RADG: Chapter 117/118

Chapter 117: Kabuto's Unfortunate Experience

Orochimaru really seemed to think of himself as a snake. Instead of living in a proper house, he insisted on squatting in a cold, damp cave.

Yami had no such preferences, so he asked Yakushi Kabuto to take him to find a relatively spacious house within the village.

After entering the room, Yakushi Kabuto carefully inspected it. Once he confirmed there were no traps, he immediately knelt on one knee.

"Greetings, Yami-sama."

"No need to be so formal, stand up."

Yami casually sat on a chair and looked around. The room was bare—no furniture, not even a cup to drink water.

Kabuto lowered his voice thoughtfully, "I'll bring in supplies shortly."

"Alright. I trust you with the task. Don't go overboard though, I won't be staying long."

Yami looked at him curiously. "Let's talk about you. How did you end up with Orochimaru?"

Kabuto gave a bitter smile and slowly began to explain his experience.

After successfully inciting Hoshigaki Kisame to defect, Kabuto's mission in the Land of Water was complete. He spent some time tying up loose ends, then faked his death to escape and prepare for his return to Konoha.

Unexpectedly, by chance, he ran into Orochimaru, who had come to the Land of Water to purchase supplies.

Having read countless intel reports back in Root, Kabuto knew exactly what kind of person Orochimaru was.

Those deemed useless were killed without hesitation. Only by demonstrating one's value and catching his interest could one hope to survive.

So Kabuto immediately showcased his talent in medical ninjutsu. As expected, Orochimaru took a liking to him. Rather than being killed like other ordinary shinobi, he was brought back—essentially kidnapped.

But Kabuto was still Kabuto. In Orochimaru's organization, he was like a fish in water.

In just a short time, he had become one of Orochimaru's most trusted subordinates. At the very least, he was now an experimental assistant rather than a test subject.

After hearing this, Yami couldn't help showing a look of pity.

To run into such a low-probability encounter, it could only be chalked up to fate.

Yami consoled his capable subordinate. "It's alright. Now that you're here, staying under Orochimaru is not a bad thing. You two are quite compatible."

"Even if he hadn't caught you, I had planned to send you here as a spy. He has things I need."

"If you get the chance, study more of his ninjutsu and scientific knowledge. Orochimaru is a good teacher. As long as he doesn't kill you, your future potential is limitless."

Kabuto gave a speechless glance.

What does he mean by as long as Orochimaru doesn't kill me? That's too much pressure.

Living every day beside a cold-blooded snake, Kabuto was constantly on edge, afraid of revealing any flaws.

"You'll understand later."

Yami didn't explain much. Kabuto hadn't been here long enough to experience Orochimaru's mentor-like side.

The clearest example was Sasuke.

Sasuke trained with Orochimaru for two and a half years. Naruto trained with Jiraiya for the same amount of time.

That was the period where the strength gap between Naruto and Sasuke was the widest.

Sasuke, with only the Three Tomoe Sharingan, the Curse Seal's power, and the Forbidden Technique Kirin, already had Kage-level power. His taijutsu and ninjutsu had also improved greatly.

And Naruto?

Aside from stronger physical abilities and an increase in chakra, there was barely any noticeable change. He was completely overshadowed by Jiraiya.

He couldn't even release the power of the Nine Tails when facing Sasuke.

This alone showed the difference between Jiraiya and Orochimaru as teachers.

One teaches you how to be a person and raises you like a son.

The other finds a vessel and gives you everything you want.

Kabuto would eventually learn advanced techniques as well. Not only the complete version of Impure World Reincarnation, but also the ability to integrate the cells of many shinobi and master Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave.

"My lord."

While Yami was lost in thought, Kabuto spoke again.

"Kisame wants to meet you."

Hearing this, Yami snapped out of it and nodded. "Arrange it. Contact Kisame and let me know the time and place."

To avoid Orochimaru's suspicion, Kabuto quickly left. Not long after, a Sound shinobi delivered all the daily necessities.

