Orochimaru's Support

Shinichi Hyuga implanted the heart into the test subject.

Controlling the subject to turn over, he implanted the remaining Wood Release cells of the First Hokage into the subject's spine.

Using the same method, the cells were fused into the test subject.

The entire process was smooth and fluid, with the most crucial core being the chakra ratio within the Wood Release cells and the suppression of the original will contained within them.

All of this had long since formed a standard procedure in the hands of Shinichi Hyuga.

After putting the heart back in place.

He activated the experimental equipment to monitor the changes in the test subject.

Orochimaru fell into shock once again; he had failed to resolve the devouring nature of the Wood Release cells even after weakening them many times, yet they had been dealt with so simply?

The skillful movements just now were all performed without any mechanical assistance, the most important factor being a deep understanding of Wood Release cells.

Now he could be certain of what Shinichi Hyuga had said: that he had indeed replicated the existence of Wood Release before.

And more than once.

During the Third Shinobi World War, the two had a brief intersection on the battlefield; at that time, Shinichi Hyuga did not seem to have any research experience, as he had neither the time nor the place for it.

Shinichi Hyuga was truly a mysterious and powerful person!

Beep, beep~~

Piercing chirps came from the machine beside the laboratory, startling Orochimaru.

"It actually has a life reaction!" Orochimaru opened his mouth wide, his eyes bulging.

Displaying movements completely different from his usual calm demeanor, he walked to the experimental table and performed a series of operations.

Shinichi Hyuga, meanwhile, wore a mysterious smile; it was fortunate that he had carefully studied White Zetsu while in the Land of Rain and had conducted detailed research on Wood Release.

Otherwise, it would have taken much more effort today.

Today, Orochimaru asking him to show off his skills was exactly hitting his area of expertise!

Trying to show off, only to run right into the muzzle of a gun.

Now that the Wood Release cells had been transplanted into the test subject, once the gestation period was sufficient and a broken soul emerged, this subject would serve as a culture medium to create a Wood Release ninja.

The power would be limited, and the growth potential would be equally limited—the foundation was too poor! Perhaps it would just be a vegetative state without any thoughts.

Yet, the rejection reaction of the Wood Release cells had been resolved, which was the most difficult hurdle of the entire experiment.

For now, it was enough to whet the appetite of Orochimaru, as well as that of Shimura Danzō behind him.

Orochimaru was still recording something, his gaze finally falling on the experimental table.

The test subject's normal skin tone had turned white, and some spore-like things were growing on it, but it was indeed alive!

"Shinichi, you really are a genius! Your so-called 'little bit' is truly beyond imagination. I need the detailed chakra ratio for Wood Release and the intelligence you mentioned!"

Orochimaru turned around, his eyes filled with greed, his voice trembling as he made no effort to hide his ambition.

Orochimaru had only understood a small part of the operation just now, but the result already spoke for itself.

In Orochimaru's eyes at this moment, Wood Release cells—which remained active even decades after their owner had died—were a path to peeking into immortality.

It fit perfectly with the method of soul immortality in his future plans.

If he could obtain a body as strong as the First Hokage with every reincarnation, what would his strength become?

The premise for all of this was that Shinichi Hyuga would be able to share his knowledge with him.

"You still don't understand my words. Simply speaking, basic Wood Release is already useless to people at our level."

"After I finish my business, we will proceed to the next discussion."

"You also need time to organize the path you want to take."

Shinichi Hyuga walked toward the changing room to the side, preparing to leave, with Orochimaru following closely behind.

At this moment, Orochimaru's interest had been piqued; at the clan meeting a month later, he would do his best to help Shinichi Hyuga achieve the results he wanted.

Orochimaru stopped in his tracks, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly; as long as there was something to be gained, there was leverage.

"I will fully support you. Blocking the Third Hokage during the clan meeting should be enough, right!"

Orochimaru took the initiative to express his stance, helping Shinichi Hyuga control the biggest variable: the Third Hokage.

"Not enough. Everything depends on your performance. We should be the closest of partners, shouldn't we? You must show enough sincerity."

"This test subject will have a three-month growth period. After three months, a simple consciousness will be born; at that time, we will talk about the next step."

Shinichi Hyuga revealed a satisfied smile, carefully washing the scent off his body before putting his original clothes back on.

His goal had been achieved; the cooperation with Orochimaru could continue, and all of this was built on the premise that Orochimaru would fully support him.

He quickened his pace and left the laboratory; unlike Orochimaru, he was not a lone wolf.

Orochimaru did not stop him, returning to the experimental table to seal the test subject.

He picked up various experimental data and began to study them, hoping to see a clue within.

"Chakra? Kekkei Genkai? Sage Body? And the Sage Mode of Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze? All of this is truly so surprising!"

Orochimaru murmured under his breath, a low, involuntary chuckle escaping his lips.

In the empty laboratory, the sound was chilling and eerie.

He had discovered that this world still held many unknowns, and these unknowns could bring him gains, compensating for the regrets of the past.

He could now confirm that Shinichi Hyuga's understanding of this world far exceeded his own.

Three months from now would be the time for him to touch upon the truth of this world.

What was supporting Shinichi Hyuga, anyway? He no longer had any desire to compete for the position of Hokage, so all his political resources could be used to trade for Shinichi Hyuga, the perfect partner.

One month from now was the meeting where the Hyuga Clan would decide the fate of the Hidden Branch Main House!

Three months from now was the ceremony where the Main House would brand the Caged Bird!

These were the times when Shinichi Hyuga would need him to demonstrate sufficient sincerity.

Orochimaru began to understand that everything Shinichi Hyuga revealed was merely a bargaining chip.

To discard the so-called power of the Third Hokage in exchange for the truth of this world that Shinichi Hyuga had unveiled—he could finally see the path he was meant to walk.

A path he had yearned for since he was a child! He touched his earlobe unconsciously.

Sealed within his earlobe was a white snakeskin, something he had picked up in front of his parents' tomb, an object that had stirred his heart countless times.

His smile returned, and for some reason, the face of the Third Hokage surfaced in his mind.

"Teacher, I must thank you! Because of your interference, I had the opportunity to see the side that Shinichi Hyuga had kept hidden."

As for that Hokage position, let that good-natured fellow Minato Namikaze have it!

I, Orochimaru, have already found my own path.

Dusk approached.

Shinichi Hyuga walked through the bustling streets of Konoha and arrived at his residence.

It was not located near the Hyuga Clan compound, but on the outskirts of Konoha, near Training Ground No. 6.

It was a small, detached house he had purchased with his own savings.

At the time, he had the idea of bringing Uzumaki Tomoko to live in Konoha, but now, Reiko Hyuga lived here.

"I'm home!"

Pushing open the wooden door, he saw the little one already waiting for him at the entrance.

She was curled up in the rocking chair where she took her afternoon naps.

Beside the chair, there was a black phantom, visible only to Shinichi Hyuga, carefully guarding Reiko Hyuga.