Without a tough body, rashly adding more Kekkei Genkai would lead to self-destruction, just as Orochimaru had said. In Konoha, the only Kekkei Genkai that could be considered a physical constitution type was the newly joined Shikotsumyaku. "What are you thinking about?" "What is Hiruko’s target now? I think it should be constitution-based, or he has already found a constitution-based Kekkei Genkai," Kyohiko said. Orochimaru recalled for a moment. "That kind of Kekkei Genkai is very rare. He probably hasn’t found one yet. And, he may not have mastered the principles of the Chimera Technique yet." No one understood forbidden jutsu research better than him. There was still a long way to go from mastering it to using it proficiently. "So, he should need a lot of material," Kyohiko smiled. Orochimaru was thoughtful. "You want to bait him? It’s feasible. With the Shikotsumyaku?" "The only one that can be called a ’constitution-type’ Kekkei Genkai is that one. But I’m more worried about whether Danzo is involved with him this time," Kyohiko voiced another consideration. Danzo. Kyohiko didn’t quite believe that Danzo would make a move on the Iburi clan, but the possibility of him leaking information to Hiruko to kill with a borrowed knife was very high. So, it was possible that Danzo was operating behind the scenes. If so, the success rate of the entrapment could be higher, but how to get Danzo and Hiruko to take the bait would require some maneuvering. --- The arrangements for the Kaguya clan were finalized after a three-way discussion between the Kaguya clan, Konoha Village, and the Hyuga clan. The Kaguya clan had no intention of living under someone else’s roof. However, in Konoha, the only clan they had a relationship with was the Hyuga. So, the final plan was for them to temporarily rent a part of the Hyuga clan’s land, with half of the rent provided by Konoha. At the same time, the prosthetic limb was also being rapidly modified and developed, especially with Kaguya Ippei’s participation. Of course, many disabled Konoha ninjas had participated in the trial program before, but none were as strong or as unique as Kaguya Ippei. After all, finding someone in the current Konoha who had lost an entire hand was quite difficult. Several days passed. On the road from the Land of Fire to the Land of Waves. "Mr. Ippei, I hear you’re a master of swordsmanship. Do you know any samurai from the Land of Iron?" the merchant caravan’s owner asked enthusiastically. Kaguya Ippei’s mouth twitched into a smile. "The Land of Iron, ah. I know of it, but we’re not close. We’ve only crossed swords." "What a pity. I hear the swordsmanship of the Land of Iron is very exquisite. I was thinking if you knew someone, I might be able to buy one for my collection." This owner was very talkative. However, with his sturdy build and the sword at his waist, it seemed he had really practiced before, perhaps from a samurai family. Kaguya Ippei, however, was in no mood to chat with him. His attention was entirely on his surroundings, constantly vigilant. The enemy... could appear from anywhere! However, even until they boarded the ship, he still didn’t detect any enemy movement. Are they planning to do it in the Land of Waves? Kaguya Ippei thought. He gripped the hilt of his sword and closed his eyes in meditation as the ship gradually sailed away, heading for the Land of Waves. On the sea? He suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping towards the sky. "Not good!" Up in the sky! He instantly drew his sword. Then, from the sky, feathers began to fall. That’s... Kaguya Ippei was worried when, on the ship, a stream of water spewed out, followed by lightning spreading through the water, soaking all the countless feathers. "Be careful underwater," Hyuga Kokan quickly warned. He was an elite from the branch family, sent to the Anbu by Hiashi and Hizashi. His strength was considerable, and he was also one of the few Hyuga ninjas who had quickly mastered the Wild Lion’s Mane Technique. However, at this moment, through his Byakugan, he saw terrifying sharks coming at high speed from below. They seemed to be... "Is this guy human or beast?" he was astonished. The sharks in the sea, besides having the characteristics of sea beasts, also had some human features. Moreover, their chakra didn’t seem like animal chakra. Are they human? Hyuga Kokan was shocked and even more terrified. Such a technique... Boom! The water surface exploded. From the sea, dozens of terrifying sharks broke through the water, charging at them menacingly. "Be careful! They might have human intelligence!" Hyuga Kokan ignored his shock and quickly shouted a warning. At this time, Kaguya Ippei had already made his move. Shikotsumyaku: Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets! Of course, he only had one hand, so... five bone fingers shot out like bullets, instantly piercing the heads of two sharks. Genma held a Fuma shuriken. The next moment, he threw it and formed a hand seal. Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique! Dozens of giant shuriken shadow clones rushed out in all directions, and a dozen sharks were dealt with in one go, their blood dyeing the surrounding sea red. But from above, more feathers floated down. Hyuga Kokan didn’t have time to warn them. He formed hand seals, and in an instant, the hair on his head grew wildly, rushing towards the sky. Ninjutsu: Wild Lion’s Mane Technique! His Byakugan coordinated with his hair, accurately hitting the feathers one by one. Only then did everyone realize what they were. Exploding feathers! Boom! A series of violent explosions formed brilliant sparks in the sky. But just then. Crack! Below, the ship began to crack. "Get back!" Kakashi walked out of the cabin. It was his shadow clone. His real body was below, patching the gap with Earth Style, but it was clear that under constant attack, such a ninjutsu couldn’t last long. Splash! With a loud sound, another dozen sharks rushed towards Kaguya Ippei. Kaguya Ippei used both his sword and bones, and one by one, the sharks quickly fell. Blood dyed the sea red. Some were just sharks, while others concealed ninjas, spewing chakra and not so easy to kill. Just then—a cloud of smoke swept over, enveloping Kaguya Ippei. Then, as if being controlled, Kaguya Ippei quickly ran in another direction. "Ippei-senpai!" Genma’s pupils shrank. He was about to go after him, but the large bird in the sky swooped down again. Hyuga Kokan saw an opportunity, condensing chakra in his palm. Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm. Tch! A long-range strike directly hit the large bird’s heart, but at the same time, the large bird in the sky burst into a blazing light. Kakashi’s pupils shrank, then—Shadow Clone Technique! Water Style: Water Disturbance Wave. The difference was that this time, the Water Disturbance Wave had learned a trick from Kyohiko, more like a Water Severing Wave, while another clone simultaneously performed a Lightning Release ninjutsu. One hand Water Style, one hand Lightning Style, the two converged and slashed upwards in an instant. Boom! Above, the giant bird exploded prematurely. A wave of air spread out, creating ripples, but ultimately it didn’t hit the ship. However, Kaguya Ippei had already disappeared. "Kokan." "Over there!" Hyuga Kokan pointed in a direction. That was... the Land of Waves. Kakashi frowned. At this time, the merchant caravan’s owner came up with a mournful face, complaining about his troubles. His ship was leaking! Especially after Kakashi stopped helping to maintain it, the water below was about to seep into the cabin. Kakashi said, "No matter what, the mission comes first. Let’s escort Tagami-san back to the Land of Fire to rest first. As for Ippei-san, we can only rely on the captain and the others." "Mm."