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"Become an Ōtsutsuki?"
Kaito raised an eyebrow as he looked at Orochimaru.
"I'm afraid I can't be of much help in that regard."
"You're being too modest, Kaito-kun."
Orochimaru tucked the test tube back into his ninja pouch, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "You must have conducted in-depth research on the Ōtsutsuki clan as well, haven't you? Combining your findings with mine might just achieve the goal I'm aiming for."
"So, you believes the Ōtsutsuki's physique holds more advantages than that of yōkai?" Kaito asked.
"Heh heh heh…"
Orochimaru let out an eerie chuckle before countering, "Don't you agree, Kaito-kun?"
"It seems our Orochimaru isn't keen on abandoning the identity of a shinobi so easily."
Kaito nodded in understanding.
After all, Orochimaru's decades of accumulated knowledge were all rooted in the chakra system—naturally, he wouldn't want to discard it and start anew.
A thought flashed through Kaito's mind—this experiment of Orochimaru's might not be a bad idea.
At the very least, it would provide more research material on the Ōtsutsuki.
When Kaito had handed over the tissue samples of Ōtsutsuki Isshiki to Orochimaru, this had been his intention all along.
Though both of them were researchers, their approaches were entirely different.
Perhaps, as the saying went, "The stones of other hills may serve to polish the jade of this one."
Of course, Orochimaru was a man with loose moral boundaries, a chaotic figure whose allegiances were unpredictable. If he truly succeeded, there was no guarantee he wouldn't suddenly switch sides and ally with the Ōtsutsuki clan, turning his blade against them.
Thus, research was acceptable—but actual success could not be permitted.
Having reached this conclusion, Kaito made up his mind.
His expression turned serious as he met Orochimaru's gaze. "Very well. In accordance with our prior contract, I am willing to lend you my assistance."
"Keh heh heh… Excellent." Orochimaru's excitement was palpable as his tongue flicked out to wet his lips. "When do we begin?"
"I still have unfinished business here, so I'm afraid I won't be able to participate in your plans immediately."
After a brief pause, Kaito proposed, "Since this is research and not combat, why not have one of my paper clones accompany you for now? Once I've settled my affairs, I'll join you in person. How does that sound, Orochimaru-senpai?"
A small paper figure flew out from Kaito's sleeve, landing on the ground before transforming into a perfect replica of himself. The clone nodded at both Kaito and Orochimaru.
Orochimaru hesitated briefly before slowly replying, "Very well. I'll be waiting for you, Kaito-kun."
"I'll make my way to your location as soon as possible."
Kaito watched as Orochimaru and the paper clone departed before finally turning his attention to the three mountains in the distance, each occupied by a different summoning clan.
The Great Toad Sage of Mount Myōboku sat atop the leftmost peak, surrounded by toads of all sizes. The atmosphere among them was somber, likely due to the recent deaths of the elder toads, Fukasaku and Shima.
The snakes of Ryūchi Cave occupied the central mountain, though they were clearly divided into two factions—one led by Shinya and the other by the White Snake Sage. The massive forms of Shinya and the White Snake Sage stood at the forefront of their respective groups, ignoring each other entirely. Behind the White Snake Sage, the three Snake Sannin maintained their humanoid forms, standing respectfully.
On the rightmost hill, the enormous form of Katsuyu, the Slug Sage, lay in serene silence, exuding an aura of tranquility.
After assessing the situation, Kaito leisurely made his way toward Shinya.
"Sss… Ssss…"
Shinya raised its head excitedly, proudly glancing at the White Snake Sage before letting out a series of hisses.
The snakes behind it also lifted their upper bodies slightly, swaying in unison.
The other summoning creatures watched the scene unfold but refrained from interfering, allowing Kaito to approach Shinya undisturbed.
"Though we've communicated before, this could still be considered our first meeting." Kaito's sleeves fluttered lightly as he looked up at Shinya's colossal form, his smile warm and friendly. "Greetings, Shinya-dono."
Contrary to its usual fiery temper, Shinya obediently lowered its massive head, doing its best to meet Kaito's gaze at eye level.
"Kaito-sama."
Though its voice rumbled like thunder to Kaito's ears, it was clear the serpent was making an effort to speak as gently as possible.
A flicker of surprise crossed Kaito's face before he responded kindly, "Just 'Kaito' is fine. Aren't we already friends?"
Shōki was deeply moved.
"To think Kaito-sama would consider me a friend… What an honor!" It hurriedly declared, "Rest assured, Uchiha Kaito! I, Shinya, may not be the brightest serpent, but I am the most honorable one!!!"
"I know." Kaito's laughter was hearty. "Then, from now on, let's rely on each other, my friend."
"Of course! I'll be counting on you too!!"
At this moment, Shinya almost wished it had arms to thump its chest in a show of determination.
"As for the conditions I promised you, I'll fulfill them as soon as possible." Kaito's expression shifted to one of slight apology. "However… it might take some time."
"That's fine!" Shinya nodded repeatedly. "I'm in no hurry. There's still much for you to handle right now. I can wait!"
"Good." Kaito smiled again. "Thank you for your understanding, Shinya."
Shinya let out an unpleasant-sounding laugh. "Hahaha! No need for thanks—after all, we're friends, right?"
Kaito nodded in agreement.
"Then I won't keep you from your pressing matters any longer!"
Without further ado, Shinya prepared to leave, though not without casting one last triumphant glance at the White Snake Sage.
Kaito pretended not to notice the underlying meaning in its words and simply waved. "Thank you. I'll seek you out later, Shinya."
The giant serpent dipped its head in acknowledgment, bid farewell, and vanished in a puff of white smoke.
The snakes that had followed it also disappeared one after another.
This new friend might look terrifying, but its personality is quite endearing.
As Kaito pondered this, his mind was already racing through various ways to utilize his new "friend."
Thus, standing under the collective gaze of countless summoning creatures, he fell into a thoughtful silence.
"..."
At this moment, both the White Snake Sage and the Great Toad Sage felt an inexplicable sense of speechlessness.
Only Katsuyu remained as serene as ever.
Though Kaito's expression remained neutral, he was secretly observing their reactions.
As sages who cultivated natural energy, their emotions resonated with the surrounding energy, subtly altering the atmosphere.
Kaito, of course, was highly sensitive to such changes.
However, he didn't leave them hanging for too long.
"Great Toad Sage, White Snake Sage, Slug Sage." His gaze swept from left to right. "As the three most renowned summoning realms in the shinobi world—Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest—will you stand with us in resisting the Ōtsutsuki clan when they arrive?"