Zetsu asked Madara if he should kill Orochimaru. Madara frowned, thinking for a moment.
"Keep him alive; his Ice Style is useful. From what you described about Yusuke's fight with Pain, my junior's Fire Style is superb. Orochimaru's Ice Style might be able to counter it."
Madara decided not to kill Orochimaru but to control him with genjutsu.
He cast the genjutsu; the unconscious Orochimaru opened his eyes, his gaze vacant, his eyes Rinnegan-like—clearly under Madara's control.
With Orochimaru subdued, Madara and Zetsu entered Orochimaru's base. Besides some test subjects, Orochimaru's key subordinates had fled.
Kimimaro and the Sound Four had also escaped.
This wasn't cowardice; Orochimaru had ordered it.
They were his resurrection vessels. If they died, Orochimaru couldn't revive.
The four captured jinchuriki, sealed in a barrier by Orochimaru, were left untouched.
Zetsu asked, "Master, what's next?"
Madara looked towards Konoha, "We'll ally with villages fearing Konoha's power, launch a full-scale war to reclaim the remaining tailed beasts, and fully resurrect the Ten-Tails!"
In Konoha, at the Konoha Research Institute, Dr. Agasa and his team, studying White Zetsu, had finally overcome the challenges of using White Zetsu tissue to construct human bodies and organs, entering the clinical trial phase.
Minato, upon hearing this news, excitedly arrived at the Institute to inquire about the plans for the practical application of this technology.
Once perfected, this technology could aid numerous ninjas injured in battle, those missing limbs or with congenital disabilities, helping them to repair damaged tissue.
For Minato personally, it offered the possibility of creating a new body for Kushina, enabling her to return to a normal life, rather than existing as a soul bound to a cursed seal, living an existence that was neither truly living nor truly dead.
"Dr. Agasa, how much longer until this technology is truly usable?" Minato asked.
With Kabuto currently at Ryūchi Cave learning Senjutsu, Dr. Agasa was solely responsible for the research during this period.
Thanks to the highly skilled and experienced research team at the Konoha Research Institute, Kabuto's absence had no discernible impact on the progress of the research.
Dr. Agasa, still appearing perpetually exhausted as if he were constantly working through the night, responded to Minato's query with an enthusiastic expression.
"Under normal circumstances, these clinical trials would necessitate a period of one to two years.
However, we have been exceptionally fortunate to receive the unwavering support of Comrade Hidan, who, at my persuasion, has willingly dedicated himself to assisting our endeavors around the clock, working tirelessly alongside us in these clinical trials. This has resulted in a dramatic acceleration of our progress!"
Grabbing Hidan, whose limbs were restrained and mouth sealed, preventing him from struggling on the operating table nearby.
Dr. Agasa continued, "Based on our current rate of progress, assuming no unforeseen complications arise, we anticipate that the clinical trial phase will be formally concluded within approximately one month, at which point we will be able to initiate small-scale testing of this technology at Konoha Hospital!"
Upon hearing this report, Yusuke nodded in satisfaction, placing a hand on Dr. Agasa's shoulder in commendation, "I have not been mistaken in my judgment of you.
It is due to your presence at the Konoha Research Institute that we have witnessed such remarkable advancements in recent years, and numerous technological breakthroughs owe their existence to your tireless efforts."
Although Yusuke was currently stationed in Sunagakure to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances, his possession of the Kamui Sharingan, granting him the ability to instantaneously traverse space, rendered the constraints of distance virtually inconsequential.
As a result, he typically dedicates a significant portion of each day to overseeing operations within Konoha.
Furthermore, in an effort to reinforce Konoha's control over Sunagakure, a fixed-point teleportation system has been strategically deployed within Sunagakure, enabling the swift and efficient dispatch of additional ninjas to Sunagakure, as needed, or facilitating their return to Konoha.
Having gained a comprehensive understanding of the situation, Minato returned to the Hokage Building to resume his official duties.
Before his departure, however, he requested that Yusuke join him shortly thereafter, indicating the presence of urgent and consequential matters requiring immediate discussion.
Following Minato's departure, Yusuke swiftly pulled Dr. Agasa aside, who had been occupied with what appeared to be rather inappropriate physical contact with Hidan.
Casting a fleeting glance at Hidan, whose expression conveyed a profound sense of resignation and despair.
Yusuke furrowed his brow slightly, addressing Dr. Agasa in a firm and serious tone, "Did you not understand the stipulated work hours for Hidan?
I am aware of your dedication to accelerating the research's progress, but Konoha is a place that values the humane treatment of individuals. Do you comprehend my meaning?"
Dr. Agasa nodded in acknowledgement, "Indeed, my subordinate understands. However, without the unique advantages afforded by Hidan's immortal nature, allowing him to dedicate himself to the clinical trials day and night, the timeframe for the initiation of pilot testing of this technology will likely be delayed by a further two to three months."
Recalling Minato's consistently impatient demeanor whenever they met, Yusuke stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Let it be this once. Upon the successful completion of this technology, Hidan will be permitted to return to his normal work schedule."
Dr. Agasa once again nodded in agreement, before abruptly posing another question to Yusuke.
"However, the refinement of the 'Emergency Seal,' a project that you have expressed considerable interest in and a swift completion of which you deem paramount, also relies heavily on Hidan's support.
The projected timeline that I previously provided you was predicated on his complete and unwavering dedication to the endeavor.
Should Hidan be permitted to revert to a normal work schedule, there is a strong likelihood that the project's timeline will experience a considerable delay."
Upon hearing Dr. Agasa's words, the muscles in Yusuke's face involuntarily twitched.
Subsequently, Yusuke responded in a composed and unemotional tone, "Then let us impose upon Hidan's tireless dedication for a short while longer.
Upon the successful completion of the refined 'Emergency Seal,' he shall be granted a well-deserved respite. In due course, I shall personally bestow upon him a prestigious 'Model Worker' award."
Having concluded his instructions to Dr. Agasa, Yusuke instantaneously traversed the intervening distance through the utilization of his spatial jump ability, arriving at Minato's office.
Upon witnessing Yusuke's arrival via his signature spatial jump technique, even Minato, despite his mastery of the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique), could not help but reveal a hint of envy.
Although the Hiraishin no Jutsu is equally capable of facilitating long-distance instantaneous movement, it necessitates the prior establishment of Flying Thunder God markings, rendering it significantly less convenient than the unparalleled spatial jump capabilities offered by Kamui.
Observing Minato holding a scroll in his hands, Yusuke inquired with a smile, "What urgent matter requires my presence? Have you perchance discovered the whereabouts of Madara Uchiha or the remnants of Akatsuki?"
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