A Deal with Orochimaru

Before the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, Amegakure.

The chakra vortex from the seventh Phantom Dragon Nine Seals gradually subsided. Chomei, the Seven-Tails' immense chakra, had been completely extracted, compressed, and sealed into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. Its seventh eye lit up. The statue's eerie glow brightened further, and the pressure emanating from the very roots of the world left everyone involved in the sealing unable to breathe.

Neji slowly withdrew the chakra sustaining the seal, his face paler than usual. Having participated in seven consecutive Tailed Beast sealings had pushed the burden on his body to a critical threshold. More importantly, he could feel the unrest of the Improved Earth Curse Mark within him—under such intense, prolonged chakra output and suppression, the drugs' restraint over the Improved Earth Curse Mark was weakening, while the risk of backlash was increasing.

"The sealing is complete." Pain's Deva Path spoke without a ripple of emotion. "The Seven-Tails has been captured. We now possess seven Tailed Beasts. The Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails remain."

Zetsu emerged from the ground. "According to intelligence, Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, rarely leaves Kumogakure. The Raikage guards him personally. As for Uzumaki Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki... his whereabouts are unknown. Konoha is suspected of hiding him."

"His whereabouts are unknown?" Deidara clicked his tongue in displeasure. "Zetsu, your intelligence work is slipping, yeah!"

"Konoha strengthened its information blockade after the Seven-Tails was taken." Zetsu's strange, grating voice sounded. "But... as long as he is still in the Shinobi World, we will find him sooner or later."

Pain's Rinnegan swept across the group. "Everyone, rest for a while."

The members dispersed one after another. Just as Neji was about to leave, Pain called out to him.

"'Sake,' your chakra fluctuations are unstable."

Neji's heart tightened, but his voice beneath the mask remained steady. "The consecutive sealings consumed a great deal. I need time to recover."

Pain watched him for a moment before speaking slowly. "You have seven days of leave. In seven days, you must return to peak condition. The final operation will require every bit of combat strength."

"Yes."

Neji bowed and withdrew. As he left the tower, he felt several gazes on his back—Itachi Uchiha's calm scrutiny, Kisame's amused appraisal, and Tobi's seemingly nonsensical yet deeply probing glance. In a place like the Akatsuki, any weakness could become a fatal opening.

He could not wait any longer. Neji made his decision. The Improved Earth Curse Mark had to be dealt with. Otherwise, it could become the most unstable factor in the coming final operation, perhaps even exposing his true identity and intentions.

Returning to his temporary residence, Neji quickly set up a barrier and took out a special summoning scroll for contacting Orochimaru. He wrote on it with chakra:

"Lord Orochimaru, the Seven-Tails sealing is complete. Chakra conversion has reached 100%, Hashirama Cells are stable, and Byakugan evolution has stalled. The Improved Earth Curse Mark within me is showing signs of instability. I request a meeting. Coordinates: old shrine in eastern Land of Rivers, noon three days from now."

The scroll dissolved into motes of light. Neji removed his mask and looked at the face in the mirror—a face that belonged to Neji Hyuga, yet was more mature and resolute than he remembered. It had been nearly three years since he had crossed into this world. From a gifted Branch House prodigy bound by the Caged Bird and filled with resentment toward the world, to "Sake," lurking deep within the Akatsuki, the path he had walked had been more winding than anyone's.

Orochimaru... Neji's gaze was complicated. This dangerous, mad, yet brilliant man had been his first "partner" in this world—and, in a sense, his "mentor." Without the knowledge, resources, and experiments that skirted the edge of taboo provided by Orochimaru, he could never have reached his current level of strength in just a few years—complete conversion of all chakra natures, perfect fusion with Hashirama Cells, the Eight Gates trained to the sixth gate, Ryūchi Cave Sage Arts, and his self-developed Kekkei Genkai, Petrifying Touch.

But cooperation had never been equal. The Improved Earth Curse Mark Orochimaru had planted in him was an invisible shackle and surveillance device. And now, it was time to renegotiate.

Three days later, eastern Land of Rivers, at an ancient shrine abandoned long ago.

Deep within the shrine, dim candlelight illuminated weathered murals. Orochimaru stood before a crude laboratory table, his pale fingers adjusting the settings on some instrument. Kabuto Yakushi stood behind him, his glasses reflecting the candlelight.

Space warped, and Neji emerged from a summoning formation. He wore the Akatsuki's black cloak with red clouds, but had removed his mask, revealing his true face.

