Considering the physical conditions of the two tomorrow, Haruki generously gave them a morning off.
Before leaving, Minato Namikaze was still curious about the situation of their teammates.
As one of the strongest clans in Konoha, the Hyuga clan possesses the Byakugan, which is as famous as the Sharingan. Naturally, its young master, Hiashi Hyuga, is no weakling.
Haruki didn't say much.
Because he knew it was an impossible thing.
Even though he has a high reputation now and saved many Hyuga ninjas during the Great Ninja World War, it was still difficult for him to become the team leader of Hiashi Hyuga.
The next day.
Haruki came to Orochimaru's Research Institute.
Compared with the cold caves and underground laboratories before, the buildings of the Ninja Academy were more like being in the world of the living.
Even Orochimaru seemed more pleasing to the eye.
"Where are the people I asked for?"
Orochimaru got straight to the point and asked directly.
As the number of projects increased, he also felt that he was more willing than able.
Moreover, in his opinion, most of the projects were simply boring and a waste of time.
If he had enough manpower, he could completely hand over the projects he wasn't interested in to others.
"They'll all arrive within a week," Haruki said.
If the ninjas arranged by the Oshima Chamber of Commerce swarmed into Konoha all at once, Tanzo Shimura wasn't stupid and would definitely notice something was wrong.
A week was already extremely fast.
"Then what are you here for?"
After getting the answer he wanted, Orochimaru resumed his cold tone.
After getting along for three years, he already knew that Haruki is all show and no substance, only good at armchair theorizing and completely ignorant of experiments.
"About the [Cage Bird jutsu]. I saw that you let Hyuga Cheng go. Has there been any new progress?"
"I've been studying the Uzumaki Sealing Technique recently. It won't be long before I can understand the essence of the [Cage Bird jutsu]."
Orochimaru's tone was calm. Among the Sannin, he has the highest talent, and the Sealing Technique couldn't stump him.
As for why Konoha had the Uzumaki Sealing Technique.
The reason was very simple.
After the Uzumaki clan perished, almost all of the remaining clan members were in Konoha.
Especially Mito Uzumaki, the First Nine - Tailed Fox Jinchuriki and the wife of Hashirama Senju, was still alive.
In the original story, Hiruzen Sarutobi's [Dead Demon Consuming Seal] also originated from the Uzumaki clan.
As his disciple, Orochimaru naturally had the qualification to study it.
In fact, if Haruki applied, or with Tsunade's help, he could also learn it.
But his talent in ninjutsu was average, and it would take too long to master it.
It was better to rely on the Affinity Love System.
Moreover, he didn't need the Sealing Technique for the time being.
Just waiting for free rewards from the system. Isn't that great?
As for the relationship between the [Cage Bird jutsu] and the Sealing Technique.
It could be considered a type of Sealing Technique, and the Uzumaki Sealing Technique was the best in the ninja world, so it was definitely worth learning from.
All in all, Orochimaru's performance didn't disappoint him.
"Do you want to make the [Hyuga Clan's Branch Family] side with you through the [Cage Bird jutsu]? I advise you not to be so naive. It would be better to directly control the [Hyuga Clan's Branch Family] with the [Cage Bird jutsu]. It's not difficult for you or me."
Orochimaru always thought that Haruki was too indecisive in doing things.
It should be said that he had to adopt gentle means for a certain purpose.
"It'll definitely be effective in the short term.
Haruki nodded in agreement. "But I don't want slaves. The Cage Bird jutsu protects them but also restricts them. Compared to the Uchiha, who have constantly produced top-notch ninjas, the Hyuga clan is like an old man on the verge of death. The main family is cowardly, and the branch family is stagnant. How can they produce strong ninjas?"
Orochimaru didn't comment.
He didn't want to understand Haruki's actions, nor did he care about them.
He said these things just because he was worried that Haruki might mess things up and ruin his research plan.
After all, the Hyuga clan is one of the major clans in Konoha. Once Hiruzen Sarutobi or Tanzo Shimura notices, they will definitely interfere.
"I'll trouble you to act in a play with me then."
What Orochimaru could think of, Haruki naturally could too.
According to his plan, he didn't need to do it himself.
It remained to be seen if Hiashi Hyuga would disappoint him.
