Orochimaru's Ambition

That eerie Sharingan was only a One-Tomoe, yet it radiated a demonic glow.

It sent a chill down one's spine.

The pair of Byakugan likewise exuded an aura that made the heart tremble.

"You really managed to develop them? Is this... the product of fusion with the First Hokage's cells?"

Keigo Uchiha raised an eyebrow.

In an instant, he sensed the difference between these Sharingan and Byakugan compared to the originals!

A One-Tomoe Sharingan is usually of little use, and the ocular power within it is typically meager, yet this One-Tomoe Sharingan possessed ocular power rivaling a Two-Tomoe Sharingan!

The same held true for the Byakugan.

It carried a faint pressure!

This was absolutely not a capability that ordinary Sharingan or Byakugan could possess.

"Correct. Your keenness startles me, Keigo. Even I only deduced this based on experimental data. Whether it is the Sharingan or the Byakugan, their ocular power far exceeds that of the ordinary Uchiha Clan or Hyuga Clan!"

Excitement filled Orochimaru's eyes!

"I spent three months, destroying countless documents and culture dishes, just to cultivate these two pairs of eyes!"

"The success rate... was only one in three thousand!"

"These are... true treasures!"

"After the Sharingan fuses with Hashirama Cells, it becomes more powerful and stable, with a massive increase in ocular power. And this is just a One-Tomoe Sharingan. If it were your Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Keigo... to what extent would it grow?"

A thirst for knowledge burned in Orochimaru's gaze!

"Perhaps... it could directly elevate you to a Kage-level powerhouse!"

Keigo Uchiha smiled without a word.

"The Byakugan is the same. After fusing with Hashirama Cells, it underwent unimaginable changes, reaching a bizarre, uncanny equilibrium. It is very strange, just like the Sharingan. Previously, no matter what power Hashirama Cells fused with, they would run rampant and cause a collapse!"

Confusion flickered in Orochimaru's eyes. "I always believed it was a lack of compatibility."

"But after your reminder, Keigo, I finally understood. This is... power possessing Sage genes! How could an ordinary person hope to touch it? Sage genes can only fuse with Sage genes!"

"However, I cannot draw a conclusion yet. It requires extensive experimentation, as well as long-term cultivation and observation. It is difficult to produce results in the short term."

The manic expression on Orochimaru's face gradually returned to calm.

Keigo Uchiha understood.

To have researched these things in three months was already shocking enough.

Moreover... to have successfully cultivated these two pairs of eyes.

It was enough to stun anyone!

One must know that in the original Boruto, even by the time of the series, Orochimaru had only managed to develop the perfect Sage Mode. With his help now, achieving these results in such a short time was already cause for celebration.

"As for Sage Art... there is no rush. This subject requires time."

Orochimaru frowned deeply. "I used the Reverse Summoning Jutsu, wanting to learn the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave, but every time the result is a rejection. Ryūchi Cave is refusing to let me learn Sage Mode."

"Keigo... what do you think is the reason?"

He was completely baffled.

Logically speaking, if Jiraiya could learn Sage Mode, he should be able to as well.

Refusal!?

Keigo Uchiha was thoughtful. "Is there a possibility that Ryūchi Cave believes the time is not yet right? Or perhaps... this is a form of trial. If it were me, facing a summoner as brilliant as you, Teacher, I would never give up."

"They are simply taking time to evaluate you."

This statement was not without basis.

Ryūchi Cave and Mount Myoboku were different.

Mount Myoboku was not exclusionary toward those learning Sage Mode; it did not even have many trials.

This led to countless people throughout history learning the Sage Mode of Mount Myoboku—Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, and Uzumaki Naruto all managed it. The countless stone statues of those who failed at Mount Myoboku proved this.

But Ryūchi Cave was terrifyingly harsh!

Even Orochimaru, a talent seen once in several decades, was not permitted!

The selection process of Ryūchi Cave was one of absolute compatibility!

Only when the White Snake Sage believed you had the potential to succeed could you learn Sage Mode—it was the definition of an elite model!

"Perhaps there are still aspects of you, Teacher, that Ryūchi Cave believes need refinement."

Keigo Uchiha thought for a moment before reaching his conclusion.

"Aspects that need refinement?"

Orochimaru was stunned, somewhat at a loss.

But then, he temporarily abandoned this thought. "The Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave cannot be given up. If I am unable to learn it, then I shall leave it to you, Keigo. I trust you will be able to obtain the qualifications for cultivation."

There were so many research topics at hand.

He was busy to the point of death, so Sage Mode was not that urgent.

"Sage Mode requires powerful chakra as a foundational condition; otherwise, one does not possess the prerequisites for entry. Keigo, if you wish to cultivate Sage Mode, then increasing your chakra is the only path forward."

Orochimaru added a sentence.

This was something Jiraiya had told him before.

Originally, he hadn't cared, but now... it seemed he needed to increase his chakra reserves!

Although his own chakra was not meager, the more, the better!

"The research on Sage Art is shelved for now. Recently... I have found something new and interesting."

Orochimaru licked the corner of his lips, his amber pupils filled with anticipation and excitement. "I just don't know if you have any interest in it, Keigo?"

"What is it?"

Keigo Uchiha raised an eyebrow slightly.

Anything that could catch Orochimaru's eye certainly wouldn't be simple.

"Tailed Beast chakra!"

Orochimaru's voice was hoarse, filled with fanaticism.

"Lately, I have become interested in these things called Tailed Beasts. They possess immense chakra and can be sealed within a body to serve as a mobile chakra extractor. Anyone who possesses a Tailed Beast and masters it will possess the combat power of a Kage-level powerhouse!"

"I previously wanted to study the Nine-Tails, but unfortunately, the teacher did not agree."

Orochimaru shook his head, his face full of regret.

It was clear the village had the Nine-Tails.

But being unable to study it was truly frustrating; the old man was becoming more and more stubborn!

"Therefore... I have decided to go and capture the Tailed Beasts of other ninja villages for research. And... the Tailed Beasts are all a bit too weak. The Eight-Tails, which is only slightly weaker than the Nine-Tails, is the best subject!"

Orochimaru's gaze landed on Keigo Uchiha, and he said with a smile, "Keigo, you already possess the strength of an Elite Jonin now. Do you have any interest... in this matter?"

Keigo Uchiha: "???"

So, the reason you obtained a horn of the Eight-Tails in the original story was because you thought the other Tailed Beasts were trash?

This is truly iron-headed!

Have you become this arrogant?

He nodded heavily, his face full of agreement. "Teacher, I think it's feasible!"

Perfect.

He also needed a Tailed Beast for Inuzuka Mi.

When harvesting the Eight-Tails, he could harvest the Two-Tails along the way.

Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?

"As expected, Keigo, you have the same spirit as I do—willing to stop at nothing for the sake of research. We can also call Ruri for this matter; she basically possesses the strength of a Jonin and can play a significant role."

Orochimaru stood up.

His pale face was full of excitement.

It was as if he could already see the Eight-Tails tucked away in his pocket!