The next day, Yami found Orochimaru.

Orochimaru also began fulfilling his role as a teacher.

Dressed like a researcher, if one ignored the strange eye shadow and snake-like pupils, he did have a scholarly air.

"Yami-kun, I'm best at tailoring my teaching to the student, but when it comes to you, I don't know where to begin. I know little about you, or what you're interested in."

"Hashirama cells. Impure World Reincarnation."

The smile on Orochimaru's face froze. He looked deeply at the boy.

"You've chosen quite boldly. Those are two of the most difficult subjects."

"Impure World Reincarnation is still incomplete. As for Hashirama cells, progress has been nonexistent."

"I know."

Yami interrupted, "That's exactly why I came to you. The village has completely abandoned these studies, but you've been working on perfecting them."

"Well then." Orochimaru gave a slight smile. "To be honest, I'm not confident I can perfect Impure World Reincarnation. But with you joining in, maybe I'll find new inspiration."

"Let me show you a few of my treasures first."

Orochimaru led Yami out of the lab, taking several turns through the winding cave passages before arriving at the prison sector.

A white-haired boy with green eyes and two red dots on his forehead sat quietly on a bed. He only looked up when he saw the two of them enter.

"Lord Orochimaru."

"This is Kaguya Kimimaro, a member of the Kaguya clan."

Orochimaru first nodded at the boy, then introduced him to Yami. "The Kaguya clan rebelled against Kirigakure. He's the sole survivor. I was lucky to find him."

"And then you locked him up here?"

"No. Kimimaro simply prefers the quiet here. I haven't restricted his freedom."

Hearing their conversation, Kimimaro's calm eyes wavered slightly as he looked at Yami with hostility.

[You have formed a 'hate' bond with Kimimaro. Reward: Physical Fitness Enhanced.]

Yami was amused.

"Kid, what's that look for?"

"You disrespected Lord Orochimaru."

Kimimaro stood up. He was a bit thinner than Yami.

"Anyone who disrespects Lord Orochimaru is my enemy. I will kill you."

"You know why Orochimaru brought you here?" Yami asked, intrigued.

"I know."

To Yami's surprise, Kimimaro nodded. "I will do my best to become a qualified vessel."

Now Yami was truly shocked. In just a few months, he'd already been brainwashed to this extent.

"Impressive."

Yami gave Orochimaru a thumbs up. Orochimaru gave a modest smile but said nothing.

"A lot of people want to kill me. You'll have to wait your turn."

"Train hard. Just don't die of your illness before you have the strength to kill me."

Orochimaru's pupils narrowed.

Yami had already walked to the next cell.

Orochimaru quickly followed and whispered, "Yami-kun, you noticed?"

"Bloodline disease? It's common in the Kaguya clan."

Yami replied indifferently, "Not a good choice for reincarnation."

"Everything depends on human effort. There's always a chance it might succeed."

"Then we'll see."

After touring the place, Yami saw several familiar faces.

Kidomaru, Jirōbō, Sakon and Ukon, Tayuya, Suigetsu, and Jūgo who was born with a natural energy body.

When he saw Tayuya, Yami looked at her for a bit longer.

None of the others really caught his interest.

As for Jūgo, the natural energy within him had significant research value and became a focal point for Yami.

After finishing the tour, Orochimaru took Yami back to the lab and began teaching from basic cell theory.

Although Yami was average in some areas, he had acquired Kabuto's scientific talent long ago, and even spent two thousand bond points to upgrade it to high level.

Even Orochimaru was surprised by his learning speed.

Not only was Yami a monstrous ninja, but he also had terrifying scientific research abilities.

If it weren't for being wary of Yami's strength, Orochimaru would've wanted to brand him and keep him as a permanent research assistant.

Time flew by. Half a year passed in a blink.

During this time, Yami frequently traveled between Otogakure and Konoha. Thanks to Flying Thunder God, no one suspected anything.

