I Choose Orochimaru as Hokage, Ten Years to Ascend to the Moon Chapter 16

"According to what you said, the Senju and Uchiha share the same lineage. If I were to give you First Hokage Cells now, wouldn't you be consumed by the backlash?" Orochimaru asked with curiosity.

"The physical constitution of the First Hokage can be called the strongest of the Senju Clan in the last thousand years; it is essentially power infinitely close to a Sage Body."

"Awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan means one's own genes are closer to the ancestors, so one should be able to withstand the invasion of these genes. However, an ordinary Uchiha would likely be unable to endure it; the cells would need to be weakened first," Uchiha Gin replied.

With a clever person like Orochimaru, one must either keep secrets or tell the truth; telling lies is too easily seen through.

Uchiha Gin was not entirely certain himself; after all, Obito used the body of Zetsu, and the only one who truly used the First Hokage Cells directly was Uchiha Madara.

The version Sasuke used later was a modified form of the First Hokage Cells, which was not the same thing.

"So, you aren't even sure yourself, which is why you didn't ask me for First Hokage Cells to solve your Bloodline Disease?" Orochimaru sensed that Uchiha Gin was hiding many things.

Thus, he was also looking for his own value, wanting to increase his own leverage.

"No, I have already solved the side effects of the Mangekyō Sharingan, though unfortunately, this method cannot be replicated."

"The value of the First Hokage Cells to me lies more in enhancing my physical constitution, compensating for my own genetic defects, and helping the entire Uchiha Clan improve their strength."

"What I pursue is not merely reaching the strength of Uchiha Madara or the First Hokage, but surpassing them. Therefore, I need to scientifically explore the deeper secrets within the bloodline to reach the strength of the Sage of Six Paths."

Uchiha Gin's answer shattered Orochimaru's fantasies.

Because Uchiha Gin's Mangekyō Sharingan had been refined into Mystic Eyes, the side effect of blindness was resolved when magic power provided the energy.

It could be said that Uchiha Gin could now use the power of the Mangekyō as recklessly as Obito.

Otherwise, Uchiha Gin would not have had the confidence to reveal a Mangekyō that would go blind after only a short time of use.

Orochimaru's expression gradually became twisted, and finally, he couldn't help but let out a sinister laugh.

This was how it should be; how could his partner be someone short-sighted?

"Well said."

"Poof!"

As Orochimaru spoke, he took out a scroll, summoned a test tube, and tossed it toward Uchiha Gin.

"Inside are First Hokage Cells that I have modified many times and significantly weakened. Whether you use them or not is up to you, but I will continue to develop them."

This time, Orochimaru was cooperating in earnest.

"Although I don't have a use for them right now, I thank you nonetheless," Uchiha Gin said in appreciation.

He had many ways to get his hands on this stuff, so it wasn't of much help to him, but it would be a great boost for Fugaku and Shisui.

Uchiha Gin planned to wait until he had access to more stable First Hokage Cells before using them. Furthermore, his current body had not yet been tempered to its absolute limit; the effects of the First Hokage Cells should be even better once his body could no longer progress further on its own.

"By the way, Shimura Danzō has been coveting the power of the First Hokage and the Uchiha Clan, and he has collected several Sharingan himself."

Orochimaru was cooperating sincerely this time, so he had already begun to betray his former partner, Shimura Danzō.

"Hmm, I know. The new eye in that socket under the bandages is one of them, isn't it?" Uchiha Gin said nonchalantly.

However, Itachi, standing to the side, wore an expression of anger, clearly not having expected that such a thing had actually occurred.

Orochimaru looked at Uchiha Gin deeply, clearly intimidated by the earlier claim that Uchiha Gin possessed eyes capable of seeing the past and the future.

It made him feel that it would be difficult to pull any tricks in the future.

"Then, I will leave this place to you two from here on."

"Let me add one more thing: interpreting the genetic information and chakra information within the bloodline is the most important step. If you can interpret that, you can consider it the first step toward becoming a god."

