Uchiha Yato wasn't the least bit surprised by Orochimaru's request.
Long before this, Yato had known about Orochimaru's human experimentation.
Back then, the two had even clashed. Though Yato couldn't defeat the then-Kage-level Orochimaru, the Sannin also couldn't kill him.
Just as Orochimaru was about to flee, Yato had said:
"What's the big deal? You're just striving for the sake of science."
"As long as those harmful experiments of yours aren't used on me, I don't really care."
This perspective, surprisingly, had resonated with Orochimaru.
Ever since he began his experiments, most people had reacted with disapproval, disdain, or outright rejection.
Even Shimura Danzo, who outwardly supported his research, never truly participated or understood the exhilaration of uncovering the secrets of the human body.
At that moment, Orochimaru had gained a whole new appreciation for Uchiha Yato.At least at that time, he believed he had found a kindred spirit and immediately extended an invitation to Uchiha Yato.
Uchiha Yato was remarkably straightforward, without any hesitation, and accompanied him to a laboratory.
An open heart coupled with decisive courage earned him considerable goodwill from Orochimaru.
At that time, Orochimaru was nearly obsessed with his Wood Release experiments.
Uchiha Yato then proposed his hypothesis.
"Throughout history, only one member of the Senju Clan—Hashirama Senju—has ever attained Wood Release."
"Just because we witnessed its power through him, does that naively mean Wood Release must be the strongest?"
These words instantly soured Orochimaru's previous excitement and progress in the experiments.
Somewhat defensively, Orochimaru retorted, "But you can't deny its power is unparalleled in history."
Uchiha Yato raised another question.
"Uchiha Madara was strong enough, wasn't he?"
"Does that mean every Sharingan user can reach Madara's level?"
This left Orochimaru momentarily stunned, as Yato's point was undeniably valid.
And indeed, if every Uchiha could achieve what Madara had, the current shinobi world wouldn't exist as it does.
This made Orochimaru ponder endlessly whether Wood Release truly was the strongest power and the necessity of obtaining it.
Uchiha Yato shared his conjecture about Wood Release.
"Generally, basic Chakra consists of five natures, along with the inherent Yin and Yang."
"So-called Bloodline Limits are merely the combination of these Chakra types—similar to Combination Ninja Techniques—reacting within the body to manifest."
"The Senju Clan's foundation lies in Earth and Water Chakra, but I believe there must be a third element."
These words instantly broadened Orochimaru's perspective.
"Are you suggesting the addition of Yang or Yin Chakra?"
"Given the Senju Clan's renowned physical prowess, Wood Release must incorporate Yang Chakra."
Even Orochimaru was surprised by his own conclusion.
He hadn't expected this half-grown Uchiha boy to provide such profound insights.
Orochimaru then mused, "But wouldn't combining three Chakra types be excessively difficult?"
Uchiha Yato chuckled. "Snake Uncle, you really do forget things easily."
"Doesn't that old Tsuchikage and his master wield a Ninjutsu composed of three Chakra types?"
The "old Tsuchikage" Yato referred to was the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and his master—the Second Tsuchikage, Mu.
Orochimaru exclaimed in realization, "Kekkei Tōta!"
In terms of power, Particle Style's destructive capability was indeed immense, much like Wood Release's.
In terms of difficulty, both required mastery of three Chakra types, making them nearly impossible for ordinary shinobi to achieve.
(If this Wood Release hypothesis aligns with canon, consider it supplementary. Otherwise, treat it as headcanon—thank you for your support.)
These discoveries thrilled Orochimaru beyond measure. His original goal had merely been to find an Uchiha child and seize their Sharingan for research.But he never expected this kid to bring him such astonishing conjectures and ideas, which, from the current perspective, showed extremely high experimental feasibility and certainty.
Orochimaru calmed himself and said, "The Uchiha Clan truly produces outstanding talents one after another!"
"Your observations and hypotheses are truly remarkable, even to me."
