After his conversation with Minato and Kushina, Ryo moved back to Konoha, and left Minato behind to cover his traces. Of course, their search was âin vainâ and they found nothing.
In the 3rdâs office, the Hokage and Jiraya were waiting for Minatoâs investigation results.
âOld man, you said a Biju was found there before as well?â
âWell, before, a portion of the forest on the southern borders was destroyed with a Biju Dama. With news of the Rokubi Jinchuriki leaving the Mist, I suspected it was him, and sent Ryo and Kushina to investigateâ¦â The 3rd told Jiraya about what happened back then.
âOld man, it seems that this Biju is definitely different. The Rokubi Jinchuriki had been killed in the Wind Country.â Jirayaâs tone became serious.
The 3rd nodded in agreement, and he was also very worried.
At the time, Minatoâs wedding was approaching. With borders of the country facing such great danger, they couldnât do anything but wait for Minato to come back.
After Minato âs group found nothing, they returned to Konoha, and went straight to the 3rdâs office.
âKnock Knock!â As the 3rd and Jiraya were very anxious, they heard the knocking on the door.
âCome in!â The 3rd realized it was Minato who just came back.
As Minato entered through the door, the 3rd couldnât wait to ask him about what he found.
Minato did not answer for a while, and then said calmly: âHokage sama, the southern borders do have indeed some massive creatures, but this one is definitely no Biju.â
Hearing that, the 3rd was secretly relieved and asked: âHow do you know this? What did you find?â
âFirst, I found the damage that the creature had left on the threes. From that, I could estimate that the creature should be similar in size to a Biju. However, the Chakra traces it left behind is definitely not that of a Biju!â
As he said that, Minato took out a scroll that had Korinâs Chakra within it, giving it to the 3rd, who opened it and perceived it.
On the other side of the office, Jiraya, who was very sensitive to Natural Energy, immediately sensed it as the scroll was opened.
Moreover, he immediately realized that the Natural Energy was perfectly integrated within this Chakra. This reminded him of the Two Great Sage Toads, Fukasaku and Shima.
Although the 3rd did not practice Sage Mode, he was also somewhat familiar with Natural Energy, and it did not take him long to identify it.
âIndeed, this Chakra is not that of a Biju!â The 3rd also nodded.
âWell, this reminds me Two Great Sage Toads from Mount Myoboku. This is likely to be a special summoned beast, one that weâve never encountered before.â Jiraya said his conclusion. (T/N: Jiraya concluded that probably because this creatureâs Chakra levels were way above those of any other summoned beast known to him.)
âMinato, do you agree?â The 3rd asked.
âYes, Hokage sama!â
âWell, since you both agree, this must be indeed a summoned beast!â The 3rd agreed with the assessment of the two who had more expertise with Natural Energy, âI donât know if itâs possible, but is there a way to come into contact with this beast? If you can become their contractor, it would be a great thing for Konoha!â The 3rd said to Minato.
âHokage sama, I am afraid itâs impossible right now. We are too late, and all traces of space time fluctuations on the borders have disappeared.â Minato answered.
The 3rd had some regret about the missed opportunity.
Next, he announced this matter as an S-class secret of Konoha, and at the same time rewarded everyone present.
âKenichi, youâve done a great job. Your report and subsequent search with Minato are of the value of an A Rank mission. You will have the reward for that, and you can collect it later.â
Kenichi was very happy, he was just a Tokubestu Jonin, and A Rank mission rewards were great income for him.
âWhat about me?â Kushina, who had been keeping her head down, couldnât sit still anymore when hearing about money. Since she was the Kyubiâs Jinchuriki, big missions were a rare thing for her and she didnât get much income.
âSame goes for you as well!â The 3rd said generously.
Hearing that, Kushina was very satisfied, and went along with Kenichi to collect the money.
On Ryoâs side, as soon as reached the village, he teleported to Orochimaruâs lab. This time however, he happened to bump into Danzo who also came to find the Sannin.
Danzo saw Ryoâs sudden appearance and his face turned rather gloomy. Since Ryo teleported in, he must be visiting Orochimaruâs lab quite often. Danzo never knew about that!
âOrochimaru, whatâs with that?â Danzo pointed at Ryo.
âDanzo, Iâm the one to ask that question!â Ryo said that, unleashing his Chakra deliberately toward Danzo.
A thin layer of sweat appeared on the Councilmanâs forehead, but by reminding himself of his new Arm thatâs made out of Hashiramaâs cells, he managed to keep himself calm on the surface.
At the same time, Ryo established a telepathic link with Orochimaru in secret, and the two discussed how to deal with Danzo.
After they agreed quickly to a good plan, Orochimaru interfered to âstopâ Ryo: âRyo Kun, just like you, Danzo san has business with me.â
âHe does not know of my business, does he?â Ryo increased his Chakraâs pressure as he asked Orochimaru.
âAbsolutely not! Ryo kun, please believe me!â Orochimaru said quickly.
Ryo dubiously said: âIf he ever knows about my business, Iâll finish you with my own hands!â Ryo then pulled back his pressure, and took a seat on a chair.
With him pulling back his Chakra, Danzo was finally able to breathe.
Originally, he had though that Ryo was comparable to the Sannin before the 3rd Shinobi 3rd War. However, now he knew from Ryoâs preasure that he was already stronger, and even comparable to Sakumo. The only two stronger than him in Konoha at that time must be Minato and Hiruzen!
âDanzo san, you also rest assured; I havenât said anything about you to Ryo kun.â Orochimaruâs words interrupted Danzoâs thoughts.
He was vastly overpowered in this situation, and he could only take Orochimaruâs word.
âOrochimaru, get him out now! We have to finish our business.â
âRyo kun, please come later, and we will talk!â
Ryo knew that he shouldnât overdo the act, and he disappeared immediately from the lab, only returning when Danzo left.
âOrochi san, what brought that old fart to you?â Ryo was a bit curious.
âDanzo is really bold! He wants to reproduce Mokuton by transplanting the 1stâs Chakra to children.â Ororchimaru actually sounded rather excited!
Ryoâs shock appeared on his face. It was because of that incident in the Manga that Orochimaru defected and Yamato was born!