Morning fog enveloped Konoha, and the air was filled with dampness and sorrow.
Shun stood by the newly dug graves, watching small coffins slowly lowered into the earth.
These were the children found in the Root base, their frail bodies were covered in needle marks and stitches, some even modified beyond human recognition.
"The one hundred and thirty-seventh." Shun counted in a low voice, his nails digging deep into his palm.
His gaze swept over the grieving crowd, landing on Orochimaru, who stood alone in the distance. This legendary Sannin was coldly observing the funeral, his golden vertical pupils devoid of any pity.
Just then, a small figure ran out from the crowd, his short black hair fluttering in the morning breeze. Five-year-old Itachi, dressed in formal black clothes, ran directly towards Orochimaru.
Itachi's voice was childish, yet unusually steady. "Orochimaru-sama, why don't you mourn with everyone?"
Orochimaru looked down at the child, who barely reached his waist, and a half-smile, half-sneer curved his lips.
"Mourning the dead is meaningless. They only have value when they can be utilized."
Itachi blinked his dark, wide eyes, this answer clearly exceeded his expectations.
"Then... what is the meaning of life?" Itachi's voice held the persistence unique to a child.
Orochimaru's golden pupils stared directly at Itachi. "There is no meaning. Once a person dies, everything will slowly disappear, only living eternally has meaning."
With that, his wide sleeves flapped in the wind, and he turned and left alone.
Itachi stood rooted to the spot, his small figure appearing especially lonely.
Shun walked forward and gently placed his hand on Itachi's head. His gaze was firm, his voice gentle. "Because human life is very short, it is necessary to do meaningful things within that limited time. A person's birth is like a blank sheet of paper. Whether this paper is filled with chaotic stains or a beautiful painting depends on one's choices and perseverance."
Itachi looked up, two distinctly different philosophies clashing in his eyes.
Shun smiled, then quickly chased in the direction Orochimaru had left.
After passing through several groves, Orochimaru deliberately made his footsteps heavier, then walked to a secluded area.
"Are you looking for me for something?"
Shun said unhurriedly, "All the data regarding your human experiments in the Root base have been secretly preserved by us."
Orochimaru's pupils contracted into a thin line, killing intent hidden in his eyes. "Are you threatening me?"
Shun took out a sealing scroll and said, "No, it's a trade. I have a lot of intelligence, such as your laboratory in the Land of Waves, and your pursuit of eternal life. This scroll contains a piece of intelligence. As long as one possesses the secret technique, Earth Grudge Fear, one can live forever by continuously replacing hearts. The person currently using this secret technique is already 75 years old. He has installed five hearts in himself, and only by destroying all five hearts can he truly be killed."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's breathing visibly quickened for a moment. "What do you want?"
Shun smiled confidently. "Complete research data for the Cursed seal of Heaven and Earth, including all failed cases and the optimization process."
The sound suddenly quieted, as if the air between the two had solidified.
Orochimaru suddenly laughed, but his voice was hoarse. "Interesting, when did the Uchiha clan become interested in my research?"
Shun did not directly answer the question. "Orochimaru, your talent is astonishing, naturally worthy of the Uchiha's attention."
Orochimaru extended his pale hand. "Throw the scroll over, I need to verify it first."
Shun tossed the scroll to him, and Orochimaru caught it steadily. After quickly browsing the contents of the scroll, he spat out a wet scroll from his mouth and threw it over.
"Happy cooperation."
With the trade complete, Orochimaru turned to leave.
Shun quickly called out, "Wait, Orochimaru, I know you are determined to leave Konoha, and we Uchiha will not stop you, but I want your improved Edo Tensei."
Orochimaru looked back, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. "Although my improved Edo Tensei is not yet perfect, the price you are offering is not enough."
Shun pondered for a moment. In the original story, the funding for Orochimaru's human experiments seemed to be provided by Danzo's Root. Now that Danzo has been killed by him, Orochimaru's future experiments will certainly lack funds.
So, he curled his lips and said with a smile, "I know that you enjoy scientific research. We Uchiha can provide funding and will not interfere with the process, only asking that you share your research results."
Orochimaru weighed it again, then summoned another scroll and threw it over.
"Remember your promise, if you can't fulfill it... Hehehe... I will collect interest."
After reaching their respective goals, the two parted ways.
...
Back at the Uchiha clan compound, the core members of the clan had already gathered in the Uchiha ancestral Hall.
Fugaku sat in a chair, saying in a deep voice, "Shun, you are late."
Shun bowed slightly, his long black hair sliding from his shoulder, "Clan head, I just met with Orochimaru, hoping to persuade him to stay, but he insisted on leaving Konoha."
"Hmph!"
Yashiro slammed his hand on the table, saying angrily, "We already covered up his involvement in Root's human experiments, and yet he still wants to leave."
Inside the Ancestral Hall, there was a sudden buzz of discussion, with Ryuka, Yūsuke, and other Uchiha high-ranking members exchanging worried glances.
Fugaku raised his hand to signal for quiet, his voice steady. "We underestimated him. A powerful individual like him would not leave his weaknesses in the hands of others, even if we promised not to use that weakness."