The complex situation involving the Uchiha had temporarily put Orochimaru’s plan to leave Konoha on hold.
With such excellent research conditions available right now, it made far more sense to stay and openly study these mysterious Kekkei Genkai in depth.
No one in the Uchiha today can withstand the overwhelming power of Hashirama’s cells.
I have read ancient texts that speak of a secret power hidden within their history—the Mangekyō Sharingan.
The most famous wielder of all was the legendary Madara Uchiha, once the equal of the First Hokage himself.
“In my view, to truly counter the devouring nature of Hashirama’s cells, any Uchiha used as a test subject must at least possess the ability to awaken the Mangekyō.
Otherwise, they will be no different from any other ordinary specimen,” Orochimaru said coldly.
At this stage, his research had not yet reached the point where he cared nothing for consequences.
More importantly, the Uchiha’s influence ran deep and wide, making them a difficult force to handle.
No one knew exactly how many pairs of Mangekyō lay hidden within the clan, which was why opportunities to study the Sharingan were so rare.
“Is that why you went to see Shisui?”
Orochimaru’s lips curled into a knowing smile.
“Shisui’s potential is boundless.
He may very well have what it takes to one day awaken the Mangekyō.”
“The Uchiha have always been a stubborn, proud people.
If they discover we are researching their bloodline limit, there is no telling what desperate measures they might take.”
Hikuro was fully focused on refining his own techniques, and had no desire to provoke the Uchiha at such a critical moment.
“Are you worried I will resort to forceful methods?
Remember—during the war, Danzō also collected the bodies of fallen Uchiha shinobi.”
Relax.
I do not know exactly what my teacher truly intends, but as long as I can bring more people onto my side, everything will work out.
Show them real, tangible benefits, and anything can be negotiated.
The Uchiha have always craved power above all else, and their wealth in Konoha is second to none.
If I can offer them greater strength, striking a deal will be simple.
“So you plan to frame this as a project to help them awaken and master their Sharingan correctly?”
“Hah! This story is hosted at g.com.
Hikuro, you understand human desires even better than I do.
That excuse is absolutely perfect!” Orochimaru’s eyes lit up with excitement.
In fact, it was not only the Uchiha—getting something from other clans with Kekkei Genkai was far easier than prying resources out of Danzō.
To a shinobi, the pursuit of power was almost instinctive.
If they could achieve greater strength for a reasonable price, it was a bargain no one would refuse.
Just then, one of Hikuro’s attendants entered, carrying a tray with a special device upon it.
A look of faint regret crossed Orochimaru’s face, and he stood up to take his leave.
Obsessed with worldly pleasures… does he still stand a chance of attaining immortality?
Orochimaru wondered silently.
Still, he thought, Hikuro had helped him many times.
If he himself succeeded in his quest for eternal life, he would leave a share of that opportunity for his companion.
After all, walking the same path was always less lonely when shared with a fellow seeker.
As soon as Orochimaru left, the gentle smile Hikuro wore for outsiders vanished.
He took the specially made item from the maid’s hands.
Before long, the sound of heavy chains clashing and rattling began to echo repeatedly from inside his largest bedroom.
Nohara Rin pressed herself against the wall, listening closely.
Her face flushed bright red, and she clutched her chest, her heart racing as her mind wandered into a whirl of confused thoughts.
The trauma of his childhood—the sight of his parents screaming in agony before his eyes—had dragged Hikuro, once an ordinary man from another world, into an abyss of endless darkness.
Combined with the immense pressure of his research, he could only release his pent-up rage and frustration upon Yagura.
Whenever he did so, the cold, sinister chakra that surrounded him was a clear reflection of his twisted inner state.
Yet no matter what suspicions lingered, no one had proof.
To the outside world, Hikuro was a compassionate, skilled medical shinobi and a reliable senior who looked out for everyone.
The mechanical prosthetics he had developed allowed countless injured shinobi to return to work, and some advanced models even enabled those who had lost limbs to rejoin the battlefield. Follow the newest chapters on novelping.com.
And since his victims were almost exclusively shinobi from other villages, no one in Konoha wanted to offend the man who had brought so much benefit to their own.
Besides—these were considered “small matters” in the grand scheme of things.
It would be wrong to discredit a man who embodied the Will of Fire so strongly.
“Are you certain Orochimaru wishes to visit me?” Fugaku Uchiha asked, looking at Shisui with a look of uncertainty.
“I swear it is true—Lord Orochimaru told me himself,” Shisui replied firmly.
A flicker of pride rose in Shisui’s heart.
He felt as though he was becoming a vital bridge between the clan and the village leadership, and that thought brought him great satisfaction.
Fugaku could barely contain his excitement.
“Did he say what this visit is regarding?”
Though the Uchiha had recently begun to build a relationship with the new Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, Minato still held limited authority at this early stage.
If they could also forge a connection with Orochimaru, it would open up enormous advantages for the clan.
“He did not state it directly,” Shisui answered, “but I suspect it has something to do with the newly established Research & Development Division.”
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully.
The division had been founded jointly by Orochimaru and Hikuro, and its creation was only approved because Hikuro’s contributions during the Third Great Ninja War had been so outstanding.
In a short time, it had drawn the attention of every major clan in the village.
Unlike the previous Hokage, the clan leaders were now carefully considering what this new department truly represented.
It was not merely a private project for Orochimaru and Hikuro; the Fourth Hokage himself served as its direct supervisor, granting it the authority to recruit, assign, and train personnel—powers held by only a handful of people in Konoha.
Orochimaru was indeed a complex, unpredictable figure, but Hikuro was far more approachable and well-liked.
“However…”
Fugaku frowned, thinking of Hikuro’s notorious preferences.
How could he possibly win over someone like him?
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