Accepting Orochimaru's Surrender

"I've come to surrender to you; all I need is a small promise from you."

In the end, Orochimaru chose to have both, but left a lot of room for negotiation in his words.

Before Feng could say anything, Gaara behind him had already smiled slightly, seemingly unsurprised.

Or rather, for Gaara now, let alone Orochimaru, even if the Sage of Six Paths were alive, he would eventually submit to his Master.

"Surrender? Why? That doesn't seem like the choice you would make."

Uchiha Feng smiled slightly, feigning ignorance as he asked the question.

Orochimaru frowned, considered his words carefully, and then replied:

"In less than a year, you have quietly taken control of 10 countries, including Kaze, He, This, Bird, etc. If you add the openly known Land of Whirlpools and the maritime territories that you have already completely controlled, nearly half of the Ninja World is now in your hands."

Meanwhile, other countries and forces are either indulging in pleasure or constantly scrambling for petty gains such as mission rewards.

This world, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will eventually be yours.

I'm simply going with the flow, joining the largest force in the future Ninja World ahead of everyone else."

He didn't say many things, but he revealed the most crucial information to demonstrate his sincerity.

After all, these things are common knowledge here, but to the outside world, they are a bombshell that could make Feng an enemy of the Ninja World.

Feng fell silent upon hearing this, never expecting that Orochimaru would be the first person in the Ninja World to proactively discover his greatest ambition.

He originally thought that Obito or Jiraiya, and then report it to the Ninja World to make him a boss.

"Hehe, you really have impressed me."

But aren't you afraid of making the wrong choice?

After all, if this gets out, I'll have enemies all over the world."

But after a moment, Feng smiled again and asked calmly.

"Because of you! I didn't choose your power, I chose you."

"The Land of Whirlpools was merely your tool. What truly made me make this decision was you."

Orochimaru sat up straight, looked at Feng with a solemn expression, and said very seriously.

"Before I came here, I carefully studied the intelligence on the territories you currently control."

Without exception, the people are still the same; none of them possess the talent or the courage to change the world.

But you, Uchiha Feng, the sole leader of these people, are a builder and creator who can reshape the world order and redefine the ninja.

I believe that regardless of whether your forces ultimately succeed or fail, your ideas and beliefs are certainly correct.

"But I want to see it more clearly up close."

Uchiha Feng smiled slightly, "Hmm, interesting. So what do you want me to promise?"

"Allow me to continue refining my experiments on immortality."

As Orochimaru spoke, his golden snake eyes remained fixed on Uchiha Feng. Once he was certain the other wouldn't object, he continued:

"You know my philosophy: to achieve immortality, learn all Ninjutsu, master all secrets, and transcend the limits of humanity."

To this end, I made many attempts, including human experiments, various genetic research and modification, Impure World Reincarnation, Living Corpse Reincarnation, and so on, some successful and some unsuccessful.

However, these studies are mostly taboo and unacceptable to the world.

As a result, I offended too many people, and was increasingly targeted by various forces; many of my strongholds were even raided.

He paused, his snake-like eyes gleaming even brighter.

"Therefore, I hope to earn your promise by offering my services, so that you will provide me with a safe, well-resourced, and undisturbed research environment."

I think I still deserve this much."

Feng listened attentively the whole time without interrupting.

After Orochimaru finished speaking, he leaned back in his chair, tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, and fell into deep thought.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, but only asked one last question:

"I understand what you're saying, and I can agree to your request."

But how can I be sure that your research won't ultimately harm my territory?

After all, you said it yourself, this world will be mine sooner or later, so whether you're here or not doesn't really matter to me. Why should I create a huge problem for myself by my side?

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru met Feng's gaze, and the two stared at each other for a long time.

Finally, Orochimaru lowered his head slightly.

"I can't guarantee it. After all, what I've done is undeniably taboo, no matter what I say, and I'm not trustworthy."

But my vision needs your support to be realized, and until it is realized, my wisdom will provide the best option—not to go against your wishes.

And this should prove my sincerity better than any promise I could make."

He didn't have the conviction that he had to be superior to others, so he naturally had no resistance to taking the initiative to bow down.

A playful smile flashed across Feng's face at this, "Aren't you afraid that after I've used you, I'll strike first and eliminate this threat?"

"Hehe, you wouldn't."

I am very clear about my own worth, and you will always need me, no matter what.

Orochimaru smiled with extreme confidence.

My reputation is indeed insignificant, but my research capabilities are enough to command respect from anyone.

This is why he was confident that Uchiha Feng would accept him, rather than those secret intelligence he used to test Uchiha Feng.

This time, Feng remained silent for an even longer period.

The only sound in the office was the soft tapping of his fingers on the armrest.

Finally, Feng made a decision:

"I can grant your request and accept your surrender, but you must do something for me first."

If this is accomplished, I will no longer pursue any of your past actions. In the meantime, if you can transform yourself back into a human from a snake, you will have a place in my territory.

But if things don't work out, you won't have a place on my turf.

Orochimaru was slightly taken aback. "What is it?"

"A large, mobile mechanical battle suit that integrates multiple technologies."

I have someone who specializes in researching supporting materials (Seimei from Takumi Village);

There are also those who study joint rotation and assembly (Chiyo from Sunagakure and other puppeteers);

There are also top-tier researchers capable of providing small-scale Chakra Armor technology; (Kazahana Dōtō, the researcher of Chakra Armor in the Land of Snow).

Now, I need someone who can integrate all of these things and complete the final step."

Feng's voice was calm and firm, as if he was certain that Orochimaru would be able to complete this research.

In fact, if we count the silly plot points in the Naruto anime, then according to the anime's storyline, Orochimaru in the future actually developed the Naruto mecha all by himself.

The matter that Feng is talking about right now is basically no big deal to Orochimaru.

Therefore, after hearing Feng's request, Orochimaru immediately smiled, his face showing an expression of "I knew it."

Clearly, in his mind, Uchiha Feng didn't kill him, nor did he hand him over to Konoha. He only asked him to help complete a research project that was almost finished, and then allowed him to continue those forbidden research projects. This undoubtedly recognized his value and was just a formality in getting him involved.

I accept.

So he readily agreed.

Feng nodded:

"Very well, now, I'll give you a month to clean up that mess you've made."

From today onwards, ' The Land of Whirlpools ' will take over all of your manpower, equipment, and even old debts.

One month later, you joined Project "Giant God Soldier Mecha" as a temporary special researcher.

"Giant God Soldier? Heh, I see."

As for that mess, I'll take care of it within a week, not a month."

That would be perfect.

Feng smiled approvingly at this.