Chapter 263: Madara Went, How Big is Onoki's Psychological Shadow?
"So it's cloning technology after all."
Orochimaru gazed at Kū in the nutrient tank, nodding with intrigue. "Quite impressive."
Even Dust Release could be cloned. The Earth Country's cloning technology was already highly advanced, comparable to his own.
"After all, it's the trump card of the Earth Country."
Obito, who had just returned from the ninja world, stood beside him and asked, "You said you have a way to clone. Is that true?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, smiling slyly at Obito. "Of course. But are you sure you want to clone? You've seen the intelligence on the Earth Country, haven't you? Our allies are clones themselves."
"I'm not thinking of cloning a bunch of traitors," Obito's eyes flickered. "If Dust Release can be replicated, does that mean the Mangekyō Sharingan can too?"
"Certainly."
"You've already tried it?"
Orochimaru remained silent, but Obito had his answer and furrowed his brow.
He wasn't considering cloning himself or his Mangekyō Sharingan. The power of Kamui was immense, potentially the strongest Mangekyō Sharingan ever, and he wouldn't let such power fall into someone else's hands.
But cloning technology didn't play by the rules.
What if someone used his cells or blood to clone another Obito? The same eyes, and with only one Kamui dimension, the clone's eyes would undoubtedly connect to it.
This technology posed a significant threat to him.
And the ability to mass-produce powerful fighters was another issue.
"You're worried someone will clone your Mangekyō, right?"
Orochimaru's smile grew sly as he looked at Obito. "There's no need to worry. Cloning the Mangekyō isn't something that can be done with just cellular material. The Mangekyō itself must be placed into the device for cloning."
Obito's heart stirred, and he squinted at Orochimaru. "Didn't you say that corresponding cells were enough to clone a Kekkei Genkai?"
"Dōjutsu Kekkei Genkai is different," Orochimaru shook his head, not bothering to elaborate on the differences. He simply said, "You only need to know that to clone a dōjutsu Kekkei Genkai, the corresponding eyes are necessary."
Obito felt a bit more at ease but remained vigilant.
Since Orochimaru joined, Obito thought the Akatsuki could control him. But seeing the technology Orochimaru possessed, Obito realized he had underestimated him.
Cloning technology alone could turn the ninja world upside down, not to mention the other technologies Orochimaru mastered.
With that in mind, Obito probed further:
"I'll inform them to try their best to destroy the Earth Country's cloning technology. Do you have any thoughts on this? Do you need the research data on the Earth Country's cloning technology?"
Orochimaru shook his head calmly. "No, my technology is already complete."
Seeing the calm demeanor of the man before him, Obito frowned and turned to leave.
A soft laugh came from behind him. "Orochimaru, Obito is starting to harbor murderous intent towards you."
"No one can remain calm in the face of such technology, not even me. Otherwise, I wouldn't have sealed it away and rarely used it. As for Obito wanting to kill me… he can't."
Orochimaru turned with a smile, seeing the image of Tamako rising from the ground, and stroked his chin, asking, "Compared to these trivial matters, I'm more curious about your technology. There are no projection devices here, so how are you transmitting your image?"
This was his private laboratory, protected by numerous techniques. Orochimaru was confident that Tamako couldn't bypass them to infiltrate.
Unless… this place had always been Tamako's domain.
Tamako smiled. "Haven't you already figured out the answer?"
"If you don't answer, I can't be certain. How many people know the true nature of Ideal City?"
"Besides Shino, very few. Obito and Nagato are aware. Or rather, this has become a standard procedure in the Akatsuki—those who can't perceive it are mere errand runners."
Orochimaru: "…"
So the Sky Ninja leader suffered because of this, huh?
Well, it makes sense. If one can't discover the truth of Ideal City, they're not even qualified to intervene—no one else is to blame.
"What about Uchiha Madara?"
Tamako shook her head. "Since entering here, he hasn't left, so he's likely unaware. But he's already sensed something amiss. When he leaves and returns, he'll be certain."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru stared at Tamako, a sly smile forming. "I think I know which clan you belong to."
Turning illusion into reality, making fiction a reality.
This type of genjutsu could only be performed by the Kekkei Genkai of two clans in the ninja world.
And Ideal City just happened to be created by ninjas from those two clans. What an interesting coincidence.
Tamako remained expressionless, unfazed by Orochimaru deducing her identity.
"You're not here to confirm your speculations and fully integrate into the Akatsuki, are you?"
Orochimaru was in a good mood now, speaking much more politely. "Is there something you need my help with?"
"Hikari can't leave Ideal City right now. I can leave a fragment to guard, but I'd like to ask you for help with something…"
After hearing Tamako's request, Orochimaru didn't refuse. After agreeing, he asked, "Does it take that many people to deal with the Earth Country?"
"Just in case. The countries now have mutual defense pacts, so others will surely assist the Earth Country. We plan to end it quickly."
After a brief explanation, Tamako's image vanished.
Seeing this, Orochimaru thought of Onoki, a playful smile appearing on his face.
More than half of the Akatsuki's members are going to attack the Earth Country, and Uchiha Madara is among them. How big is Onoki's psychological shadow going to be?
…
Meanwhile, on a building in Ideal City, Tamako's hands held a brush and a sketchbook, though she didn't move. Today, the residents' actions in Ideal City transformed into illustrations within the book.
"Another simple story today."
Muttering under her breath, she put away her tools and vanished. When she reappeared, it was outside Ideal City, where Obito was waiting for her.
Ōtsutsuki Shinichi needed time to recover emotionally, so in the meantime, the two would act as temporary partners.
Neither spoke as they met, silently heading towards the Earth Country.
The others had already gone ahead to deliver their gifts.
…
Pitter-patter…
The village of Iwagakure operated as usual, with rain starting to fall from the sky. The raindrops slid down the rooftops, gathering into streams that flowed through the street cracks. Villagers hurried to find shelter, making the village seem especially serene under the rain.
Boom!
A thunderclap tore through the sky, deafeningly loud. Lightning illuminated Iwagakure, and the rain intensified, pouring down as if the heavens had opened fully.
In a corner of the village, within a newly built office, several ninjas gathered around a wooden table. Onoki was among them, and their faces were filled with seriousness.
"Recently, the clone forces seem to be acting strangely. Lord Onoki, are you sure they won't rebel?"
"You're worried?" Onoki snorted. "Even if they dare, I can still…"
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
Explosions echoed amidst the thunder, changing everyone's expressions.
"Daimyō and the Five Kage, do they have a monopoly on power? Overthrow Onoki, starting today!"
(End of Chapter)