Chapter 422: It's a Draw, Since I Didn't Lose!

Chapter 422: It's a Draw, Since I Didn’t Lose!

The news of the former Root Division leader losing his "roots" became the hottest topic among the Konoha leadership.

It was said that Danzo almost fainted again when he woke up and found himself castrated. Since the wound had been healed, the skin, blood vessels, and nerves had already regrown, making it impossible to reattach anything.

Faced with this difficult situation, the medical ninjas of Konoha did their best and managed to reopen a channel, repair the inner walls, and barely solve the physiological issue.

The Third Hokage, who usually favored his old comrades, unexpectedly took a firm stance, stating that the responsibility lay with Danzo for using powerful jutsu against a defenseless research-type talent first. This incident was purely accidental, and Lu Ke should be properly rewarded and appeased.

Tsunade immediately announced that Lu Ke would take over as the Head of the Ninja Tools Department, and none of the clan leaders present raised any objections.

Having witnessed how a regular person could make a ninja of Danzo's caliber so miserable, they all knew the bright future of Scientific Ninja Tools. This talent would not gain influence through the Arsenal Department but would make the Arsenal Department shine because of his presence.

Without a doubt, Lu Ke would become a key figure who could sway the village's future, his status and position surpassing the Anbu and Root Division, almost on par with the Hokage.

As for the Elder Council, it was abolished after Tsunade took office, as she felt that gathering a bunch of old men who couldn't fight or understand the life of the village's lower echelons was just creating trouble for herself.

Such a heavyweight figure, capable of significantly enhancing ninja strength, and just entering the political arena without a clear bias, and being a commoner with no family ties to hold him back, was a highly sought-after asset. The clan leaders of the major ninja clans would be eager to curry favor, and naturally, there was no opposition.

If Tsunade hadn't been present, they would have already extended their olive branches.

...

"You really gave me a big surprise."

In the Hokage's Office, Tsunade sat in her chair, looking slightly pale and rubbing her temples as if she had a headache.

Lu Ke smiled and replied, "Or did you think Kirigakure would offer such a generous condition—making me the Fifth Mizukage's husband—just for the sake of it?"

Although the main reason was Mei Terumi's indiscretion after drinking, which led to her being arrested by the British police, that was the real trigger.

Tsunade: ... Damn brat, bringing that up again!

Pretending not to hear, she straightened her face and began to discuss the matter at hand.

"Hiashi Hyuga said your ninja tools are powered by natural energy. Is that true?"

"If you mean the strange energy in the air, then yes."

Lu Ke nodded, not denying it.

In this world, there are two primary forms of energy: one is chakra, brought to this planet by Kaguya Otsutsuki, and the other is the planet's indigenous natural energy.

Chakra is derived from the combination of physical and mental strength, and while it can be artificially created, it requires living flesh, which goes against Lu Ke's aesthetic. In comparison, the natural energy floating in the air is a better fuel source, and it's more powerful.

Tsunade pondered for a moment and asked, "Can you explain how you achieved this?"

Lu Ke didn't refuse. He poured a cup of tea, dipped his index finger in it, and skillfully drew intricate runes on the table. As the final line connected, natural energy from the air began to flow into the runes.

"These are forging techniques passed down from a grand and mysterious nation. I'm demonstrating the 'Spirit Gathering Array' rune, which can collect and store energy from the air, serving as the power source for most Scientific Ninja Tools."

From the looks of it, it's essentially a simplified version of senjutsu... Tsunade thought, tapping her finger on the table.

"Is this a very precious technique?"

"Very precious. In that nation, there are only eight things of this level, including this forging technique. I've incorporated forging techniques from other places, making this the only one of its kind in the entire ninja world."

"Is it easy to learn?"

"Not at all. The learning difficulty is extremely high. Most people can't even begin to understand it, and even those with the potential need a long time to master it."

Tsunade frowned, disbelievingly.

"You only spent two years in the Land of Steel and managed to incorporate techniques from other places."

Lu Ke shrugged, "Maybe it's because I have a natural talent for forging. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and I happen to be good at this."

