Chapter 103: Contract of Immortality – Orochimaru's Oath

Thanks to his careful maneuvering, Gin noticed something significant: Orochimaru's favorability towards him had surged—now standing at 67 points, far higher than before. Clearly, the Snake Sannin was extremely pleased with the offer made so far.

"Don't get too excited yet," Gin said calmly. "That was only the first condition. There are more."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed with interest.

"The second condition is simple," Gin continued. "Every month, I'll supply you with the highest-quality training pills. Additionally, I'll teach you half of the Secret of Longevity. By cultivating it, you can extend your life, improve your natural potential, and purify your bloodline."

Gin knew exactly what Orochimaru craved most—and ordinary treasures wouldn't tempt someone like him. The man sought immortality, and this offer was bait tailored perfectly to his obsession.

Fortunately, this so-called "half-secret" came with limitations. It could extend one's lifespan by at most 10 to 20 years, and the improvements to vitality and bloodline capped at 60–70%. Still, for Orochimaru, it was a goldmine—a stepping stone to true immortality.

"What did you say?" Orochimaru's voice trembled slightly. "The Secret of Longevity... it can really extend life? Improve one's natural data? Cleanse blood?"

His golden, serpent-like eyes burned with desire. This was precisely what he had always yearned for—not perfection, but a foundation to build upon.

Even without details, the implications were clear: if he could unravel the mechanisms behind lifespan extension and bloodline purification, it might one day lead to eternal life. The theory might be far from complete, but the seed was planted. That was enough.

"Is Gin truly giving me this... just for support?" Orochimaru murmured skeptically.

Of course not.

"I have another condition," Gin said, his tone sharp yet inviting. "I want a contract with you."

Orochimaru stilled.

"Once the two prior conditions are fulfilled—and one hidden condition is met—you'll sign a binding contract with me. Once signed, you'll be unable to harm me, intentionally or otherwise."

A tense silence followed.

"Free cheese only exists in a mousetrap…" Orochimaru said with a wry smile.

"But in return," Gin said, leaning forward slightly, "you'll receive the full version of the Secret of Longevity. With proper resources, it can prolong life by up to 200 years, purify your blood fourfold, and greatly enhance your talents. That's not all—you'll receive further benefits. But those, you'll only discover after the contract is sealed."

He paused.

"If you refuse? That's fine too. You'll still get the role of Research Division Head, monthly pills, and funding. But the Secret of Longevity? That ends here."

Orochimaru fell silent, weighing the risk. He licked his lips. "You're offering more than just longevity. It all makes sense now…"

He looked at Gin, realization dawning.

"So, Tsunade, Kushina, and even the Uchiha brat... They've all signed this mysterious contract with you, haven't they? That's how you've risen so fast in just three years."

Gin smirked.

"You've got sharp instincts."

"I was blind," Orochimaru muttered. "My teacher, even Danzo... we all underestimated you."

Still, the Sannin wasn't one to fear conditions—only missed opportunities.

"Alright," he said at last. "But if I can't meet the hidden condition... what then?"

"Simple," Gin replied. "You'll owe me three research-related favors in the future. No tricks. Just help when I ask."

Orochimaru's smile returned. "You value my research that much? Fine. I accept."

Favorability +2 → 69

"Then I'll now give you half the Secret," Gin said, raising his hand.

A stream of glowing energy shot into Orochimaru's forehead, sending complex knowledge flooding into his consciousness.

"Incredible…" Orochimaru muttered. "You can transmit knowledge directly into the mind?"

He immediately began parsing it—shocked by how alien it felt compared to typical chakra training. It was elegant, efficient, and unfamiliar. Completely outside the shinobi paradigm.

"This... doesn't fit with the chakra system at all. Where did he get this knowledge?" Orochimaru's thoughts raced.

He had already decided—he would meet the hidden condition, no matter the cost. Gin had the answers he needed. So long as he remained useful, Orochimaru had no reason to resist.

Thirty minutes passed.

"I've done it," Orochimaru declared. "I completed one cycle of the Longevity Secret. My body… it's already changed!"

"Congratulations," Gin smiled. "With the pills I gave you, you'll see even better results."

Orochimaru didn't hesitate—he popped one into his mouth and resumed training immediately.

