Chapter Forty-Three: The Targeted Conspiracy

Yakushi Nonoyu possessed remarkable aptitude for learning. In just over a year, she had mastered all the medical knowledge that Sankan Mikio could impart, and had even learned two medical ninjutsu techniques. Apart from her lack of practical experience, Nonoyu had already acquired everything her teacher had to offer.

To advance further, she would have to study at the Konoha Hospital, for Sankan Mikio only knew two medical ninjutsu techniques. Kahn was more than satisfied with Nonoyu’s progress; he now planned to recommend her to study under Tsunade for a time. Although the classes had already been divided, Tsunade’s position in the village made it effortless for her to take on a genin as her apprentice.

This arrangement would also help them avoid Danzo, or at least prevent him from brazenly trying to snatch someone from Tsunade’s side. Considering her fiery temper, she would never let it go if such a thing happened.

Just as Kahn was pondering this, Tsunade came to see him herself. However, upon seeing her, he sensed that her mood was rather sour—not exactly dejected, but clearly angry.

“What’s wrong? Did you run into a stray dog on your way here?” Kahn teased as he poured her a glass of iced lemon tea to help her cool down.

Tsunade couldn’t help but laugh at his words. Reflecting on her earlier encounter, she found it was indeed little different from running into a dog—though perhaps that wasn’t the kindest way to put it. The actions of the three elders were genuinely distasteful.

“I’d like to discuss our partnership with you…” When it came to business, Tsunade seemed uncharacteristically hesitant, unsure how to begin. She had just checked the Senju clan’s treasures at home and found that, aside from the houses and her granduncle’s research notes, there was little of real value left.

What remained could perhaps be sold for a little over a hundred million ryo. It sounded like a lot, but the purchase of equipment alone would consume most of it.

Seeing Tsunade’s silence, Kahn asked, “Tsunade, it’s rare to see you so bashful. Are you agreeing to the partnership but have nothing to offer?”

“Nonsense! It’s just the people in the village…” Tsunade quickly shook her head and, without holding back, explained the attitudes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others—though she glossed over much, Kahn could still detect the greed in their intentions.

“Keep whatever you have at home. I’ll take care of the research equipment and experimental subjects. I’ll buy some condemned convicts from other parts of the Land of Fire—it shouldn’t cost too much…” Kahn calculated silently. Human lives in the ninja world were much cheaper than in America; if there were too many death row inmates in the Land of Fire’s prisons, ten thousand ryo per head—or even half that, if he haggled—would suffice. As for equipment, he could bring over some more advanced devices from his side. After all, the results would ultimately benefit him.

“As for the serum, don’t count on it. A single dose of the Doomsday Virus serum is more precious than you can imagine. If there are results, you’ll get at most one dose. The cost to produce a single vial is close to a hundred million ryo. If your village isn’t paying, so be it, but to want even more…” Kahn paused, then added, “If it weren’t for you, I’d probably be trying my luck elsewhere by now.”

Tsunade immediately replied, “I understand. I’ll speak to them about this.” If Kahn were truly driven away, there would be no hope left for Nawaki to become a ninja.

Once they had reached an agreement, Tsunade and Kahn began to discuss the details of their joint experiment. The laboratory should be set outside the village, but not too far away; conducting human trials with bodies coming and going would make a poor impression if seen by villagers. Moreover, Tsunade was busy with the Konoha Hospital, so distance would make it hard to manage both.

Once the location was settled, Tsunade would be responsible for finding earth-style ninjas to construct the base, while Kahn would handle the equipment and purchase of death row convicts from across the Land of Fire. When preparations were complete, they would begin fusing the Doomsday Virus with Hashirama cells.

The supply of serum was extremely limited—Tsunade would receive only two doses at a time, making it clear how costly the serum was for Konoha. Fortunately, Kahn possessed all the data on the Doomsday Virus and could manufacture it without Maya and the others knowing. Otherwise, having to take it from the lab every time would be untenable.

After finalizing these arrangements, Tsunade returned home.

As she walked, Tsunade pondered to herself: the Hashirama cells were easy enough—her granduncle had sealed away a batch after his failed experiments. As for earth-style ninjas, Orochimaru would do; only a handful in the village surpassed him in that art, and Orochimaru would never refuse her.

Inside the Hokage’s office.

“Hiruzen, are you sure this plan won’t cause problems?” Koharu Utatane asked with concern. Though Lady Mito was still alive, her health was failing. If something happened to Kushina, they would have no successor as Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.

“Don’t worry. I’ve assigned plenty of ANBU, and the border with the Land of Lightning is tightly sealed. They won’t be able to escape.” Hiruzen exhaled a puff of dry smoke and said decisively, “This is a good opportunity to foster Kushina’s bonds with Konoha. After this incident, she’ll be grateful to us. At the same time, we can use the Cloud ninja spies to probe Kahn. If we can get the secret of his medicine from him…”

This plan was Danzo’s idea, and Hiruzen agreed. If Konoha couldn’t act directly, they could use those fools from the Cloud to do the job. As long as Konoha didn’t leave any trace of involvement, even if Kahn were killed, the forces behind him would simply send someone else, and their resentment wouldn’t fall on Konoha.

Hiruzen felt the plan was worth executing. It would eliminate the Cloud’s spies in the village, win Kushina’s gratitude toward her rescuers, and perhaps even reveal Kahn’s secrets. All in all, it was worth trying.

…

After finalizing the partnership, Kahn turned his attention to arrangements within Konoha, preparing to acquire death row prisoners and research equipment for the Doomsday Virus.

That afternoon, Kushina suddenly showed up. It was her first day as part of a mission team; Kahn had assumed she wouldn’t come.

Since she did, however, he welcomed her, poured her a cup of tea, and asked, “How did your first day as a ninja go?”

“Not very interesting. After introductions, we went straight into a field exercise. That jonin leader of ours is a bit strange. Instead of telling us in advance that teamwork was key, he waited until we’d already worked together before announcing we’d passed…”

“That means your leader wants to train you, so—” Kahn’s words were cut off by a voice from out front: “Is the boss here? I’d like to buy something.”

“Someone wants to buy something? Boss, let me help you…” Kushina had never worked as a clerk before. When she’d arrived, the staff had already left, so she was eager to try it herself. But before she could run out, Kahn grabbed her by the collar and pulled her back.

“You stay here and behave. I’ll go see what’s going on,” he said, his tone somewhat grave. The wooden door had already been pulled shut—if it were a real customer, they would have knocked before coming in. This person had simply opened the door and called out—what was their intention?

Besides, this was a dessert shop, not a pharmacy. Seeing the shop already closed, why would someone be so desperate to buy a dessert tonight?