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Konoha
In that moment, Orochimaru revealed a sinister smile, sending a shiver down Uchiha Kaien's spine. He quickly suppressed the eerie look in his eyes.
"They are merely a group of decaying existences. Power requires strength and sufficient lifespan. If Sarutobi-sensei could regain ten more years of youth, would I still be a problem?" Orochimaru's first sentence made sense to Kaien, but the second half confused him, furrowing his brow in puzzlement. Deep down, he was secretly shocked. It seemed Orochimaru had already realized the fragility of life.
The fragility of life on the battlefield, combined with the Third Hokage's focus on politics as he aged, made Orochimaru even more aware of life's impermanence.
No wonder Orochimaru appeared invincible later. All his various ninjutsu were designed to exploit the vulnerability of life.
Though Kaien understood this, he could only pretend ignorance and spoke with a puzzled tone, "Orochimaru-sensei, the elders in the clan say that the Sarutobi clan is preparing to nominate Sarutobi Shinzo as the Fifth Hokage."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's eyes visibly contracted, revealing a calmness that didn't match his expression. He managed to control his emotions and wore a disdainful smile.
"Sarutobi Shinzo is not a concern."
Orochimaru exuded unprecedented confidence. As one of the Sannin, he had made significant contributions during the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars. He wasn't easily surpassed by just anyone.
Furthermore, Orochimaru had formed a new power within Konoha, especially after the death of the Fourth Hokage. Almost everyone who had previously wavered had now sided with Orochimaru, while the Hokage's faction consisted of various clans solely concerned about their own interests.
"With the information leaking after your return from the border, the situation there seems to be in turmoil again."
Whether intentional or not, Uchiha Kaien mentioned the current situation at the border, causing Orochimaru to lick his lips and smile, saying, "The shinobi world has never lacked bloodshed."
"But everything will stabilize; it's just a matter of time."
Orochimaru's confidence shone through his narrowed eyes. They were merely decaying existences. In his plan, it was the right time to let them struggle, giving him an opportunity to focus on researching the pursuit of immortality.
In reality, Orochimaru was quite easy to get along with. He only wished to conduct his research in peace. Perhaps becoming the Hokage would allow him to research more effectively.
Looking at Orochimaru's confident and sinister smile, Uchiha Kaien's eyes revealed a strange expression. Deep down, he felt a sense of unease. Perhaps Orochimaru's confidence was misplaced, and he didn't realize others could betray him in the end.
Perhaps Orochimaru never expected the higher-ups of Konoha to be so ruthless. They made the drastic decision to prevent political turmoil and secure the village's stability by forcing Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, to defect.
Perhaps the Third Hokage never anticipated the situation would spiral out of control like this from the beginning. He only intended to undermine Orochimaru's prestige, but sometimes, things got out of control.
Orochimaru decided to adapt to ever-changing political tactics. The final outcome was unknown to others, but Uchiha Kaien was well aware that Orochimaru would defect in the end.
The circumstances that led to Konoha's higher-ups making such a decision were probably due to the extensive and intertwined influence of Orochimaru's faction. Only by taking decisive action could all problems be resolved.
"Orochimaru-sensei, the Police Department's Seventh Division can secretly provide you with test subjects from the prison under our supervision. Just let us know when you need them."
After understanding Orochimaru's political direction, Uchiha Kaien respectfully nodded as Orochimaru didn't say anything, implying his approval of Kaien's approach in befriending various clans through the Seventh Division. Kaien also addressed Orochimaru's real concern.
Indeed, upon hearing the word "research," Orochimaru's face revealed a greedy smile. "Hehe, Kaien, you've done well. It's a shame that he has come."
Human experimentation required ninja subjects. It was easier when they were at the border; after all, there were many people from the small villages, renegade ninjas, and foreigners. However, it would be troublesome now that they were back in the village.
But it seemed the problem had been resolved. After all, the Police Department was responsible for almost all of Konoha's prisons. It wasn't unusual for prisoners to die in custody, right?
"Orochimaru-sama!"
At that moment, a figure walked into the research room, respectfully bowing to Orochimaru. Uchiha Kaien couldn't help but be surprised as he saw the person. So, this is Root.
Wearing a mask resembling a cat's face with green and red patterns, Uchiha Kaien secretly observed the person as Orochimaru's eyes glowed with greed.
"Hehe, Kinoe, you've come at the right time. Lie down on the bed."
Something seemed off about his words, but the Root member who had arrived obediently lay on the bed. Uchiha Kaien widened his eyes in astonishment. He watched as Orochimaru, with a sickeningly greedy expression, gazed at the Root ninja lying in front of him as if he were examining a precious treasure.
If Kaien didn't know Orochimaru's personality well, this scene could easily be misunderstood.
Seemingly aware of Kaien's astonishment, Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh filled with excitement. "Kaien-kun, this is the unexpectedly successful Wood Release experimental subject, Kinoe. Assist me in recording the data."
"Yes!" Kaien nodded respectfully. He wasn't like those who promised others their bodies, only to act like the smartest person later. And then renege.
Reneging isn't always wrong—people change their minds about life and death. But if you voluntarily offer up your body, you should at least honor your promise when given power.
As long as there were no conflicts of interest, Kaien had great respect for Orochimaru's character.
Orochimaru skillfully placed various instruments on Kinoe's body, starting his twisted experiment. Drawing blood and the like were routine procedures.
"The blood contains…"
Amidst the professional jargon, Uchiha Kaien's knowledge was insufficient. Fortunately, his role was only to record. Only Orochimaru seemed eager to examine the collected data and precious blood samples.
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