Orochimaru's Hidden Interest in the Brain-Brain Fruit

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Kaito raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's this? Interested in the Rinnegan? Thinking of studying it?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Orochimaru replied with a shrug and a smirk.

After all, it's the legendary Eye of the Gods. Who wouldn't be interested?

"Well, you're going to be disappointed for now," Kaito said, shaking his head slightly. "Uzumaki Nagato does exist. During the attack on Uzushiogakure by the three major villages, Black Zetsu captured his entire family."

"The Rinnegan is likely already implanted in Nagato at this point."

"But when I used my teleportation ability to scan all of the Land of Rain earlier, I didn't find any trace of him or his family."

"Clearly, Black Zetsu has hidden them for now. That guy isn't stupid. Ever since he noticed we developed countermeasures against him, he's been getting more cautious."

"Even after we started a war with the Land of Rain, there's no way he'd risk us finding the Rinnegan."

"So, if you want to study it, you'll have to wait until we locate it in the future."

"Or, wait until someone from the Uchiha clan successfully awakens the Rinnegan."

"Alternatively, you could dive into the topic of artificially creating bloodline traits. Maybe, in the future, you could develop a special Uchiha bloodline serum."

"With that, you could awaken the Sharingan—or even evolve it to the Rinnegan—on your own and conduct your research."

Because of Kaito's presence, many things had already deviated from the original timeline, including the fate of Nagato and his family.

However, Kaito suspected Nagato's parents had likely been arranged to die by Black Zetsu.

He also hadn't found any trace of Konan or Yahiko in the Land of Rain.

That was unusual.

Surely, they hadn't died prematurely because of Kaito's interference in the timeline?

While it was possible, Kaito believed it was more likely that Konan and Yahiko had also been taken by Black Zetsu, along with Nagato, during the two months before Kaito arrived on the frontlines.

"Huh?"

Orochimaru licked his lips and asked curiously, "So, Kaito, who do you think has the best chance of awakening the Rinnegan among the Uchiha right now?"

"You? Or perhaps Lady Naori?"

Kaito shook his head. "Who knows? I haven't awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan yet, but that's only because I plan to skip that step and go straight to the Eternal Mangekyō."

"That requires time to dig deeper into my Sharingan's potential."

"As for my mother, she's already close to achieving the Eternal Mangekyō."

"But unlocking the Rinnegan is far more complex, so don't get your hopes up anytime soon!"

"Of course, if we could get our hands on Uchiha Madara's Rinnegan, it might speed up the process."

Orochimaru let out a disappointed sigh. "So, it's not happening anytime soon, huh?"

He paused, a glimmer of intrigue flickering in his eyes. "As for artificially creating bloodlines… now that's an even more ambitious and complex endeavor."

"But it's certainly a fascinating research direction."

"For now, I'll focus on the training methods you've given me—to enhance my strength, refine my talents, and extend my lifespan. There's no rush for this. It can stay as a side project for now."

His expression shifted, a calculating grin spreading across his face. "Still, while our world's understanding of genetics is limited, the pirate world has made remarkable strides with their work on lineage factors."

"Perhaps I could track down one of their leading scientists—like Vegapunk. If I could recruit him or even just gain access to his research, it would be a game-changer in developing Uchiha bloodline serums, you want."

"What do you think, Kaito?"

If Orochimaru could truly master the secrets of the Uchiha bloodline and inject himself with it, he'd be all for it.

That would be far better than the future path where he resorted to body-snatching to gain a Uchiha body.

And if it worked, why stop at the Uchiha? Orochimaru could replicate the Senju, Uzumaki, or even their bloodlines combined.

Better yet, what about directly replicating the Ōtsutsuki bloodline?

That would raise his potential ceiling astronomically and allow him to grow stronger even faster.

"Not a bad idea," Kaito said with a grin. "I've always been curious about Vegapunk, too."

"Additionally, Vinsmoke Judge and Caesar Clown are also brilliant researchers worth looking into. Recruiting them could be incredibly beneficial."

"But the pirate world side hasn't advanced to that stage yet. For the next several years, maybe even a decade or more, my focus will be on rebuilding and developing Konoha and stabilizing the ninja world."

"I won't have much time to search for or recruit these scientists myself."

"If you're interested and have the time, I wouldn't mind you taking on that task."

There was no way Kaito could handle everything himself.

Even if he delegated much of Konoha and the ninja world's direction to others, he still needed to focus on his own training.

Strength was the foundation of everything.

"Got it." Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully. "When I have time, I'll work on it."

"Vegapunk might be tricky to locate and convince, but Vinsmoke Judge and Caesar Clown should be much easier."

