At that moment, Orochimaru's golden snake eyes suddenly contracted into thin slits.
His breathing nearly stopped in an instant! He eagerly looked down.
The contents of the scroll were highly logical, expounding upon a revolutionary concept:
Discarding the natural reproductive process and directly using an individual's somatic cells as a foundation.
Through simulated specific environments and energy intervention, inducing the possibility of their development into a complete new individual.
It involved concepts such as "cellular totipotency," "genetic information stability," and "the guiding effects of energy fields on development."
"Speculations on the connection between a clone and its original body in terms of chakra pathways and Kekkei Genkai," and so on...
Some of these concepts coincided with the direction of certain forbidden studies Orochimaru had secretly pursued himself.
They were even more systematic and bolder! Some had opened entirely new doors of thought for him!
However, just as it reached the most crucial technical path and energy model construction.
The text came to an abrupt halt, the scroll ending at precisely the most enticing point, just before the core details.
Orochimaru abruptly raised his head. The way he looked at Tianyi had completely changed.
It was no longer a lofty appraisal, nor was it the assessment of a promising junior.
Instead, it was a complex gaze... as though he had seen a "kindred spirit," a "true confidant."
Perhaps even a "guide" who could lead him toward deeper and more distant mysteries.
There was shock in his eyes, wild joy, greed, and profound regret.
Regret that Tsunade had gotten there first, and even more regret that the scroll was incomplete.
"Hehehehe..." Orochimaru's laughter rang out again.
This time, however, it carried less pressure and more strange warmth and excitement.
"Tianyi-kun... you truly do keep giving me surprises."
He carefully rolled up the scroll, treating it like a priceless treasure as he tucked it into his sleeve.
Then, he calmly looked at Tianyi. His tone returned to its usual composure. "I agree.
Tell me your terms. And... I am very curious how you managed to research this far."
He stared intently at Tianyi, trying to discern something.
Tianyi silently breathed a sigh of relief, knowing the most dangerous hurdle had passed for now.
He skipped the latter question and directly laid out the terms of the transaction:
"At present, I need to quickly increase my strength to protect myself.
Although Teacher Tsunade's combat system is powerful, it is not entirely suited to my future direction.
Therefore, I need you to provide ninjutsu or knowledge suited to my system, for a total of five selections."
"In addition," Tianyi emphasized.
"In the future, when I encounter a bottleneck while researching a certain specific ninjutsu.
I will need you, as a partner, to provide necessary knowledge support, experimental ideas, or resource assistance."
"In exchange, I will provide the remaining portion of this theory, as well as opportunities for further discussion based on it in the future."
Orochimaru showed almost no hesitation, the smile on his lips deepening.
"Very fair terms. Agreed...
Then, those five selections—what would you like to exchange for now?"
Tianyi had already prepared his answer.
"First, I need a systematic and efficient training plan and theoretical analysis regarding Lightning Release chakra nature transformation and shape transformation.
This involves a deep understanding of the nature of lightning, so it counts as two selections."
Orochimaru nodded. "Research into Lightning Release? Very well."
"Second, two ninjutsu: Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique, and Earth Release: Earth Dragon Hide Technique."
Tianyi needed to make up for his concealment and stealth capabilities.
"Very practical choices. It seems you understand your weaknesses well." Orochimaru commented. "No problem."
"For the final selection," Tianyi said cautiously, "I will reserve it for now and make my request once I have a definite need."
"A wise decision." Orochimaru seemed to appreciate this habit of leaving himself a fallback.
He formed a simple hand seal, then pressed both hands against his abdomen. His throat bulged slightly.
The next moment, his mouth opened unnaturally wide, beyond the limits of an ordinary person, like a snake before swallowing its prey.
Then, several wet scrolls slowly emerged from his mouth and were tossed precisely toward Tianyi.
Suppressing his mental discomfort and a trace of nausea, Tianyi reached out and caught them.
The scrolls' surfaces were still coated in warm mucus. Although he knew this was Orochimaru's unique method of storing important items.
Knowing was one thing, but actually touching them was still rather unbearable.
After receiving the three scrolls, Tianyi quickly checked their outlines and confirmed that there were no mistakes.
He took another scroll from his clothes. It recorded the remaining key technical path speculations of the cloning theory.
Orochimaru accepted it almost eagerly and rapidly skimmed a few lines.
A startling gleam erupted in his eyes, as though a starving wolf had seen flesh and blood.
He swiftly put it away, his gaze toward Tianyi filled with utmost satisfaction.
The transaction was complete.
With his back to Tianyi, Orochimaru slowly walked out of the forest. After taking several steps.
He stopped without turning around, and his voice drifted back:
"Tianyi-kun, it has been a pleasant collaboration. Remember, in exploring ninjutsu, the mysteries of life, or any unconventional power.
If you encounter difficulties, you may come find me at any time.
I am... very interested in your ideas."
With that, his figure blended into the shadows of the trees and disappeared.
Tianyi stood where he was until he confirmed that Orochimaru had truly left, then let out a long breath.
His back was already completely soaked.
He glanced at the three scrolls in his hands, still carrying traces of mucus, and gave a bitter smile.
Although the process had been perilous, he had achieved his goal.
Not only had he obtained the urgently needed ninjutsu and Lightning Release guidance.
More importantly, he had established this cooperative relationship with Orochimaru based on knowledge.
This meant that within Leaf Village, aside from Tsunade, he now had another potential ally or resource repository.
Of course, dancing with a snake required extreme caution.
He gathered himself, carefully put away the scrolls, and turned to leave the dense forest.
Meanwhile, in the shadow of a large tree some distance away, Orochimaru's figure silently appeared.
He watched the direction Tianyi had left in, his crimson tongue slowly sliding across his lips.
His golden vertical pupils glimmered with an eerie, excited light in the dimness.
"Hyuga Tianyi... just how many interesting secrets are you hiding?
Hehehe... You truly are becoming more and more worth looking forward to."
Before you continue