Snow Country (Land of Snow) lies between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning, serving as a buffer zone. It borders Hot Springs Country, both of which have their own ninja villages...
Therefore, hiding here isn't easy unless you find a hidden corner that outsiders rarely enter.
When you want to disappear completely, staying somewhere most people dare not tread is undoubtedly the best choice.
That's also why finding Kabuto Yakushi proves far more difficult than imagined.
However, after his last fight with Naruto, he realized that Naruto hadn't intended to kill him without mercy, at least not when he was completely vulnerable or attempted to drag him back to Konoha.
If Naruto truly wanted to capture him, life wouldn't be this peaceful—he would've been forced to live on the run long ago.
In a way, he had done Naruto a significant favor, and in return, Naruto showed mercy by not chasing him relentlessly.
The moment he thought about it, a smile couldn't help but appear on Kabuto's face.
It reminded him of the relationship between Naruto's master, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, even though Orochimaru had betrayed their friendship long ago due to his desire to destroy Konoha.
But Kabuto had no such intentions. He still had something far more important to accomplish, and Konoha had nothing to do with his goal.
During this period, he had kept a low profile, focusing all his efforts on integrating Orochimaru's cells into his own body.
[Orochimaru's Cells Fusion Technique!]
Although Sasuke's team once came looking for trouble, it didn't interfere with his plans.
On the contrary, fighting those three kids had benefited him greatly.
He estimated that since fusing with Orochimaru's cells, his power had at least doubled.
That's right—this time felt almost like a sabbatical for Kabuto.
He could conduct all sorts of experiments freely, as long as he remained cautious and avoided being discovered.
One advantage of small countries was that, as long as everything stayed discreet and thorough, nobody would pay attention.
Just as Kabuto indulged in his own world, enjoying the rare tranquility, he suddenly sensed an intense chakra.
"You know, no matter how strong you are, coming after me like this isn't exactly wise... especially on my turf... Madara."
A figure dressed in black emerged from the shadows, appearing right in the middle of the room.
"It seems you already knew I was coming. Impressive, Kabuto Yakushi."
Kabuto gave a chuckle. "So you've heard of me already? Well, that's not really a good thing. You know too much about me and still came searching personally—I don't really like that. I prefer solitude and dislike socializing."
He shook his head lightly, speaking in a relaxed tone. "I won't ask how you found me."
Madara gestured toward the sides of his mask and said,
"If you truly listen, you can hear everything in this world... even footsteps like yours. I've lived like a shadow for decades. Did you really think I wouldn't know how to find someone hiding in the shadows?"
"That's precisely the question I was going to ask."
Kabuto let out a laugh, showing no sign of alarm despite being found out. "What exactly do you want here?"
Madara's gaze fell onto Kabuto's pale, scale-covered arm. "You intrigue me. I need someone like you. There will come a time when I can make full use of your talents."
Kabuto shook his head. "Do I look like someone who'd bow to you for money, power, or even self-preservation? I don't need anything. No matter how much wealth or land you offer, it won't tempt me. I much prefer this secluded lifestyle."
He could have easily conquered a country—if he had wanted to. But that was probably Orochimaru's mindset.
"You have absolutely nothing to offer me. Why should I cooperate with you? Besides, I refuse to serve anyone ever again."
Madara's Sharingan narrowed slightly beneath his mask. "You're blunt. I expected some negotiation, not a flat-out refusal."
Kabuto shrugged.
"Unexpected, isn't it?" He smirked. "When did I say I refused? I just mean your offer isn't generous enough to tempt me."
He paused momentarily before adding, "And don't bother trying to intimidate me. I wasn't the type to be intimidated."
"You have no teammates," Madara pointed out, noting Kabuto stood alone without any subordinates.
"Teammates only become burdens and cause disappointment," Kabuto replied without hesitation. "If any teammate truly had the ability to help achieve one's ambitions, they wouldn't choose to follow you—they'd pursue their own goals instead. I learned this well from Lord Orochimaru."
And he himself was a living example of that. Indeed, he and those from Otogakure were proof enough.
Madara couldn't deny the truth in Kabuto's words.
That's exactly why he meticulously handpicked only the best ninja to join the Akatsuki organization; which is why he waited until everything was in place before revealing the Akatsuki to the world.
Too many members and differing objectives within an organization would inevitably lead to disintegration through internal conflicts, achieving nothing in the end.
"Perhaps you care nothing for wealth, status, or even your life itself..." Madara stared at Kabuto, speaking with deep meaning. "But surely you desire knowledge—power, right? I can give you all you want, including every Kekkei Genkai you've ever dreamed of obtaining. What do you think?" He cast a tempting line. "Not just Konoha's—I can help you acquire Kekkei Genkai from other countries too—even every single Kekkei Genkai across all ninja villages. Surely you inherited your master's ambition, didn't you?"
The corner of Kabuto's mouth slightly lifted. "If that's your sincerity, then we can talk."
He lifted his head. In the dim light, his glasses caught sharp, cold reflections. "I'm very curious to know what exactly you can offer me. But first, I have one question: why do you want to partner with me?"
This was the only question on Kabuto's mind. He didn't want to recklessly end up as someone else's pawn—he needed to uncover Madara's real intentions.
"The reason is the same as when you originally wanted to recruit Orochimaru into Akatsuki," Madara said coldly. "However, you're more dangerous and have more potential than he does. I believe what you truly desire goes far beyond this."
"I suppose I should take that as a compliment," Kabuto replied with a smile. "As for me working with you... it's not as complicated as you think, Madara. You'll understand soon enough. Everyone doesn't have their own hidden motives. Not everyone needs to be lured by benefits to serve you. Some people possess a strength of conviction far stronger than you can imagine—take Naruto as an example. And others, like me, just enjoy the thrill of destruction."
Madara sought to destroy the world, while Kabuto merely wished to watch it burn. He was curious to see just how far this man would go—and what kind of surprises he might bring along the way.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>