Orochimaru

Then Uchiha Ying Yue decided to trick Orochimaru into working for him.

Orochimaru was still in his twenties and had yet to establish his own laboratory. Ying Yue could perhaps fund him. Based on what happened later, even without Ying Yue's support, Orochimaru would have built his own lab and secured funding from Danzo for Wood Release experiments.

Ying Yue knew that getting Orochimaru to willingly work for him would take time. He couldn't rush things.

So he decided to gradually let his interest in establishing a laboratory show through in their everyday conversations, while demonstrating his support for and understanding of Orochimaru's research.

After a discussion in the library one day, Ying Yue casually remarked, "Orochimaru, have you ever thought that if we had a dedicated place to research and experiment with all kinds of ninjutsu, we might be able to explore its mysteries more efficiently?"

A spark of interest flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He was clearly intrigued by Ying Yue's suggestion. "A laboratory? You're right. I'm sure we'd make more discoveries with a dedicated research facility."

Noticing Orochimaru's interest, Ying Yue continued, "I've recently been studying some theories about chakra and Kekkei Genkai. With a laboratory, we could investigate them more deeply and perhaps even solve some long-standing mysteries, like where the power of Kekkei Genkai comes from."

Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully. "Kekkei Genkai... It's certainly worth studying. Their power goes beyond the scope of ordinary ninjutsu. Uncovering their secrets could bring us tremendous strength."

Ying Yue smiled at Orochimaru, his tone gently persuasive. "Orochimaru, we could establish this laboratory together. You'd handle the research and experiments, while I provide the resources and theoretical support. We could explore the limits of ninjutsu together—and even create entirely new powers."

Orochimaru thought for a moment, then gave a faint smile. "That sounds interesting, Ying Yue. I'm very interested in your proposal."

Ying Yue was quietly pleased. He knew his plan had taken its first step toward success.

As long as he continued to guide and support Orochimaru, the man would eventually devote himself wholeheartedly to the laboratory's research. Through their partnership, Ying Yue could gain a wealth of research findings, perhaps even uncover the secrets of the Otsutsuki Clan and grow stronger.

Ying Yue decided to fund Orochimaru's laboratory and give him considerable autonomy. In return, he wanted a share of the research findings. To show his sincerity, he would invest twenty million ryo as the laboratory's startup capital.

Ying Yue smiled and got straight to the point. "I'm prepared to give you twenty million ryo to establish your laboratory. You can manage and run it however you see fit, with complete autonomy. I have only one condition: I get a copy of your research findings."

Surprise and contemplation flickered in Orochimaru's eyes. He knew that establishing a first-rate laboratory would require substantial funding and resources, and Ying Yue's offer was clearly tempting.

"Orochimaru, I've always admired your research into ninjutsu and the unknown," Ying Yue continued sincerely. "I believe you have extraordinary potential to usher in a whole new era of ninjutsu. I'm willing to provide the resources and support you need. I only hope you'll lead us to greater heights in this field."

Orochimaru was silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. Ying Yue's offer was extremely appealing. Though Orochimaru had talent and intelligence, the resources and funding needed to carry out research on this scale would be a major obstacle if he had to do it alone.

At last, Orochimaru slowly smiled and nodded. "Ying Yue, your offer is very tempting. Twenty million ryo is enough to establish a laboratory, and it would let me focus more fully on my research. As for the findings, I agree to share them with you."

Ying Yue was delighted. He knew Orochimaru had accepted his offer.

Orochimaru continued, "I'll design and manage the laboratory as I see fit. You can visit and take part in the research whenever you like. As long as you provide sufficient resources, I'm confident we can make groundbreaking advances in ninjutsu."

Ying Yue smiled and nodded. "Of course. I'll do everything I can to support the laboratory. Orochimaru, I believe our partnership will bring new power and change to the Ninja World."

Once they had agreed to work together, Ying Yue immediately arranged the transfer of funds and helped Orochimaru find a suitable location for the laboratory. In a remote area outside Konoha, the laboratory gradually took shape as advanced equipment and research materials arrived.

Ying Yue visited the laboratory from time to time to discuss the progress of the research with Orochimaru and share his own insights and ideas.

Working together, they delved deeper into their research, exploring a variety of advanced ninjutsu, Kekkei Genkai, and even human modification and the mysteries of chakra.

Orochimaru was very pleased with Ying Yue's support. Ying Yue wasn't just a talented ninja; he was also a planner with far-reaching vision and determination.

Orochimaru privately reflected that meeting a partner like Ying Yue might be a crucial step toward realizing his ambitions.

Meanwhile, Ying Yue quietly planned to use the laboratory to grow stronger and uncover the secrets behind the immense power of the Otsutsuki Clan. It would be an important step in his rise through the Ninja World.

He waited for the day he could obtain Hashirama Cells. Then he could begin exploring and researching Senju Hashirama's power while accelerating the development of his own Sage Body.

After all, relying solely on Deep Blue to raise his Sage Body would cost an astronomical number of Destiny Points.

Based on his rough calculations from using the Destiny System to increase his stats, he had reached a conclusion: the higher his Sage Body's level, the more sharply the Destiny Points required would increase.

For example, even if both increases were just 1%, the cost of improving a Sage Body at around 60% progress could be dozens of times higher than the cost at around 20%! That was an unbearable prospect.

That was why it was so important to establish a laboratory and fund Orochimaru.

Using Uchiha Ying Yue's already abundant funds to obtain precious Destiny Points was unquestionably a wise move.

If he could devise a safe and effective method of transplanting Hashirama Cells and further advance his Sage Body, then no amount of money would be too much.

Twenty million ryo was nothing. He'd be willing to spend two hundred million! The returns and benefits would be immense.

What's more, Uchiha Ying Yue planned to increase his investment in Orochimaru's laboratory in the future, driving this vital research forward even further.