Favorability +2 → 71

"He's close," Gin thought. "A little more... and I can secure him fully."

Orochimaru's dedication paid off.

"The effect is astonishing!" he exclaimed. "Thank you, Gin. I can truly feel hope now... hope for immortality."

Favorability +14 → 85

Gin smiled. Everything was proceeding perfectly.

"Well then," Gin said at last. "You've reached the hidden condition. Shall we make the contract?"

Orochimaru blinked. "I passed it already? What was it?"

"Favorability," Gin answered. "You needed to view me as a close friend."

Orochimaru chuckled. "You've earned it. Anyone who gives me a path to eternal life can call themselves my friend. Let's do it!"

A glowing rune formed on Gin's forehead. He pointed it toward Orochimaru, who examined it with fascinated eyes.

"What a strange seal... I can't understand it, but it feels ancient."

"This is the Contract Rune. Just touch it and agree in your mind."

Without hesitation, Orochimaru obeyed.

The rune dissolved into light, entering his hand and merging with his soul. Power surged through him. Then came the knowledge—

Not just the full Secret of Longevity, but:

Advanced chakra purification

Sharingan meditation

Mastery of basic and advanced taijutsu

Training methods for Kenbunshoku (Observation) Haki, Busoshoku (Armament) Haki, and Haoshoku (Conqueror's) Haki

The Six Forms (Rokushiki)

Semei Kikan (Life Return)

Techniques of other worlds

And glimpses into both the Ninja World's future and the One Piece world

Orochimaru's eyes glowed with reverence.

"Gin-sama," he said with utter sincerity. "Please take care of me."

"Ha! Don't be so formal."

"I never imagined such a treasure trove. The secret of longevity was already a miracle, but this... it's on a divine level!"

His thoughts drifted. "The Sage of Six Paths... he used chakra to absorb souls across time? And Kaguya Ōtsutsuki... I must study them both. Even if I have to dissect them myself."

"Careful," Gin warned. "We're not strong enough to confront them yet. Until I reach the Six Paths level, stay hidden. If they sense us too soon, we'll have to flee to another world."

"Understood. I'm not foolish," Orochimaru smirked. "For now, I'll master everything—longevity, chakra purification, and Haki. I'll grow stronger quietly."

Gin nodded. "Also, you'll manage our Research Division. Study both this world and the Pirate World for me."

"Absolutely! By the way… the materials for those pills—Sea Kings from another world? Fascinating! No wonder they're so effective!"

He licked his lips.

"I need to study Devil Fruits next. Especially powerful ones. Can you lend me one?"

Gin pulled out a Zoan-type Devil Fruit.

"I have a few. But Zoan types are biologically different from Paramecia and Logia. Don't generalize."

Orochimaru eagerly took the fruit and tried examining it with chakra—only to be blocked.

"Hmph. Intriguing defense mechanism…"

He carefully stored the fruit and said, "Once you get Paramecia or Logia types, let me compare. And tell me… can you make contracts with animals? Even insects?"

Gin tilted his head. "In theory, yes."

"Then why not create a small, intelligent contract army? Have them infiltrate Mariejois, Vegapunk's lab, or even Yonkō territories. Once mapped, we can teleport in later. Kidnap talents, steal treasures—no one would even trace us."

Gin's eyes lit up. "You bastard... that's brilliant!"

"Hmph. Unlike you, I have no shame in using 'dirty' tactics," Orochimaru smirked.

Gin chuckled. "Maybe being 'wrong' isn't so bad."

He paused, eyes narrowing.

"Speaking of infiltration... White Zetsu would make excellent spies. And research material."

"White Zetsu?" Orochimaru grinned. "Perfect for my wood-style experiments! Can you catch a few?"

"Not now," Gin shook his head. "They've sensed my new chakra barrier. They're hiding outside the camp. I'll lure them later—maybe after we deal with Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu."

"Madara won't stop until he destabilizes the Shinobi world," Gin added. "And Black Zetsu? He'll keep trying to revive Kaguya."

"That makes us the prime targets," Gin said grimly. "Better we strike first."

Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.

"Then let's prepare. And when the time comes, I'll dissect Madara myself."

Gin's smile was cold. "That day's not far off."