At the mention of Impure World Reincarnation, Orochimaru went still for a moment, but soon recovered.
"Fugaku, you should know that Impure World Reincarnation has been classified as a Forbidden Technique since the Second Hokage's time. The leaders of the shinobi nations today would never accept a Ninjutsu that toys with the souls of the dead."
Fugaku smiled faintly. He knew Orochimaru was tempted—by both the fusion of seven chakra natures mentioned earlier and Impure World Reincarnation, especially the latter.
A Ninjutsu that summoned the souls of the dead back into the world was already somewhat close to immortality.
But Orochimaru still had reservations. After all, training in Impure World Reincarnation was forbidden in the village.
"You're right. Training in Impure World Reincarnation is forbidden. Have you found a way to live forever?"
"I haven't the slightest idea yet."
"Then I hope you find a way to extend your life soon."
With that, Fugaku turned and left the cliff, leaving Orochimaru alone with his thoughts.
It seemed Nawaki's death had already changed Orochimaru's thinking. It simply hadn't pushed him far enough yet.
In the original story, Orochimaru had witnessed the deaths of both Nawaki and Dan Katō, and Tsunade had fled Konoha after developing a fear of blood. Only then had he fallen completely and devoted himself to researching the Immortality Technique.
Now, less than a year after Nawaki's death, Orochimaru was already entertaining the idea.
It would be good for Orochimaru to encounter Forbidden Techniques early. If the Hokage discovered it, Orochimaru would probably defect at once. As the Hokage's disciple, his defection would deal a considerable blow to the Third Hokage's standing.
Fugaku left the cliffside, and Orochimaru soon rose to leave as well. Fugaku's words had unsettled him. He needed to rethink a few things.
At Security