Copying? I'm just an ordinary porter.

At dawn, having sealed everything useful into scrolls, Orochimaru left the Root base and strode into the morning mist of the forest.

"I'd say we've thoroughly offended Danzo this time."

The Genie poked his head out, glanced back at the mist behind them, and chuckled, "I doubt you'll find it easy to conduct experiments in the Root base from now on."

Orochimaru was nominally Danzo's subordinate and a member of the Root, but in reality, the two were partners.

He acted as an outsourced contractor, helping Danzo solve certain experimental dilemmas in exchange for research funding.

Now that he had parted ways with Danzo, it was equivalent to losing a major source of income.

"It won't have much of an impact; I was already planning to leave Root in the near future anyway."

Orochimaru didn't seem to care much, "Lately, the support Danzo provided has been dwindling, perhaps he sensed something. I've been using all that money to develop the Living Corpse Reincarnation."

Scamming for funds and embezzling public resources for private gain—no matter the world, these were essential skills for any researcher.

The Genie laughed in surprise, and after the laughter died down, he said, "You needn't worry about money. If my calculations are correct, in a while, we will have another big benefactor."

Orochimaru nodded, neither asking nor pondering who this benefactor the Genie spoke of might be.

In truth, Orochimaru had his own contingencies and was prepared for the current situation.

Raising funds was, after all, an essential part of research and the pursuit of the path to immortality.

But that didn't mean he enjoyed it or wanted to expend his energy on it.

The Genie's previous actions had proven his capabilities, and Orochimaru was more than happy to slack off and be liberated from such matters.

"There's no need to rush the site selection for the new laboratory either. A large area of Konoha was destroyed by the Nine-Tails; the village high-ups will likely take this opportunity to win over and divide the ninja clans, and re-plan the residential districts."

Though he said it like that, the Genie's tone was quite certain.

After the Nine-Tails' attack, at the Konoha reconstruction meeting, the high-ups further marginalized the Uchiha clan; this was a major event with far-reaching consequences, and he couldn't possibly have remembered it wrong.

"Are you certain? I suppose that is something the old man and the others would do."

Orochimaru's footsteps halted before a large tree. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, "Then this matter shall also be put on hold."

For the location of a new laboratory, secrecy was the primary requirement, but building it within the village meant it was even more important to avoid groups capable of discovering it.

For instance, the Sharingan of the Uchiha, the Byakugan of the Hyuga, or the insects of the Aburame clan.

The latter two, in particular, were quite difficult to guard against.

Until he confirmed their activity ranges, the location of the new laboratory would remain shelved.

A smirk appeared on Orochimaru's face, "So, you're saying I have nothing to do today?"

He didn't need to consider the matter of raising funds, he had no interest in repeating those inferior experiments now that he had a new research direction, and the Wood Release boy and the hundred million ryo would take some time to arrive.

Today, or rather, until the Wood Release boy arrived, Orochimaru's schedule was quite empty, which made him feel somewhat unaccustomed, as he was used to being busy all the time.

He was getting the benefits while still acting coy!

The Genie's lips curled slightly, "You could go help your teacher, who is currently overwhelmed, to build up some favor, or, you could thank me more—for instance, by demonstrating your ninjutsu, one move at a time."

Orochimaru automatically ignored the Genie's request and smiled, "I am very curious about the principle behind your copying ability."

The question was somewhat abrupt; prying into the secrets of another's abilities was the easiest way to invite resentment, even between partners—as was the case with him and Danzo.

But Orochimaru felt the Genie wouldn't care. The two were beings from different dimensions; unilaterally, he posed no threat to the Genie.

"That? It's a bit troublesome to explain."

The Genie rubbed his chin, "The ninja world has machines 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 each ability is the software."

The Genie spread his hands, "All I do is record the information at the moment the host uses an ability, which is equivalent to copying the host's software, and then transplanting it into the next host."

It sounded simple, yet it was an incredible ability.

Orochimaru was thoughtful, "Then, if you want to master an ability, wouldn't you need to record it many times?"

Taking ninjutsu as an example, a little more or less chakra would change the power and form it presented.

Ninjas would adapt and adjust according to different scenarios, while the Genie could only copy based on the samples he possessed.

Orochimaru felt the Genie's copying ability was somewhat inefficient.

"Not at all, I only record a standard sample."

Unexpectedly, the Genie denied it. Orochimaru asked in surprise, "Why?"

"It's simple, because I have no use for it."

Orochimaru was taken aback upon hearing this, and the Genie continued, "Adapting to changes and such, that is the host's business. I only repeat the demonstration of the example; as for whether it can be learned, or to what degree it is mastered, that is entirely up to the host."

"Even if the host dies, at most I lose some time, and for an immortal, time is the one thing I have in abundance."

Orochimaru paused for a moment, then grinned, "That is truly a cold and heartless answer."

"I just don't want you to misunderstand." The Genie shook his head, "I can help you, but if you rely on me... you will die very quickly."

The atmosphere grew slightly silent; even though he had anticipated it, Orochimaru was still surprised by the Genie's candor.

However, this attitude of having no taboos and acting solely on one's own whims was truly enviable.

After a long while, Orochimaru suddenly spoke up, "Genie, your replication only requires recording a standard sample, which means you aren't actually using your ability constantly."

"That's correct. What are you trying to say?"

"Abilities used in combat are inevitably influenced by the environment and become distorted; they don't compare to a deliberate demonstration."

Orochimaru smiled, "If I were to perform the ninjutsu I've mastered from start to finish, you would save a lot of effort, and what you obtain would be much more standard."

The Genie nodded, "You're right, that would indeed be beneficial for me."

A flash of eagerness crossed Orochimaru's eyes, "Then what price are you willing to pay in exchange for me doing so?"

"That question is simple. You want to witness the power of another world, and I will show it to you."

The Genie said meaningfully, "Orochimaru, it seems you finally understand what you should be doing."

Orochimaru grinned, but did not reply.

Yes, he had gained many things tonight: the secrets of the Sage of Six Paths, ample research funding, the Wood Release materials he had dreamed of...

Orochimaru was already very satisfied.

But the Genie clearly didn't think so; he was looking down on his small appetite.

When the biggest, most delicious cake was right in front of him, he hadn't tried every method to take a bite, yet he had actually said he had nothing left to do.

Orochimaru felt a bit ashamed, and at the same time, he gained a deeper understanding of the Genie.

This guy, despite his peaceful attitude and kind words, was a black-hearted merchant at his core.

By inciting desire and increasing craving, the Genie was driving him to create value.

The Genie wasn't afraid of wasting his own time, but he was afraid of Orochimaru wasting his.

However... if this was a trap set by the Genie, the bait was far too sweet.

Orochimaru licked his lips; he simply couldn't refuse.

The new book really needs votes (づ￣3￣)づ╭~