-----------
This high quality machine translation is powered by: https:// geriatrictranslations.com/
Special Permission was given to upload the novel on WebNovel.
Geriatric Translations can be supported on patreon (https://www. patreon.com/geriatricvibes) where additional chapters can be enjoyed.
You can also join the Geriatric Translations Community on Discord to connect with other readers: https:// discord.gg/NSWvfN7vua
-----------
Orochimaru's unique, raspy laughter echoed through the tent. To Uchiha Yoru, it no longer sounded sinister and terrifying but rather filled with a pleasant tone.
*
A retching sound reverberated through the tent as Orochimaru's mouth expelled a saliva-drenched snake. The snake then retched out a scroll covered in wet, slimy saliva.
Seeing the scroll, Uchiha Yoru's face flushed with excitement. In contrast, Orochimaru, after retracting the snake, licked his lips and said with a smile, "Yoru, your teacher has high hopes for your potential."
The scroll was unfurled, revealing a list of names. He saw Orochimaru's name, and the last name was Anko Mitarashi.
The Ryūchi Cave summoning scroll!
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and respectfully said, "Yes, Teacher Orochimaru. Uchiha Yoru will not let you down."
Or rather, the Uchiha Clan would not be disappointed. After all, the relationship between the two was more of a political nature.
For Orochimaru, the financial support from Konoha's First Noble Clan was like a godsend, allowing his research, which had slowed due to funding issues, to resume normal operations.
The term 'teacher' in Uchiha Yoru's mouth also had a different flavor. In the past, he called Orochimaru 'teacher' because they were in the same team with Anko, and he wanted to curry favor. But this time, it was a master-disciple relationship, a political alliance in which both sides benefited. Before Orochimaru's defection, if you wanted to thrive in Konoha, you needed political acumen.
A kunai cut into his finger, and he signed his name on the summoning scroll, then pressed his palm print on it. Orochimaru immediately smiled.
"Yoru, it seems you are quite clever, knowing how to use your advantages."
Under Orochimaru's wise gaze, it seemed he could see through everything. Uchiha Yoru looked up without hiding his feelings and respectfully smiled, "Teacher Orochimaru, isn't it most important that the Uchiha Clan is willing to provide all logistical support?"
The meaning was clear: what Orochimaru needed most urgently was a large amount of funding for research. Who provided it was secondary.
Even if Orochimaru had already learned some of the details, he had obtained what he needed. The rest was the Uchiha Clan's business.
Orochimaru smiled upon hearing this. He was curious about his disciple's abilities, not only in ninja techniques but also in his mind, which seemed to have evolved beyond a simple ninja's mindset to that of a political strategist within a powerful clan.
"So, my disciple, can the Uchiha elite on the front lines follow your command or orders?"
For Orochimaru, who provided the support was not important; what mattered was the benefits he received.
Uchiha Yoru was secretly startled upon hearing this. Indeed, Orochimaru had already received some information. For example, the family had given him a task along with the substantial financial support: to fully assist the Uchiha Clan's genius, Uchiha Itachi, in joining Orochimaru's ranks.
Right! Uchiha Yoru had used the clan's resources to pave his own path.
"Teacher Orochimaru, rest assured, the Uchiha Clan is willing to follow your orders!"
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru respectfully expressed his and the clan's loyalty. In his heart, he muttered that as long as someone from the Uchiha Clan joined Orochimaru, it didn't matter who exactly it was.
The rice was already cooked, and the five-year-old Uchiha Itachi was no longer a possibility.
In the original story, the Uchiha Clan couldn't establish a connection with Orochimaru, so they couldn't form the current cooperative relationship. This time, he had used his knowledge of the Wood Release ninja, Yamato, to establish the connection, even if it was a bit of a stretch. But that didn't matter; what mattered was that he had succeeded.
Looking at Uchiha Yoru, Orochimaru laughed raspingly. He didn't want to get involved in the political intrigues and power struggles within the great clans. As long as he got what he wanted, he was content.
"Hehe, the research materials on this scroll will be entrusted to the Uchiha elite. Remember to find Anko when you return; she will teach you some snake techniques."
At this moment, Orochimaru casually handed over a scroll. Uchiha Yoru, upon receiving it, immediately smiled. He had succeeded! Now he could truly call himself Orochimaru's disciple and also benefit his clan.
"Teacher Orochimaru, rest assured, I will inform Shisui right away."
With that, Uchiha Yoru excitedly took his leave. At this point, Orochimaru had not yet become obsessed with the Sharingan; he was only interested in immortality. Yoru was still safe.
More importantly, he only had one tomoe. If the Uchiha Clan wanted a research subject, they would need a three-tomoe Sharingan. Besides, he still had value.
From the original story, it was clear that although Orochimaru was a major antagonist in the early stages, his charisma and broad-mindedness meant that as long as you had value, your flaws didn't matter. The best example was Uchiha Sasuke, who could be quite rude, but Orochimaru never got angry as long as you still had value.
Now that he had successfully joined Orochimaru's ranks, it was partly due to the Uchiha Clan's support and partly due to his own potential, even if that potential was temporarily boosted by resources. But who else knew that?
When he returned to the Uchiha camp, Shisui was still there.
"Big Brother Yoru."
When Shisui saw him, he immediately smiled. Although he was stronger than Uchiha Yoru in terms of strength, he fell short in other areas, especially in the future of the Uchiha. The once lost Shisui finally saw a beacon of hope.
Uchiha Yoru's face showed hesitation and difficulty as he entered. He then gestured around, and sure enough, the next moment, Uchiha Shisui sternly said, "Everyone, be on alert in secret."
Sure enough, the sound of slight rustling grass could be heard around the tent. The situation of the Uchiha Clan was awkward, and it had already affected the front lines, as could be seen from the isolation around the camp.
The Uchiha Clan was isolated.
"Big Brother Yoru, everything is under control. There's a barrier, so there's nothing to worry about."
At this moment, Shisui, seeing everything arranged, frowned and looked at Uchiha Yoru with suspicion, "Big Brother Yoru, what's wrong?"
Uchiha Yoru sighed and shook his head with a bitter smile. "Shisui, the clan's task is to wait for Uchiha Itachi, the son of the clan leader. With Uchiha Itachi's talent and my covert probing, we want to see if he can join Orochimaru's ranks."
Upon hearing this, Shisui frowned. He knew about this task, but why was it being mentioned now? Could it be!
"Big Brother Yoru, did you encounter some difficulties?"
At this moment, the honest Uchiha Shisui was full of concern. After all, the Uchiha Clan's situation was very difficult. They had finally established a connection with the future Fifth Hokage, and they couldn't afford to give up.
Seeing Shisui's worried face, Uchiha Yoru sighed inwardly. Shisui, this is all for the clan, for the Uchiha.
*
The contract is signed. Starting today, there will be two updates per day. Your support is greatly appreciated.
*
(End of Chapter)