Chapter 84: Exchange
After a great battle, everyone was captured in one fell swoop. Even Jiraiya, who had rushed in again, was caught like a rabbit.
In a dark underground base, Sarah complained to Ayaan, "I think the profession of ninja is no different from that of ground rats. You guys are so fast at digging holes. There are underground bases everywhere."
Ayaan shrugged. "It can't be helped. Any ninja who knows even a little Earth Release wouldn't feel safe walking around without three or five underground bases."
"If you dig a hole in any important place in one of the five major ninja villages, chances are you'll find an underground base—some of them even have multiple floors."
The two of them chatted while locked up in the dungeon. Tsunade, who was tied up by the dark vines, shouted, "Black Shadow Ninja, what do you want by capturing us? If you're going to kill us or cut us up, at least say it!"
Ayaan rolled his eyes. "I'm not particularly interested in killing people. The reason I tied you up is because you're useful to me."
As he spoke, he glanced at Orochimaru and Tsunade.
"One of you is a master of medical ninjutsu, and the other is an expert in human body modification. I've heard of both of you and admired your work for a long time."
Tsunade shook her arms and snapped, "So hypocritical. Your words are giving me goosebumps all over."
Orochimaru remained quiet. He knew how to adapt to shifting situations and had no desire to die here.
Though he was known as the hardest ninja to kill in the entire ninja world, that kind of resurrection surely came with a price.
Even the use of Reanimation Jutsu had a significant impact on Orochimaru's soul—let alone using soul fragments to resurrect himself.
So while Orochimaru still had confidence in his survival, he naturally preferred to avoid death when possible.
"So, you need something from us? But the fact that you've easily integrated Hashirama's cells into your body and even merged them with your Kekkei Genkai is incredible."
"This level of body modification far surpasses my own. I truly don't understand what help I could offer you."
Ayaan shook his head. "You overestimate me. My body modification skills are far inferior to yours."
"The reason I can easily integrate Kekkei Genkai is because my own Kekkei Genkai has the ability to transform the human body."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes lit up. He had never heard of a bloodline that could transform the human body directly. And it was practically tailor-made for him.
But when he looked at Ayaan, he realized—he couldn't beat him.
Ayaan, of course, noticed the greed in Orochimaru's eyes, but didn't care.
Just like Orochimaru had once coveted Uchiha Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan—without strength to match ambition, he posed no threat.
"So, what do you say? Will you follow me? I should be able to create a body for you that incorporates most Kekkei Genkai."
Hearing this, Orochimaru chuckled. "Does that include your Dark Release abilities?"
"Not included. That's not something a Kekkei Genkai can do," Ayaan replied, shaking his head. "But things like Wood Release and the Sharingan can be arranged."
"Really? That's acceptable." Orochimaru nodded. In truth, he had no other choice at the moment.
"Alright." Ayaan formed a hand seal and released Orochimaru. "Then, welcome to the Akatsuki organization."
Jiraiya, watching from the side, rolled his eyes. He didn't expect Ayaan to still be using the Akatsuki name as a front.
Clearly, this guy had already defeated the Akatsuki's boss and taken control.
Ayaan then turned his gaze to Tsunade again. She sneered and simply turned her head away.
Rubbing his temples, Ayaan looked at Shizune, who was only sixteen or seventeen. "And what about you, Miss Shizune? Would you be willing to teach me medical ninjutsu?"
Up to now, Ayaan had been exploring medical ninjutsu on his own and had reached the limits of self-study.
While he was confident that his medical ninjutsu surpassed Shizune's in raw power thanks to his strong Yang Release chakra, theoretically speaking, he was no match for these trained medics.
In fact, he had no real theoretical foundation at all—he simply relied on chakra strength to work miracles.
"I won't help someone like you!" Shizune said defiantly.
"Then you'll only get roasted Tonkatsu Piglet tonight!" Ayaan said sternly. The tree trunk beside him emitted black mist and lifted the little piglet. The piglet seemed to understand what was happening and began struggling desperately.
Shizune looked like she was about to cry. "You're despicable!"
"Will you teach me or not? Don't make me force you."
"I… I'll teach you!" she replied, like a wilted flower in frost.
If only one of Shizune or Tsunade had been captured, things might have played out differently. But with both caught, Ayaan wasn't worried they wouldn't give in.
Look—he hadn't even threatened Tsunade yet, and just by using the pig, Shizune had surrendered.
Seeing Ayaan threatening Shizune, Tsunade was so furious she looked like she might spit fire. Unfortunately for her, Ayaan paid her no mind and turned to the other prisoners.
Jiraiya… useless.
The Aburame clan… also not much use.
The Inuzuka… maybe he could study their technique of merging with their dogs and teach it to Yamato?
The image of fusing with Yamato in that way made Ayaan shiver and immediately drop the idea.
The last one was Hyuga Hizashi… a branch family member, with the Caged Bird seal…
Wait, the Caged Bird Curse Seal?
Thinking of something interesting, Ayaan stretched out his hand, and a black aura filled the air, instantly engulfing Hyuga Hizashi.
Then, reconsidering, the black mist extended further and also engulfed the ninja from the Aburame clan.
"Wait—what are you doing?!" Shizune asked in horror.
But Ayaan ignored her. In just moments, he had tossed Hyuga Hizashi and the Aburame ninja back out of the black space.
Hizashi flipped up into a Gentle Fist stance, staring at Ayaan warily.
The Aburame ninja stood silently against the wall. Since their bodies were insect nests, they rarely relied on physical skills, and without chakra, they were basically helpless. After all, even activating their insects required chakra.
Before either could say anything, they heard Shizune gasp.
Not just her—Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all looked at the two men with wide, shocked eyes, making both Hizashi and the Aburame ninja feel very uncomfortable.
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