Orochimaru stared at him for several more seconds. The sharpness in his eyes gradually faded, and the invisible pressure dissipated with it.
He chuckled again and waved a hand.
"Never mind." Orochimaru turned and walked toward the laboratory bench. "Danzo and I were merely partners using each other. You, at least, are my student."
The meaning was clear.
I may suspect you, but Danzo's death costs me nothing. You're my student, and as long as you don't threaten my interests, I can't be bothered to investigate further.
As far as our relationship goes, you, Uchiha Makoto, matter more than that scheming old bastard Danzo.
Uchiha Makoto inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, though his expression remained respectful. "You see things clearly, Sensei."
"Recently, my experiments have hit a few bottlenecks." Orochimaru picked up a scroll containing recorded data, his tone returning to a researcher's dispassionate calm. "Maintaining cellular activity and achieving stable fusion of chakra attributes, in particular. Makoto, have you had any new ideas or discoveries?"
Uchiha Makoto's mind raced.
Orochimaru had stopped questioning him about Danzo and taken the initiative to ask about his research. This was a signal of reconciliation-or perhaps a tacit understanding.
He would have to offer something in return to preserve both their bond as teacher and student and their partnership as researchers.
"I have indeed made a few scattered discoveries lately." Uchiha Makoto did not hold back.
During this time, he had materialized a great deal of "knowledge" about human experimentation, cell fusion, and chakra nature transformation, on top of the practical experience he had gained by successfully implanting asura cells into Pakura.
He did have a few peripheral findings on hand that he could share.
More importantly, to improve Orochimaru's opinion of him and earn his trust, he had previously contributed ideas