"Welcome back, Neji." Orochimaru did not turn around. His hoarse voice carried its distinctive hissing undertone. "You arrived fifteen minutes early. Very punctual."

"Lord Orochimaru." Neji bowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over Kabuto. Kabuto pushed up his glasses and offered a professional smile.

"Then let us begin." Orochimaru finally turned around. His golden vertical pupils resembled the eyes of a real snake in the dim light. "Let me see what changes more than a year of 'training' in the Akatsuki has brought you."

The next two hours consisted of a comprehensive and thorough physical examination.

Neji was instructed to enter a detection array covered in runes, while various instruments were connected to key acupuncture points across his body. Orochimaru personally operated them, recording every piece of data.

"Total chakra volume... increased 47% since the last examination, reaching mid-Kage Level. Nature transformation... earth, water, fire, wind, lightning, yin, yang. Conversion of all attributes complete. Balance rate 92%. Excellent."

"Hashirama Cell fusion rate... 98.7%. Nearly perfect symbiosis. Wood Release activity continues to increase, but it still cannot be actively triggered."

"Physical strength... muscle density, bone hardness, and neural response speed have all reached the peak of Jonin level, approaching Kage Level. Eight Gates training has reached the sixth gate. You can reliably open the Gate of View. There is a record of opening the seventh Gate of Wonder, but the burden was immense."

"Byakugan..." Orochimaru stared at the instrument's readings, his brow faintly furrowed. "Evolution level... almost zero. Conventional stimulation is ineffective. Hashirama Cells, Sage Arts, and high-intensity combat have all failed to trigger any obvious evolution. The bottleneck is sturdier than expected."

Finally, Orochimaru focused on the back of Neji's neck—where the markings of the Improved Earth Curse Mark flickered in and out of sight.

"Curse Mark activity... unstable." Orochimaru's finger lightly touched the mark, making Neji's body tremble slightly. "You have been continually suppressing it with Natural Energy, but that is only a temporary solution. The essence of the Curse Mark is an extension of the Sage Art Chakra I created. If I wish it, I can activate it at any time, even... directly control your body."

His voice was calm, but the threat within it was unmistakable.

The examination ended. Neji stepped out of the array and put his robe back on. Orochimaru looked at the data report in his hand, his eyes gleaming with a researcher's particular excitement.

"Remarkable progress, Neji." He licked his lips. "Chakra of every attribute, Hashirama Cells, Sage Arts adaptability... you are evolving in an unprecedented direction. If your Byakugan breaks through this bottleneck, you may become a more perfect 'vessel' than either the Uchiha Clan or Senju Clan."

The word "vessel" made Neji's heart tighten, but his expression remained calm. "None of this would have been possible without Lord Orochimaru's help."

"We merely use each other." Orochimaru handed the report to Kabuto. "All right, Kabuto. Go prepare the culture solution for the next batch of test subjects. Neji and I... have private matters to discuss."

Kabuto bowed respectfully and turned to leave. The instant he stepped out of the shrine, Orochimaru formed hand seals, and an invisible barrier enveloped the entire inner hall. It blocked sound, chakra fluctuations, and even abnormalities in light—this was a barrier for the highest level of confidential discussion.

Now, only the two of them remained in the depths of the shrine.

The candle flames flickered, stretching and twisting their shadows across the walls.

"So, Neji." Orochimaru slowly walked to a stone chair and sat down, as elegant as a coiled snake. "You specifically requested this meeting. You did not come merely to report data, did you? What do you want to discuss?"

Neji did not answer immediately. He walked to stand across from Orochimaru but did not sit. Instead, he remained on his feet, staring directly into those snake eyes. "Two matters. First, I want the complete method for training in the Flying Thunder God Technique."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow slightly. "Flying Thunder God? The S-rank space-time ninjutsu developed by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, one of Konoha's forbidden techniques. Why do you think I have it?"

"You were once one of Konoha's Three Sannin and participated in forbidden technique research. Besides..." Neji paused. "You are interested in every powerful technique. There is no way you would not have collected information on the Flying Thunder God. Even if you lack the complete version, you should have enough clues and principles."

Orochimaru was silent for around five seconds, then let out a quiet laugh. "Interesting. Very well. I can give you the Flying Thunder God Technique's information. In exchange... you should have brought back sufficiently valuable intelligence from the Akatsuki this time, correct?"

"A detailed analysis of the Six Paths of Pain's abilities, intelligence on the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, assessments of the Akatsuki's remaining members, and... the progress of the Tailed Beast sealings and their future plans." Neji spoke calmly. "Is that enough?"

