"Infinite Tsukuyomi? Rinnegan? Madara Uchiha? What does any of this have to do with anything?"
"Teacher, the White Snake Sage actually told me all this. Her prophecies let her see a future without me."
Orochimaru held his head as he took a moment to process it.
"So, what do you want me to do?"
Xuanhui moved closer and whispered in Orochimaru's ear.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
"Are you sure the old man won't kill me?"
"No one can kill you. That's your student's faith in you."
If doing this... would only cost me a few years... and I wouldn't have to commit any crimes... yet could fulfill my lifelong dream of immortality...
"Interesting. I'll give it some thought."
"Don't forget to pack your things in advance. I'll tell you the timing beforehand."
"No problem."
The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other as teacher and student, and bumped fists.
"By the way, Teacher, where's the Doll I commissioned from you?"
Orochimaru walked over to a storage cabinet and took out a scroll.
"It's in here. I've included the instructions, too."
Xuanhui opened it and checked. It would indeed work.
"Perfect."
With that, the preparations were more or less complete.
But there was still an unexpected little bonus waiting for him to collect.
"Are you sure you want to use the Great Tōnai Debate?"
"Just go ahead and use it! I'll agree to any condition!"
"For real?"
"Absolutely!"
Fugaku folded his arms and thought for a moment.
He pointed at the baby in Mikoto's arms.
"From now on, you'll be Itachi's teacher."
"I would've taken him as my student even if you hadn't asked."
"Then I'll pick another condition."
"Hey, hey, hey! I was just being polite! Don't take that seriously!"
Fugaku patted Xuanhui on the shoulder.
"I knew you'd