Dancing with the Snake II

At that moment, Orochimaru's golden snake pupils suddenly contracted into thin slits.

His breathing nearly stopped in an instant! He eagerly looked down.

The contents of the scroll were highly logical, laying out a revolutionary concept:

Setting aside the natural reproductive process and directly using an individual's somatic cells as the foundation.

Through simulated specific environments and energy intervention, inducing the possibility of developing them into a complete new individual.

It involved concepts such as "cellular totipotency," "genetic information stability," and "the guiding effect of energy fields on development."

As well as "speculations on the relationship between clones and the original body in terms of chakra pathways and Bloodline Limits," 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 critical technical route and energy model construction.

The writing came to an abrupt halt, with the scroll ending at precisely the most enticing, most crucial point.

Orochimaru abruptly raised his head. The way he looked at Tianyi had completely changed.

It was no longer a condescending scrutiny, nor the appraisal of a promising junior.

Instead, it was the complex look of someone who had seen a "kindred spirit," an "intellectual soulmate."

Perhaps even a "guide" who could lead him toward deeper mysteries.

There was shock in that gaze, wild delight, greed, and deep 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, it carried less pressure and more of a strange warmth and excitement.

"Tianyi-kun... You truly never stop surprising me."

He carefully rolled up the scroll and tucked it into his sleeve as though it were a priceless treasure.

Then he looked at Tianyi leisurely, his tone returning to its usual calm. "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 uncover something.

Tianyi quietly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew the most dangerous hurdle had temporarily passed.

He skipped over the latter question and directly stated the terms of the deal:

"At present, I need to rapidly increase my strength to protect myself.

Although Teacher Tsunade's combat system is powerful, it does not completely suit my future direction.

Therefore, I need you to provide ninjutsu or knowledge compatible with my system, for a total of five slots."

"Additionally," Tianyi stressed.

"In the future, when I encounter a bottleneck while researching a particular ninjutsu.

I will need you, as a partner, to provide the 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 barely hesitated, and the smile on his lips deepened.

"Very fair terms. Agreed...

Then, what would you like to exchange for your five slots now?"

Tianyi had already prepared his answer.

"First, I need a systematic and efficient training plan and theoretical analysis.

For the nature transformation and shape transformation of Lightning-nature chakra.

This involves a deep understanding of the essence of lightning, so it counts as two slots."

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 stealth and infiltration abilities.

"Very practical choices. It seems you understand your own weaknesses well," Orochimaru commented. "No problem."

"For the last slot," Tianyi said cautiously, "I would like to reserve it for now and make my request when I have a definite need."

"A wise decision." Orochimaru seemed to appreciate this practice of keeping something in reserve.

He formed a simple hand seal, then pressed both hands against his abdomen. His throat bulged slightly.

The next moment, his mouth opened abnormally wide, beyond the limits of an ordinary person, like a snake before it swallowed its prey.

Immediately afterward, several wet scrolls slowly emerged from his mouth and were accurately tossed toward Tianyi.

Suppressing his psychological discomfort and a trace of nausea, Tianyi reached out and caught them.

The surface of the scrolls was still covered in warm slime. Although he knew this was Orochimaru's unique method of storing important items.

Knowing it was one thing, but actually touching them was still a little unbearable.

With the three scrolls in hand, Tianyi quickly checked their outlines and confirmed that there were no mistakes.

Then he took another scroll from his clothes. It recorded the remaining key technical route hypotheses of the cloning theory.

Orochimaru accepted it almost eagerly and quickly skimmed several lines.

An astonishing light burst from his eyes, as though a starving wolf had spotted flesh and blood.

He swiftly put it away, and the look he gave Tianyi was one of extreme satisfaction.

The transaction was complete.

With his back to Tianyi, Orochimaru slowly walked toward the edge of the forest. After taking several steps.

He stopped. Without turning around, he spoke:

"Tianyi-kun, it has been a pleasure working with you. Remember, in the exploration of ninjutsu, the mysteries of life, or any unconventional power.

If you encounter any difficulties, you may come find me at any time.

I am... very interested in your ideas."

With that, his figure melted into the shadows of the trees and vanished.

Tianyi remained where he was until he confirmed that Orochimaru had truly left, then let out a long breath.

His back was already completely soaked.

He looked at the three scrolls in his hand, still carrying traces of slime, and gave a bitter smile.

Although the process had been dangerous, he had achieved his goal.

Not only had he obtained the urgently needed ninjutsu and guidance in Lightning Release.

More importantly, he had established this cooperative relationship with Orochimaru based on knowledge.

That meant that within Leaf Village, aside from Tsunade, he now had another potential ally or source of resources.

Of course, dancing with a snake required the utmost caution.

He composed himself, carefully put away the scrolls, and turned to leave the dense forest.

Far away, within the shadow of a towering tree, Orochimaru's figure silently emerged.

He watched in the direction Tianyi had departed, his scarlet tongue slowly licking across his lips.

His golden vertical pupils glimmered with eerie, excited light in the dimness.

"Hinata Tianyi... Just how many interesting secrets are you hiding?

Hehehe... This is becoming more and more exciting."