Early the next morning, by the misty waterfall.
Marshtomp yawned. After helping Squirtle achieve enlightenment, it swam straight back to play with Jiraiya.
Compared to staying here to assist Squirtle, it missed its silly master Jiraiya more.
The sound of water roared like thunder. Amid the churning mist, a dazzling blue light suddenly erupted beneath the waterfall.
"Squirtle!"
As the mist dispersed, a taller figure leaped out of the water.
Wartortle landed, its thick shell gleaming with a bluish-green hue, the two tufts of curly hair on its head swaying gently.
It shook its tail and lifted its head proudly.
"Wartortle!"
Konan stood on the shore, her eyes sparkling with delight. She stretched out her hands and caught Wartortle as it rushed toward her.
Though it had grown larger, it still clung to Konan just as before.
That attachment had actually grown stronger than before its evolution.
Shiroishi stood quietly atop the waterfall, looking down at the two figures.
The splashing water soaked the hem of his clothes. His tone was calm, yet carried a hint of satisfaction.
"Now it's your turn to work with it to hone your power."
Konan nodded, gently stroking Wartortle's head.
Shiroishi gave a faint smile and pointed toward the waterfall.
After evolving, Wartortle had four skills: Life Dew, Rain Dance, Aqua Tail, and Freezing Wind.
"The waterfall's flow carries intense wind pressure. It has the affinity of water and wind. Ice Release is precisely the combination of water and wind. You and Wartortle should now try to develop in this direction."
Wartortle let out a low growl, a swirling airflow appearing in its palm.
As it exhaled a breath of water, the surrounding droplets froze into ice crystals mid-air.
"The synergy between you two will determine the extent of your technique's development."
Yahiko had already mastered the Fire Vortex with flair, and Konan didn't want to fall behind him.
Konan took a deep breath, pressed her palms together, and Chakra flowed within her.
Ice Release: Freezing Wind!
A burst of cold air erupted from her palms.
Countless shards of ice swirled along the waterfall's airflow, transforming into shimmering crystal arcs in the air.
In that moment, raindrops froze into ice mid-air, then were scattered by the fierce wind, like snowflakes drifting across the sky.
The Chakra at Konan's fingertips flowed like water.
The next instant, a tail formed of surging tides suddenly emerged behind her, swaying as if alive.
"Hah!"
Konan swung it fiercely, and the Tidal Tail slammed into the ground!
With a resounding crash, shattered ice shot out, transforming into hundreds of sharp Ice Blades that sliced through the rain and tore through the air.
A chill instantly enveloped the entire waterfall, rain turning to frost, the wind howling as if splitting apart!
Shiroishi narrowed his eyes, watching the scene.
Wartortle happily clapped its hands, its tail slapping the ground with a crackle.
It looked up at Konan, its face full of pride.
Shiroishi gazed at the cheerful Wartortle. "Your temperament is even gentler than Konan's."
Konan smiled and picked up Wartortle.
"But it will still fight for me, right?"
"Wartortle!"
The little one nodded emphatically.
The waterfall roared, and mist filled the air.
Water droplets slid down Shiroishi's hair as he quietly watched Konan.
"Konan, you and Wartortle should head back first."
"I still have some matters to attend to here."
Konan paused slightly at his words but didn't ask further.
She had always trusted him, so she simply nodded and gave a clean smile. "We'll head back then."
Wartortle obediently acknowledged and left with her, stepping into the misty rain beneath the waterfall.
Two figures gradually blurred into the watery haze.
Shiroishi withdrew his gaze and turned toward the waterfall's shadow, his voice calm and clear.
"Mr. Orochimaru, you can come out now, can't you?"
The mist stirred slightly, and then a slender shadow slid out from the depths of the waterfall.
Orochimaru walked forward slowly, his silver-white hair blending with the damp mist, a familiar smile curling at the corners of his lips.
"Hehe... Shiroishi-kun, as sharp as ever."
His serpentine eyes narrowed slightly as he chuckled softly, his voice low and carrying a uniquely chilling quality.
"Thank you for allowing me to observe this evolution up close. It's truly a breathtaking phenomenon, but the more I observe, the more I believe they are akin to Tailed Beasts."
Shiroishi's expression remained indifferent, offering no direct response to the remark.
Orochimaru raised a hand, gently brushing aside the water droplets in the air, his eyes gleaming with a researcher's fervor.
"Dragon Release, Wood Release, Ice Release... each power is redefining the form of Chakra through the host's will. This is the power of the Tailed Beasts."
Shiroishi did not respond but slowly turned his back to the waterfall, his tone plain as he said:
"I need you to help me open several trade routes to the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth."
"Trade routes?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow playfully, his smile growing more sinister.
"Are you sure you want to discuss this with me, a ninja from Konoha? Heh... Shiroishi-kun, you are truly bold."
Shiroishi met his gaze unflinchingly, calm as still water: "Your moral standards aren't high enough to refuse a substantial profit."
The two locked eyes.
After a brief silence, Orochimaru was the first to laugh.
The laughter was eerie and drawn-out, yet tinged with a certain pleasure.
"Hehe... how interesting."
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze piercing through the mist. "I do enjoy cooperating with clever people. It's just that last time, that fool Jiraiya stumbled upon us, which has made my movements somewhat inconvenient now."
"I know," Shiroishi said flatly. "The fact that you're here means it didn't affect you too much."
Orochimaru chuckled lowly: "So sharp."
He casually flicked the water droplets from his palm, his voice dropping slightly. "Shiroishi-kun, is there anything you'd like to ask me lately? Your eyes tell me you're pondering something... interesting."
Shiroishi remained silent for a moment before speaking.
He posed several highly complex questions concerning the fusion of biology and Chakra, touching on genetic stability, soul containment, life energy circulation, and other areas.
The depth of these questions was such that even Konoha's research division would struggle to answer them fully.
Upon hearing them, Orochimaru's eyes grew increasingly excited.
"Truly astonishing," he said, his tongue lightly tracing his lips. "Your way of thinking is far too extreme."
"If I'm not mistaken, the direction of your thoughts has already touched upon the fusion of life's essence and Chakra structure—that's a realm of forbidden techniques."
To think that in the Land of Rain, I could encounter a child with such wild ideas.
He stepped closer, his tone low but amused.
"That fool Jiraiya couldn't comprehend these things even if he taught you for a hundred years."
Shiroishi did not retreat, his expression serene.
"Fool or genius, it makes no difference."
He glanced at Orochimaru, his gaze as profound as an abyss.
"For me, it's all about finding a shortcut to master power and grow stronger. I believe Lord Orochimaru can resolve these confusions of mine."
"Of course."
In terms of teaching ability alone, Orochimaru's skills were not lacking.
Moreover, his insights were sharper than Jiraiya's, and for a time, most of Shiroishi's questions were suddenly clarified.
During their conversation, the Ninja Beast Egg carried on Orochimaru's back finally began to hatch...