Seeing Orochimaru's face full of curiosity, Uchiha Jin had no intention of wasting words.
"Hashirama cells!"
"And all the data from your research on them. If you're interested, you can name your price now."
Uchiha Jin's tone was direct.
Following his words, the people behind him, though slightly surprised, quickly calmed down.
Orochimaru, conversely, was completely stunned.
Hashirama cells?
Is this something that can be discussed openly in public?
After all, in Orochimaru's view, such matters were an absolute taboo for a Ninja Village, especially Konoha. Even if Uchiha Jin truly coveted the power of Wood Release, he shouldn't just blurt it out like this!
Especially—Tsunade!
Tsunade is present right now!
If you openly say you want to research her Great-Grandfather, how could someone with Tsunade's temper possibly tolerate it?
Subconsciously.
Orochimaru couldn't help but look at Tsunade, and then he was stunned all over again.
Because Tsunade's expression was completely calm.
He couldn't hold back!
"Tsunade..."
"Uchiha Jin wants to research Hashirama cells. Don't you have anything to say about that?"
Orochimaru asked, bewildered.
But, unfortunately.
Regarding his question, Tsunade replied calmly: "Even if you are willing to trade these materials, the subsequent research will likely be my responsibility."
"Do you understand what I mean?"
That's right!
Researching Hashirama cells is not a secret in New Konoha.
Unlike the research conducted in Old Konoha, the research here in New Konoha is done openly. It's just that she was too busy every day, especially while Old Konoha still existed, so she simply couldn't find much time to dedicate to the research.
Orochimaru: "..."
At this moment, he was truly dumbfounded.
He glanced briefly at the expressions of the people present and instantly realized that researching Hashirama cells was no secret in New Konoha; it seemed like everyone knew about it.
He couldn't help himself!
He even felt a faint jealousy in his heart. After all, when they were all in Old Konoha, these people present did not hold this view; everyone was unwilling to conduct such 'inhumane' experiments.
Back then, he had to hide in the basement every day just to conduct his experiments, making him feel like a rat that couldn't see the light.
But what about now?
Here in New Konoha, they can conduct research openly and honestly?
He wanted that too!
If the Old Konoha had allowed this practice, even if he had lost the position of fourth hokage, he wouldn't have chosen to leave Konoha in anger!
Therefore.
He couldn't help but look at Uchiha Jin, the core figure of New Konoha.
"Um, Lord Jin!"
"Could you tell me why this is the case?"
"How did you convince everyone, and why do they all have these expressions?"
"Tell me the truth, and I'll give it to you for free!"
Orochimaru immediately spoke.
That's right!
Although Hashirama cells are precious, they can be continuously cultivated. You could say there's as much of this stuff as one could ever want.
As for his research manuscripts concerning Hashirama cells?
Heh, they're even less valuable!
Even with the research conducted up to now, although he managed to create the Hashirama cell arms for Yamato and Danzo, they are essentially just prototypes.
Therefore, these materials are not inherently precious.
On the contrary!
He was genuinely interested in the current situation and couldn't figure out how Uchiha Jin managed to convince everyone in Konoha.
He was truly jealous!
If Uchiha Jin had been the Hokage of Konoha back then, he probably wouldn't have had to become a 'Rogue Ninja'!
Thus.
He genuinely wanted to know the specific reason, so much so that he was willing to give these items away for free.
After all—they aren't worth much!
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Uchiha Jin couldn't help but reveal a slight smile, and then he spoke in a very calm tone.
"The reason is simple!"
"It's because I, Uchiha Jin, am sufficiently open and honest, and my heart is not as dark as Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others."
"Therefore, my actions can naturally be placed in the sunlight, open to everyone's scrutiny and observation."
"I don't discriminate against human experimentation, nor do I view scientific research as a terrifying disaster; on the contrary, I see it as a ladder for human progress."
"Thus, New Konoha's research facility is not located in some underground secret room, but rather in a bright, three-story building not far from the Hokage Building."
"The financial allocations for research activities, as well as various other expenditures, are publicly disclosed every month."
"As for the source of human experimentation subjects, they are generally prisoners from hostile Ninja Villages, though more often they are volunteers."
"For example, those who want to provide a better life for their families, or those whose conventional medical treatment is useless after injury, and who must rely on these special methods to take a gamble..."
"The sources are actually numerous!"
"Furthermore, even if they become experimental subjects, we do not control them; the subjects themselves remain free."
"They can leave at any time, and can even go home every day."
"And our laboratory promises to adopt the gentlest approach possible, rather than aggressive methods that disregard the lives of the subjects."
"Roughly, that's how it is!"
"So, our research institution in New Konoha is completely different from what you imagine, Orochimaru; it is an institution that can operate in the sunlight."
"As for the research into Hashirama cells, it actually has little to do with other Ninja Clans."
"Even if there are test subjects, they will only be Uchiha!"
"The essence of my research into Hashirama cells is still to solve the problem of Mangekyo Sharingan users going blind after prolonged use."
"I assume, Orochimaru, that through your years of research, you also discovered that the Sharingan can suppress Hashirama cells—Danzo's arm utilized this finding."
"However, your idea was the Sharingan suppressing Hashirama cells. My main research, however, is using Hashirama cells to stimulate and gently nourish the Sharingan, especially the Mangekyo!"
Uchiha Jin's tone was calm.
This wasn't a secret to him at all. As Hokage, he didn't need any so-called shadows, Root, or darkness; everything he did could be placed in the sunlight for everyone to see.
Therefore.
Since Orochimaru wanted to know, he might as well just tell him.
He had already prepared for a trade, so since Orochimaru was now offering to give it to him for free, he certainly wouldn't refuse such a good deal.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
After hearing these words, Orochimaru's eyes became extremely complex.
After a long time.
With a soft sigh, he casually tossed over another scroll.