Allies

Orochimaru was overthinking it!

Qi didn't mean that at all. From the moment he learned Orochimaru had begun experimenting on Anko, Qi had set his sights on Orochimaru's academic achievements.

The Cursed Seal.

In other words, a weakened version of Sage Mode.

Not everyone has the talent to cultivate Senjutsu; even a genius like Orochimaru failed at it, didn't he?

However, everyone is qualified to be branded with a Cursed Seal, provided it isn't laced with fragments of Orochimaru's soul, turning them into a vessel for his resurrection.

The moment Qi decided to enhance his own strength, he locked onto Orochimaru the scientist and even sent Hotaru to "seduce" him! If you were still the cold Lord Orochimaru, Qi's efforts would have been in vain, but if you've turned into a cold snake, then you're easy pickings.

Regardless, my ultimate goal is the Cursed Seal; whether there are additional benefits is merely a pleasant surprise on top of the result.

Therefore, Qi believes that Orochimaru will accept any of his conditions.

Because after coming into contact with Orochimaru, Qi discovered that he is not a man who fears death. Looking at his research results, one can tell: how could a man who is constantly courting death be afraid of it? Thus, his constant pursuit of immortality doesn't seem entirely logical.

Or rather, it isn't pure. He might have other motives for toying with the souls of the dead.

Furthermore, his coveting of the Uchiha Clan's bloodline is also suspicious; it's far too much trouble. Why make the target stronger only to possess their body later?

What, you can't cultivate if you possess someone else's body first?

If Orochimaru were merely greedy for the Uchiha bloodline, then having collaborated with Danzo, he would have had plenty of opportunities to obtain it, whether in the form of eyes or flesh. Qi does not believe Danzo didn't keep any for himself.

This old man even has Hashirama Cells, let alone Uchiha assets.

Suppose, just suppose, that Orochimaru's goal from beginning to end was to resurrect someone. Perhaps all of his actions could then be explained.

He might be trying to resurrect Nawaki Senju, the true crown prince of Konoha who died under his command.

Could Orochimaru not be a man with a cold exterior but a soft heart?

After all, because of Nawaki Senju's death, a massive rift formed between him and Tsunade; perhaps he is simply trying to make amends.

And if he really were doing that, the Third Hokage couldn't tolerate him, and neither could Danzo.

Otherwise, the matter of human experimentation is too trivial. This is the ninja world, after all; things far crueler happen every day. If you don't believe it, go take a look at the Intelligence Department's interrogation division. Such things are child's play for a decorated veteran like Orochimaru.

As for Orochimaru joining the Akatsuki, his goal is the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique. But the prerequisite for this ninjutsu is the Rinnegan, and the prerequisite for the Rinnegan is the Sharingan.

This also points to another reason why the Uchiha Clan had to be wiped out.

They have the potential to resurrect the dead.

Just as Qi cannot understand why Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation is considered a forbidden technique.

Between letting the living die in battle and letting the dead continue to fight for the living, the latter is certainly more in line with human nature. After all, people are selfish.

In a world as cruel as this, "saints" don't live long. If there is a way to let the dead replace the living in battle, no living person would refuse.

Toying with the souls of the dead is a problem? People are capable of doing things far worse than that.

This might also be why, after Orochimaru officially used Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation to summon the Second Hokage for the first time, for whatever reason the Second had, he didn't mention anything other than killing the Third Hokage, and the matter simply passed.

It's just like if we were to summon the Founding Father; he wouldn't be able to deny the current regime or call them a bunch of capitalist roaders. At most, he'd just take a few of the truly egregious ones down with him.

After Tsunade stepped out from the shadow of her hemophobia, Orochimaru began to honestly serve as Sasuke's teacher, which is also quite strange.

Otherwise, with Sasuke's temperament, playing him would only require a bit of brainpower.

Of course, all of the above is just Qi's speculation; only the parties involved know the truth.

But it doesn't matter. Where you stand determines what you see. If he can become an ally with Orochimaru, then he is willing to whitewash Orochimaru's reputation.

Hotaru, who had been listening from the side for a long time, finally came back to her senses. So that was it; the man before her wasn't just a man, but a majestic snake.

Everything made sense now. My snake loves me the most.

This poor old man had suffered the consequences of a snake-transformation due to a failed ninjutsu experiment, becoming the very snake she loved most. At this moment, when Hotaru looked at Orochimaru, her vigilance was gone, replaced only by pity and affection.

What a poor little thing, though being a snake isn't so bad either.

Glancing at the relaxed Hotaru, Orochimaru felt pleased and continued.

"I understand. Konoha can no longer contain you. I will not take Hotaru away. I will leave behind all my ninjutsu and ninja experience. Hotaru is already an excellent ninja; I imagine that with my experience, she will be able to go even further."

Qi accepted Orochimaru's goodwill, but that was not what Qi wanted.

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru. Are you planning to announce your apprenticeship to all of Konoha, letting everyone know that an Uchiha has become a disciple of the Hokage's lineage?"

Qi had to admire Orochimaru; he could always find the key to a situation, something even Qi hadn't thought of.

The Third Hokage needs the hearts of the people—the hearts of the masses against the Uchiha.

A disciple under Orochimaru's tutelage would cause the hearts of those who once followed Orochimaru on the battlefield to waver, thus preventing the Third Hokage from achieving his goal.

It also provides him with a sufficient excuse not to participate in a civil war: "I cannot help my teacher, and naturally, I cannot help my disciple."

No one could say anything against that reasoning.

"Mr. Orochimaru, I accept your kindness. I am willing to let Hotaru become your student, but only because I respect you as an excellent researcher. I hope you can pass on everything you have learned to this girl so that she may become a scientist without ever having to step onto a battlefield again."

The favor Orochimaru offered was not what Qi wanted. Human hearts are too ethereal; what Qi wants are tangible benefits—the technology that Orochimaru truly possesses.

Seeing Kei like this, Orochimaru understood that he had overthought things; perhaps for Kei, whether or not he participated in the civil war was of no consequence.

"Oh, Kei-kun is as candid as ever! It seems you aren't concerned about the targeting from our teacher. Kei-kun must be quite confident in his own plans!"

Kei did not stand on ceremony.

"Yes."

After giving his reply, he began to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Lord Orochimaru, I wonder if the sealing charms are also among the ninjutsu you left for Hotaru?"

Hearing Kei put it this way, Orochimaru had a realization; so that was what he had his eye on. Uchiha Kei's intelligence network was truly formidable.

"They are. The technology for these things is already mature; at the very least, I have already tested them on Anko. How about it, Kei-kun, are you interested in this?"

Kei nodded in affirmation.

"Of course. Who wouldn't want to be outstanding without having to put in the effort? These charms offer hope to someone like me."