"Keep your eyes to yourself, Kazuyama. These things are still in the research stage," Orochimaru warned.
"Just like those potions over there—some of their side effects can be terrifying. A few may even cause self-detonation."
He knew Kazuyama well and quickly spoke to shut down any reckless thoughts.
Upon hearing this, Kazuyama quickly averted his gaze.
No way. Self-detonation is not an option. But... if the enemy were to ingest it, would it work? It could be used as an explosive... Might be worth testing. Maybe I'll steal some later.
"Kazuyama, what did you want to tell me?"
"I'm curious."
Orochimaru leaned casually against the wall, a glint of intrigue in his eyes as he observed him.
Kazuyama didn't bother with small talk and got straight to the point.
"Sensei… is working with Danzo really a good idea?"
At those words, Orochimaru's pupils contracted slightly before he let out a quiet chuckle.
"As expected of an intelligence expert. I knew I couldn't hide it from you," he admitted. "But tell me, when did you figure it out?"
Seeing that Orochimaru didn't deny it, Kazuyama furrowed his brows slightly.
"Sensei, you're well aware of Danzō's reputation in the Ninja World."
"The Darkness of the Shinobi World—I've heard plenty about him from ANBU."
"His actions and decisions are entirely based on self-interest. You won't gain anything from working with him."
"Yamato is also a research project he advocated. And while Yamato is under your care for now, the moment Danzō is targeted by the Hokage, you'll be the one taking the fall."
Orochimaru noticed the genuine concern in Kazuyama's voice, and a trace of relief flickered across his face.
He was well aware that working with Danzō was like making a deal with a tiger. But considering the path he had chosen, dealing with dangerous individuals was inevitable.
If he wanted to fully unravel the mysteries of life, what was wrong with playing this game?
Besides, Danzō was using him—but wasn't he also using Danzō?
Before Orochimaru could respond, Kazuyama spoke again.
"Sensei, I don't know what you're truly thinking."
"But once you involve yourself too deeply with Danzō, the Third Hokage's attitude toward you will change."
"What will you do then? If you continue your research, you'll likely be controlled—or worse, eliminated. And giving it up? I doubt that's an option for you."
"In other words, you have only two choices: the village or your research."
"Sensei, you're pushing yourself down a one-way road."
Hearing the concern in Kazuyama's words, Orochimaru laughed.
It was a genuine laugh, straight from the heart.
His disciple was worried about him—wasn't that a sign of a good sensei-disciple relationship?
"Still laughing? What are you laughing at?"
Seeing Orochimaru chuckle, Kazuyama was momentarily speechless. Had this guy even listened to what he just said?
"Heh heh heh, laugh if you want."
"Kazuyama, do you think life is fragile?"
It was a serious question, and Kazuyama understood why Orochimaru had to ask it.
Having witnessed too many deaths, his perspective had long since shifted. His heart was filled with a yearning for immortality.
"Sensei, there's nothing wrong with researching immortality or exploring the nature of life."
"But the problem is, if you stay in Konoha, sooner or later, you'll be punished for all this."
"And when that time comes, will you betray the village? Or will you betray the village? Or will you betray the village?"
He repeated the critical question three times, making sure the weight of those words sank deep into Orochimaru's mind.
For a moment, silence filled the room.
At this stage, Orochimaru had no real intention of betraying Konoha. His obsession with research was undeniable, but he still held a deep attachment to the village that had nurtured him.
"Are you hesitating, Sensei?"
"Of course, on one hand, you have the village that raised you, and on the other, the research you are devoted to."
"But Sensei, everything I've said is fact. If you continue like this, it won't be long before it becomes reality."
The research room fell into a heavy silence. Neither spoke for a long time.
Then, Orochimaru finally broke the quiet, his voice carrying a hint of resolve.
"Kazuyama, since you've brought it up, I'll tell you plainly."
"The pursuit of immortality and the pinnacle of ninjutsu are my goals."
Kazuyama had already expected this answer. After all, he had read the original story. Even if he had caused some butterfly effects, Orochimaru's nature remained unchanged.
"Then prepare yourself, Sensei. If this ever comes to light, you may have to run."
Having gotten the answer he expected, Kazuyama relaxed. He had said everything he needed to. There was nothing more to add.
"What about you, Kazuyama?"
"If that day ever comes, will you leave with me? Or will you stay in the village?"
Kazuyama grinned, answering without hesitation.
"I'll stay. My younger brother is still in the village, after all."
"Of course, if one day I can't stand it in Konoha anymore, I'll definitely come find you, Sensei."
Orochimaru let out a small chuckle at the casual response.
He wasn't surprised. He wasn't displeased.
"You've made the right choice. Staying in the village is the best option for you."
"If I could, I wouldn't leave the village so easily either."
Then, shifting the subject abruptly, Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with interest.
"Kazuyama, you've been to Ryūchi Cave. What do you think of Senjutsu?"
What? That's it?
Kazuyama had been bracing for a far more intense conversation. The sudden change in topic caught him completely off guard.
"Senjutsu from Ryūchi Cave?"
"To be honest, I've only had limited contact with it. The trials at Ryūchi Cave were brutal."
"I was lucky to pass, but even now, I can barely sense natural energy, let alone use it properly."
"According to the three Snake Princesses, it'll take at least a few years before I can fully control it."
Orochimaru nodded slightly. He had been to Ryūchi Cave before. Though he had never taken the test himself, he was well aware of its difficulties.
He just hadn't expected Kazuyama to actually pass and begin practicing Senjutsu.
"Heh heh heh, it seems I made the right decision giving you the Ryūchi Cave contract scroll."
"But the Senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave isn't the only path."
"I've already found another way to learn it."
"Though progress has been difficult, there's finally a glimmer of hope."
Oh? He found it? That shouldn't be possible.
In Kazuyama's memory, aside from the Three Great Sacred Lands, the only other known Sage Mode came from Jūgo's clan's unique ability.
But Jūgo wasn't even born yet, was he?
Kazuyama had no idea what Orochimaru had managed to uncover, but his curiosity was definitely piqued.
Unfortunately, Orochimaru didn't elaborate. After a few more polite words, he dismissed Kazuyama from the lab.
...
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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