No one realized the village's rising star had essentially become Orochimaru's son.

On the contrary, due to his recent low profile, Hiruzen was in a better mood and shifted his attention to training Kakashi.

Kakashi had recently gained fame after completing several difficult missions. The title of "Copy Ninja" had become even more renowned.

Yami understood Hiruzen's plan.

He wanted to build up Kakashi's reputation and prepare him to succeed as Hokage.

It was a decent plan. In peaceful times, strength mattered, but reputation and public image mattered even more.

What Itachi once said made sense.

It's not that becoming Hokage earns you everyone's approval. Only by earning everyone's approval can you become Hokage.

Whether that approval is truly understood—well, that's another story.

After all, how many times had Konoha ever let the people truly decide?

The Second Hokage was chosen by the clan heads, the Third was appointed by the Second, and the Fourth was basically manipulated into position by Orochimaru. If there had been a real vote, it's hard to say who would've won between Minato and Orochimaru.

Minato was strong, but Orochimaru had made countless contributions as a front-line commander. He wasn't someone easy to deal with.

As for Tsunade, her selection was decided by the elders and Jiraiya. The ordinary people weren't even given a chance to choose.

The so-called recognition of the villagers was nothing but lip service.

Yami had seen through Hiruzen's intentions, so he no longer cared.

He had quietly investigated the shopkeepers who bullied Naruto.

Some were driven out, others fined to the brink of bankruptcy.

Clearly, this was Kakashi's doing.

The seeds planted had begun to sprout.

In the future, Kakashi would grow further and distance himself from Hiruzen.

Yami had no obsession with the Hokage position, so there was no need to interfere.

Hiruzen's plan was doomed to fail.

The village remained peaceful. Yami focused more on Otogakure, researching Hashirama cells and the Reaper Death Seal with Orochimaru.

As for Akatsuki, changes began to emerge.

Uchiha Itachi and Biwa Jūzō encountered the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, during a mission in Kirigakure. When Yagura transformed into a full Tailed Beast, Biwa Jūzō created a legendary scene by slicing off its tail.

He then died, and Itachi escaped.

In truth, all of this had been orchestrated by Uchiha Obito to make room for Hoshigaki Kisame, who would replace Jūzō as Itachi's new partner and monitor him.

Upon receiving the order, Kisame grinned, passed the news to Kabuto, and arranged to meet that adult in the Land of Waves.

Yami agreed without hesitation.

In the Land of Waves, the Sun and Moon Garden enveloped this small island nation.

Kisame stood in the appointed spot, holding the massive Samehada sword.

Swish!

A figure appeared five meters away without him noticing.

The heavy mist was slightly blown away by the breeze.

Kisame squinted and carefully examined the person. After a while, he recognized him.

"Konoha Shinigami, Shimura Yami?"

"I'm also the adult Kabuto mentioned, and your future boss," Yami reminded.

"Hehehe."

Kisame laughed loudly. "How interesting. A kid not even grown up yet, knowing so many secrets of the ninja world and even seeing through my heart. How did you do it?"

"Age isn't a problem. I know far more secrets than this."

Yami waved his hand casually. "As a reward for working under me, I'll help you see through this false world and unlock your doubts."

"As for truth or lies, you can confirm it yourself later. That's part of the fun, isn't it?"

Kisame nodded in agreement. "You're right. The pursuit of truth is meaningful."

"But!"

Whoosh!

Samehada slashed through the air, aimed straight at Yami.

"That alone isn't enough to convince me. You have to prove you're qualified to command me—through strength!"

"You want me to beat you?"

"Exactly." Kisame smiled ferociously. "You, the so-called Konoha Shinigami, won't refuse my challenge, will you?"

"Of course not."

Yami cracked his knuckles joyfully. Uncle Snake had been too cooperative lately and hadn't given him any chances to move.

The girls at home were just sparring partners, and he couldn't go all out on them.

He hadn't gotten proper exercise in a while.

