Chương 274: The Master and Disciple's Imminent Reunion in the Sea Kingdom

Over the past few months, Orochimaru has become increasingly satisfied with the talent and ability that Yang Cheng has shown.

As a researcher, Orochimaru always believed that strength was secondary, and knowledge was the true power!

Having knowledge can even change one's destiny, and he has been putting this into practice.

Yang Cheng not only possesses talent in this area, but he is also studious and has a spirit of exploration and inquiry, which greatly pleases Orochimaru.

Although he usually pays more attention to Sasuke and ignores Yang Cheng at the base, in reality, Yang Cheng and Sasuke are completely different in his eyes.

He valued Sasuke only because of Sasuke's Uchiha bloodline limit and because Sasuke was his vessel.

But Yang Cheng was different; Orochimaru saw his younger self in him.

Moreover, even Orochimaru, who always considered himself a genius, had to admit that Yang Cheng was even more outstanding than he had been in the past.

If given a few more years, Orochimaru even felt that the other's knowledge and research capabilities would surpass his own, and he would be able to complete some research that he was unable to do before.

Orochimaru believed that the sea monster was likely just a rumor spread by fishermen from the Land of the Sea, or perhaps it was created by humans using experimental data left behind on Genjuro Island to modify living beings.

However, since Yang Cheng wanted to go and take a look, Orochimaru naturally wouldn't stop him.

"Lord Orochimaru, should I bring some men to accompany Yangcheng-kun?"

Watching Yang Cheng turn and leave, Kabuto Yakushi, who was standing behind Orochimaru, also asked a question.

"The Land of the Sea is just a small country. Although it is adjacent to the Land of Water, Kirigakure has no outstanding ninjas since the death of the Fourth Mizukage and the disappearance of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist."

With Yang Cheng's own strength, even if he encountered ninjas from Kirigakure, escaping unscathed would not be difficult for him.

Orochimaru was well aware of Yang Cheng's strength; even the resurrected Fourth Kazekage had been defeated, so he didn't believe that anyone in the now-defunct Kirigakure could stop Yang Cheng.

"No, I'm not concerned about Yang Chengjun's safety. I mean—should we send someone to monitor him?"

Orochimaru valued Yang Cheng highly, and Kabuto Yakushi, as his confidant, could naturally see this. However, he had not forgotten that, compared to Sasuke, who came voluntarily, Yang Cheng was forcibly taken by them.

"Dou, you still don't understand Yang Cheng enough. He's the same kind of person as me. He has his own understanding and dedication to knowledge and research."

People like us are unacceptable to Konoha, and monitoring him? I'm afraid if he gets angry, you'll be the ones who die.

Although Yang Cheng had been conducting research during this period, Orochimaru could tell that Yang Cheng's strength was also constantly improving.

If Yang Cheng really wants to leave, whether or not he is monitored will not make much difference, because apart from him taking action himself, it is estimated that no one else, including Dou, is a match for him.

The Land of Fire, Konoha Village, Hokage Building.

Because of Sasuke's defection and Sakura's recent training in medical ninjutsu with Tsunade, the original Team 7 has become defunct in name only.

So Naruto, who is the only one with free time, often teams up with other squads to do missions.

Anko's previous Team 6 only had Yang Cheng worth training. After Yang Cheng was taken away by Orochimaru, Anko almost became the second Naruto, thinking about finding Orochimaru all day long, which caused Tsunade a lot of headaches.

Given Anko's outstanding performance in the Konoha Crush plan, she has been promoted from Special Jonin to Regular Jonin.

At this moment, in the Hokage's office, the people standing in front of Tsunade were Anko, Naruto, Ino, and Sakura.

"The reason I called you here is to have you form a team to complete an escort mission."

The Land of the Sea is a small country mainly composed of fishermen. It does not have any ninja villages within its own borders, so it has always been under the protection of the nearby Land of Water.

In exchange, the Land of the Sea pays the Land of Water a certain amount of protection money every year.

However, due to recent reports of a sea demon rampaging through the Land of the Sea, the deposit team is worried about their safety and has therefore entrusted us, the ninjas of Konoha, with their protection.

As Tsunade took out the mission scroll, she looked at the group's lackluster expressions and rested her chin on her hand, making the East African Rift Valley on her chest appear even more unfathomable.

"Originally, I planned to assign this task to the Eighth Squad, since they are more skilled at pursuit and search."

But I also heard that there is a research base of Orochimaru on an island near the Land of the Sea.

"Perhaps this so-called sea monster is Orochimaru's doing. If you're really not interested in this mission, I won't make things difficult for you."

Before Tsunade could finish speaking, the mission scroll she was holding was snatched away by Anko with lightning speed. In addition to her, the other genin also looked quite excited.

Seeing their expressions, Tsunade was not surprised at all; in fact, their reactions were entirely within her expectations.

It was no coincidence that Tsunade summoned Anko and the others; rather, it was because almost all the members of this hastily formed team were extremely obsessed with Orochimaru—or rather, they were very concerned about someone on Orochimaru's side.

Naruto has been pursuing Sasuke, Anko has been trying to bring back Yoshinori, and Ino and Sakura are in love with Yoshinori and Sasuke respectively. Now that they hear that this mission involves Orochimaru, they naturally don't hesitate at all.

Tsunade was also constantly bothered by Anko and Naruto, which is why she immediately thought of them when she saw this mission.

To be honest, Tsunade didn't think Orochimaru would appear in a small place like the Land of the Sea for this mission. Even if it was related to him, she estimated that only some of his subordinates or similar characters would appear.

But there are always unexpected events, so before the group set off, Tsunade specifically instructed Anko to be careful and that if needed, Yangcheng could secretly help her.

Hongdou and a few others knew that Yang Cheng was a traitor.

Tsunade disagreed with the actions of the former Third Hokage. Although Orochimaru's information was valuable, Tsunade believed that a child with a bright future should not be allowed to do such a thing.

If given the chance, Tsunade would prefer that Anko bring Yangcheng back.

She had met Yang Cheng before when she was in Tanabata Street. In Tsunade's opinion, Yang Cheng was mature and extremely talented. Even if he wanted to learn something, there was no need for him to learn those crooked methods from Orochimaru.

Tsunade is one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha. If Anko is not a good enough teacher, Tsunade can be her teacher. After all, who would dislike a child who is both smart and talented?

Ever since the news spread among the Jonin circle that Yang Cheng had voluntarily chosen to leave with Orochimaru in order to save Anko, he has become the ideal disciple in the eyes of most people.