Chapter Fifty-Eight: Do You Have Anything to Say?

Most ninjas value efficiency in their work and missions. Just yesterday, Kato Mikaze arrived at the base for the first time. His initial use of the Kato clan's secret techniques immediately had a positive effect on the experiments. By the next day's work meeting, the base had already responded to this development.

In the small conference room at the Spring Base, after each department head finished reporting on their respective areas, Orochimaru made new arrangements based on the latest developments—specifically, the impact of Kato Mikaze joining the team.

The meeting soon moved to its next topic: discussing Kato Mikaze’s specific responsibilities within the base. The main discussion was between Kato Mikaze and Orochimaru, while the others simply listened in.

Kato Mikaze addressed Orochimaru, saying, “Orochimaru, I’m not like you. I don’t have the same passion for research. You’ve been fascinated by this kind of work since you were a child. I won’t be devoting all my energy here.”

“That’s your choice, Kato,” Orochimaru replied, unsurprised by his words. Among Konoha's research enthusiasts, Orochimaru stood alone, still searching for a companion to share his lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Nonetheless, he was somewhat dissatisfied with Kato Mikaze’s reluctance to fully commit to the base.

“However, I believe that scientific research can yield powerful jutsu—unparalleled strength. The power within the First Hokage’s cells is something you’ve witnessed yourself. We both grew up hearing the legends of the First Hokage. Don’t you long for that kind of power?”

“I’ve always believed in science and the power it holds. One day, the world of shinobi will be transformed by scientific progress!”

Though Orochimaru spoke of Kato Mikaze’s freedom, his words still carried a subtle persuasion, urging Kato to invest more effort in the base’s work. His voice, though cold and hoarse, possessed a unique quality—it was captivating rather than off-putting. Orochimaru’s handsome features, pale skin, sharply defined face, and long, straight black hair only added to his charisma, making it easy for others to trust him.

‘Of course I yearn for the First Hokage’s power. Why else would I be here? And I doubt your intentions are any different. The only difference is, I already have a better way to obtain the power within the First’s cells,’ Kato Mikaze thought privately, while outwardly he said the opposite:

“As a jōnin promoted through Konoha’s official examinations, I can’t just start slacking off the day after joining a new mission. My record speaks for itself—my task completion rate and reputation in the village are well known.”

“For the New Spring Project, the main technique is still the First Hokage’s cell transplantation. My expertise in this branch of medical and biological research is limited, though I can assist with matters related to the soul.”

“Biological research is your domain. My point is that the New Spring Project should remain under your leadership. I’ll provide support—offering suggestions and assisting with soul-related issues. In that area, I won’t let you down. But as for the project’s overall success, it still depends primarily on your abilities.”

‘Of course I won’t fail when it comes to soul matters. I need this approach to harness the power within Hashirama Senju’s cells. The ninja system still has a level 499 task waiting for me,’ he continued inwardly.

Kato Mikaze’s words flowed smoothly, and his next reason caught Orochimaru off guard. “Actually, I may have been unclear before. The reason I can’t devote all my energy here is because things between Tsunade and me have made great progress recently.”

“Orochimaru, you know better than anyone how difficult it’s been for me to pursue her.”

Orochimaru hadn’t expected Kato Mikaze to be so shameless—trying to justify taking it easy on the mission by citing his romantic relationship with Tsunade.

‘When did Kato Mikaze become so thick-skinned? Is it Tsunade’s influence? Since when does dating Tsunade serve as an excuse for slacking off?’

“…If that’s the case, as long as the Third Hokage and Lord Danzo have no objections, I have none either,” Orochimaru finally replied, somewhat reluctantly.

“What about the rest of you? Any thoughts on this?” Orochimaru turned his head, his serpent-like pupils glinting with mysterious light as he swept his gaze over the other department heads, clearly hoping someone would speak up to prevent Kato Mikaze from slacking off in future missions.

Ken, Kang, Ping, An, and the other department leaders of Spring Base: “…”

They all wore the same expression—listening intently, but keeping their mouths firmly shut.

Seeing Orochimaru’s gesture, Kato Mikaze immediately added, “I’ll find an opportunity to seek approval from the Third Hokage and Lord Danzo myself. You don’t have to worry. And I guarantee I’ll do my utmost to support the New Spring Project in all matters concerning the soul.”

Without waiting for Orochimaru’s reply, Kato Mikaze turned to scan the room, smiling as he asked, “And what about the rest of you? Any thoughts on this?”

Like Orochimaru, Kato Mikaze possessed striking looks, though of a different kind. He was the energetic, sunny type, with tousled light-blue hair and sharp, bright eyes, giving him a spirited appearance. When he looked around, there was always a smile at the corner of his mouth. His voice, though not as distinctive as Orochimaru’s, was just as memorable and pleasant to hear.

The same words, spoken by two different men.

Ken, Kang, Ping, An, and the other department leaders remained silent, as before.

Orochimaru: “…”

Kato Mikaze: “Good, since no one objects, let’s settle it that way. Orochimaru, let’s move on to the next topic.”

Orochimaru: “…That was the last agenda item for today. Meeting adjourned!”

…

The meeting ended, but the matter wasn’t finished. Kato Mikaze followed Orochimaru to his office for further private discussion.

Meetings, after all, were for show—a matter of proper procedure. Real decisions were made in private among the leaders.

The final arrangement was that Kato Mikaze would be responsible only for matters of soul healing and would act as he saw fit. In other words, he wasn’t required to use his secret techniques in every experiment but would decide when to intervene based on his own judgment.

He achieved his goal, yet didn’t shirk all responsibility, nor did he dump all the burdensome work on Orochimaru. As for the Third Hokage and Danzo, Kato Mikaze would approach them himself for approval.

He also agreed that if Orochimaru considered any particular experiment especially important, he could request Kato Mikaze’s participation by name.

In truth, this was Kato Mikaze’s way of creating a reasonable excuse for skipping out in the future if needed. But he didn’t plan to be absent from experiments entirely—not only would that be hard to explain to the Third Hokage, but the ninja system’s level 499 task was still waiting.

At least until he completed the level 499 collection, he wouldn’t slack off too much on the New Spring Project.

Ultimately, Kato Mikaze gained the greatest benefit, but he genuinely intended to help Konoha cultivate competent new Wood Style users. Achieving the level of Hashirama Senju was out of the question—even Kato Mikaze wasn’t confident in reaching that himself. But producing ordinary Wood Style users was a realistic goal.

The classic Wood Style: Three Bedrooms and a Living Room technique.

With the Second Great Ninja War looming, and future Third and even Fourth Wars on the horizon, there would be plenty of opportunities to put these abilities to use—even for rebuilding Konoha, they wouldn’t go to waste.

In the original story, Orochimaru and Danzo managed to create Yamato by accident. Though Kato Mikaze didn’t know the exact method, his Soul Nurturing Technique had already proved effective in the experiments the previous day.

Now, with Kato Mikaze’s participation, the project was unlikely to be any less successful than it had been with only Orochimaru and Danzo.

…

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