The mission to Konoha had concluded successfully.
After using Edo Tensei to bring Kotoe back, Ye Zi experienced subtle, unspoken changes in his heart. Yet his resolve and direction remained unwavering.
As Ye Zi led Kotoe out of the room, Orochimaru and Uchiha Jin turned their gazes toward them, their reactions markedly different.
Orochimaru focused more on Ye Zi, while Shin looked primarily at Kotoe.
Kotoe's face and body bore visible fine cracks, her eyes bright yet tinged with a dull gray. Overall, she resembled a porcelain doll with cracks, a figure that lacked a sense of wholeness.
Shin's gaze shifted slightly, wandering between Ye Zi and Kotoe before he sighed inwardly. Was it fortunate or unfortunate for her to continue existing in this form?
Perhaps it was fortunate… This forbidden jutsu, capable of defying death, allowed Kotoe to return to the world of the living and reunite with her beloved.
After this ordeal, it seemed Ye Zi had finally opened his heart to Kotoe. Otherwise, why would he have risked his life to invade Konoha to reclaim her?
Yet this wasn't a true resurrection, and the flaws in Kotoe's current state were all too apparent.
Orochimaru's gaze lingered on Ye Zi, his sharp instincts sensing an intangible change in him. Though the nature of this shift was unclear, Orochimaru was certain it stemmed from the woman by Ye Zi's side.
"Now that Edo Tensei is complete, let's focus on relocating the base," Orochimaru said calmly, looking at Ye Zi.
He was eager to resume his research on Sage Mode, but he wanted a secure, undisturbed environment to work in.
Though Konoha would likely be preoccupied with rebuilding in the short term, and unlikely to target their base immediately, the information about the base's location could still be shared with other villages.
To ensure a safe research environment, Orochimaru urged Ye Zi to act swiftly. Only Ye Zi's Wood Release abilities could instantly construct the framework of a new base.
"Prepare to move immediately," Ye Zi nodded at Orochimaru, then turned to Shin. "Shin, go with Kotoe to make the preparations and inform everyone at the base."
"Understood."
Shin bowed and, accompanied by Kotoe, headed toward the children's quarters.
Once Shin and Kotoe had left, Ye Zi and Orochimaru locked eyes.
In the silence, Ye Zi spoke first. "Orochimaru, I need your strength."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you trying to say?"
"I've come to understand something clearly," Ye Zi said seriously, looking directly at Orochimaru. "Without you, I won't be able to accomplish what I need to do. I'm certain of that."
His words treated Orochimaru as an indispensable ally. Indeed, for his ultimate plan, Orochimaru's assistance was vital.
Orochimaru showed no visible reaction. He was no child, nor someone like Kimimaro, who would dedicate himself wholeheartedly over such words.
"Then tell me, what can you offer me in return?" Orochimaru asked with a cold smile.
"Everything," Ye Zi answered with unwavering certainty.
Orochimaru fell silent. Ye Zi's demeanor was utterly sincere, something he had never seen before.
....
In the Corridor
Shin and Kotoe walked through the passageway, tasked with informing the children and organizing the base's relocation. Having done this once before, the process would be much smoother this time.
As they walked, Shin suddenly said, "Lord Ye Zi attacked Konoha for your sake without hesitation."
Kotoe paused, surprised by the sudden remark. She glanced at him, but could only see his profile.
Shin turned to meet her gaze, speaking earnestly. "You've achieved what you've always longed for, haven't you?"
Kotoe smiled softly, her eyes reflecting a trace of contentment. But that satisfaction soon turned to regret. She sighed lightly and said, "Shin, I'm not someone who can truly be called alive anymore."
Shin's expression shifted slightly, his brows knitting together. He understood what Kotoe meant.
"But I'm happy as I am now," Kotoe continued, looking at her cracked hands. "Even so… there will be no future between Ye Zi and me. For now, simply staying by his side is enough, that alone surpasses everything else."
"Lord Ye Zi has done so much for you. It shows that he doesn't care about such things," Shin said, trying to console her.
Kotoe's lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. She replied in a low voice, "You wouldn't understand. Even if Ye Zi doesn't care, I do. Women place great importance on certain things."
She was fully aware that as an Edo Tensei body, a true relationship with Ye Zi was impossible. Her thoughts drifted to Nanako, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Even though her soul had returned to the living world, the fact of her past death remained unchangeable. The fine cracks on her body were a constant reminder of her condition.
Shin fell silent, retracting his gaze from Kotoe to look ahead. His eyes flickered slightly as he wondered: Could one truly give everything for someone they deemed important?
...
In Another Passageway
Having parted ways with Orochimaru, Ye Zi walked down the corridor leading to Nanako's laboratory.
The dimly lit passageway echoed only with the rhythmic sound of footsteps.
Ye Zi's expression remained calm as he walked. Suddenly, movement came from the smooth wooden wall on his right.
White Zetsu emerged from the wall, matching Ye Zi's pace as he moved along the surface.
Ye Zi was unsurprised by White Zetsu's sudden appearance, he had already sensed his presence before he emerged.
"What's the result?" Ye Zi asked, his gaze fixed ahead.
"A big haul," White Zetsu replied with a chuckle. In truth, all he had collected were Sharingan.
"Let's hear it," Ye Zi said.
"19 pairs of Sharingan: 11 pairs of three-tomoe Sharingan and 8 pairs of two-tomoe Sharingan," White Zetsu replied decisively.
After waiting a moment and realizing White Zetsu wasn't going to elaborate, Ye Zi frowned slightly and asked, "That's it?"
White Zetsu calmly replied, "That's it. Just 19 pairs of Sharingan. It took a lot of effort to get these. You have to understand that the Uchiha clan is very protective of their members' corpses."
Ye Zi shot him a cold glance before turning his attention forward again. "Follow me," he said indifferently.
White Zetsu chuckled as he stepped out of the wall and landed beside Ye Zi, walking alongside him. Internally, though, he breathed a sigh of relief.
In truth, collecting those 19 pairs of Sharingan had been effortless. He simply infiltrated the temporary morgue where the Uchiha clan's bodies were stored. Using the Hiding Like a Mole Technique, he bypassed the guards and easily harvested the eyes.
Thankfully, Ye Zi didn't press him for more. White Zetsu hadn't bothered collecting any useful DNA samples, as he was more interested in observing the situation than taking action.
Without exchanging another word, the two continued their silent journey toward Nanako's laboratory.
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Currently on Chapter 497 - An Impossible Mission That Cannot Fail