A glint flashed through Orochimaru's golden pupils. "Enough. And the second matter?"

Neji took a deep breath. This was the crucial one.

"I ask that you remove the Improved Earth Curse Mark from my body."

The shrine instantly fell into dead silence.

The candle flames crackled. Orochimaru's expression did not change, but the temperature in his snake eyes abruptly dropped below freezing. The air seemed to solidify as invisible pressure spread through the chamber.

After a long while, Orochimaru finally spoke, his voice dangerously gentle. "Why?"

Neji forced himself to remain calm as he met Orochimaru's gaze. "Because I no longer need it. My Sage Arts have already reached mastery. I can use Natural Energy to strengthen myself, and the Earth Curse Mark is nothing but a useless burden to me. More importantly... it is a hidden danger."

"A hidden danger?" Orochimaru smiled, a cold smile devoid of warmth. "Are you worried... that I will control you through the Curse Mark? Or are you planning to escape my control, Neji?"

"It is cooperation, not control." Neji corrected him. "Lord Orochimaru, we have always been partners. I provide you with research data and Akatsuki intelligence, while you provide me with knowledge, resources, and the possibility of removing the Caged Bird. But now, the Curse Mark is affecting my growth in strength and my infiltration mission."

He paused, then continued, "My position in the Akatsuki is already secure. The next stage will be the final operation—capturing the remaining Tailed Beasts. I cannot afford any risk of exposure during that process. The Curse Mark's instability is a risk."

Orochimaru leaned forward slightly, candlelight casting strange shadows over his face. "That sounds nice. But why should I agree to reclaim the Curse Mark? Without it, how can I ensure your 'loyalty'? How can I ensure you continue giving me what I want?"

"Because you need me." Neji's voice grew firm. "You need me as a 'research subject,' to witness the entire process of the Byakugan's evolution and the breaking of the Caged Bird. That is more valuable."

"And..." Neji shifted the subject, "in return for reclaiming the Curse Mark, I can promise this: after you fail to take over Sasuke's body, I will help revive you at the appropriate time."

Orochimaru's body stiffened slightly at those words.

Silence once again filled the shrine, but this silence differed from before—it held a trace of surprise, a trace of amusement, and... a trace of killing intent.

"Take over... and fail?" Orochimaru's voice became exceedingly soft, each word like a venomous snake flicking its tongue. "Neji, you seem very confident in my Living Corpse Reincarnation... confident that it will fail, at least."

Neji could feel cold sweat seep down his back, but he could not retreat. "I am merely analyzing the actual situation. Lord Orochimaru, the Third Hokage sealed your hands with the Reaper Death Seal, weakening your strength. Meanwhile, Sasuke's strength has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past three years. His Sharingan has evolved into the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, and more importantly..."

He looked Orochimaru directly in the eyes. "The Uchiha Clan's spiritual power is already formidable, and the Sharingan is the external manifestation of spiritual energy. Taking over a body is fundamentally a contest on the spiritual level. Against an Uchiha prodigy at the peak of his mental state, possessing a Three-Tomoe Sharingan, how certain are you?"

Orochimaru did not answer, but Neji could see his fingers slowly tighten.

"Of course," Neji softened his tone, "this is only a contingency plan for the worst-case scenario. If Lord Orochimaru successfully takes over his body, that would naturally be best. But if... by some chance, you fail, I will ensure your revival. Mitaraishi Anko has your Curse Mark within her. I will protect her safety. She is your 'backup' for revival."

Another long silence followed.

Orochimaru slowly rose and walked over to Neji. He was slightly shorter than Neji, but the pressure he radiated made it difficult for Neji to breathe.

"You have considered everything carefully, Neji." Orochimaru's voice carried a peculiar note of approval. "So carefully that... it does not resemble the way a sixteen-year-old should think. Sometimes, I even wonder whether you can foresee the future."

Neji's heart tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. "I simply make a habit of preparing for the worst."

"Is that so?" Orochimaru's snake eyes fixed on Neji, as if he intended to see through his eyes and into his soul. "Then tell me: if I refuse to reclaim the Curse Mark, what will you do?"

Neji fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "I will use Sage Art energy to forcibly suppress and expel the Curse Mark. But that will take time, and it may cause irreversible damage to my body, perhaps even affect the possibility of Byakugan evolution. That benefits neither of us."

"Are you threatening me?" Orochimaru laughed, his eerie, icy laughter echoing through the shrine.

