Orochimaru: Good Child, Come with Me

"Come with me. I can teach you senjutsu and help you grow better and faster. Only by becoming strong enough can you protect everything you want to cherish!"

Orochimaru reached a hand out to A Luo.

He had changed his mind. All the resources Danzo offered him could not compare to the child before him.

This child was his—a treasure delivered right to his doorstep. There was absolutely, absolutely no way he would let go!

"My brother will be sad if he comes home and can't find me."

A Luo shook his head. He was a good child now, a good little brother. He could not make his brother sad.

So, Orochimaru, if you wanted to lure someone away, shouldn't you raise the stakes a little?

"Since you can leave your body and see what is happening outside, you should know how weak you are compared to Konoha. If you cannot become strong, then you and your brother will merely be pawns Konoha can expend at any time. Just like now, when Konoha sent you right to me..."

Orochimaru could guess that this little fellow would certainly be unwilling to go with him.

But he was confident. This child would belong to him!

Only he could see this child's soul, give him a chance to grow, show him Konoha's ugly true face, and bring him hope!

"No. My brother will be sad. I can't make him sad."

A Luo considered it, but still shook his head in refusal.

Watching Orochimaru glare at him, he continued waiting, waiting for Orochimaru to explain what benefits there would be in going with him.

As for the possibility that Orochimaru might simply take his body away directly...

What Orochimaru wanted had always been people willing to follow him, not someone he had forcibly taken away against their will.

[Host, you're awfully confident. Be careful not to screw this up.]

The system popped out to mock him.

This host was getting more and more full of himself. Playing mind games with Orochimaru, whose soul was already covered in wounds? Better watch out for White Snake's Kiss!

I won't. This body of mine is too weak to be of any use. Based on Orochimaru's way of thinking, he might even want to give me a better body. Besides... his soul is damaged, while I can cultivate my soul. Do you think he'll overlook something that important?

Although A Luo was emphasizing to the system that Orochimaru would need his help, the truth was that he really was not afraid of Orochimaru attacking him right now.

His body was indeed weak, but if it truly came to that, he could release power from his soul that did not belong to this world. At that point, let alone Orochimaru with his damaged soul—even if it were the Sage of Six Paths, he would not be afraid.

At worst, he could take this entire world down with him and have the system take him away afterward.

Although the system was happy to loaf around, their mutual understanding had been built little by little. If danger truly arose, they would run when it was time to run.

"What do you want?"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. His golden snake pupils flickered as he suddenly changed his attitude.

This child's soul was powerful and special. He could discuss this with an attitude of cooperation.

"I need some materials for my brother's cultivation. You will provide them, and I will go with you. I can also tell you how to strengthen your soul through cultivation."

A Luo was somewhat surprised by Orochimaru's change in attitude, but quickly fell into step with him.

Since they were negotiating terms, then they would negotiate properly.

He was not some heartless profiteer. Orochimaru would give him what he needed, and he would give Orochimaru what he wanted.

As for Sasuke's body...

There was no need to worry about that. He would let Orochimaru discover that, aside from taking over young bodies, there were many other ways to maintain immortality.

And if Orochimaru's cultivation could not keep up, wasn't there still the best reserve vessel—the White Zetsu army?

"You're willing to go with me just like that? Aren't you worried about making your brother sad?"

Orochimaru had initially thought that, since they were discussing cooperation, haggling was only natural. He did not mind giving up more in other areas.

But now, was this child really negotiating cooperation? He only wanted Orochimaru to provide some materials that Sasuke Uchiha could use in cultivation, and then...

Just like that?

"My soul can go anywhere. I can go home and explain things to him, and I can visit him often. It won't be much of a problem. But you should think this through. After you take me back, the effects my cultivation may cause will not be as simple as just needing some materials."

A Luo sighed with slight helplessness and roughly explained his plan to Orochimaru.

He would leave Konoha with Orochimaru, but he would also need to return home often to see Sasuke.

[Sasuke Uchiha is really going to cry.]

The system popped out again, tossed out a mocking remark, and slipped away.

...

A Luo could not be bothered to trade barbs with the system now.

He knew Sasuke would definitely be unhappy, saddened, and perhaps even blame himself, tempering himself as though torturing himself as he grew stronger.

His original plan had been to wait until Sasuke graduated from the Academy before restoring his body to health, then enter the Qi Refining stage and begin dual cultivation.

But now, a new change had occurred. The ANBU under the Hokage's command had taken him away and handed him over to Danzo, who had then brought him before Orochimaru...

With such an opportunity to leave, why should he remain?

Once he left Konoha, he could restore his body to health at any time. After entering the Qi Refining stage, many paths of future growth would await him.

"No problem. They're only some materials; I can afford them. I can take your body away now. Can you catch up on your own?"

Orochimaru laughed sinisterly.

What an obedient and adorable little fellow. Since he had agreed to go with him, then...

From now on, he would all be Orochimaru's!

Itachi Uchiha, your Sharingan may be formidable, but both of your younger brothers will be under my care from now on, Orochimaru's!

"I can catch up. Be careful and don't damage my body. One's original body is the most suitable for oneself. We can slowly study that matter later."

A Luo turned to look around. It was time for him to go find Sasuke.

Hopefully Sasuke would not get angry. Otherwise, if he had to come back every day to coax his brother, he would have no time to cultivate.

"Come soon!"

Orochimaru seriously examined the child's soul before him. Then, while A Luo was still watching, he opened his mouth and spat out a giant snake. The snake opened its jaws in turn and swallowed the youth lying on the operating table into its belly.

Even though A Luo had long known Orochimaru used this method, he still found it particularly slimy and uncomfortable.

"Orochimaru, see you tomorrow morning!"

A Luo's figure faded, then finally vanished before Orochimaru's eyes.

"Tomorrow morning... What an adorable child!"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes as he looked around. He was extremely pleased that the boy had set a time with him before leaving, so he would not worry.

A little fellow who confirmed the time again because he was afraid Orochimaru would worry—obedient and adorable. He probably would not be too troublesome if raised in the base.

Other than Kimimaro and Jugo, he had not picked up such an obedient child in a long time.

Kabuto was probably fairly quiet as well, but Kabuto was already an adult. He was nowhere near as adorable as this child...