Chapter 40: Kimimaro, Suigetsu, Kabuto, and Haku! (Part 2)
Chapter 40: Kimimaro, Suigetsu, Kabuto, and Haku! (Part 2)
"You don't have your own people around, which makes many things inconvenient," Mei Terumi explained.
Ishihara nodded in agreement. If he had his own subordinates, like this time when searching for individuals with Kekkei Genkai, he wouldn't have had to rely on Mei Terumi.
"In that case... a new type of curse mark will be needed," Ishihara mused, looking at the three people in front of him.
He was quite satisfied with these three, but he didn't like things being out of his control.
Closing his eyes, he began to ponder.
The most suitable method for controlling others was, of course, the Heavenly Demon Tattoo! However, this power was too dangerous and not suitable for these three children before him.
He needed to weaken this power!
Much like how, in the future, Orochimaru would develop the Earth Curse Mark as a weaker version after realizing the original curse mark's corrosion was too strong, making the original one the Heaven Curse Mark.
"Strengthen the binding and control abilities, weaken the physical enhancements... in that case..."
Mei Terumi and Orochimaru exchanged a glance when they saw Ishihara close his eyes, both seeing the helplessness and powerlessness in each other's eyes.
Mei Terumi couldn't help but murmur softly, "He can create whatever secret technique he needs on the spot. The more time I spend with him, the more I realize the vast chasm between us."
Orochimaru remained silent, but his expression was somewhat bitter.
Suigetsu, standing nearby, was already trembling in fear.
Creating any secret technique on the spot—who could possibly oppose such a person?
[You have adjusted the standard of the Heavenly Demon Tattoo and created the Secret Technique: Heaven and Demon Curse Mark!]
[Heaven and Demon Curse Mark: A weakened version of the Heavenly Demon Tattoo!]
Ishihara nodded in satisfaction, then planted the curse marks on the three nervous children before him. He then said calmly, "As long as this curse mark exists, I can take your lives at any moment, so you know what to do!"
The three quickly nodded in agreement.
Ishihara didn't care what they were thinking; as long as the Heaven and Demon Curse Mark was on them, they would never be able to resist him, unless one day their strength surpassed his own.
At this point, his gaze turned toward the third child, his expression showing a bit of anticipation.
He recognized this child.
Noticing this, Mei Terumi quickly explained, "This is Kimimaro, a child of the Kaguya Clan. When they learned I needed ninjas with Kekkei Genkai, they sent him over."
"I've already checked; this child's talent is exceptional. However, due to some personality flaws, he wasn't accepted by the Kaguya Clan. He's a great asset!"
Ishihara nodded in satisfaction.
He was naturally aware of Kimimaro's talent. Out of the three, he had the highest minimum potential, which was at least at the level of an elite Jōnin, possibly even Kage-level.
"From now on, these three children are under your guidance!" Ishihara said to Mei Terumi.
Mei Terumi nodded, her expression showing some anticipation.
She knew that as long as she learned Ishihara's secret techniques, anyone's future would become incredibly promising.
Just then, a guard from the base approached, trembling with fear. "A child is outside, saying that Lord Orochimaru sent him."
Orochimaru smiled upon hearing this, looking at Ishihara as he said, "It should be that child I mentioned to you earlier."
"Let him in!"
"Yes!"
The guard quickly left and soon returned, bringing in a boy wearing glasses.
Ishihara couldn't help but look surprised.
"Today is full of surprises."
Orochimaru, his voice hoarse, introduced the boy, "This is Kabuto Yakushi, a former Konoha ninja who has carried out numerous undercover missions. According to Konoha's records, he's already dead!"
Indeed, the newcomer was Kabuto Yakushi!
Ishihara nodded. "Since he's someone you value, I'll leave him in Mei Terumi's care as well."
Orochimaru nodded in agreement.
Kabuto quickly nodded, a bit reserved, and said, "Lord Ishihara, Lady Mei Terumi!"
After witnessing Ishihara's incredible abilities, he could no longer muster much interest in ordinary geniuses.
Mei Terumi, however, looked at the four children with great anticipation. She hurriedly said to Ishihara, "I can guide them, but you must teach them your secret techniques!"
"No problem!"
That was Ishihara's plan all along.
He was also curious to see what would happen if these four reached their full potential.
"Oh, and Jugo will be in your care as well!" he suddenly remembered.
"Alright!" Mei Terumi nodded excitedly.
She knew how terrifying Jugo's abilities were, making him an invaluable genius!
Excited, she exclaimed, "Now I'll have five capable subordinates. From today on, you'll be known as the Five-Man Group!"
"Yes, Lady Mei Terumi!"
Watching Mei Terumi's excitement, Ishihara shook his head helplessly.
He then began teaching each of them a secret technique.
First, he gave them all a Body Refinement Technique to help their bodies grow quickly.
Then he gave each of them a secret technique suited to their abilities.
Kabuto received the Life Chain technique, Suigetsu got the Hydrification Technique Training Method, and Haku received the Ice Release Training Method.
Looking at Kimimaro, Ishihara said, "Your secret technique will require some further research."
Kimimaro respectfully replied, "Yes, Lord Ishihara!"
For Kimimaro, as long as someone needed him, that was enough; he didn't care about anything else.
Ishihara continued, "Once you've mastered your respective secret techniques, I'll give you new ones!"
With that, he looked at the five of them. To be honest, he had high expectations for them.
Then he took Mei Terumi into a secret chamber and handed her the Ice Release Training Method!
"Thank you!" Mei Terumi said excitedly.
Her Lava Release didn't have enough attack power, and her Boil Release required a sealed space to be effective.
Ice Release would greatly enhance her combat abilities.
"From now on, I'm yours!" Mei Terumi said seriously, looking at Ishihara.