To be honest, with the combined knowledge from multiple worlds, Lu Ke had become a Hexagonal Warrior, with all his talent stats maxed out. Even without the shared abilities and powers, he had no doubt he could quickly grow to the limits of this world.

Tsunade stared intently at Lu Ke, confirming that his calm expression was genuine, before nodding.

"I won't force you to hand over this precious technique, but if you find someone with talent in this area, you might consider passing it down."

"Yes, I'll consider it."

Hearing the dismissive tone in Lu Ke's voice, Tsunade felt both amused and exasperated, her headache worsening. She waved her hand.

"Alright, you can go."

After a few seconds, the young man in front of her didn't move. She straightened up and asked, "Is there something else?"

"Oh, you look a bit pale."

Tsunade instinctively touched her cheek. She had just seen blood and had been putting on a brave face, so her condition wasn't great, but it wasn't a big problem.

"I have a friend who is a top psychologist. I learned a few techniques from him. How about a massage?"

Lu Ke walked behind Tsunade, gently placing his hands on her temples. A warm, soothing sensation spread from his fingertips, easing the dizziness and nausea caused by her fear of blood, and silencing her impending reprimand.

So comfortable... So warm...

An unknown warm current flowed from the points of contact, spreading throughout her body. Her tense spirit relaxed, and the accumulated stress and fatigue gradually dissipated. Her disordered mind was regulated to a normal state, and even better.

Tsunade closed her eyes, enjoying the massage. Slowly, her body relaxed, and she drifted into sleep.

"If this were in a novel..."

Lu Ke muttered to himself, withdrew his fingers, and calmly left the office.

...

In the forest outside the Land of Steel.

Papers danced and swirled as if they had a life of their own, weaving through the dense trees, searching for something.

After a moment, the papers stopped at a particular spot, converging to form a blue-haired woman with delicate features, dressed in a black robe with red clouds.

Konan surveyed the broken carriage, the charred earth, and the scattered remains of puppets. A flicker of emotion crossed her usually cold eyes.

A fierce battle had taken place here. The scorched marks were likely left by powerful lightning jutsu.

She took a few steps forward, noticing something, and bent down to pick up a ring with the kanji "Jade" engraved on it, sighing softly.

While she cared only for Nagato among Akatsuki members, Sasori of the Red Sand was a recruit she had brought in.

Compared to Orochimaru, who had initially tried to attack Nagato and was particularly restless, and the mysterious and hard-to-believe "Madara Uchiha" and Zetsu, Sasori was a rare, honest, and straightforward member, despite his penchant for killing and turning victims into puppets.

She searched the area again, confirming that Orochimaru's "Ku" ring was not present, and then contacted Nagato.

The shadow of Pain appeared before her, his voice slightly more gentle than usual when speaking to other Akatsuki members.

"Have you found Sasori and Orochimaru?"

"Sasori is dead. Orochimaru wasn't at the scene. The traces left behind suggest he might have died elsewhere, or..."

"He defected."

Pain stated firmly, "Orochimaru isn't easy to kill. Even if his body was there, he might not be dead. Since he's still alive and hasn't responded to or contacted the organization, he must have defected."

"…I'll head to Otogakure right away."

"Do you have the confidence to defeat Orochimaru?"

Konan hesitated, not answering directly.

Orochimaru was one of the Sannin, on par with their teacher Jiraiya, Pain, and herself. Claiming a sure victory, let alone killing him, was unlikely.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of Orochimaru myself when I have the time and teach him the price of betraying the gods."

Pain's expression remained neutral, "How did Sasori die? The one who could kill Sasori and repel Orochimaru must be a renowned ninja."

Konan considered her response, "The puppets were cut into pieces, and there were traces of powerful lightning jutsu. If Zetsu's information is correct, it was likely Konoha's Kakashi Hatake."

"Konoha..."

Pain repeated the name, seeming to recall something, but quickly returned to his usual indifference.

"At this stage, Akatsuki isn't strong enough. We need sufficient funds, manpower, and the right opportunity."