Uchiha Yato replied candidly, "I'm just not strong enough, and besides, I also have Senju bloodline in me."
"I do have some ideas about Wood Release."
"I was hoping to rely on Uncle Snake's expertise to help me achieve Wood Release, so I'd appreciate your assistance."
From that time onward, Uchiha Yato occasionally visited Orochimaru to check on the progress of his experiments.
While Orochimaru remained somewhat guarded about the details of these experiments, the reservations weren't directed at Uchiha Yato—but rather at Shimura Danzo.
Someone who, like him, had an inquisitive mind and didn't oppose his methods.
Orochimaru held some appreciation for this, so he was willing to discuss his progress with Uchiha Yato.
…
Cut to the present.
Uchiha Yato said lightly, "I doubt Uncle Snake would want to discuss things that outsiders shouldn't hear right here on the street, would he?"
One had to admit, Uchiha Yato's mastery of language was profound.
With just that one sentence, many passersby who overheard immediately pretended to be blind and deaf.
Orochimaru paid no mind to such trivialities and quickly extended an invitation to Uchiha Yato.
The two swiftly made their way to Orochimaru's laboratory.
Of course, these matters had to be handled discreetly—after all, if Danzo were to "catch them in the act," it would be rather difficult to explain.
Inside the lab.
Orochimaru said, "Don't worry about Wood Release—I still have ideas on that front."
"Right now, I just want to know—can you get your hands on Rasa's body?"
Uchiha Yato replied casually, "Come on, you just want to study another village's Bloodline Limit, don't you?"
"No need to beat around the bush with me—just say it outright."
Orochimaru, pleased, responded, "Then it's settled!"
Uchiha Yato answered, "No, it's not."
The smile on Orochimaru's face instantly faded, replaced by clear displeasure.
Cheerful turned un-cheerful. (Imagine the expression—author's note for supplementary context.)
Uchiha Yato continued, "Danzo is currently being punished. If you stir up trouble in Sunagakure now, the shinobi world will descend into chaos."
"Right now, you're still a strong candidate for the Fourth Hokage. For the sake of your future resources and ambitions, take a step back."
Though brief, these words struck at the heart of the matter.
At this point, Orochimaru still harbored ambitions of becoming Hokage, and his dealings with Shimura Danzo were meant to leverage the latter's influence when conditions permitted.
Seeing Orochimaru still reluctant to give up, Uchiha Yato pressed further.
"Haven't even fully figured out our own Bloodline Limits yet—why bother with others'?"
"If you have the chance, why not squeeze a couple of Sharingan out of Danzo for research? Wouldn't that be better than Magnet Release?"
Hearing this, Orochimaru finally relented. "Fine. But I suspect there'll be a match between you and Rasa later."
"I'll settle for his blood—you can get that for me, right?"This time, Orochimaru didn't use a negotiating tone but adopted a cooperative and resolute attitude.
Uchiha Yato also indicated there were no difficulties, and the matter was considered settled.
Afterward, the two got tangled up again, intending to discuss their theories about Wood Release.
Orochimaru said, "Transplanting Hashirama's cells can grant Wood Release, but the failure rate is too high, and failure results in turning into a tree. What do you think is the reason for this?"
Uchiha Yato shared his thoughts. "Hashirama Senju wasn't just proficient in Wood Release. His Sage Mode was also masterfully refined. I believe this is why the test subjects turn into trees."
Orochimaru had considered this theory before but was reluctant to admit it. Finding a test subject skilled in Sage Mode was incredibly difficult! So far, there wasn't a single ninja in the entire shinobi world who knew Sage Mode yet remained obscure.
Uchiha Yato continued, "I have an idea, but I wonder if Orochimaru-sama would dare to try it."
Normally, Uchiha Yato liked to call Orochimaru "Snake Uncle" as a term of affectionate respect. But whenever Yato addressed him formally, it meant he was brewing mischief. Trouble was coming!