"No. I am stating facts." Neji spoke calmly. "Lord Orochimaru, our cooperation has always been pleasant. You gave me strength and knowledge; I gave you research data and intelligence. But now, the Curse Mark has become an obstacle to that cooperation. Remove it, and we can build a more equal and more stable partnership."

He took a deep breath and put forth his final bargaining chip. "As proof of my sincerity, I promise this: even if the Curse Mark is removed, I will remain your research subject. I will grant you full access to the entire process of the Byakugan's evolution and the breaking of the Caged Bird. You will witness firsthand how a Hyuga Branch Family shinobi breaks a shackle that has endured for a thousand years—is that not a researcher's greatest delight?"

Orochimaru's smile gradually faded. He stepped back several paces and sat down in the stone chair again, lightly tapping the armrest with his fingers.

"The Flying Thunder God Technique's information... plus witnessing the entire process of Byakugan evolution through you... and the possibility of 'revival assistance' in the future..." Orochimaru murmured, as if weighing the terms. "In exchange for reclaiming one Improved Earth Curse Mark..."

He suddenly lifted his head, a chilling light gleaming in his golden vertical pupils. "Neji, you have already discovered that Sage Art energy can suppress, even cancel out, the Improved Curse Mark's effects, haven't you?"

Neji's heart jolted, but he nodded honestly. "Yes. Sage Art energy is similar to the Curse Mark's energy, but of a higher level. As long as I continue training in Sage Mode, the Curse Mark's influence over me will grow weaker and weaker."

"Smart." Orochimaru nodded approvingly. "That is why you dared to come negotiate with me. Because even if I refused, you would have a way out—though it would be a difficult path."

He stood and walked to the window, looking out at the desolate landscape beyond the shrine. Moonlight fell over his pale face, making him appear especially eerie.

"Do you know, Neji?" Orochimaru spoke with his back to him, his voice distant. "I have spent my life pursuing immortality, pursuing every truth in this world. I have conducted countless experiments and seen countless people, but you are the most unusual one—not because of your talent, but because of your 'clarity.'"

"Most people become either arrogant or addicted after gaining power. But you are different. You clearly know what you want, clearly know the cost of every step, and clearly know... how to make a deal with the devil."

He turned around, his golden vertical pupils like two ghostly flames in the moonlight. "I agree."

A huge weight lifted from Neji's heart, but before he could relax, Orochimaru's next words made him tense again.

"However, there are several conditions."

"First." Orochimaru raised one pale finger. "I will give you the Flying Thunder God Technique's information, but you must gain a preliminary grasp of its basic principles within one month and report the data from your training back to me."

"Second, I must record the entire process of the Byakugan's evolution. You must return regularly for examinations, and you cannot conceal anything."

"Third, regarding your promise of 'revival assistance'..." The corner of Orochimaru's mouth curled into a strange smile. "Words alone are not enough. We need a contract."

He took an ancient scroll from his robes and unfurled it. It was covered in densely packed curse markings, with a snake-shaped contract seal at its center.

"This is the Snake Contract, a binding pact established through the Sage Arts of Ryūchi Cave," Orochimaru explained. "Once it is signed, its terms will directly bind the soul. If either party breaches it... their soul will suffer eternal corrosion from snake venom."

Neji carefully read the contents of the scroll. Its clauses were roughly as follows:

1. Orochimaru would remove the Improved Earth Curse Mark from Neji's body within three days.

2. Neji had to gain a preliminary grasp of Flying Thunder God fundamentals within one month and provide his training data.

3. Neji had to undergo regular examinations by Orochimaru and open the process of Byakugan evolution for research.

4. If Orochimaru failed to take over Sasuke's body, Neji had to assist Orochimaru's revival within three years. Orochimaru would specify and prepare the revival materials in advance.

5. Neji had to protect Mitaraishi Anko's safety and ensure that the Curse Mark in her body was not removed by others.

6. Neither party could directly endanger the other's life in any form.

The terms were relatively fair, but the binding of the soul made Neji hesitate. Once signed, there would be no going back.

"What, you do not dare?" Orochimaru chuckled. "Or were your earlier promises... merely empty words?"

Neji looked at the scroll, then at Orochimaru. He knew this was a step he had to take. Without the guarantee of a contract, Orochimaru would never easily remove the Curse Mark. And without its removal, his infiltration of the Akatsuki would always carry the risk of exposure, while the plans that followed would be difficult to carry out.

