Chapter 85 – The Arrival of the Cloud Delegation
Mizuki took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. What Yusuke had just casually said felt as though he'd plucked the thoughts straight from Mizuki's mind, and that unnerved him.
"This time, I come on behalf of Lord Orochimaru to propose a trade," Mizuki said once he'd composed himself.
As he spoke, he carefully pulled out a scroll from inside his cloak and placed it gently on Yusuke's desk with both hands.
"This scroll contains intelligence on a very powerful organization—information that I believe is of great significance to you. If you agree to Lord Orochimaru's terms, I will give you the seal pattern needed to open it."
Mizuki looked at Yusuke with hopeful anticipation.
This mission—negotiating directly with Yusuke—was clearly something Orochimaru placed great importance on. Mizuki hoped he could deliver a result that would please his master.
But Yusuke didn't even glance at the scroll. Though he didn't know the specific contents, he already had a good idea what Orochimaru was offering—intelligence on the Akatsuki.
"That scroll's contents hold no value for me," Yusuke said flatly.
Mizuki panicked slightly and rushed to add, "Lord Orochimaru also said that while you are certainly strong, this organization is not to be underestimated. There are individuals among them who could potentially defeat even you. Additionally—"
Yusuke cut him off. "I'm not interested in intel on the Akatsuki. Just tell me what Orochimaru wants in return."
In truth, Yusuke already knew far more about Akatsuki than Orochimaru did. He even had an informant planted within their ranks, rendering Orochimaru's offer effectively useless.
Realizing Yusuke had no interest in the scroll, Mizuki could only move on to the core of the request.
"Lord Orochimaru is aware that you dismantled the Root organization, and he assumes you now possess all of their research data. He's particularly interested in their experimental notes on integrating Kekkei Genkai into the human body. He hopes you would be willing to share that segment of the data."
"Kekkei Genkai integration experiments?" Yusuke silently pondered the request.
Danzo had indeed been conducting extensive research in that very field, trying to use Wood Release and Sharingan by forcibly merging bloodline limits into compatible hosts. Yusuke had reviewed those documents himself.
If he hadn't intervened in Danzo's planned extermination of the Uchiha clan, Danzo would've eventually transplanted a multitude of Sharingan into his right arm, which had already been infused with Hashirama's cells.
In the original timeline, Orochimaru didn't bother with this type of research. Instead, he pursued the "Living Corpse Reincarnation" technique, transferring his consciousness into the bodies of shinobi with the bloodline traits he wanted. The fusion of Kekkei Genkai seemed more in line with the work of someone like Shin Uchiha or Hiruko.
What Yusuke didn't know was that after witnessing the devastating power of Yusuke's Fire Release techniques, Orochimaru had developed a new obsession—enhancing his body by merging similar bloodline limits to push his elemental power even further.
"And what does Orochimaru want with this data, exactly?" Yusuke asked.
Mizuki replied truthfully, "I'm afraid I don't know. I was only instructed to carry out the exchange. Lord Orochimaru did not share his intentions with me."
Yusuke nodded—he hadn't expected Mizuki to be privy to Orochimaru's true intentions anyway.
"Go back and tell Orochimaru that I have no need for this intel," Yusuke said calmly. "But if he can get me the other half of Hidan's body, I'll provide him with a full copy of the experimental data."
Yusuke was genuinely intrigued by Hidan's remaining body.
If they could harness the power of Hidan's immortality for repeatable use, the research institute could freely pursue forbidden jutsu or experimental ninja tools that required extensive human testing, without the same ethical or logistical limitations.
Mizuki didn't dare argue. He quickly bowed his head in acknowledgment and turned to leave the stifling pressure of the office.
But just as he reached the door, Yusuke gave him a warm smile. "Mizuki, no need to rush off."
Mizuki froze and turned back, a puzzled expression on his face.
Yusuke smiled as he spoke. "You seem like a capable person. Why not stay and work in the Konoha Police Department from now on?"
Mizuki forced a smile, one that looked more like a grimace. "Advisor-sama, I'm currently involved in other responsibilities, so I'm afraid—"
"Hm?"
Yusuke's expression instantly turned cold. His eyes narrowed, and the air in the room became oppressively heavy.
A bead of sweat the size of a raindrop slid down Mizuki's forehead. He quickly bowed and corrected himself, "Of course! No task is more important than serving the Police Department. I'll be in your care from now on!"
Yusuke's smile returned, warm and friendly. "Don't worry—I'll make sure someone takes good care of you."
Mizuki: "…"
Once he finally stepped out of the Police Department, Mizuki let out a long, shuddering breath.
"That man is terrifying… If I really have to work under his gaze every day, I'll go insane."
"I need to ask Lord Orochimaru if I can leave Konoha entirely and serve directly under him instead!"
—
A week later, under the warm welcome of Konoha's citizens, the delegation from Kumogakure arrived under the pretense of establishing a peace alliance.
The Cloud delegation was met with high-level hospitality from Konoha's leadership. Since forming such an alliance would require extensive discussion and agreement on numerous clauses, the delegation would temporarily reside at Konoha's official guest inn.
Ordinarily, an event of this magnitude would demand the presence of Yusuke, the Chief Advisor to the Hokage.
However, Yusuke had no interest in wasting his time. He knew exactly what Kumogakure's true intentions were.
Just as it had unfolded in the original timeline, a few nights after their arrival, Kumogakure launched an operation to abduct Hinata Hyuga. The one who carried out the mission was none other than the head of the Cloud delegation.
But the attempt failed.
They had barely gotten hold of Hinata when the Hyuga clan discovered the intrusion. Enraged, Hiashi Hyuga, the clan leader, took action himself and killed the delegation leader on the spot.
Neither Kumogakure nor the Hyuga clan realized that every move they made was being watched—through the eye of a seemingly unremarkable crow, a clone of Yusuke's summoned creature, Gen'ya.
The incident exploded publicly and ignited a diplomatic firestorm between Konoha and Kumogakure.
Sensing Konoha's weakened state and Hiruzen Sarutobi's continued softness, the Cloud Village flatly denied the abduction attempt. Instead, they accused Konoha of unjustly killing their official envoy and demanded the surrender of the Hyuga clansman responsible for the killing.
Konoha, faced with such an unreasonable accusation, had no choice but to tread carefully.
It wasn't long before the Third Hokage convened an emergency meeting with all senior leadership in the village—seeking a solution to this escalating diplomatic crisis.