Tokiju smiled faintly at that and asked in return, "You've heard the legends of the Rabbit Goddess or the Sage of Six Paths, haven't you?"
Orochimaru nodded. "I know a little. According to legend, the Sage of Six Paths founded the Ninjutsu Sect and spread chakra throughout the world..."
At that, Orochimaru paused, then chuckled and continued, "Tokiju, you're not saying that legend is true, are you?"
Tokiju nodded and continued, "The legend is indeed true. The Sage of Six Paths really did spread chakra, but..."
He paused deliberately.
Then he cast an amused look at Orochimaru, but noticed that the other man showed no reaction.
Feeling a little bored, Tokiju continued, "But the Sage of Six Paths wasn't actually the source of chakra. Its true origin was the Sage's mother, the Rabbit Goddess I just mentioned."
Orochimaru fell into deep thought at this. He wasn't doubting the truth of Tokiju's words.
After all, legends of the Sage of Six Paths had been passed down in many places. Orochimaru had simply never been able to determine whether they were true or not.
Having such an important piece of information confirmed was certainly useful, but it wasn't enough on its own.
With that in mind, Orochimaru chuckled and said, "What an interesting story. But this alone hardly seems worth the reward I provided."
With that, Orochimaru fixed Tokiju with a sharp stare, as if to say, Don't think you can fob me off with this little bit of information.
Tokiju waved a hand. "Don't get so worked up. I'm not finished yet."
Orochimaru withdrew the pressure he had been exerting and motioned for Tokiju to continue.
Tokiju went on, "Let's get back to the Rabbit Goddess."
"The Rabbit Goddess's real name was Kaguya Otsutsuki. In the distant past, she planted a