Orochimaru's Frenzy (Seeking Reads)

Konoha?

At this moment, Orochimaru revealed a sinister smile, and it wasn't until even Uchiha Yoru felt a chill that he withdrew that eerie gaze.

"They're nothing but a bunch of decaying existences. Power requires corresponding strength to wield, along with sufficient lifespan. If Teacher Sarutobi were ten years younger, would you still have that question?"

Yoru understood the first half of Orochimaru's words, but the second half made him frown in confusion, though inwardly he was secretly shocked. It seemed that even now, Orochimaru had already recognized the fragility of life.

The fragility of life on the battlefield, combined with the aging Third Hokage shifting his focus toward political maneuvering, only deepened Orochimaru's awareness of life's transience.

No wonder Orochimaru later became like an unkillable cockroach, with all his jutsu research centered on countering the fragility of life.

Though he knew all this, Yoru could only feign ignorance, speaking in a grave tone. "Teacher Orochimaru, the clan elders say the Sarutobi Clan seems to be preparing to push Shin'nosuke Sarutobi as the Fifth Hokage."

At those words, Orochimaru's pupils visibly contracted, betraying none of the calm on his face. Yet he still controlled his emotions well, revealing a disdainful smile.

"Shin'nosuke Sarutobi is nothing to worry about."

At this moment, Orochimaru exuded an unprecedented confidence, one that wasn't blind. As one of the Sannin, he had repeatedly earned merits in the Second and Third Shinobi Wars—he wasn't someone easily overshadowed by just anyone.

Moreover, Orochimaru had already formed a new faction within Konoha. Especially after the Fourth Hokage's death, those who had once wavered had mostly sided with Orochimaru, while the Hokage Faction was merely a cluster of families afraid of losing their interests.

"Since the news of Teacher Orochimaru's return from the border leaked into the village, the situation at the border, which had just stabilized, seems to be stirring again."

Whether intentionally or not, Yoru brought up the current state of the border. Orochimaru licked his lips and chuckled. "The Shinobi World has never lacked for bloodshed."

"But everything will settle down—it's only a matter of time."

At this, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes with a confident air. A bunch of decaying existences—in his plan, he'd let them flounder for a while, using this time to properly research and pursue the jutsu of immortality.

Orochimaru was actually an easy person to get along with; he just wanted to study in peace. Perhaps becoming Hokage would make that easier.

Watching Orochimaru's confident, sinister smile, Yoru's eyes held a strange glint, and he muttered inwardly. Maybe your confidence isn't misplaced, but precisely because you're too sure of yourself, you don't realize they'll eventually abandon you.

Orochimaru probably never imagined Konoha's higher-ups could be so ruthless—truly cutting off their own arm. For the sake of Konoha's stability and to avoid political upheaval, they drove even one of the Sannin into defection.

Perhaps the Third Hokage never expected things to spiral this far out of control either. At most, he wanted to curb Orochimaru's influence, but once certain things start, they're no longer in anyone's hands.

Orochimaru had decided to counter political shifts with immobility, but the final outcome—though unknown to others—Yoru knew all too well: in the end, he defected.

What forced Konoha's higher-ups to make such a decision was likely the sprawling, interwoven power of Orochimaru's faction. Only a swift, decisive cut could solve everything.

"Teacher Orochimaru, the prison under the Konoha Military Police Force's supervision can secretly provide you with test subjects. Just say the word whenever you need."

Knowing Orochimaru's political direction, Yoru nodded with a smile. Since Orochimaru hadn't said anything, it meant he approved of Yoru's approach of building ties with various clans through the Seventh Division. At the same time, Yoru brought up the issue Orochimaru truly cared about.

Sure enough, at the mention of research, a wicked grin spread across Orochimaru's face. "Heh heh, I'll leave it to you, Lord Yoru."

Human experimentation required ninja test subjects. It was easy enough at the border, with all those small villages, rogue ninjas, and foreign shinobi to capture in secret. But back in the village, it was troublesome.

Now, though, the problem seemed solved. After all, the Military Police Force was responsible for all of Konoha's prisons. Wasn't it normal for prisoners to die in custody?

"Lord Orochimaru!"

Just then, a figure slowly entered the research room, bowing respectfully to Orochimaru. But when Yoru saw the newcomer, he was secretly startled. So this is Root.

The figure wore a cat-like mask with green and red patterns around its edges. As Yoru discreetly studied him, Orochimaru's eyes took on a morbid, greedy look as he stared at the man.

"Heh, it's Kou. Perfect timing—lie down on the bed."

The words might have sounded off, but the Root ninja mechanically lay down on the bed. Yoru's eyes went wide as he watched Orochimaru gaze at the Root youth with a sick, covetous expression, as if appraising a rare treasure.

If Yoru hadn't known Orochimaru's personality well, this scene could easily be misunderstood.

Noticing Yoru's shock, Orochimaru let out a hoarse, excited laugh. "Lord Yoru, this is the successful Wood Release Experiment Subject, Kou. Assist me with the records."

"Yes!" Yoru nodded respectfully. He wasn't like Second Pillar, who had promised his body to someone and then acted all high and mighty before backing out.

Not that backing out was a big deal—changing your mind between life and death was normal. But at least if you volunteered, saying my body is yours, do what you want, just give me power, you could show a little courtesy.

As long as there was no conflict of interest, Yoru still held great respect for Orochimaru as a person.

Orochimaru, already well-practiced, placed various instruments on Kou's body and began some twisted tests. Drawing blood was routine.

"The blood contains..."

A stream of technical jargon flew over Yoru's head—his knowledge wasn't enough to keep up. He was just there to record. Orochimaru, however, stared at the test data and the precious collected blood with a morbid obsession.