"Start by researching the bloodline information of the Senju and Uchiha. There are even stronger research subjects, but they cannot be collected right now. I will find them within three years."

Uchiha Gin's words stirred even greater ambitions in Orochimaru.

This feeling of only knowing half the truth left him unable to stop.

What Uchiha Gin wanted was for Orochimaru to reach the level of interpreting the data of Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, as that was the only way to help him awaken the Rinnegan.

It was as if Ōtsutsuki Isshiki could distribute Karma to several people, and those who possessed Karma would initially grasp the abilities of the Ōtsutsuki, reaching a strength that could be called Beyond Kage Level.

Otsutsuki Hagoromo and Hamura were likely created by Kaguya in this same manner—copies of her own abilities, prepared to be used as sacrifices for the God Tree.

Those who achieved this level were all people who had consumed the God Tree Fruit, but Uchiha Gin believed that the power of science might also be able to interpret the information within Karma.

By the time dawn approached, the two parties went their separate ways.

This laboratory was primarily for Itachi to use, with Orochimaru coming periodically to assign tasks to him. Within the Root Base, Orochimaru would also arrange for the research personnel formerly under Shimura Danzō to continue their work.

Itachi was responsible for the fusion of the First Hokage Cells and the Uchiha, while Orochimaru's side was responsible for researching stable First Hokage Cells.

Higher-level interpretation would be handled by Orochimaru independently, though he might delegate some tasks to Itachi to execute.

The division of labor was clear.

"Lord Gin, so my mission is to research the First Hokage Cells most suitable for the Uchiha Clan, to help our clansmen and Sasuke increase their strength?"

On the way back, Itachi couldn't help but ask.

He felt that wasn't the case, because every time Uchiha Gin mentioned Sasuke, his tone grew heavy.

"The First Hokage and Uchiha Madara are the reincarnated souls of the Sage of Six Paths' two sons, named Ashura and Indra, which is why their strength is so formidable."

"And Sasuke is the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths' son, Indra, in this lifetime."

Uchiha Gin did not hide this from Itachi.

Only by applying pressure could greater potential be ignited.

He wasn't his own son, so why feel heartache?

He should just focus on researching hard for the glory of the Uchiha.

"Lord Gin, did your eyes see all of this!"

Clearly, Itachi was deceived by the lie Uchiha Gin told, and he spoke with some disbelief.

"Yes, but Sasuke is still Sasuke. He only inherited the power of the soul, not the memories, though perhaps his personality is slightly influenced."

"You can tell Orochimaru about these matters, but remember to secure something for yourself and keep your guard up. Do not mention that Sasuke possesses the power of Indra's reincarnation."

Uchiha Gin instructed Itachi.

Although Orochimaru was open and honest about what Danzo had done, trust is something that accumulates slowly.

Itachi was primarily responsible for the research; giving him some leverage would prevent him from being completely manipulated by Orochimaru.

Moreover, Sasuke's power would not be revealed so easily; this would take time, and Uchiha Gin was in no rush at all.

"I understand!"

Itachi's eyes were firm, no longer lost.

Previously, he had thought that his actions might lead to war and cause massive casualties.

But for the sake of Sasuke, he would give his all and hesitate no more!

Chapter 24: Mass Production of the Sword of the Thunder God

Three days passed quickly, and the so-called Scientific Research Building was ready.

In truth, there wasn't much to prepare, as it was for developing Scientific Ninja Tool, so there weren't many intricate items, mostly raw materials.

Many people were present today, aside from the ten intelligent talents selected by the Uchiha.

Orochimaru also brought two members of Root to join; these were his confidants.

Furthermore, Fugaku had come. After all, this ninja tool development shop had used quite a bit of Uchiha funds, and as the person mainly responsible for the clan's finances, he naturally had to pay attention.

"Our mission is to research and develop new types of Scientific Ninja Tool."

"The target customers are mainly Chunin. They have some disposable income and are willing to spend money to purchase equipment that enhances their combat effectiveness. The price should be controlled within 300,000 to 1,000,000 ryo, and consumables within 100,000 ryo..."

