Chapter 5: Orochimaru
Over the past few days, Danzo had been refining the ninja philosophy he planned to instill, drawing from his past life's memories and countless experiences from various media.
This path was anything but easy, and results wouldn't come quickly.
Fortunately, he had arrived in this world early enough—before the worst deeds had been committed, before most key figures of the story had even been born. There was still time.
Aside from training, he spent his days trying to recall ideologies from his past life that might suit the shinobi world.
But today, his usual routine was interrupted when a Root ninja from the research division delivered some news.
Danzo decided to go see his other right-hand man—Orochimaru.
After the Second Shinobi War, Orochimaru had been transferred to Root by the Hokage and given the position of a division commander. The true purpose behind this move was clear to everyone.
But things hadn't gone exactly as Hiruzen had hoped.
Orochimaru, who had glimpsed the essence of life itself during the war, buried himself in research the moment he joined Root—supported fully by Danzo—and showed little interest in worldly affairs.
When Danzo arrived at the laboratory with two Jonin, the scene inside was just as grotesque as he remembered from the anime.
Rows upon rows of massive, three-meter-tall glass tanks filled with nutrient fluid lined the lab, containing test subjects of all ages. Some had begun to show signs of woodification, their limbs transforming into bark and even sprouting tiny branches.
[ Ding! You have gained the recognition of an important character—Orochimaru. ]
As expected.
"Orochimaru, how's the progress?"
Danzo stepped forward, cutting off Orochimaru, who had been busy comparing data with the other researchers.
This place was truly unsettling.
"Danzo-sama." Orochimaru turned around. His tone was respectful, but his eyes revealed a hint of irritation at being interrupted.
"The development of Wood Release is progressing smoothly," he said. "However, the lab requires a much larger supply of test subjects..."
Danzo frowned. Just five days ago, the ANBU had raided a den of bloodthirsty bandits, delivering over twenty fresh 'materials' to the lab.
He refused to repeat the mistakes of his past self—going from village to village, abducting civilians for Orochimaru's experiments.
Besides, the reports from Root operatives in the lab didn't align with Orochimaru's claims.
Far from progressing smoothly, Wood Release research had nearly stagnated.
There were also irregularities in the use of materials and funding.
It was likely that Orochimaru had already begun exploring the Reanimation Jutsu.
(T/N: I didn't write Living Corpse Reincarnation or any other jutsu—he's simply searching for an Immortality Technique.)
He was treating Danzo as nothing more than a gullible investor.
"The war has just ended. Every nation is on high alert, strictly monitoring shinobi activity. Root's funds are needed more for training our members…"
Danzo paused, locking eyes with Orochimaru, whose expression darkened. Then he continued.
"However, I will speak to Hiruzen and have the village's death row prisoners transferred to Root for processing. I will also fully support your research... but I require a copy of all your findings."
His voice left no room for negotiation, and the lab fell into a dead silence.
Unlike his past self, who sought to win Orochimaru over and coveted Wood Release, Danzo now had a different perspective.
Orochimaru had been placed in Root to be kept in check by the Hokage.
But the man clearly had little interest in political power struggles, which suited Danzo just fine.
Instead, he intended to use Orochimaru—to pave his way to the Hokage's seat.
First, he would help Orochimaru ascend to power.
Then, he would expose Orochimaru's inhumane experiments and pull him down.
Finally, he would take the throne.
But that had been the old Danzo's plan.
Now, things had changed.
Orochimaru's face darkened, his piercing gaze locked onto Danzo. This demand had shattered the unspoken agreement between them.
But Danzo didn't back down. He stared right back, waiting for a response.
Behind him, the two Root Jonin subtly adjusted their stances, ready to act at a moment's notice.
After a brief silence, Orochimaru suddenly chuckled.
The tense atmosphere dissolved in an instant.
He licked his lips, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes.
"I never expected Danzo-sama to take an interest in my research," he said with a sly smile. "But of course, as a member of Root, my findings are naturally meant to be shared."
Danzo remained expressionless, though he inwardly sighed in relief.
As he had expected, Orochimaru chose to yield.
But the killing intent he had displayed just moments ago had been very real.
Danzo had no intention of making an enemy out of Orochimaru—not yet. The man possessed knowledge and abilities that he needed.
Besides, having Orochimaru in Root reassured the Third Hokage, keeping Hiruzen's attention divided.
"I won't take your research for free," Danzo continued. "In addition to providing you with funding and test subjects… take this."
One of the Root Jonin stepped forward, crouched down, and placed his palm on the floor.
"Release."
A sealing technique activated, and over a dozen scrolls appeared in a neat row.
"These are the notes left behind by the Second Hokage," Danzo said. "Consider them my investment."
With that, he turned and left with his subordinates.
Orochimaru casually picked up a scroll and unfurled it.
His eyes immediately gleamed with excitement.
The contents detailed Tobirama Senju's theories on the soul—insights far beyond anything Orochimaru had ever encountered.
As he watched Danzo's departing figure, an unreadable expression flickered in his eyes.
Recognizing Orochimaru as an important character was good news.
It meant there were more key figures in this world than expected.
Once his philosophy spread and the system rewarded him sufficiently, there was no reason he couldn't shape the ninja world to his will.
For now, he planned to extract as much value from Orochimaru as possible.
His own researchers had some expertise in bloodline limits and sealing techniques.
But when it came to the soul and body modification, they were no match for Orochimaru.
For now, Orochimaru made an excellent teacher.
Aside from his two personal confidants, everyone else in this lab belonged to Root.
Danzo intended to plant a few more promising researchers within Orochimaru's ranks.
If worst came to worst, the Reanimation Jutsu could always serve as a contingency plan.
As for earning Orochimaru's ideological approval?
Danzo had no such intentions.
Shinobi were notoriously stubborn and extreme—once they committed to a path, they rarely strayed.
Look at Obito, Madara, Naruto, Sasuke…
And then there was Orochimaru—a man from the shinobi world who, strangely enough, placed his faith in science.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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