At dawn, after sealing everything useful in scrolls, Orochimaru left the Root Base and strode into the morning mist among the trees.
"This time, I really angered Danzo."
The Genie poked his head out and glanced back at the mist, grinning. "It'll probably be hard for you to conduct experiments at the Root Base from now on."
Officially, Orochimaru was Danzo's subordinate and a member of Root. In reality, the two were collaborators.
As an outside contractor, he helped Danzo solve certain experimental problems in exchange for research funding.
Now that he'd parted ways with Danzo, he'd lost an important source of income.
"It won't make much difference. I was already planning to leave Root soon."
Orochimaru didn't seem too bothered. "Recently, Danzo's been giving me less and less support. He may have noticed something. I've been using all that money to develop Living Corpse Reincarnation."
Fudging expenses and lining one's own pockets with public funds were essential skills for researchers, no matter the world.
The Genie chuckled in surprise. Once he'd finished laughing, he said, "You don't need to worry about money. If my guess is right, we'll have another big investor before long."
Orochimaru nodded, neither asking who the Genie meant nor giving it any thought.
In truth, Orochimaru had a backup plan of his own and had prepared for the current situation.
Raising funds was an essential part of research and the pursuit of immortality.
That didn't mean he enjoyed it or wanted to waste his energy on it.
The Genie had proved his abilities through his actions so far. Orochimaru was happy to take it easy and free himself from such chores.
"There's no need to rush into choosing a site for the new lab, either. The Nine-Tails destroyed a large part of Konoha. The village leadership may use this opportunity to win over and divide the clans, then redraw the residential districts."
The Genie's words were measured, but his tone was certain.
After the Nine-Tails Incident, the leadership further marginalized the Uchiha Clan during the reconstruction meeting. It was an important event with far-reaching consequences; there was no way he could have forgotten it.
"You're sure? Well, that does sound like something the Old Man and the others would do."
Orochimaru stopped in front of a large tree. After a moment's thought, he nodded. "Then we'll put that on hold, too."
The most important requirement for the new lab's location was secrecy. But if it was going to be built in the village, it was even more important to stay out of sight of people who could detect it.
For example, the Uchiha's Sharingan, the Hyuga's Byakugan, and the Aburame Clan's insects.
The latter two were especially hard to guard against.
Until they knew the extent of their patrols, they'd have to put the new lab's location on hold.
Orochimaru wore a half-smile. "So, does that mean I have nothing to do today?"
He didn't need to worry about raising funds. With a new direction for his research, Orochimaru had no interest in repeating those inferior experiments. And the Wood Release boy and the hundred million ryo still wouldn't arrive for a while.
He had plenty of free time today—or, rather, until the Wood Release boy arrived. For someone used to being busy all the time, that felt a little strange.
Getting a good deal and still complaining!
The Genie's mouth curled slightly. "You could go help your teacher, who's in a panic, and earn some goodwill. Or you could thank me a little more—say, demonstrate your ninjutsu from start to finish."
Orochimaru ignored the Genie's request and smiled. "I'm curious about how your copying ability actually works."
It was a rather abrupt question. Probing into the secrets of someone else's abilities was an easy way to earn their resentment. Even a business partner might turn against you over it—as he and Danzo had.
But Orochimaru didn't think the Genie would mind. They were beings on entirely different levels; from the Genie's perspective, he was no threat at all.
"That's a little complicated to explain."
The Genie rubbed his chin. "There are machines in the Shinobi World that are similar to computers, so you should understand the concepts of software and hardware."
Orochimaru nodded.
"To me, the host's body is the hardware, and their abilities are the software."
The Genie spread his hands. "All I do is record the information from the moment the host uses an ability. It's like copying their software, then installing it in the next host."
It sounded simple, yet the ability was astonishing.
Orochimaru pondered this. "So, if you want to learn an ability, you have to record it many times?"
Take ninjutsu, for example. Even a slight difference in the amount of Chakra could change its power and form.
Ninja adapted to different situations as they fought, making adjustments on the fly. The Genie, meanwhile, could only reproduce the samples he had.
Orochimaru thought the Genie's copying ability was rather inefficient.
"Not at all. I only record one standard sample."
Unexpectedly, the Genie disagreed. Orochimaru asked in surprise, "Why?"
"It's simple. I have no use for anything else."
Orochimaru was taken aback. The Genie continued:
"Adapting to changing circumstances is the host's job. I only repeat the example. Whether the host can learn it, and how well they can master it, is entirely up to them."
"Even if the host dies, all I lose is a little time. And time is what an immortal has the most of."
Orochimaru paused, then grinned. "That's a pretty coldhearted answer."
"I just don't want you to get the wrong idea." The Genie shook his head. "I can help you, but if you rely on me... you'll die very quickly."
The atmosphere fell quiet for a moment. Even though he'd expected it, Orochimaru was still surprised by the Genie's frankness.
Still, that attitude—unrestrained, acting solely on his own wishes—was truly enviable.
After a while, Orochimaru suddenly said, "Genie, if you only need to record one standard sample, then you aren't actually using your abilities all the time."
"That's right. What are you getting at?"
"Abilities used in battle are inevitably affected by the surroundings and end up distorted. They can't compare to a deliberate demonstration."
Orochimaru smiled. "If I went through all the ninjutsu I've mastered from beginning to end, you'd save yourself a lot of effort, and the samples would be more accurate."
The Genie nodded. "You're right. That would certainly benefit me."
A glint of eagerness flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. "Then what will you offer in exchange for me doing that?"
"That's easy. You want to see the power of another world. I'll show it to you."
The Genie spoke meaningfully. "Orochimaru, it seems you've finally figured out what you should be doing."
Orochimaru grinned but didn't reply.
Yes, tonight he'd gained so much: the secrets of the Sage of Six Paths, ample research funding, the Wood Release material he'd dreamed of...
Orochimaru was already very satisfied.
But the Genie clearly didn't feel the same way. He thought Orochimaru's appetite was too small.
The biggest, most delicious cake was right in front of him. Rather than figuring out how to take a bite, Orochimaru had actually said he had nothing to do.
Orochimaru felt a little ashamed, and at the same time, he understood the Genie better.
This guy was easygoing and kind in his manner, but deep down, he was a ruthless businessman.
The Genie stoked his desires and fed his ambitions, driving him to create value.
The Genie wasn't afraid of wasting his own time. He was afraid Orochimaru would waste his.
But... if this was the Genie's trap, then the bait was far too sweet.
Orochimaru licked his lips. There was no way he could refuse.
I could really use some votes during the new-book period! (づ￣3￣)づ╭~
Before you continue