To consider the physical condition of the two the next day, Haruki generously gave them a morning off.
Before leaving, Minato Namikaze was still curious about their teammate's situation.
As one of Konoha's strongest clans, the Hyuga clan, with its Byakugan, which is as famous as the Sharingan, so it's heir, Hiashi Hyuga, is naturally not weak.
Haruki didn't say much because he knew it was impossible. Even though his current prestige is high and he saved many Hyuga clan ninjas during the Shinobi World War, it's still hard to become the leading teacher for Hiashi Hyuga.
---
The Next Day
Haruki arrived at Orochimaru's research institute.
Compared to the previously gloomy caves and underground labs, the ninja school's building felt more like it was in the world of the living. Even Orochimaru looked more pleasing to the eye.
"Where are my people?" Orochimaru asked bluntly.
As the number of projects increased, he also felt stretched thin. Many of these projects seemed boring and a waste of time to him. If he had enough people, he could delegate the projects he wasn't interested in to others.
"They will arrive within a week," Haruki replied.
If a large number of ninja from the Oshima Trading Company were to suddenly flock to Konoha, even Danzo Shimura would notice something amiss. A week was already very quick.
"Then why are you here?" Orochimaru's tone turned cold again after receiving his answer.
After three years of interaction, he knew Haruki was just a silver-tongued poser who was only good at theoretical discussions and had no grasp of actual experiments.
"It's about the Caged Bird," Haruki said. "I noticed you released Hyuga Seiya. Have you made any progress?"
"I've been studying the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques recently. It won't take long to understand the essence of the Caged Bird," Orochimaru said casually. Among the Sannin, he had the highest talent, and sealing techniques weren't difficult for him.
As for why Konoha possessed the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, the reason was simple. After the Uzumaki clan was annihilated, almost all of its remaining members came to Konoha. Especially Mito Uzumaki, the First Hokage's wife and the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, was still alive.
In the original story, the Reaper Death Seal used by Hiruzen Sarutobi also originated from the Uzumaki clan. As his disciple, Orochimaru naturally had the qualifications to study it.
In fact, if Haruki applied for it or relied on Tsunade, he could also learn it. But since his talent in ninjutsu was average and it would take too long to master, he would rather rely on his Favorability Love System. Besides, he didn't need sealing techniques for now. He would just wait for the system's rewards.
As for the relationship between the Caged Bird and sealing techniques, it was essentially a form of sealing technique, and the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were the best in the ninja world, providing valuable insights.
In summary, Orochimaru did not disappoint him.
"You intend to use the Caged Bird to sway the Hyuga branch family to your side? I advise against being so naive. It would be more effective to control the branch family directly using the Caged Bird. It's not difficult for you or me," Orochimaru remarked.
Orochimaru always felt Haruki was too indecisive and overly gentle in his approach.
"In the short term, it would certainly be effective," Haruki agreed. "But I don't want slaves. The Caged Bird has both protected and restricted them. Unlike the Uchiha clan, which continuously produces top-tier ninjas, the Hyuga clan is like an elderly person on their last legs. The main family is cowardly, and the branch family is stagnant. How can they produce strong individuals?"
Orochimaru remained indifferent. He had no interest in understanding Haruki's actions or concerns. He only brought this up because he was worried Haruki might mess up and ruin his research plans. The Hyuga clan was a major family in Konoha. If Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo Shimura noticed something, they would certainly intervene.
"Could I trouble you to help me stage a play when the time comes?" Haruki anticipated what Orochimaru might think.
Orochimaru frowned, clearly displeased. His time was valuable, and he didn't want to waste it on Haruki's trivial matters.
Seeing Orochimaru's unmasked expression, Haruki, knowing him well, understood his thoughts. He smiled and said, "It won't take too much of your time."
Orochimaru gave him a sidelong glance, not fully believing him. "I hope so."
"I'll take my leave now, Orochimaru. Keep up the good work."
Haruki waved and disappeared from the laboratory.
Orochimaru licked his lips and turned back to his research.
---
"Lord Haruki."
An ANBU member wearing an animal mask appeared before Haruki.
"Lord Hokage has called a meeting for all Jonin. Please proceed to the Hokage Building."
"I understand."
Haruki used the Body Flicker Technique and quickly arrived at the Hokage's office.
Many Jonin had already gathered there. Haruki was curious.
"Tsunade, do you know what's going on?"
He reached out, but Tsunade glared at him.
"Behave yourself in front of the teacher."
"Holding hands as a couple isn't improper, is it?" Haruki withdrew his hand, looking aggrieved.
"I'm not talking about that!" Tsunade sighed, looking exasperated.
"Lord Hokage."
Everyone greeted in unison.
Haruki stopped flirting with Tsunade and adopted a serious expression.
"I've just received a message that the Hidden Sand Village has sent another batch of ninjas, estimated to be nearly a thousand in number," the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, announced.
The gathered ninjas were visibly surprised. The number of regular ninjas in the Five Great Ninja Villages wasn't very high. Konoha was the largest, but even it didn't exceed 20,000. The numbers were even lower for the impoverished Hidden Sand Village.
"Is the Hidden Sand Village planning another war?" asked Koharu Utatane, a Konoha advisor.
"According to the information we obtained, several Jonin and Chunin from the Hidden Sand Village have gone missing near the Asu Mountains," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, looking at the crowd. "But I haven't received any reports. Do any of you have any clues?"
The Jonin looked at each other, but no one spoke. Haruki remained expressionless.
"It seems it wasn't our doing," Hiruzen Sarutobi concluded. He still looked worried. "Even though these ninjas died within the Land of Fire, which means we will likely be blamed."
He subconsciously glanced at Danzo Shimura.
"Hmph, it wasn't me!" Danzo Shimura snapped, displeased by the accusatory look. "At this point, it doesn't matter who did it. Why should we explain ourselves to the Hidden Sand Village?"
"Sigh, you're right. But our ninja numbers are insufficient, and we must guard against opportunistic attacks from the Hidden Rain and Hidden Stone Villages. I don't want to start another war," Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.
"Then let the two graduating classes from the Ninja Academy graduate early," Danzo suggested, slightly frowning. He knew he would have to play the bad guy again.
"There's no other choice," Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed reluctantly.
He stood up, looking solemn, and his gaze eventually landed on Takahiro Oki.
"Takahiro Oki, organize the students to complete their graduation exams within two days. Submit the graduation list to me and the advisory team for assignment of team leaders."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Takahiro Oki responded immediately.
"If any of you have favored students, you can request them. I will consider it," Hiruzen Sarutobi added.
After the meeting, Haruki and Tsunade left the Hokage Building together. Orochimaru hadn't attended. His student Nawaki had recently died, and he probably didn't want to be a team leader.
In the original story, Shizune and Sakura Haruno were Tsunade's students. But Shizune was too young, and Sakura hadn't been born yet. It was already rare for a medical ninja to become a team leader, and Tsunade was an exception.
"Haruki, you seem very fond of Minato and Kushina. Are you going to lead a team?" Tsunade asked.
"Yeah, unless something changes, it'll be them."
"A two-person team isn't standard."
"I have a third member in mind."
Hiashi Hyuga, being part of the main family, wouldn't be going out. His target was actually someone from the Uchiha clan.