They were both once ninjas of Konoha, especially Orochimaru, who was a high-level ninja of Konoha. If something had indeed happened to a Main Family Ninja of the Hyuga Clan, the two of them would certainly know something about it.
Hiruko raised an eyebrow and replied, "I don't know about this. But I do faintly remember, more than ten years ago, Konoha indeed had some conflict with the Hidden Mist Village over something. Orochimaru, do you know?"
Orochimaru nodded, exhaled lightly, and said, "Speaking of it, this incident occurred even before Chiba Hakushi and the others defected. At that time, a Main Family Ninja of the Hyuga Clan vanished. That Hyuga Main Family member mysteriously disappeared in the waters near the Land of Water when visiting relatives. According to the investigation by Konoha Anbu, although no conclusive evidence was found, it was speculated to be the work of Hidden Mist Ninjas. Looking back now, the speculation made by the Konoha leadership wasn't wrong."
With Orochimaru's confirmation, everyone had varied thoughts.
In any case, Hidden Mist Village possessing the Byakugan is a significant problem.
According to Kisame, this Hidden Mist Ninja with the Byakugan serves as a guard beside the Mizukage Yagura, which makes things even more troublesome.
"It seems getting close to this Mizukage is really not going to be easy."
Hiruko remembered something, and a shadow appeared in his eyes.
The Byakugan...it truly is an unpleasant memory.
"Yes, and no matter what, revealing this information, I have done as much as I possibly can. Therefore, if you plan to deal with the Fourth Mizukage, I won't be involved."
Kisame said in a self-deprecating tone.
"Hmph, even after defecting from the village, you still have old affections for the people of your homeland? This might become your greatest weakness, leading to your death."
Sasori warned Kisame.
Kisame remained silent, seemingly not arguing against this.
"The reason for this gathering is to introduce a new companion. In the upcoming days, everyone should get along. Hiruko, you currently have no teammates to work with, would you like to form a squad with Kisame?"
Nagato inquired about Hiruko's opinion.
Hiruko shook his head and said, "I spend most of my time in the laboratory and rarely go out. Even teaming up with someone like me is of no use. He doesn't suit me."
After speaking, he formed a seal with his hands, and his rainbow-colored silhouette swayed in place before dissolving into the air and disappearing.
Nagato stared for a while at where Hiruko had been standing, then turned to look at Kisame.
"In that case, for now, you'll have to work alone. White Zetsu will share intelligence with you, which can help you avoid the pursuit from the Hidden Mist assassination squad."
"No problem. But as a newcomer, there are still things about the organization I want to know more about."
In Kisame's words, an undertone of distrust was apparent, and Nagato could sense it, so he nodded.
"It's not appropriate to disclose more right now. But once the organization's purpose is achieved, your goal will be too."
"What an arrogant statement. I'll remember what you said."
Kisame turned and left without any hesitation.
Black Zetsu and White Zetsu nodded at Nagato and left following Kisame.
◎
Asuka curiously observed everything in front of her.
Unlike the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere at school, the expressions of people passing by in the corridor appeared very serious.
All of them were wearing white work uniforms covered by white lab coats, appearing in a hurry.
Arriving in front of a door, Hakushi gently pushed it open and smiled at Asuka beside him: "Come in, Asuka."
"Yes, Dad."
Asuka nodded vigorously and followed Hakushi into the room.
The space inside the room was larger than expected, and upon entering, Asuka's eyes widened with shock at what she saw inside.
This should be an incredibly large underground workshop, from the floor to the decorations, all adopting mechanized equipment.
At the center of the room, many technicians in white work clothes were working diligently.
They were conducting research around a 'monster' encased in a steel-colored shell, which seemed to be some kind of vehicle.
Instead of wheels, it used something called treads for movement, and on it were many long cylindrical steel objects, with hollow interiors.
The black, gaping holes gave off a very intimidating feeling.
Despite the construction being crude, even primitive, and looking extremely ugly, the technicians here were putting considerable effort into its design, racking their brains to perfect this machine 'monster.'
In everyone's eyes, there was a certain light of obsession as they seriously gazed at the steel monster.
This steel monster radiated the passion and resolute determination of its creators.
They all realized that once this thing appeared, it would undoubtedly bring a completely new wave to the Ninja Realm, and they, too, could be immortalized, recorded in history for future generations to admire.
Noticing Asuka's profile, Hakushi noted how his eyes were already shining, fixed on the steel monster in the workshop's center, just like when he encountered new toys as a child, showing the same expression then.
"Dad, is that also a 'toy'?"
The young boy pointed at the hard steel monster and asked.