"Ah...!"
The head of the Mustard Seed family let out a terrible scream.
The daimyo in the stands glanced at the screaming Mustard Clan leader, then looked at the red-haired ninja, Morkel, and announced loudly:
"Alright, I declare that the Wasabi family has won the right to manage the town of Deka Port for the next four years!"
Itada Ten and Wasabi Jiro hugged each other excitedly, celebrating their hard-earned victory.
Morkel and his team successfully completed the commission and prepared to return home. Before leaving, Wasabi Jiro offered them a generous reward as a token of gratitude for Morkel's contribution. However, the three heroes politely declined.
Firstly, it was against the rules; secondly, they had already made a fortune on this mission. Capturing the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki alone ensured they would never have to worry about money again.
---
Above sea level, within the Lightning Style Wind Lock Array set up by Killer Bee, the trapped Mustard Seed family contestants felt utterly miserable.
"Will someone come and save us?" one of them whimpered.
---
Inside the Sound Village - Orochimaru's Secret Laboratory
Orochimaru lay weakly on a hospital bed, looking pale and fatigued. Turning to Yakushi Kabuto beside him, he murmured, "I've used this body for too long, and it's starting to reject me. The time has come to find a new vessel."
His serpent-like eyes gleamed with desire as he continued, "We need to bring Morkel here as soon as possible. I want his body."
Even in his weakened state, Orochimaru's longing was unmistakable. With that body, he was confident he could uncover even deeper secrets of ninjutsu.
"This might be a challenge," Kabuto said hesitantly. "According to our latest intelligence, Team Morkel successfully captured the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee."
Orochimaru's mind was sharp as ever. That was absolute Kage-level combat power. After hearing this, he quickly realized that obtaining Morkel's body would not be possible in the short term. Even if he mobilized all the resources of the Sound Village, capturing Morkel seemed like an impossible feat.
Yet, his eyes still burned with anticipation. "That kid keeps surprising me."
"There's more," Kabuto added, pushing his glasses up. "During his battle with Killer Bee, Morkel used the Bloodline Limit 'Ice Release.'"
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "That shouldn't be possible!"
As a researcher obsessed with biological mysteries, this revelation left him deeply puzzled. "Morkel fought an Ice Release user during a mission in the Land of Waves. Perhaps he learned it then?" Kabuto speculated.
Orochimaru immediately dismissed the notion. "Impossible! Bloodline Limits are nearly unlearnable! They require the fusion of two chakra natures at a genetic level, passed down through generations."
Kabuto countered, "It's not entirely impossible. The Tsuchikage of Iwagakure learned a Bloodline Elimination that surpassed the Bloodline Limit."
Orochimaru fell into deep thought. "But he had the guidance of the previous Tsuchikage…"
After a long silence, he sighed. "We'll investigate this later. For now, my priority is obtaining a new body. Since Morkel is out of reach, I will settle for Sasuke. His Sharingan is just as valuable."
Kabuto frowned. "Sending Jirōbō and the others into Konoha will be dangerous."
Orochimaru waved off his concerns. "Most of Konoha's Jōnin and Chūnin are away on missions. The remaining ones are insignificant. Jirōbō and the others should be able to handle it."
Kabuto hesitated but finally nodded. He left to deliver Orochimaru's orders to the Four Sound Ninjas.
---
Konoha Village - Hokage's Office
Tsunade stared in disbelief at Killer Bee, who was bound and presented before her.
Meanwhile, Morkel dramatically described his "ordeal."
"Lady Tsunade, you have no idea how badly he beat me! He almost split my chest open, blew my head off, and wanted to use my flesh and blood for his experiments!"
Tsunade sighed. "You don't have a single scratch, but look at him! He's the one bruised and missing limbs!"
Tied up, Killer Bee nodded vigorously. "Exactly! I never touched a hair on him! He wiped the floor with me!"
Realizing his words, Killer Bee froze.
Omoi and Karui covered their faces in shame. They would never be able to show their faces in Cloud Shinobi Village again.
Tsunade smirked. "Killer Bee, attacking a child from our village wasn't the Raikage's decision, was it? Cloud Shinobi still values peace, right?"
Killer Bee nodded rapidly. "It was a misunderstanding! I was just sailing, bumped into Morkel's boat, and we got into a little scuffle! That's all!"
Tsunade's smile deepened. "Of course, we believe you. But for security reasons, I'll need the Raikage to personally retrieve you."
Killer Bee's face turned pale. Having his brother come pick him up? That would be a humiliation beyond words!
Before he could protest, Tsunade had already issued the order: "Contact Cloud Shinobi Village immediately."
---
Land of Lightning - Cloud Shinobi Village
Raikage Ai read Konoha's message and slammed his fist onto the table, causing it to shake violently.
"Konoha is pushing their luck! Asking me, the Raikage, to personally retrieve a prisoner?! And discussing 'cooperation'?!"
He clenched his fists, his anger boiling. "Prepare our forces for a surprise attack on Konoha!"
The room fell silent. After a long pause, an elder spoke. "Lord Raikage, the world has maintained peace for years. We cannot be the ones to start a war."
Another added, "Besides, we've lost over a dozen Elite Jōnin and a Perfect Jinchūriki to Konoha. Fighting them now would be unwise."
Raikage Ai scowled. "If only I had never let Bee go!"
A senior officer tried to console him. "No one could have predicted Morkel's strength at such a young age."
After heated discussions, Ai sighed. "Fine. I'll go to Konoha myself and see what Tsunade wants."
---
Konoha - Third Hokage's Residence
Morkel excitedly burst through the door. "Grandpa Hokage, I'm here!"
The Third Hokage was brewing tea. Seeing Morkel, he smiled warmly. "Come in, sit down."
Morkel got straight to the point. "I heard you have something for me?"
The old man nodded and handed Morkel a scroll. "This is a poem I wrote about you during your Academy days."
Morkel accepted it respectfully.
The Third Hokage continued, "Morkel, you are Konoha's most outstanding young ninja. I hope you become Hokage one day and lead the village to true peace."
Morkel tilted his head. "Why do you sound like you're saying goodbye?"
The elder chuckled. "Just thinking about the future."
Then, he retrieved a small pouch. "This contains two million ryo. Tsunade approved it as an additional reward for your service."
Morkel's eyes widened.
Finally, the Third Hokage pulled out another scroll. "This is the 'Book of Seals.' It holds Konoha's most forbidden techniques."
Morkel gasped. "Seriously?!"
"I trust you not to misuse it," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
Morkel beamed. "Thank you, Grandpa Hokage!"
He left, carrying the legendary scroll, eager to unlock its secrets.
---
To Be Continued…
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