The Kage Rock Monument

Hokage Building

On the rooftop of the Hokage Building, Uchiha Nara, dressed in the Hokage robes, and Orochimaru Sannin, dressed in Jonin vests, stood side by side.

The early spring weather in February is still a bit chilly, but the cold wind carries the breath of early spring, a time when everything comes back to life.

Naraku leaned on the railing on the rooftop, gazing at the Hokage Rock behind the Hokage Building, where workers were busily carving the statue of the Fourth Hokage.

The basic outline of Hokage Rock 'Naraku appearance has been sculpted, Naraku is looking forward to seeing what the Fourth Hokage's Three-Tomoe Sharingan like after it is sculpted.

"Fourth Hokage, did you summon me here to watch the construction of the Hokage Rock with you?"

Orochimaru licked his lips and spoke, breaking the silence.

The Third Hokage had already abdicated, and Orochimaru, now part of the Senju faction, was addressed in a very proper manner, neither addressing him as "Lord Hokage" nor calling him by his given name. His manners and etiquette were impeccable.

"Ah, more or less. Look at the statues on the Hokage Rock. It's true that when people grow old and die, they have nothing left but a statue on top for future generations to admire."

Naraku's words were subtle, suggesting he had a profound understanding of life and time.

"What, you didn't learn those Ninjutsu?"

Orochimaru remained noncommittal, his words direct; he clearly remembered Naraku's previous forced Ninjutsu.

"Are those Ninjutsu difficult? They're very effective, but they don't seem that hard to learn. Judging from your tone, it seems..."

Naraku glanced at Orochimaru, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, and replied softly:

"Ah, yes, it's too difficult, beyond the reach of ordinary people. I just wanted to peek into the secrets of immortality."

"Hehe, people, once they have enough to eat and wear, will think about houses and carriages. Once they have houses and carriages, they will think about improving their status and position."

After improving their status and position, people will think about wielding power and getting promoted to make a fortune.

After rising to high office, amassing wealth, and gaining immense power, he could no longer tolerate his position of being second only to the emperor and above all others, and eventually ascended the throne himself.

Even after ascending the throne, one might still feel unsatisfied, believing that lifespan is limited and desiring immortality...

Orochimaru glanced at Naraku, first giving him an "I knew it" look, then slowly spoke, his eyes deepening as he finished, his hoarse voice possessing a unique charm.

In Orochimaru's eyes, Uchiha Nara was a powerful and noble person who began to covet immortality, and after becoming Hokage, his interest in immortality clearly intensified.

Orochimaru believed he had grasped the deeper meaning behind the summons to the Hokage Rock and the subtle implication in the question.

Naraku was somewhat surprised that Orochimaru would say such a thing.

In the Shinobi World, the Hokage is similar to the shogun of a certain country, wielding great power, while the Daimyo is more like a mascot, representing a bloodline and belief passed down for thousands of years.

The village leaders have always been second only to the emperor, and none of them have ever ascended the throne or become kings.

Naraku was very interested in Orochimaru's ideas, and with an approving look in his eyes, he looked at Orochimaru and smiled slightly:

"Second only to one person, above ten thousand others, the Kage of each village are all like this. As the leader of a ninja village, with power in hand, who would care about such a trivial title?"

"Oh, really? Fourth Generation, what are your thoughts on immortality?"

Orochimaru smiled and, in accordance with Naraku's words, steered the conversation back to the topic of immortality.

"I'm only slightly interested in the path to immortality. Orochimaru, how's your immortality Ninjutsu experiment going? Also, is your research on Natural Energy using Cursed Seal Level 2 complete?"

Naraku mimicked Sarutobi Hiruzen's mannerisms, retracting his hands from the railing and placing them behind his back, head held high, chest puffed out, adopting the air of a powerful figure.

"The theoretical experiments have all been completed. Theoretically speaking, my longevity Ninjutsu is without problems."

"Fourth Hokage, I will become the first experimenter and pioneer of the Longevity Ninjutsu. If successful, I will assist you in achieving immortality."

At this moment, Orochimaru was very cooperative. Naraku or false, but at least Orochimaru's demeanor was very sincere and obedient.

Orochimaru dared not say these words to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen. Orochimaru was well aware of Sarutobi Hiruzen's ideology and absolutely forbade such cruel experiments.

"Hahaha, that would be perfect. If the Longevity Ninjutsu succeeds, you will be my number one contributor, and also Konoha's number one contributor."

Naraku laughed heartily, seemingly quite pleased with Orochimaru's words.

"But all of this requires your support, Fourth Generation. I need more experimental materials and medical equipment, as well as a more secretive base."

Orochimaru licked his lips. Although he was obsessed with developing longevity Ninjutsu, since he had met the Fourth Hokage, he also thought about asking for some benefits. He didn't want his base to be exposed and become a pariah.

"Orochimaru, I am now the Hokage of Konoha. Medical equipment, bases, and even funds are all negotiable, but I can no longer help you with experimental materials. The villagers of Konoha are all my supporters."

"As the Hokage, it is my duty to protect all the villagers of Konoha."

The implication is that Naraku will no longer engage in the darkness of the past. The Naraku of today desires a virtuous and righteous image.

"For the fourth generation, the most important thing is the experimental materials; everything else is less important. The Cursed Seal Level 2 has also reached a critical point; I've already successfully tested the proportions."

We just need to conduct more experiments to increase the success rate. Although I don't know why you are so interested in Natural Energy, it's all within reach.

Furthermore, unlike Cursed Seal Level 2 Cursed Seal Level 1, where the Cursed Seal Level 1 could be upgraded to Cursed Seal Level 1 Cursed Seal Level 2 through other methods after the initial successful incantation, thus gaining control over Natural Energy, and without the risk of death associated with Cursed Seal Level 1.

Orochimaru licked his lips, spread his hands, and described the progress, as if he was just one step away from success, patiently guiding the other.

"Alright, Orochimaru, I will never agree to anything about experimental subjects. Protecting Konoha and the Land of Fire is my duty as Hokage."

"I can't control what you plunder from other great powers, but I absolutely will not allow you to wantonly harm the people within the Land of Fire."

Uchiha Nara spoke with righteous indignation, appearing as a paragon of virtue and justice.

"Well, that's a real shame."

Orochimaru shook his head, looking somewhat disappointed.

"Orochimaru, I believe you have a way. You are the most promising Konoha Jonin Konoha. Konoha is truly fortunate to have Konoha talent like you."

Although Naraku rejected cruel experiments, his words implied that he greatly admired Orochimaru.

"Hehe, I'll do my best. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Um."

Orochimaru heard the sound, turned around, waved, and left with a flourish.

Naraku watched Orochimaru's departing figure with a playful look in his eyes and a slight smile playing on his lips.

With a wave of his hand, a ninja dressed in Special Police Division emerged from the shadows, jumped down in front of Naraku, and knelt on one knee.

Naraku gestured for the Special Police Division members to stand up and approach, then whispered a few words to them.

The Special Police Division officers trembled and looked extremely shocked when they heard Naraku's soft-spoken instructions, before accepting the order and leaving.

"The key to breaking this deadlock still lies with you, Orochimaru- kun..."