I'll gamble.

Neji bit his thumb and pressed his bloody fingerprint onto the scroll's contract seal. "I sign."

Satisfaction flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He likewise bit his thumb and pressed down his blood seal. The scroll erupted with an eerie green light. The curse markings seemed to come alive, turning into the phantoms of two small snakes that burrowed into Neji's and Orochimaru's foreheads respectively.

In an instant, Neji felt an invisible restraint appear deep within his soul, as though an icy snake had coiled there. Yet at the same time, he sensed the binding sensation from the Curse Mark on the back of his neck weakening—the contract had taken effect, and Orochimaru was beginning to fulfill his promise.

"Very good." Orochimaru put away the scroll. "Now, we will remove the Curse Mark. This process will be somewhat painful, so prepare yourself."

Neji sat cross-legged and closed his eyes. Orochimaru formed hand seals and pressed his hands to the back of Neji's neck. A cold, sinister, yet utterly familiar chakra surged from the Curse Mark. It was the Sage Art Chakra Orochimaru had created.

Pain like ten thousand needles piercing his marrow at once swept through him. Neji clenched his teeth, every muscle in his body tensing as sweat instantly soaked his clothes. He could feel the Curse Mark's power, which had dwelled within him for three years, being forcibly extracted. Every thread peeled away with searing pain.

Yet at the same time, he felt an unprecedented sense of ease—the feeling of constantly being watched and bound was disappearing.

The entire process lasted around ten minutes. When Orochimaru withdrew his hand, the Curse Mark pattern on the back of Neji's neck had completely vanished, leaving behind only smooth skin.

"It is complete." Orochimaru's voice carried a trace of fatigue. "The Improved Earth Curse Mark has been reclaimed."

Neji opened his eyes and felt an unprecedented freedom flowing through his body. With the contract binding them, the two could cooperate as equals.

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru," Neji said sincerely.

Orochimaru waved a hand and took a scroll from his robes, tossing it to Neji. "This contains the Flying Thunder God Technique's basic principles and part of its training methods. The complete version... I will arrange for Kabuto to send it to you later."

Neji caught the scroll and carefully put it away.

"Then you may leave." Orochimaru sat back down in the stone chair, returning to his usual composed posture. "Remember the terms of the contract. When we meet next, I hope to see your progress with Flying Thunder God and... new data on the Byakugan's evolution."

"Yes."

Neji bowed, turned, and prepared to leave. When he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped and looked back. "Lord Orochimaru, about taking over Sasuke... are you truly prepared?"

Orochimaru's golden vertical pupils flickered in the candlelight. "Prepared? One can never have enough of that. But time... is running out."

His voice was quiet, carrying a rare emotion that was almost wistful.

Neji asked no more and stepped out of the shrine. Moonlight washed over him, cool and free.

The burning sensation of the Curse Mark was gone from the back of his neck forever, and the chakra circulating through his body had never flowed so smoothly. Although the Snake Contract now bound his soul, compared with the Curse Mark's direct control, this was already a tremendous improvement.

Next... came the final stage. Neji looked toward Amegakure. The Akatsuki would launch its final operation against the remaining Tailed Beasts, and amid that final chaos, he would find an opportunity to seize the Ten-Tails Chakra.

At the same time, he had to begin training in Flying Thunder God, continue advancing the Byakugan's evolution, and accumulate strength for his ultimate goal.

In the darkness of night, Neji's figure became a black shadow and vanished into the wilderness of the Land of Rivers.

Inside the shrine, Orochimaru sat quietly in the stone chair, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest.

"Kabuto," he called softly.

Kabuto Yakushi stepped out of the shadows. "Lord Orochimaru."

"Tell me, Kabuto... how much does Neji truly know?" Orochimaru's voice was distant. "He seems able to foresee the future. He even anticipated that I might fail to take over Sasuke's body."

Kabuto pushed up his glasses. "He is indeed unlike ordinary people. But no matter what, he is now a contract bearer. He cannot escape the Snake Contract's restraint."

"Yes..." Orochimaru smiled, a smile full of anticipation. "But that is what makes it interesting, is it not? A young man who can foresee danger and dares to make a deal with the devil... how far will his future path take him? It is truly something to look forward to."

The candle flames flickered, casting their shadows onto the weathered walls like ghosts.

The deal was complete, and the contract had been established.

The storm of the Shinobi World was about to enter its final and most violent stage.

The road ahead remained perilous, but at least... he had reclaimed part of his freedom.