Orochimaru frowned, looking a bit unhappy.
His time was precious, and he didn't want to waste it on Haruki's boring affairs.
Seeing his undisguised expression, as one of the people who knew him best, Haruki knew what he was thinking.
He said with a smile, "It won't take much of your time."
Orochimaru glanced at him and didn't fully believe his words.
"I hope so."
"I'll leave first, Orochimaru-kun. Keep up the good work."
Haruki waved his hand and disappeared from the laboratory.
Orochimaru licked his lips, withdrew his gaze, and then turned around to resume his research.
"Lord Haruki."
An Anbu ninja wearing an animal mask appeared in front of Haruki.
"The Hokage has summoned the Jonin for a meeting. Please go to the Hokage Building."
"I got it."
Haruki used the Shifting Body Technique and arrived at the Hokage's office in a moment.
Many Jonin had already gathered there.
He was a bit curious.
"Tsuna, do you know what it's about?"
Haruki reached out his hand, but Tsunade glared at him.
"Be more serious in front of the teacher."
"Isn't it normal for a couple to hold hands?" Haruki pulled his hand back, looking all pitiful.
"That's not what I'm talking about!" Tsunade looked helpless.
"Lord Hokage."
A unison voice rang out.
Haruki ended his flirtation with Tsunade and his expression became serious.
"I just received a piece of news. Sunagakure has sent another batch of ninjas. The initial estimate is nearly a thousand."
After the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, finished speaking, the ninjas at the meeting showed surprised expressions.
The number of regular ninjas in the Five Great Ninja Villages was actually not large.
Konoha is truly the top - ranked among the Five Great Ninja Villages, but its number of regular ninjas doesn't exceed twenty thousand.
And the barren Sunagakure had even fewer.
"Does Sunagakure want to start another big war with us?"
The speaker was Konoha's advisor, Torane Homura.
"According to the information we've gathered, it's because several Jonin and Chunin from Sunagakure went missing near the Aso Mountains."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at everyone. "But I haven't received a report. Do any of you have any clues?"
The Jonin looked at each other, and no one answered.
Haruki remained calm, showing no sign of anything unusual.
"It seems that it wasn't done by us in Konoha."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression remained solemn. The battle between Konoha Village and Sunagakure hadn't stopped, and these people died within the territory of the Land of Fire. It seemed that Konoha would surely be blamed for this.
Instinctively, he cast a glance at Tanzo Shimura.
"Humph, it wasn't me!"
Seeing his suspicious look, Tanzo Shimura said rather dissatisfiedly, "Now that things have come to this, it doesn't matter who did it. Why should Konoha explain this to Sunagakure?"
"Sigh, you're right. But currently, we don't have enough ninjas, and we have to guard against Amegakure Village and Iwagakure taking advantage of the situation. I really don't want to start another war." Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long sigh.
"Let two classes of students at the Ninja Academy graduate early." Tanzo Shimura frowned slightly. Once again, he had to be the bad guy.
"Currently, this is the only way."
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and then nodded helplessly.
He stood up with a solemn expression. His eyes swept across and finally landed on Takahiro Koki's face.
"Koki Takahiro, organize the students to complete the graduation exam within two days and submit the list of graduates in a timely manner. I'll assign squad leaders together with the advisory council."
"Yes, Lord Hokage." Takahiro Koki replied immediately.
"If you have any favorite students, you can also submit an application. I'll consider it based on the situation." Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a while and added.
After the meeting, Haruki and Tsunade left the Hokage Building together.
Orochimaru didn't come.
Since his student Nawaki passed away not long ago, he probably didn't want to serve as a squad - leading Jonin.
As for Tsunade, in the original story, Shizune and Sakura Haruno were her apprentices.
But currently, Shizune was too young, and Sakura Haruno hadn't been born yet.
It's extremely rare for a medical ninja to act as a squad - leading teacher.
Tsunade was already an exception.
"Haruki, I can tell you like Minato and Kushina. You should lead their squad, right?"
"Yeah, unless something unexpected happens, it'll be them."
"A two - member squad doesn't comply with the rules."
"I already have a candidate for the third member."
As the head of the Hyuga clan, Hiashi won't go on missions.
His target was actually someone from the Uchiha clan.