The fight had ended, and everyone was caught in one sweep. Even Jiraiya, who had charged back into the fray, was subdued like a trapped animal.
In a dim underground base, Sara remarked to Shin, "I think ninja life isn't much different from that of ground-dwelling rodents. You guys can dig tunnels so fast. There are underground bases everywhere!"
Shin shrugged. "That's just the way it is. Any ninja who knows earth-release jutsu can't feel safe without three or five hideouts underground."
"If you were to dig around any key site in the Five Great Ninja Villages, you'd probably stumble upon a hidden base nine times out of ten—some even have multiple levels."
While the two of them chatted, a short distance away, Tsunade, bound with dark chakra-infused plants, called out, "Kurogami, what exactly are you planning by taking us here? If you want to kill us, just get it over with!"
Shin rolled his eyes. "I'm not particularly interested in killing. I've tied you up because you're valuable to me," he replied, glancing from Orochimaru to Tsunade.
"One of you is a master of medical ninjutsu, and the other is an expert in human body modification. I've admired your talents for a long time."
Tsunade scoffed, her expression defiant. "Spare me the flattery. Your words are sickening."
Orochimaru remained silent, recognizing when to bide his time. While known for his evasiveness, he realized the high price his resurrection techniques took on his soul. Surviving this ordeal without paying that price was preferable.
"Are you looking to gain something from us? But for someone able to integrate Hashirama cells and bloodlines so effortlessly, you're beyond anything I could offer," Orochimaru said.
Shin shook his head. "You give me too much credit. My body modification skills are far beneath yours."
"The reason I can merge with bloodlines so easily is that my bloodline itself reshapes my body."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest at this. A bloodline that facilitated its own enhancement was unique, and it would suit him perfectly—if he could get his hands on it.
But as he considered his options, Orochimaru realized he couldn't match Shin's strength.
Shin, noting the jealous look in Orochimaru's eyes, smirked.
"How about it? Will you join me? I could create a body for you that integrates most bloodlines."
"Does that include your Dark Release?" Orochimaru asked, intrigued.
"No, that's off-limits," Shin replied. "However, abilities like Wood Release and even Sharingan could be arranged."
"That sounds acceptable." Orochimaru agreed. After all, he had little choice, given his current position.
"Good," Shin said, releasing Orochimaru from his binds with a hand seal. "Welcome to the Akatsuki."
From the side, Jiraiya rolled his eyes. He could see that Shin was simply using the Akatsuki's name for leverage, having already bested its leader and effectively taken control.
Shin's gaze then shifted to Tsunade. She sneered and turned away.
With a sigh, he focused on Shizune, who was barely sixteen or seventeen. "What about you, Shizune? Would you teach me medical ninjutsu?"
Shin had largely taught himself medical jutsus, and although he surpassed Shizune in skill due to his Yang chakra, his theoretical knowledge was lacking.
Shizune, her expression defiant, replied, "I won't cooperate with someone like you!"
"Then it looks like tonight's dinner will be roast pork," Shin said darkly, his chakra-coated branches lifting Tonton, Shizune's beloved pig. Tonton squealed frantically, sensing the danger.
Shizune's defiance crumbled, her face stricken. "You... you're so despicable!"
"Are you going to teach me or not?"
With a defeated sigh, Shizune muttered, "Fine, I'll teach you."
Seeing how quickly Shizune gave in at the mere threat to her pet, Shin knew he had leverage over Tsunade as well. He hadn't even needed to pressure her directly.
Watching Shin use Tonton to force Shizune's compliance, Tsunade glared at him furiously, her eyes practically ablaze. Ignoring her ire, Shin turned to the other captives.
Jiraiya, he assessed, had nothing particularly useful to offer him.
The Aburame ninja... not much potential there.
The Inuzuka member, though, could possibly teach him the fusion technique they used with their dogs. Then again, imagining himself fused with Yamato gave Shin a shiver. Better to leave that alone.
Finally, his gaze landed on Hizashi Hyuga—a branch family member bound by the Caged Bird seal. The thought sparked an idea in Shin's mind.
With an intrigued expression, Shin reached out, and a black aura extended, enveloping Hizashi and the Aburame ninja.
"What... what are you doing?" Shizune asked, her face filled with horror.
Shin ignored her question, focusing instead on his work. A moment later, he released both Hizashi and the Aburame clan member from the dark mist's grip.
Hizashi rose cautiously, taking a defensive stance, his gaze wary. The Aburame ninja leaned against the wall, visibly weakened, his connection to his insects compromised after the chakra drain.
Yet before either could react further, Shizune let out a startled gasp.
Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all stared at Hizashi and the Aburame ninja in shock, which left them deeply uneasy.
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BONUS CHAPTER: 100 Powerstones achieved
For each power stones milestone—25, 50, 100, 150, and beyond—I will release a bonus chapter.
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Chapter 134: The Virtual Path (Linku Starto) is now available.