Chapter 107 Orchimaru quest for immortality is useless
Orochimaru wrapped his coat tightly around himself and slowly stood up, using his pocket for support.
With a faint smile, he murmured, "As expected of the Sharingan... as expected of the Uchiha!"
"I admit my defeat in this battle."
"So from now on... I will join your forces and follow your command!"
**"Oh?"**
Kaito smirked. "I thought that, as a senior, you might deny your defeat at the hands of a junior like me."
"It seems that Senior Orochimaru is still a man of principle. I won't even need to use my plan B."**
"Heh, I still have some credibility," Orochimaru chuckled dryly.
Kaito merely smiled, saying nothing more.
Having thoroughly crushed Orochimaru in battle, he naturally wouldn't feel threatened. But if he couldn't completely suppress Orochimaru in the future, things might change. In the end, strength was the deciding factor in everything.
But Kaito had absolute confidence in his power.
Without further ado, he turned and walked toward the nearest town.
"Let's go. We'll get some proper clothes first, and then…"
"I'll introduce you to an old friend."
"Oh? An old friend?"Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
While keeping pace with Kaito, his mind quickly analyzed the situation. He knew Kaito was interested in him, but it wasn't because of his combat prowess. No, what truly made him valuable was his vast knowledge and research in the ninja world.
As for this so-called "old friend,"—there were only two people in the ninja world who fit that description: Jiraiya and Tsunade, his fellow Sannin.
Jiraiya was an immediate no. He would never side with a rogue ninja-like Kaito, no matter how dissatisfied he was with Konoha. That left only Tsunade, who resented Konoha's higher-ups to the core.
Moreover, Tsunade's medical skills were unrivaled. If Kaito wanted her on his side, it was understandable.
Realizing this, Orochimaru smirked. **"I didn't expect Tsunade to join you."**
**"It seems she has truly severed ties with Konoha."**
**"You're quite perceptive,"** Kaito replied with a knowing smile, tacitly confirming Orochimaru's guess.
**"However, Tsunade hasn't completely cut ties with Konoha. Her one condition for joining me was that I spare the ignorant villagers."**
Orochimaru scoffed, shaking his head. **"She's still as naive as ever."**
**"For the Senju Clan, there are no innocent people in Konoha."**
Kaito nodded slightly. **"At least you see the reality of things."**
A heavy silence settled between them, with only their footsteps echoing through the surroundings. Neither of them spoke, and the ever-watchful Kabuto behind them wisely kept his mouth shut as well.
After a long pause, Orochimaru finally broke the silence.
**"If I were to go back on my word and resist your control..."**
He narrowed his eyes. **"What was your plan B, which you would use to make me submit?"
Kaito stopped in his tracks.
Orochimaru followed suit, curiosity flashing in his golden eyes. **"I'd like to know."**
Kaito turned around, amusement flickering on his face.
His Sharingan was already active, the three tomoe spinning slowly. **"Then let me show you."**
In an instant, the three tomoe transformed into a swirling kaleidoscope.
Orochimaru's consciousness went dark.
---
In the depths of the spiritual world, Orochimaru's eyes fluttered open.
Before him, Kaito stood with an expressionless gaze.
Orochimaru instinctively examined his surroundings. A moment later, he sighed. **"Is this the unique ocular technique of the Mangekyō Sharingan?"**
**"I was trapped before I even realized it."**
**"No matter how much I struggle, I can't escape this illusion."**
His lips curled slightly. **"Kaito-kun, it seems your genjutsu skills are unparalleled in the ninja world."**
Kaito let out a soft chuckle. **"You think this is my Mangekyō's special ability?"**
**"Isn't it?"**
Orochimaru frowned in confusion.
Kaito's smirk widened. **"This is merely a basic illusion. I only infused some additional ocular power to stabilize it."**
**"Even so, its strength rivals high-level illusions."**
Orochimaru's pupils shrank. **"What?!"**
Kaito shook his head. **"Haven't you noticed? Your soul is already damaged."**
**"Even a regular Jōnin proficient in genjutsu could trap you now."**
**"You may not be completely defeated, but you wouldn't be able to fight back, either."**
**"Genjutsu... is now your greatest weakness."**
Orochimaru's face paled slightly.
He had only just begun experimenting with his Reincarnation Jutsu and hadn't realized the technique's side effects. It was consuming his very soul.
**"I know you're researching the Reincarnation Jutsu,"**
Kaito continued. **"It grants extended life, which is undoubtedly tempting."**
**"But it comes at a cost. Your soul deteriorates with each reincarnation. When it's completely consumed, you will die."**
**"You'd best abandon this technique while you still can."**
Orochimaru's expression twisted with anger and reluctance. **"Then... all my years of effort have been for nothing?!"**
**"Is true immortality even possible in this world?!"**
Kaito locked eyes with him, his tone unwavering. **"Yes."**
**"And I know exactly how to attain it."**
**"This world is too vast, Orochimaru. Your vision is too narrow."**
**"If you truly seek immortality, then serve me wholeheartedly. Sooner or later, I will lead you to the path of eternal life."**
Kaito wasn't bluffing.
The Ōtsutsuki Clan possessed a method of pseudo-immortality—though imperfect, it was still far superior to Orochimaru's crude technique.
If Orochimaru remained obedient, Kaito wouldn't mind granting him this knowledge in the future.
Orochimaru fell silent, his mind wavering.
He had never intended to serve Kaito loyally. Given the chance, he would betray him without hesitation.
But the promise of true immortality... that was too tempting.
In the end, Orochimaru exhaled sharply and nodded. **"Very well. I believe you."**
Kaito clapped his hands, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. **"Good. You'll come to realize—this will be the smartest choice you've ever made."**
**"Let's return."**
As he prepared to break the illusion, Orochimaru suddenly spoke up. **"Wait."**
Kaito arched a brow. "What is it?"
Orochimaru's gaze was solemn. "You never did tell me what your contingency plan was."
Kaito chuckled. "Have you ever heard of *Kotoamatsukami*?"
Orochimaru's breath hitched.
"This technique can forcibly rewrite a person's will," Kaito explained. "Once afflicted, you can never break free—not unless you surpass my strength."
"I don't like using such coercive methods," he admitted.
"But your talent makes an exception worth considering."
Orochimaru chuckled, a rare, genuine smile appearing on his face.
"I see."
---
After returning to the village with Orochimaru and Kabuto, Kaito announced that he would be going into seclusion for a year.
Without a second glance at Terumi Mei's resentful glare, Kaito turned and left the Land of Water. "Let the ministers handle the paperwork," he muttered to himself. "It's not like there's much to govern anyway."
He paused for a moment, then called back over his shoulder, "Sorry, everyone. I'm heading out for a bit. I'll make it up to you all somehow—promise."
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