Chapter 89: A Changing Ninja World
The next morning, at the same port-side inn in the Land of Fragrance, Baishi stood across from Orochimaru.
Before Baishi could say anything, Orochimaru spoke first. "What is going on with Minato's team?"
Baishi blinked, then smirked. "Don't tell me someone else has died?"
He said "again" for a reason. During their exchange last month, Orochimaru had revealed, with some astonishment, that Uchiha Obito had died.
However, unlike the events in Baishi's memory, Obito hadn't died in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge at the hands of Iwagakure forces. Instead, he had mysteriously perished during a separate mission, supposedly ambushed by Kirigakure's Anbu.
Baishi couldn't help but recall a theory from his previous life: the possibility that the Third Mizukage and Uchiha Madara had some form of cooperation. Alternatively, Madara might have manipulated the Third Mizukage's ambitions to further his own plans.
With the evidence piling up, the theory seemed increasingly plausible.
As Baishi mused, Orochimaru broke the silence again. "As expected, you already seem to know. Yes, another tragedy has occurred—this time, it was a girl named Rin Nohara."
Baishi chuckled faintly, his tone confident. "Let me guess—she died at the hands of her own comrade, didn't she?"
He wasn't simply guessing. If Uchiha Madara had indeed decided to act, he would ensure that Obito's beliefs were utterly crushed. For this to happen, Rin Nohara's death had to occur under the most devastating circumstances: killed by her closest friend, Kakashi Hatake.
Without waiting for Orochimaru's reply, Baishi was already certain of his theory.
Orochimaru observed him for a moment, then confirmed, "You're right. Kirigakure sealed the Three-Tails within her, intending to unleash chaos in Konoha. But in the end, Rin chose to take her own life and died by Kakashi's hand."
Orochimaru deliberately refrained from explaining who Kakashi was, assuming Baishi already knew.
Baishi remained silent, not bothering to confirm or deny. After a brief pause, he asked, "And what about Minato?"
It puzzled Baishi. A tragedy like this couldn't have unfolded if Minato, the Fourth Hokage, had intervened in time.
Orochimaru's expression turned intrigued, as though confirming a suspicion. "At the time, Minato was preoccupied—he was locked in combat with Kirigakure's Seven Ninja Swordsmen and couldn't free himself."
Baishi's thoughts raced. The narrative had veered drastically from what he knew.
"What's happening? The Seven Ninja Swordsmen didn't face Might Duy, and instead, they chose to attack Minato? This storyline is completely off-track!"
Once again, the effects of the butterfly effect became glaringly apparent.
More questions flooded Baishi's mind:
If the Seven Ninja Swordsmen are fighting Minato, does that mean Might Duy survives? If so, will Might Guy still gain the insight he needs to master the Eight Gates?
And Kakashi—without Obito's Sharingan, will he ever become the "Copy Ninja" renowned across the shinobi world?
As his thoughts spiraled, Baishi grew increasingly uncertain about the future.
Finally, Orochimaru broke the silence again, "Baishi, do you think someone is targeting Minato's team?"
Shrugging, Baishi replied nonchalantly, "Who knows?"
Realizing Baishi wouldn't provide any further insights, Orochimaru dismissed the topic. "Let's proceed with the exchange."
This marked their fourth trade, and both parties were familiar with the routine. In a short time, the transaction was complete.
As Orochimaru turned to leave, Baishi suddenly called out, "Wait a moment."
Orochimaru paused, glancing back. "Is there something else?"
"For the next exchange, I'll need stronger toxins that are easier for the body to absorb," Baishi stated, casually tossing a vial of poison in his hand.
He wasn't concerned about Orochimaru deducing his motives. After all, by this point, Orochimaru likely understood that Baishi was using the toxins for his unique training regimen.
Orochimaru, fascinated by Baishi's body and the secrets it might hold, was more than willing to comply.
After a brief consideration, he nodded in agreement.
With the conversation concluded, Baishi didn't linger. Focusing his chakra, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique, teleporting to a marked location in the ocean.
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Moonlit Island
Central Peak
Inside the training chamber atop the mountain, Baishi reappeared.
Drying his damp clothes with a surge of lightning chakra, he carefully stowed away the newly acquired items.
However, instead of using them immediately, he retrieved a different scroll from a nearby shelf.
Unfurling it revealed a detailed explanation of an advanced jutsu: Spirit Transformation Technique.
Baishi had stumbled upon this technique in Danzo's collection, though its origins and purpose remained unclear.
The scroll explained that this forbidden technique allowed the user to separate and animate their spirit, granting the ability to invade the mental worlds of others. The user could kill or control their target directly within the spiritual plane.
Such a skill filled a significant gap in Baishi's abilities, as he lacked methods to counter or exploit spiritual vulnerabilities.
When Baishi first attempted to learn the Spirit Transformation Technique, he failed miserably. At the time, he deduced that his mental strength was insufficient.
Now, with his Intelligence surpassing 100 points and his mental energy drastically improved, he was optimistic about his chances.
Still, as an S-Rank jutsu involving spiritual manipulation, mastering it would not be a simple task. Even prodigies like Orochimaru required a month to grasp similar techniques. Baishi anticipated a long road ahead.
Determined, he began his rigorous practice, ready to overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.
(End of Chapter)
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