Hidan's immortality stems from his cells' ability to regenerate infinitely. When combined with Hashirama's cells, the result was intriguing—though Hashirama's cells still held the upper hand, there was a subtle synergy between the two.
Hashirama's cells were constantly depleting, yet Hidan's cells were simultaneously repairing them, trying to restore them to their original state. In simple terms, Hashirama's cells were dying while Hidan's cells were regenerating. As long as Hashirama's cells remained, Kakuzu's life would continue. That was the basic principle behind it.
"Kakuzu-sama, while we've accomplished something remarkable once again, I must remind you of one thing," Hiruko said as he set down the keyboard he had been working on and turned to Kakuzu.
"Hashirama's cells are still stronger than the immortal cells. During their activation period over the next year, it would be wise not to make any reckless moves."
"Hmm, that makes sense," Kakuzu acknowledged.
But there was something even more important—today's Top Transcendent Buddha was far from its full potential. The giant Buddha's palms were still not large enough to lift the Nine-Tails as if it were a mere chick. This meant that this divine power could still be refined, still be enhanced. The real question was: what was its true limit?
...
While Kakuzu and the others were discussing this matter, elsewhere in the ninja world, in a remote and obscure location, a pair of eyes slowly opened. They were neither Rinnegan nor Sharingan, but something far more unique—marked with check-shaped and cross-shaped patterns, crisscrossed with intricate lines, as if imbued with a force foreign to this world.
"How many times has it been now?" The voice murmured. "If I remember correctly, this is the third time in a thousand years that my power has been summoned. This world... is changing."
...
"Kakuzu-sama, here is Nagato's medical report."
Tsunade handed over the document, and Kakuzu frowned as he skimmed through it.
"Are you sure?"
"There shouldn't be any mistakes. When the first report came out, both Hiruko and I had the same doubts, so we conducted a second and even a third round of tests. Every result confirmed that Nagato's bodily functions were perfectly normal. There are no traces of genjutsu manipulation in his brain either."
Tsunade's words seemed unbelievable, but no matter what method—chakra-based or conventional—the tests yielded no anomalies.
"If nothing's wrong, then we'll proceed as usual."
"Kakuzu-sama, shouldn't we take some extra precautions?" Tsunade asked. Scientifically, nothing seemed off, but she still felt uneasy.
"No need to worry. I have my own countermeasures. Just instruct our forces to remain vigilant."
For Kakuzu, this wasn't an issue worth excessive concern. But for the rest of the ninja world, it sparked an uproar. A manifestation of Buddha's Divine Power—there was no way the Five Great Nations would sit idly by.
...
"Kakuzu!"
Hidan strolled in, his usual smug grin in place. His scythe rested on his shoulder, but this time, it also carried a body impaled on its handle.
"That was exhilarating! I sent them all straight to Jashin-sama! Hahahaha!"
The spies sent by the Land of Earth had been eliminated entirely. This was also a clear warning—Dragon's Country was not to be trifled with. However, Kakuzu understood that Ōnoki wasn't just trying to gather intelligence. He had deeper motives.
"Kakuzu-sama, all Iwagakure operatives in the stronghold have been taken care of."
"The outer perimeter has also remained secure—no spies have infiltrated our defenses."
Ni and Heisei Rokuno reported their findings.
"Good," Kakuzu responded. "Ni, draft a formal diplomatic letter to Ōnoki. Demand an explanation for this incident."
"What level of response should we demand?"
"Tell him to hand over the Four-Tails Jinchūriki."
"This…"
Ni hesitated. Asking for Iwagakure's strategic weapon was an outrageous demand—there was no way Ōnoki would comply.
"Just do as I say."
"Understood." Ni nodded and withdrew.
...
"Kakuzu-sama, Yahiko has reported that, due to recent events, some individuals are attempting to enter Amegakure. However, he and Konan have successfully prevented them."
Not long after, Nagato entered the room. He looked the same as ever—none of the ominous aura that accompanied the summoning of the Outer Path Golem was present.
"Kakuzu-sama, there aren't many trade caravans that can openly interact with Amegakure. Yahiko is following your instructions, keeping an eye on outsiders or suspicious individuals. Any critical intelligence will be reported immediately."
Kakuzu nodded. "Good. Nagato, take care of yourself. If anything unusual happens, I will be there right away."
...
An hour later, another figure entered the room, dripping wet—evidence of a recent battle.
"I don't get it. Even Konoha hasn't sent anyone to investigate Dragon's Country, so why is Sunagakure being so aggressive? I had to put in some effort, but I took care of all of them. Their leader, though... she possesses a powerful Kekkei Genkai. I believe she might be useful."
Kisame placed Samehada on the ground, and a graceful figure slid off the blade. His rows of sharp shark-like teeth gleamed in a grin.
Even without seeing the woman's face, Kakuzu had already formed a good guess about her identity.
"Kakuzu-sama, if I'm not mistaken, she should be Pakura of Sunagakure, the wielder of the Scorch Release kekkei genkai."
Having seen her profile in intelligence reports, Heisei Rokuno recognized her at a glance.
Kakuzu couldn't help but offer some praise—no wonder she was known for having the most beautiful back in the Hidden Villages.
"Kakuzu-sama, I used up a massive amount of chakra to take her down. Killing her outright felt like a waste, so I brought her back instead. I figured you'd have better use for her."
Kisame grinned, his expression carrying a hint of mischief.
Kakuzu gave him a silent thumbs-up.
"Well done, Kisame. Keeping her alive will definitely be useful."
...
The next day.
Pakura's eyes fluttered open as she slowly regained consciousness.
The moment her mind cleared, her body reacted instinctively—she sprang up like a startled fox, immediately assuming a defensive stance.
Where am I?!
Her sharp gaze swept across the room.
A quick assessment told her she was in a luxurious bedroom. There were no visible traps, nor could she sense any chakra fluctuations in the surroundings.
Then... where exactly was she?
Her nerves remained taut as she recalled everything that had happened before she lost consciousness. There was no way she believed Kakuzu had simply let her live out of kindness. There had to be some ulterior motive behind this.
As she lowered her gaze, a chilling realization struck her.
"W-why... why have my clothes been changed?!"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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