As the person in charge, Uchiha Gin naturally determined the specific target direction.

However, only a Shadow Clone had come; his main body was at home doing mindless physical training. How could he not use such a convenient technique as the Shadow Clone?

"For example, this Chakra Blade. If you inject normal chakra, a blade edge will appear. If you inject the nature-transformed chakra you have mastered, a blade edge of the same attribute will appear."

"But after my modification, even if you inject attribute-less chakra, this Chakra Blade can still release a flame blade."

Uchiha Gin took out an arm-length Chakra Blade and demonstrated while injecting ordinary chakra.

"BOOM!"

Firelight emerged directly from the Chakra Blade held by Uchiha Gin, reflecting on everyone's faces.

"Is it similar to the Second Hokage's Sword of the Thunder God?"

Orochimaru quickly saw the clue.

"Correct, a weapon similar to the Sword of the Thunder God, though it is much inferior."

"After all, the grade of chakra metal used is different, and the chakra conversion rate is certainly not as strong as releasing it after mastering the attribute chakra yourself."

"However, different attributes can bring about a reversal of the situation at critical moments. For Chunin who can basically only master one attribute, this is a huge improvement. If the price is right, it will definitely be in short supply."

Uchiha Gin nodded and then said to everyone.

Then, Uchiha Gin handed the fire-attribute Chakra Blade to the others, letting them observe it one by one.

"I used a modified Cursed Seal, which is still very crude. Your job is to research Cursed Seals for the other four attributes and optimize the chakra conversion rate."

"Once the complete method is standardized, we can proceed to mass production."

"At the same time, we must develop new types of poison smoke bombs, flash grenades, explosive tags, and other more convenient, higher-powered consumable ninja tools..."

"It would be best to research more powerful basic materials; that is where the highest value lies!"

Uchiha Gin had no interest in putting all his heart into this. He only intended to get it started and let the employees do the rest.

This fire-attribute modification of the Cursed Seal had cost Uchiha Gin quite a bit of effort.

Its essence was to engrave magic formulas and improve them into ninjutsu formulas, but since no one else could use magic besides him, and Uchiha Gin did not intend to spread it, he had to find a way to improve it from within ninjutsu.

He finally discovered that the Cursed Seal was most similar to sealing techniques and magical formulas; it was only completed after countless modifications and the death of who knows how many cells.

After speaking, Uchiha Gin divided everyone into groups and sent them off to begin researching their respective projects.

The grouping was based primarily on their proficiency with specific attributes.

"A clever idea, though its long-term value is not significant!"

Orochimaru said to Uchiha Gin.

After all, he had no great interest in the Second Hokage's Sword of the Thunder God, as Orochimaru was a ninja who had mastered all attributes, just like Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Furthermore, he had already collected a Kusanagi Sword, which possessed an extremely high chakra transmission rate; there would essentially be no better weapon than that.

Moreover, these Chakra Blades only contained the rough form of an attribute and had not reached the level of nature transformation, resulting in a massive gap in power.

"Scientific research requires money. Have you never experienced that?"

"Only high-priced weapons like these, which are suitable for the middle and lower ranks and can be consumed and used in large quantities, can generate enough profit to fund research, don't you think?"

Uchiha Gin's words left Orochimaru unable to respond.

"If you have time, develop the Cursed Seals for the other four attributes. Improving the subsequent conversion rate is what these mediocre researchers should be doing to reduce time consumption."

Uchiha Gin continued.

What needed to be done now was the moment for Orochimaru's value to be fully realized.

Especially given Orochimaru's deep research into the Cursed Seal.

"Hmm, I will handle it."

"Do you have any other ideas regarding Scientific Ninja Tools?"

Orochimaru did not refuse, as it was truly not much effort for him.

"These are merely ninja tools crafted using advanced ninjutsu and are highly replicable. I have another idea: for instance, sealing a complete ninjutsu and then using a special machine to trigger it via something like a Chakra Battery, making it possible for ordinary people to unleash ninjutsu."