"You've studied them too?!"
Orochimaru asked uncertainly. He thought Uzumaki Kuming was like him, which was why he knew so much about the jutsu sealed inside the Scroll of Sealing. Little did he know that Kuming wasn't familiar with the jutsu at all—he simply knew Orochimaru.
"I haven't studied them, but I've read about them. That's all."
"Senior, to be honest, your research could never continue in Konoha. If it came to light, it would be tantamount to putting all of Konoha at odds with the entire Shinobi World."
"After all, the ones who truly hold power in the shinobi world today are the clans that survived from the Warring States Period."
"Researching the power of bloodlines is no different from digging up the roots of those clans."
"You were able to leave Konoha thanks to Teacher Sarutobi's protection. After all, you can establish secret laboratories anywhere in the Shinobi World without worrying about being discovered by those with ulterior motives. As long as you keep your activities secret enough, the Five Great Nations, who are always looking to profit at the expense of other countries, shouldn't meddle."
"Even I, as the former Hokage, would find a way to help you."
"On matters that don't go against my principles!"
Uzumaki Kuming rubbed his chin and spoke slowly. He stared intently at Orochimaru, putting him under immense pressure.
"Not only are you not going to arrest me, you're going to help me?"
"Heh heh heh heh! Tell me, what do you need me to do? You can just say it!"
Orochimaru wasn't taken in by Kuming's words. He'd heard Kuming say he would help him, but that was all—he didn't believe it. Orochimaru knew Kuming couldn't really do much to help him, but he wouldn't refuse to help his former junior.