"I could probably start by acquiring the lineage factor technology, the related equipment, and the Fish-Fish Fruit replica at Punk Hazard,"

Orochimaru mused. "While I'm at it, I could also snatch Caesar's Devil Fruit research and the equipment he's using."

These would be more than enough to keep him busy for a long time.

Not only was he interested in the ninja world's bloodlines, but the Devil Fruits from the pirate world fascinated him too.

If he found a suitable fruit, he wouldn't mind eating one himself.

After all, wasn't it a great way to boost strength quickly?

Look at Kaito—after eating the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, he dominated the battlefield, effortlessly wiping out thousands of enemy ninjas.

But what truly caught Orochimaru's eye was Vegapunk's Brain-Brain Fruit.

"Hmm… If I ate it, wouldn't that push my intelligence to its absolute limit?"

"It seems like a perfect fit for me. With that fruit, deciphering the mysteries of bloodline limits would be a breeze."

The more Orochimaru thought about it, the more conflicted he became.

Kaito noticed his ever-changing expressions and couldn't help but roll his eyes. "What are you thinking about? Your face is changing faster than a lantern show."

"Hehe, nothing much. Just thinking about a few things," Orochimaru said with a sly smile, waving his hand dismissively.

For now, he kept his thoughts to himself.

"All right, we've finished up the business with Uchiha Madara for now. Let's head back to the command tent," Kaito said.

With that, he teleported away, reappearing outside the tent. Orochimaru followed closely behind.

— — — 

The two entered the command tent, where several others were deep in discussion. When they saw Kaito and Orochimaru return, they were momentarily surprised before greeting them casually.

"Yo! We're back!"

Kaito said, taking his seat. He glanced around and asked, "How's the discussion going?"

Tsunade immediately spoke up. "Since we're not clear on the Sand Village's current situation, we plan to send scouts to gather intelligence first."

"Once we've got a clearer picture, we'll decide what to do."

"If the Sand Village decides to retreat, we'll send emissaries to discuss reestablishing a peace treaty and alliance to rebuild our relations."

"But if they still want to fight and seek revenge for the Kazekage and their fallen shinobi, we'll be more than happy to teach them another lesson."

"Of course," she added, turning to Kaito, "given the situation in the village, you could head back first to report and help handle things there."

"We'll stay here for a few more days to monitor the Sand Village's movements."

"Once we've assessed their stance, we'll decide whether to return triumphantly or prepare for battle."

"Whatever happens, you'll be the first to know."

If it came to war, they'd undoubtedly need Kaito's strength.

Not just because of his power but also because Tsunade wanted him to continue building his reputation and achievements.

The more accolades he earned, the stronger his position would be, and the more support he'd gain within the village.

This would make his future reforms much smoother.

"Fine by me. That works," Kaito replied, nodding. He turned to Orochimaru, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Sounds good to me," Orochimaru said with a grin.

Deep down, Orochimaru hoped the Sand Village would be smart enough to back down and sign a peace agreement.

Otherwise, he wouldn't hesitate to crush them thoroughly.

He was eager to return to Konoha, establish the research division, and dive into his various experiments.

"Then it's settled. Everyone, go get some rest. It's been a long day. Meeting adjourned!" Tsunade declared with a wave of her hand.

Once the others left and only Kaito, Orochimaru, and Tsunade remained, she turned to them and asked, "So, how did it go? Was Madara's resurrection successful? He didn't cause any trouble, did he?"

Tsunade had figured out Kaito's intentions when he'd questioned Orochimaru about prisoners earlier, so she hadn't stopped him.

After all, it was a critical matter.

They couldn't let Black Zetsu revive Madara first.

A resurrected Madara with an immortal body would be even more of a headache.

"Of course!" Kaito replied with a grin. "Everything went smoothly. I've already revived Uchiha Madara and summoned his soul."

"But I haven't fully activated him yet, so he's not causing any problems for now."

"Besides, the sacrifice was so poor that his Edo Tensei body can only muster strength between a Jonin and a low-tier Kage. He wouldn't be able to stir up much trouble even if he tried."

"Still, to be safe, I'll wait until we're back in the village and consult the First Hokage."

Kaito doubted he could convince Madara himself.

Could the First Hokage succeed?

If not, no big deal—he'd just plant several powerful seals on Madara to limit his abilities and movement. Madara could simply observe life in Konoha.

Or maybe… turn him into a history or ninjutsu instructor?

"Hm… That might actually work! As long as we make sure he doesn't brainwash any unbound Uchiha clansmen into his ideology," Kaito thought to himself.

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