Kisame was barely suitable. With his massive chakra reserves, he was the perfect punching bag.

"Let's go. Demonstrating your strength also boosts employee morale. Don't feel pressured. Just use your full power."

"Refreshing. I like that."

Kisame praised, then planted Samehada into the ground and began forming hand seals honestly.

Yami's mouth twitched.

He really is the most honest man in the ninja world.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 118: The Birth of the Fun Man

"Yami-sama, I overestimated myself."

An hour later, Kisame lay helplessly on the ground, Samehada beside him having shrunk to half its original size.

He didn't even have the strength to lift a finger. The last thirty minutes had been pure torture.

Yami didn't use any other techniques. Just like Kisame, he stuck to Water Release, kenjutsu, and trap techniques.

But Kisame lost miserably in all three.

His proud Water Release was worthless before Yami.

Samehada could absorb chakra, but its absorption efficiency was limited. In the end, it couldn't keep up with Yami's overwhelming chakra output.

As for kenjutsu and taijutsu, Samehada was a heavy blade that relied on brute force, but Kisame's strength and coordination were inferior to Yami's. His speed and swordsmanship were completely outclassed, and he ended up with his face swollen from all the kicks.

Though the fight lasted an hour, only the first fifteen minutes were competitive. The rest was a one-sided beatdown.

"You're not bad. Pretty durable."

After moving around for a bit, Yami felt much more relaxed.

He tossed two soldier pills to Kisame and waited for him to recover a little before asking, "Well, do you think I'm qualified to be your boss now?"

"It's my honor."

Kisame grinned. "With that overwhelming Water Release just now, you should be the Mizukage, not some puppet under Uchiha Madara."

"Uchiha Madara?"

Yami waved his hand. "The masked man's real identity is Uchiha Obito."

Kisame was stunned.

Uchiha Obito?

Who the hell was that?

He had worked in Anbu for years and seen plenty of intel from other villages, but he had never heard that name.

"You're saying Uchiha Obito disguised himself as Madara and controlled the Fourth Mizukage? Is this some kind of Konoha conspiracy?"

"As a reward for joining the organization, I'll answer one question for you."

Yami raised three fingers. "Is this the one you want answered?"

"No, I'll figure that out myself." Kisame shook his head.

If he couldn't track down the identity of a man after knowing the name, then he wasn't worthy of being a shinobi. He wasn't about to waste such a precious opportunity.

After some thought, Kisame finally decided.

"Tell me about the Akatsuki organization and Obito's reason for having me join."

Yami looked at him with approval.

As expected of a true shinobi, he asked a valuable question. "The leader of Akatsuki is Pain, but in truth, Pain is just a puppet controlled through the Rinnegan."

"The real mastermind behind the scenes is Nagato, the owner of the Rinnegan."

Kisame's eyes widened slightly.

He had heard of the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths.

"Then between Obito and Nagato..."

"They're partners who are mutually wary. But both share the same goal—collecting the Tailed Beasts."

"Obito had you join Akatsuki to pair up with Uchiha Itachi and keep an eye on him."

Kisame nodded. Obito had told him the same thing.

He was clear on what his role was.

"Come to think of it, Uchiha Itachi is an old acquaintance of mine."

Yami suddenly smiled. "When you're out on missions with him, help him out and try to make him use the Mangekyō Sharingan less. Don't let him die just yet."

"He's your friend?" Kisame asked honestly.

Yami glanced at him. This honest man had everything except emotional intelligence.

"Not a friend. I just need him to act in a scene I want to watch later."

This time, Kisame couldn't understand. But he also realized that the relationship between the two was probably complicated.

After answering Kisame's questions, Yami left.

Kisame continued on to the Land of Rain and quietly began investigating Uchiha Obito along the way.

But unless he went to Konoha himself and did a deep dive, no one really cared about a Chūnin from the Uchiha clan who had died years ago.

