Whip Lash

Because of the various issues caused by the Uchiha Clan, Orochimaru temporarily put aside his plans to leave Konoha.

After all, with such excellent research conditions at present, he might as well openly conduct an in-depth study of these mysterious bloodline limits.

"Today's Uchiha Clan has no one capable of standing against the power of the Hashirama Cells.

"I have heard that, in the hidden corners of Uchiha Clan history, there existed a Mangekyo Sharingan recorded in ancient texts.

"The most representative example was Madara Uchiha, who was said to have stood on equal footing with the First Hokage.

"In my view, if we wish to completely overcome the terrifying devouring nature of the Hashirama Cells, the Uchiha clansmen used as experimental subjects must at least possess the ability to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan.

"Otherwise, they would not be much different from other test subjects," Orochimaru said coldly.

At that time, Orochimaru had not yet become completely unscrupulous in his experiments.

More importantly, the Uchiha Clan's influence was deeply entrenched and truly troublesome.

No one knew how many pairs of Mangekyo Sharingan were hidden within that clan, so opportunities to study the Sharingan were rare.

"So that was why you went looking for Shisui?"

The corners of Orochimaru's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "Hehe, Shisui's potential is limitless. Perhaps he really has a chance of growing to the point where he can awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan."

"The Uchiha Clan has always been paranoid. If they find out that we are researching their bloodline limit, it is hard to predict what kind of madness they might commit!"

Hiruko was focused on perfecting his own technique, and at such a critical time, there was naturally no need to provoke the Uchiha Clan.

"Are you worried that I might resort to forceful methods? You should know that Danzo also collected the corpses of Uchiha Clan members who died during the war."

"Relax. Though I do not know what Teacher truly has in mind, all I need to do is bring more people aboard my ship.

"As long as they see tangible benefits, everything can be discussed.

"The Uchiha Clan has always craved power intensely, and their clan's wealth is among the greatest in Konoha.

"As long as I can bring powerful strength to the Uchiha Clan, making a deal with them will be easy."

"Are you planning to use a project that helps the Uchiha Clan awaken their eyes properly as your means of promotion?"

"Hehe, Hiruko, you really do understand people better than I do! That excuse is simply brilliant." A flash of excitement instantly passed through Orochimaru's eyes.

In truth, it was not only the Uchiha Clan. It would be far easier to gain some benefits from other clans possessing bloodline limits than to pry anything out of Danzo's hands.

After all, for ninja, the pursuit of strength was almost instinctive.

As long as he produced results they wanted, spending some money to gain power would be an incredibly worthwhile deal.

At that moment, a maid serving Hiruko approached, carrying a special device on a tray.

Orochimaru could not help showing a look of regret before rising to take his leave.

Will someone obsessed with carnal desire like you still have a chance at immortality? Orochimaru secretly mused.

For this fellow who had helped him quite a bit, Orochimaru thought that if he truly attained immortality, he would grant him an opportunity.

After all, having a companion on the path to immortality would always be better.

Hiruko put away the gentle smile he wore before others.

He accepted a specially made item from the maid.

Soon, the sound of iron chains repeatedly clashing came from Hiruko's largest bedroom.

Rin Nohara pressed herself against the wall and heard it clearly.

Her face flushed red as she covered her chest with both hands, her heart in turmoil as she did not know what she was thinking.

The agonizing shadows of childhood.

The scene of his parents crying out in agony before his eyes had long dragged Hiruko, once an ordinary person in his previous life, into an endless abyss of darkness.

Coupled with the immense pressure brought by research, he could only vent upon Pakura again and again.

Whenever he vented, the cold and sinister chakra that often lingered around Hiruko was proof of the distortion in his heart.

However, everyone who knew the truth lacked evidence. In the eyes of outsiders, Hiruko was unquestionably an outstanding medical ninja who cared for the suffering, a reliable and admirable senior.

The mechanical prosthetics he developed allowed countless ninja to return to work, and some high-performance prosthetics even enabled ninja with severed arms or legs to return to the battlefield.

Moreover, Hiruko only targeted ninja from other villages. None of Konoha's ninja wished to offend such a kind senior who had helped so many of their own.

Besides, these were only minor matters. It would be far too improper to deny a senior who possessed such a burning Will of Fire.

"Are you certain Orochimaru intends to visit me?" Fugaku Uchiha looked at Shisui before him, his expression somewhat uncertain.

Shisui nodded firmly. "Lord Orochimaru told me so personally."

A trace of joy could not help rising in Shisui's heart. He felt as though he had become a bridge connecting the village leadership and the Uchiha Clan, and that made him very happy.

Unable to suppress his excitement, Fugaku Uchiha asked again, "Did he mention what the visit was about?"

Although the Uchiha Clan had already established contact with the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, Minato Namikaze had only recently become the Fourth Hokage and held limited authority.

If they could establish ties with Orochimaru, the benefits to the Uchiha Clan would be immense.

Shisui replied, "Lord Orochimaru did not say so directly, but I suspect it may have something to do with the newly established Research Department."

Shisui stated his guess outright.

Fugaku Uchiha nodded thoughtfully.

This Research Department had been jointly established by Orochimaru and Hiruko.

It was mainly because Hiruko had performed exceptionally well during the Third Shinobi War that the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, agreed to the project.

Over this period, the Research Department had attracted the attention of many people, and the heads of every major clan were watching it closely.

Compared to the previous Hokage, the clan heads were more willing to consider what this department represented.

The Research Department was not merely private territory for Orochimaru and Hiruko. The newly appointed Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, was also the department's direct overseer.

It possessed the authority to mobilize, recruit, and train the corresponding ninja and personnel.

To date, only a handful of people in Konoha Village possessed such authority.

Orochimaru was indeed an elusive and difficult person to befriend, but Hiruko was far more approachable.

"Only..."

Thinking of Hiruko's unusual preferences, Fugaku Uchiha felt a headache coming on. How was he supposed to win Hiruko over?