"Intensify patrols, strengthen the review process, and increase self-screening procedures. In short, don't leave a single gap that might be exploited—especially in places like the Anbu and patrol units."

Kyoichi gave his orders succinctly.

Nothing particularly difficult about it—just manpower-intensive. After all, not every village has the Hyūga clan.

The Byakugan might not be able to perfectly discern White Zetsu, but with careful observation and more detailed screening, it could still detect anomalies—for example… investigating expressions, habitual gestures, and other subtle details.

But Kyoichi didn't go into the specifics. Those were his trade secrets. There was no reason to teach them to outsiders. What he had already shared was more than enough—for both profit and for helping them defend against White Zetsu infiltration.

Though White Zetsu were numerous and adept at hiding, to be honest, their intelligence wasn't exactly impressive.

They could imitate chakra signatures, sure—but an individual's personality, mannerisms, speech patterns? That was far harder. At least for now, none of the White Zetsu clones could reach that level of refinement.

As long as one paid close attention, distinguishing them wasn't difficult.

Ōnoki's meddling had disrupted Kyoichi's earlier dealings with Sunagakure, but later, Kyoichi met with Ebizō to discuss Scorpion and the aftermath of the Third Kazekage incident.

Kyoichi's condition was simple—Tailed Beast Chakra.

Shukaku, as Sunagakure's only Tailed Beast, might seem the weakest, but in reality, it was the hardest to obtain—because they never let it out.

Monk Bunpuku might not be the most capable shinobi, but he embodied restraint and endurance. He spent his entire life suppressing and enlightening the beast, ensuring that within Sunagakure—whose sealing arts were far from complete—Shukaku never once broke loose.

So… a trade was the better option.

Ebizō had his suspicions about Kyoichi's intentions, but for Sunagakure, this was the lowest-cost deal possible.

Shukaku's chakra.

As long as they didn't drain the beast dry, it wouldn't affect the jinchūriki, nor would it impact the village.

The only potential issue was—if Konoha managed to develop something from the extracted chakra, while Sunagakure, after all these years of hoarding Shukaku, had done absolutely nothing…

That would sting.

But fundamentally, Sunagakure didn't have the capability to develop the Tailed Beast's power anyway.

Better to trade it away.

Ebizō understood the balance clearly.

Kyoichi got what he wanted with little effort. With that promise, the chakra of the One-Tail was as good as secured.

Now, out of the nine Tailed Beasts, he had access to the chakra of five.

Four more to go.

The Six-Tails shouldn't be a problem.

Kirigakure still had reasons to rely on Konoha.

That went back to the Third Great Ninja War—specifically that surprise attack and the resource raid…

Tracing it back, that too had ties to Kyoichi.

Kirigakure hadn't really lost out—but who could've predicted that the village would end up in such a pitiful state afterward, so weakened that it could barely withstand the pressure from Kumogakure?

Without Konoha's support… who else could they turn to?

So… if Kyoichi wanted the Six-Tails' chakra, it shouldn't be too difficult. It was just a matter of finding the right terms of exchange. Worst case, he could teach them some of his improved techniques on Kiri-style concealment and silent assassination.

After all, he'd originally learned those from Kirigakure—it was only fair to return them. Taken from the people, used for the people, as they say.

With that business wrapped up, Kyoichi returned to the village and immediately arranged housing for the Juugo's clan, calling in Yamato and Kazamatsuri Toshiki to assist.

Toshiki's Wood Release was… well, more like a landscaping technique, but it could compensate for Yamato's weaknesses—making the wood denser, stronger, and more aesthetically refined at the joints.

Konoha was not small.

But the village's current size clearly couldn't meet its growing needs. Expansion was inevitable. Conveniently, there was a large stretch of vacant land between the Police Force, the Academy, and the village center.

As for the Iburi clan—

They were originally residents of the Land of Fire, merely hidden away in the forests all this time. Their main concern right now was still their Kekkei Genkai issue.

If that was resolved, discussions about formally joining Konoha could come later.

But… that would be for another time.

For now, the real problem was Madara—or Black Zetsu.

Nagato was still doing his best, though Madara had released the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path to prevent Kyoichi from tracing him through it. But…

Kyoichi had other methods.

If one man couldn't find him, then they'd search together. Even if Madara remained hidden, White Zetsu couldn't all disappear. There weren't that many places they could hide.

Now, it all depended on Minato.

Kumogakure was the key.

If Kumogakure agreed to join the alliance talks to deal with Madara together, things would fall perfectly into place. If Kyoichi could gather enough chakra from all ten Tailed Beasts, he might even attempt to seal Black Zetsu.

As for the eyes…

They could borrow a pair. He and Nagato could each use one—combine their power for a Chibaku Tensei. Maybe, just maybe, they could succeed in sealing it.

That was precisely why Kyoichi was so determined to gather all the Tailed Beast chakra.

He couldn't rely on the Sage of Six Paths—that old immortal's eyes were fixed only on his reincarnated sons. Did he care about anyone else in the shinobi world? Not in the slightest.

So, it had to be done by their own hands.

When Kyoichi returned to the research institute, he found Orochimaru already tinkering with Hashirama's cells—this time using a snake as the host.

It had to be said, Ryūchi Cave meeting a calamity like Orochimaru was just its luck.

Though Orochimaru had been cultivating his own breed of ninja beasts lately, for advanced studies he still needed to use snakes from Ryūchi Cave as substitutes.

After all, snakes possessed Sage Chakra. Ordinary creatures didn't even necessarily have chakra—let alone something as refined as Sage energy.

And for something like Hashirama's cells, it only made sense to use a creature that could handle that level of chakra as a host.

Still… Kyoichi couldn't help asking, "Aren't you worried Ryūchi Cave might have objections about this?"

"Of course they do," Orochimaru replied dryly, "but I ignore them. Besides, I've only taken some lesser specimens—not any of their prized summoning beasts… Heh. Though if I had the chance, I'd love to cut open Manda myself."

There was genuine regret in his tone.

Manda was powerful—and massive.

If he could use Manda as the host, the resulting growth would be enormous.

The problem was…

Manda was Ryūchi Cave's chief—the leader of the serpents. Other than the three Great Sages, his status was the highest and his power unmatched. If Manda had died in battle, that would've been one thing…

But using him as research material?

That would undoubtedly end Orochimaru's summoning contract.

So, regrettably, he had to settle for lesser snakes as test subjects. The higher-ups of Ryūchi Cave didn't really care—snakes were hardly known for their moral scruples.

"You're back," Orochimaru said, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Then we can begin. Shall we start now?"

"Let's give it a try."

The two of them tacitly avoided mentioning Tsunade.

Sure, she'd chewed them out earlier—but in the end, things had turned out well, hadn't they? They had Hashirama's cells, and the research could proceed. What was there to complain about?

All for the sake of science.

Nothing more to be said.

Especially for Orochimaru—so long as he was allowed to conduct research, he didn't mind getting scolded. Hell, he'd gladly haul bricks on a construction site if it meant he could keep experimenting.