Kisame, frustrated by the dead ends, thought he could investigate more later. But after being "teased" by Yami, he developed a strange quirk. Not knowing the truth started making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

In the end, he couldn't take it anymore. He completed two missions to earn another question opportunity and sent a scroll to ask Yami.

When Yami saw the scroll from Kisame, he was a bit confused.

So this guy has OCD?

It was just some info about Obito. Yami didn't mind and answered directly.

Kisame responded: This is just a one-time thing. It won't happen again.

Upon reading the answer, Kisame let out a gasp.

He hadn't expected that the man who had stirred up Kirigakure and unleashed the Nine Tails on Konoha turned out to be... a lovesick man?

Konoha—no, the Uchiha clan really was full of talent.

His future partner Uchiha Itachi was even more unstable.

A few days later, Kisame arrived in the Land of Rain and successfully joined the Akatsuki organization.

Due to Orochimaru's betrayal, Sasori and Itachi were both temporarily without partners. But since Sasori felt Kisame lacked any artistic sense, Kisame successfully became Itachi's new teammate.

Before he met his new partner, Obito came to find him.

"Did you run into any trouble on the way?"

"No."

Kisame, carrying Samehada, replied casually, "Just some Kirigakure Anbu, but I sent them packing."

"Oh, and when I passed through the Land of Fire, I ran into the famous Copy Ninja, Hatake Kakashi."

Kisame noticed that when he mentioned Hatake Kakashi, the masked man's breathing paused for a second.

The change was subtle and quickly disappeared.

"Copy Ninja? He's just a guy who got the Sharingan by luck. He only knows how to copy basic jutsu and has no clue what that eye is really capable of."

After his sarcastic remark, Obito asked offhandedly, "Did you kill him?"

"Of course not. His teammates weren't weak, and I didn't want to cause a big scene. So I just met him and left."

That wasn't a lie. Kisame really did run into Kakashi—but didn't fight him and got tossed aside.

"Hmph."

The masked man's pace quickened. "Next time you meet, just kill him."

"That was my plan."

Kisame grinned wickedly. "His Sharingan looks fun. I was thinking of snatching it and implanting it in myself."

Uchiha Obito: "...."

What the hell is wrong with this guy? Why is he targeting the Sharingan?

Obito froze, then stared at Kisame through the single eye in his mask. "Don't you know? Because Kakashi isn't an Uchiha, his chakra levels dropped dramatically after transplanting the Sharingan."

"Having a three-tomoe Sharingan would only be a burden for you."

"Doesn't matter."

Kisame shrugged. "I heard that eye was a keepsake from his best friend. That makes it even more worthwhile to take."

"As for chakra, that's the one thing I'm never short on. No need to worry."

Who the hell is worrying about you... That's MY eye!

Mine!

"Do whatever you want."

Obito was so furious he opened a spiral in Kamui space and began to vanish, leaving one last warning.

"Don't forget your mission. Keep an eye on Uchiha Itachi for me. Figure out the limits of his ocular power."

Obito wasn't about to reclaim the eye he gave Kakashi as a gift. But if Kisame ended up taking it, he wouldn't mind at all.

No matter how it turned out, he wouldn't lose anything, and might even benefit.

So he let it go.

Kisame kept walking. He appeared calm, but deep down, he was filled with strange joy.

So this is the thrill of watching others flounder in confusion while you know the truth?

It's really... addictive.

...…

Otogakure.

Orochimaru and Yami had just completed an experiment.

A perfectly healthy person was turned into a five or six-meter-tall tree in just three days, with lush foliage and branches.

Orochimaru shook his head regretfully. "The activity and erosion rate of the cells is too high. The inhibitor we developed isn't effective enough."

"If we increase the dose, the Hashirama cells die completely. It's a real dilemma."

This was the biggest issue with Hashirama cells. They were far too wild to control.

How wild were they?

Even though Senju Hashirama was long dead, his cells remained alive and could still reproduce through cultivation. So Orochimaru had no hesitation doing these experiments—he could always grow ten more samples.

Yami also frowned.

