Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

---

"Seeing you now, you remind me of myself in the past."

Orochimaru patted Muzan on the shoulder, his serpentine eyes narrowing as he saw the same hunger for life in Muzan's eyes—an obsession with immortality and research. In Orochimaru's mind, Muzan was the only one worthy enough to inherit his work.

"That's unnecessary."

Muzan stepped back, unwilling to follow the path of twisted ambition that Orochimaru had carved out for himself.

"Heh heh!"

Orochimaru's chuckle was a mix of amusement and malice. He opened his mouth and spat out a scroll, slick with saliva. Muzan momentarily grimaced, wondering if Orochimaru's stomach was some kind of dimensional bag that could store anything. The sight, however, was revolting.

"From the look on your face, I can tell you're curious about this technique. I could teach you, you know."

Orochimaru offered, his tone filled with temptation. He believed storing things within his own body was the ultimate safeguard. As long as he remained alive, no one could access his research or his secrets.

"I'll pass. I prefer to carry my own things."

Muzan replied coldly, unrolling the scroll to examine its contents. It outlined a method for stimulating cells to enhance physical capabilities. Even Tsunade, the pioneer of modern medical ninjutsu, rarely used such a dangerous technique, as overstimulation could result in irreversible damage.

Muzan immediately recognized the scroll's value but also its limitations. Kabuto, in the future, would refine this crude technique far beyond what was presented here. He knew he had to prevent Orochimaru from reaching Kabuto first.

"While I don't know the extent of your regenerative abilities, overstimulating your cells will still cause severe damage."

Orochimaru warned, an uncharacteristic note of caution in his voice.

"I appreciate your concern, Orochimaru-sensei."

Muzan responded, though he had no intention of relying solely on Orochimaru's research. Orochimaru's work focused on the genetic traits of various clans, while Muzan had his own unique physiology to consider.

Stepping outside the tent, Muzan immediately noticed something was off—there were far fewer people in the camp than usual.

"Yamanosatsu, do we have any orders at the moment?"

"Yes, my lord. There's been a transfer order. Iwagakure has launched an invasion, and Lord Orochimaru has been summoned to the front lines."

Muzan, deep in his research and occupied with healing the injured, suddenly remembered the original conflict between Konoha and Iwagakure—a pivotal event that shaped Obito's fate. Based on Yamanosatsu's words, they had already been away from Konoha for several days. Chasing the past now was pointless, and Orochimaru wouldn't let him leave anyway.

There were too many wounded to abandon. If he left, many would die from their injuries.

"Yamanosatsu, head to the battlefield near Iwagakure and ensure Kakashi's safety at all costs."

"If Kakashi is injured, bring him back to the camp. Do not return to Konoha. Instead, go directly to the Land of Waves."

Muzan had other plans. After the war, he intended to leave Konoha in a few months. Keeping Yamanosatsu close would raise too many suspicions, especially from Danzo. It was better to distance him during the chaos of war.

"The Land of Waves will be our new base of operations. It's time to finalize things with Pakura."

Establishing a base would take time, but the Land of Waves was remote, with minimal military presence. Pakura alone could manage things there.

"Understood, Lord Muzan."

Yamanosatsu was aware that returning to Konoha would be impossible. Following Muzan had already drawn too much unwanted attention, especially from Danzo's watchful eye.

As Yamanosatsu left, he couldn't shake the feeling that Muzan looked down on everyone around him—he had a cold, calculating gaze that made others feel insignificant.

---

A few days after Namikaze Minato had left, the camp experienced a brief period of calm. Orochimaru, ever the scientist, was engrossed in his experiments, recording the unique properties of Muzan's cells.

"This bloodline limit is unlike anything I've seen before."

Orochimaru mused, assuming Muzan's abilities were linked to a kekkei genkai. It wasn't an unreasonable conclusion, given the limited understanding of genetics in the shinobi world. Orochimaru compared it to the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku, a powerful but dangerous kekkei genkai that often led to early death.

Muzan's abilities seemed similar, but if he could overcome his weakness to sunlight, he would possess an unparalleled bloodline limit.

"Truly fascinating."

Orochimaru muttered to himself. If this were an easy problem to solve, Muzan wouldn't have come to him for help.

---

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, troubling news had arrived. Reports from the front lines confirmed that Kumo's forces had withdrawn, but the relief felt in Konoha was short-lived. The Third Hokage sat at his desk, his expression grim.

"Onoki has deployed his top shinobi to the Land of Fire. They're already within our borders."

This development spelled disaster. If not handled carefully, the Land of Fire itself could fall under attack.

Danzo, who had remained silent up until this point, suddenly stood up.

"Leave Onoki to me."

His words startled everyone in the room. It was rare for Danzo to take direct action, especially during a crisis. Typically, he worked in the shadows, pulling strings behind the scenes. Yet here he was, offering to go to the front lines himself.

"Danzo, have you lost your mind?"

Koharu Utatane demanded, suspicious of his motives.

"The battle at the front is already chaotic enough. Don't make things worse."

"Hmph! If Konoha fights Iwagakure head-on, the cost will be too great. I intend to go to Iwagakure and negotiate with Onoki directly."

Danzo's reasoning was sound. Even if Iwagakure could overpower Konoha, it would drain their resources. Furthermore, with the Raikage returning to Kumo, he would undoubtedly turn his attention toward the Land of Earth once again.

Danzo believed he could offer Onoki enough leverage to avoid a prolonged war.

"In that case, it's your responsibility."

It would take time for Danzo to reach Iwagakure, and no one could predict how the battlefield would shift in the meantime. But if he could prevent further bloodshed, it was worth the gamble.

"Don't worry."

Danzo replied confidently. There was nothing in the shadows of the ninja world that he couldn't manipulate. If he couldn't resolve it through force, he'd find another way.

---