Concerned that Pain might act impulsively, Konan gently advised, "For now, it's best not to provoke Konoha."

At that moment, two more shadows appeared: Obito Uchiha, wearing a spiral mask, and Zetsu, half white and half black, surrounded by pitcher plants.

"I also think it's best not to attack Konoha."

Obito Uchiha, no longer the bumbling figure he presented to the other members, spoke in a mature, steady tone, "You should know what happened in Konoha two years ago, right?"

"You mean the rumor about a mysterious strong person invading Konoha, defeating the entire village single-handedly, and destroying the Forest of Death?"

"It's not a rumor; it's true."

Obito Uchiha shook his head, his tone serious, "In fact, that mysterious strong person has been hiding in Konoha. I visited Konoha once and ran into him, even engaging in a brief battle."

At that time, Zetsu's clones in the Forest of Death all died instantly. He investigated and saw Kakashi and a civilian together, his eyes gleaming.

It was as if he had forgotten Rin!

Then, turning around, he encountered the mysterious strong person holding White Zetsu in his hand.

Konan's eyes narrowed, "What was the result?"

Obito Uchiha: ...

The result?

The result was that White Zetsu was captured, and he barely escaped using Kamui!

Obito Uchiha cleared his throat, "White Zetsu controlled one of his hands..."

"Ha!"

Zetsu couldn't help but let out a short, sharp laugh, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ah, ah, nothing, just remembered something funny. You can continue."

"As for me... I didn't win, and he didn't lose. Let's call it a draw."

"Ha!"

Obito Uchiha glared at Zetsu, who pouted and closed his mouth.

Pain's voice was cold, seemingly roused by a competitive spirit, "You are just Madara Uchiha, but I am a god."

Destroying Konoha, he could do it too!

Obito Uchiha was momentarily speechless, his face contorting behind the spiral mask.

Damn, how thick-skinned can you be?

Can you have a bit of self-awareness? If it weren't for Madara Uchiha giving you the Rinnegan, any Kage could thrash you!

"I believe you are stronger than that mysterious strong person, but it's not the right time to make enemies. Amegakure is still developing..."

Konan's voice softened, soothing Pain's emotions like petting a dog, barely managing to defuse the situation.

"Let's make Orochimaru suffer first."

Konan pursed her lips. While she still didn't think now was the right time to act, it shouldn't be a significant issue.

If Nagato acted, the combat strength wouldn't be a concern. Just the Deva Path Pain should be enough to handle Orochimaru. For safety, he could bring a few more Pains.

"Alright."

She nodded lightly, "I'll return to Amegakure to relieve you."

...

In the living room of the Qianchuan Ninja Tool Shop.

Bang!

The door was kicked open, slamming against the wall with a loud noise.

"Lu Ke! You're back!"

A voice brimming with youthful energy echoed loudly. Might Guy, dressed in a green spandex suit, rushed over, tears streaming down his face, and opened his arms.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!"

Lu Ke's lips twitched as he dodged, covering his face to stop Guy.

Although he was happy to see Guy again after two years, he still found it hard to accept the other man's enthusiasm.

"I just finished a mission and heard you became the Head of the Ninja Tools Department? You've become so powerful in just two years, you truly are my best friend!"

Guy obediently stopped, seemingly oblivious to Lu Ke's resistance, and congratulated him with a broad smile.

"This is a gift for you. I came in a hurry, so I only prepared this, but I hope you like it."

He handed over a thin gift box.

Lu Ke's forehead twitched, "Guy, what's inside this...?"

"You're right, it's my latest design of a spandex suit, and you'll love it!"

Guy's enthusiasm was almost overwhelming as he took out the contents of the box, holding up a deep green, hideous spandex suit, and gave a thumbs-up, his white teeth flashing.

"It's very snug and soft, won't hinder your movements, and has sweat-wicking properties!"

Lu Ke: "This is too snug for me..."

"Why!?"

Guy, who had never had such concerns, widened his eyes in confusion.

Lu Ke leaned in and whispered a brief explanation.

A moment later.

M(End of Chapter)

Chapter end