He wondered if the Hashirama cells in his own body were this wild. He didn't feel anything unusual and could extract chakra with no issues.

"Take your time, Orochimaru-sensei. I believe you'll succeed one day."

"Oh?"

Orochimaru caught on quickly.

"Yami-kun, are you planning to..."

"Yes. I'm leaving."

Yami didn't hide it. "Lately, Orochimaru-sensei has been too guarded around me. Since I can't learn anything more, there's no reason to stay."

"You're straightforward, as always."

Orochimaru didn't expect Yami to just say it out loud. Since the tacit understanding was exposed, he stopped pretending.

"Honestly, your progress frightens me. If I don't keep a few cards hidden, I might become completely useless to you."

Orochimaru admitted his fear.

He had spent decades accumulating knowledge, yet Yami had mastered 80% of it in just one year.

If that continued, Yami might soon surpass him completely.

He couldn't accept that. Even if Yami threatened him again, he wouldn't teach him more.

"Let me sign the Ryūchi Cave scroll, and I'll leave immediately."

Yami was just as direct, stating his final condition. He had no intention of killing Orochimaru after everything. The man had taught him earnestly for months, and Kabuto was still learning in secret. He could continue squeezing value out of them slowly.

After thinking for a moment, Orochimaru summoned the Ryūchi Cave scroll.

Yami signed it while trying to suppress his disgust. With that, his final goal here was achieved.

"Yami-kun, unlike other Summoning contracts, your first use will reverse-summon you to Ryūchi Cave. Only by gaining the snakes' recognition can you summon them in battle."

"So be prepared before going. And don't provoke the three snake princesses. Their experience is... extensive."

Orochimaru wasn't suddenly being kind. He was just afraid Yami would come looking for trouble later if he wasn't warned properly.

"I understand, Orochimaru-sensei. I'll wait for you in Konoha."

"I have no interest in returning to that place."

Orochimaru chuckled. "That decaying village holds no value for me."

Yami didn't buy his act. "You're building a village and learning Impure World Reincarnation just to give the Third Hokage a proper funeral, aren't you?"

The smile on Orochimaru's face froze.

"Hurry it up. Don't wait until I lose patience. Deal with the Old Man first, or you won't get another chance."

Orochimaru's snake-like eyes flickered strangely. "Yami-kun is also interested in the Hokage position?"

"Not really."

Yami shook his head. "I just don't like anyone ordering me around."

"If I don't take that position, then no one else is qualified. So I will take it."

"That's reasonable."

Orochimaru nodded. He understood Yami's perspective.

A bunch of mediocre people holding back the world's progress, trying to suppress the truly strong.

If Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't chosen Minato back then, Orochimaru wouldn't have withdrawn from the Hokage selection.

"I'll contact you when I return to Konoha. Please look forward to it."

Under Orochimaru's gaze, Yami activated Flying Thunder God and disappeared.

"Space-time ninjutsu is so troublesome... Looks like we need to add space-locking research to our agenda."

Back in Konoha, Yami went to Root to retrieve a death row prisoner and some experimental Hashirama cells.

Orochimaru had hidden something from him, so why should he reveal all his progress?

While there wasn't much advancement with Hashirama cells, Yami had made significant progress with Impure World Reincarnation.

Not in combat power, but in soul retention.

In a secret underground lab, Yami performed Impure World Reincarnation.

The rogue shinobi screamed in agony, his body crumbling into paper scraps before reassembling into a new form.

The man's body was full of cracks. His eyes remained closed for nearly half a minute before slowly opening.

Unlike the living, the reanimated have inverted eye colors—dark sclera and light pupils.

The man had snow-white hair and wore traditional Sengoku-era armor. He stared at Yami.

"Impure World Reincarnation? You actually used such a Forbidden Technique... boy, is Konoha facing some emergency?"

Yami smiled faintly. "Greetings, Second Hokage. Konoha is thriving. I simply need your help with a personal matter."

(To be continued.)