NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Tea Party
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**Born with the potential for immortality, I'm talking about Jūgo, of course.**
On paper, it sounded impressive, but in reality, his abilities weren't all that great.
Judging by his performance in the original series, Jūgo's strength was comparable to that of a Jonin—nothing particularly special. His *Sage Transformation* ability, while formidable, was more of a curse than a blessing, as it could cause him to lose control and go berserk at any moment.
Still, it was through Jūgo's unique bloodline ability that Orochimaru had developed the *Cursed Seal*, replicating an incomplete form of Sage Mode. While powerful, the seal had its own significant drawbacks.
Natsume pondered for a moment. Allowing Orochimaru to study Jūgo wasn't necessarily a bad idea. Natsume himself had never been a fan of the *Cursed Seal*, but he couldn't deny its effectiveness. The *Cursed Seal of Heaven*, in particular, offered a massive power boost, albeit at great cost.
"The issue is threefold," Natsume said, half to himself. "First, the survival rate for recipients of the seal is low. Second, prolonged use causes a loss of one's sense of self. And third, Orochimaru, or whoever applies the seal, can exert control over the user."
Despite these issues, Natsume had once traded Uzumaki sealing techniques for something equally valuable in Orochimaru's eyes. A bloody good deal, in his opinion.
He wasn't entirely sure where Jūgo was now, but using the *Destiny Points Store* would easily reveal his location—at a cost. Since Jūgo was a minor character, finding him required only nine points.
"What do you think of the offer?" Natsume asked.
Orochimaru's smile widened, his intrigue evident. "Agreed."
Orochimaru had long coveted the potential of Sage Mode, though he lacked the natural talent to achieve it himself. Now that Natsume was offering him a route to study it further, Orochimaru wouldn't let the opportunity pass by.
"As for the Uzumaki sealing techniques," Orochimaru mused, "they are indeed precious, though they aren't mine to hoard. Konoha won't suffer from me sharing them." He paused, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Naturally, I'll provide a... replica, not the original."
Natsume smirked. "Just like with Hashirama's cells, huh? Have your people collect the goods."
Orochimaru's smile faltered as memories of the last incident surfaced. "Your... men were less than welcoming during my previous visit."
Natsume's grin grew wider. "I'd suggest sending a shadow clone this time. I can't guarantee your safety otherwise."
Orochimaru's face twitched in irritation. He vividly remembered the last encounter where he had barely escaped Kakuzu and Sasori's combined wrath. Two weeks in recovery wasn't something he cared to repeat.
"Is there anything else?" Natsume asked, growing impatient.
Orochimaru hesitated. "I want to accelerate Uchiha Itachi's progress. Thus far, there have been no signs of him awakening the *Mangekyō Sharingan*. I find it... concerning."
Natsume blinked, then sighed. "You're too hasty. Itachi is only six years old. Awakening the Mangekyō requires an emotional and mental foundation. Give it time."
Orochimaru clenched his fists, his frustration growing, but he knew Natsume was right. He had already failed to obtain Shisui's eyes. Itachi was his final hope for acquiring the Sharingan's true power.
"See you later," Natsume said, deactivating his *Wood Clone*.
Orochimaru stood silently for a moment before returning to his lab.
"Yamato," Orochimaru called out, lips curling into a familiar, unsettling smile. "Come here. It's time for another round of experiments."
Yamato didn't hesitate. He lay down on the lab table, resigned to his fate. Under both Danzo and Orochimaru, his life had always been an experiment. At least Orochimaru's methods were more effective, and in a twisted way, it had allowed Yamato to refine his *Wood Release* faster than before.
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The following day, the sun shone brightly over Konoha.
"Natsume, I'll pick you up at noon," Tsunade called out, standing at the academy gate with an unusual smile on her face.
"Is something wrong?" Natsume asked, surprised. Normally, he stayed at the academy during lunch.
"A small gathering," Tsunade replied with a grin. "There will be plenty of good food. But it's an exclusive party, so consider yourself lucky."
"Fine," Natsume agreed, the mention of food convincing him easily.
"Good boy," Tsunade said, ruffling his hair before he turned to head into the academy.
Inside, Natsume spotted Itachi and greeted him. "Didn't expect to see you here today."
"Orochimaru-sensei is preoccupied," Itachi replied calmly. With Orochimaru caught up in his experiments on Yamato, Itachi had decided to attend the academy that day.
They exchanged a brief nod and settled into the day's routine.
Later, Naoto Yamanaka, their instructor, entered and announced a theory test—on the *Will of Fire*, of all things. Drawing on his past life's memories, Natsume breezed through the test, though he made sure not to overdo his answers.
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At noon, Natsume followed Tsunade to a high-end izakaya. Unlike the usual bustling taverns, this place had a refined, upscale atmosphere. Confused, Natsume remained quiet as they walked through the polished halls.
Tsunade led him to a private room where the soft laughter of women echoed. When she opened the door, Natsume's eyes widened in surprise. Seated around the table were several elegantly dressed women, including Uchiha Mikoto.
"...?"
Natsume blinked, unsure if this was a trap. The women greeted Tsunade warmly.
"Oh, you even brought a handsome young man," one of them remarked, her eyes glancing over Natsume with amusement. "What a pity he's still a child."
"Natsume, let me introduce you," Tsunade said, gesturing to the woman who had spoken. "This is Haraguchi Miki, wife of the daimyo. It's her birthday today."
The rest of the afternoon was a blur of introductions and small talk. Natsume quickly realized this gathering wasn't just a birthday party—it was a political meeting. Tsunade, ever pragmatic, was making connections with powerful figures.
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After the party, Natsume sent a *Wood Clone* back to the academy and made his way to the Uzumaki residence to visit Ena. He enjoyed eating grapes there, discovering they helped improve his chakra reserves and overall vitality.
Though Natsume had inherited *Wood Release* from Senju Hashirama, his body lacked the full vitality of the Senju, making it harder to reach his potential. The grapes Ena provided were one way to compensate for that.
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