"Ran-kun, I completely agree with your line of thinking."
Orochimaru expressed wholehearted approval of Uchiha Ran's proposal to focus research on Wood Release and the Sharingan, two of the most powerful kekkei genkai in the shinobi world.
However, he also made one thing very clear—
In scientific research, funding was absolutely critical.
Especially when it came to something as ambitious as Wood Release and Sharingan research.
Whether experiments could proceed smoothly, whether research could go deeper, and whether meaningful results could be achieved—all of it depended directly on whether sufficient funds were available.
Orochimaru explained that the first major expense in research was equipment and materials.
Experiments required a wide array of instruments and specialized materials, many of which were exorbitantly expensive. Although some equipment could be manufactured in-house, there was still a large amount that had to be specially ordered.
Only with ample funding could they acquire cutting-edge equipment and high-grade materials, ensuring accuracy, stability, and reliability in their experiments.
"Orochimaru-sensei, I understand all of that," Ran said, adjusting his glasses. "The Sharingan isn't a problem—but what about Wood Release? Where do we get the Wood Release samples, and more importantly, the funding?"
That was the key issue.
"Oh? Ran-kun," Orochimaru smiled thinly. "I'm taking you to meet someone. You know him very well. A true conspirator."
He lowered his voice.
"Trust me—he has exactly what we need."
Ran narrowed his eyes and smiled back.
"So… Danzo-sama, then. That rat who likes hiding in the shadows."
"Ran-kun, that's rather impolite," Orochimaru chuckled. "Danzo-sama is a generous patron. He can provide us with Wood Release samples—and a great deal of research funding."
Ran shrugged lightly.
"Fine. For the sake of research funds—and because Danzo-sama might contribute to my Sharingan's evolution—I suppose it's worth meeting this 'patron.'"
…
Looking at the familiar surroundings, Ran couldn't help but comment,
"As expected of you, Orochimaru-sensei. Meeting Danzo-sama really is easy—straight into the Root headquarters."
The underground tunnels were dark and damp, twisting endlessly.
Before long, Orochimaru and Ran arrived at Danzo's subterranean office.
Seeing the two visitors, Danzo merely glanced at them, gestured for them to sit, and calmly brewed tea without a word.
"Orochimaru… and Ran-kun. People don't come to the temple without reason," Danzo said slowly. "Since the two of you came together, I assume you need my help with something important."
"Danzo-sama," Orochimaru replied smoothly, "I've made some progress in my research on kekkei genkai recently. Now, there's a new and extremely important project—one that requires your assistance."
Danzo didn't respond immediately.
Instead, his thoughts raced.
Orochimaru was a venomous snake—dangerous and cold-blooded. His previous kekkei genkai research clearly hid deeper motives. A project more important than those, and one that required his involvement…
Could it be—
"Orochimaru," Danzo said suddenly, eyes sharp, "are you planning to initiate Wood Release research?"
Though phrased as a question, both Orochimaru and Ran heard certainty in his tone.
"Danzo-sama is as sharp as ever," Orochimaru smiled. "Just a few words, and you already grasped my intent. However—"
He glanced meaningfully around the room.
Danzo followed his gaze and raised a hand slightly.
Whoosh.
In an instant, the Root operatives hidden throughout the office vanished without a trace.
"Now you may speak freely," Danzo said coldly.
"To be precise," Orochimaru said calmly, "we want to research the First Hokage's cells—Hashirama Senju's cells. And if you don't mind, Danzo-sama… I'm also quite interested in that eye of yours."
"The one that emits a chakra far more refined than a normal Sharingan."
Bang!
Danzo slammed his cane into the ground, his eyes blazing as he stared at Orochimaru.
He never expected Orochimaru's perception to be that sharp.
He had concealed Uchiha Kagami's Mangekyō Sharingan so carefully—yet Orochimaru still sensed it.
Yes.
Danzo Shimura's right eye was a Mangekyō Sharingan.
It once belonged to Uchiha Kagami, Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi's former teammate.
During a mission long ago—one eerily similar to the choice faced by the Second Hokage—Danzo and Kagami stayed behind to cover Hiruzen's retreat.
In that battle, Kagami activated the Mangekyō Sharingan.
What Danzo witnessed shook him to his core.
Overwhelming genjutsu.
Terrifying power.
A majestic, unstoppable Susanoo.
Danzo was utterly mesmerized.
But the enemy numbers were overwhelming.
Gravely wounded, Danzo survived only because Kagami unleashed Susanoo and used the forbidden technique Izanagi to annihilate their foes.
Kagami, however, exhausted and critically injured, stood at death's door.
Before dying, he entrusted his right eye to Danzo—so that Danzo could inherit his will and power.
From that day on, maintaining the Sharingan consumed enormous chakra, which was why Danzo rarely fought personally.
And he never revealed this secret to anyone.
In Danzo's heart, Kagami's will lived on.
He believed he was using that power to protect Konoha—in his own way.
Yet despite his respect and gratitude toward Kagami, Danzo believed there would never be another Uchiha like him.
Thus, convinced he was upholding the will of the Second Hokage, Danzo continued suppressing the Uchiha clan.
Seeing Danzo's murderous glare, Orochimaru knew that obtaining a Mangekyō-level Sharingan from him was unrealistic.
So he calmly shifted the focus.
"Danzo-sama, don't misunderstand. That was merely a casual suggestion. Our real priority is Hashirama Cells. In my view, once the First Hokage's power is fully understood, even the Mangekyō Sharingan won't seem so special."
Danzo nodded in strong agreement.
Wood Release was unquestionably superior—otherwise, how could Hashirama Senju have suppressed Uchiha Madara, even with the Mangekyō?
"I approve your request," Danzo said at last. "I had already planned to initiate this research myself. Unfortunately, Root lacks the necessary talent."
He stood up.
"Follow me."
Before long, Danzo led Orochimaru and Ran into a cold storage facility.
He retrieved a cryogenically preserved piece of tissue and handed it to Orochimaru.
"The Second Hokage conducted similar experiments," Danzo said coldly. "As the Third's disciple… you are merely inheriting his will."
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