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"Heh, Lord Yoru, you've truly solved an urgent problem for the teacher."
Orochimaru, sitting in the wooden cabin, looked at Uchiha Yoru standing respectfully before him. This disciple, who was merely a political bargaining chip, had turned out to be unexpectedly helpful, making Orochimaru feel as if he had a capable assistant.
Of course, this assistant wasn't in research. After all, while Uchiha Yoru had Special Jonin-level Medical Ninjutsu, he still fell short in many areas.
This sense of having a capable assistant came from the financial aspect. It seemed that ever since he took on this disciple, he had hardly worried about the funding for his experiments. Even more, the other party had started to rally people under the name of the Uchiha Clan.
"Teacher Orochimaru, they all volunteered."
At this moment, Uchiha Yoru's eyes were filled with determination, as if to say that he firmly believed and looked forward to his teacher becoming the Fifth Hokage, and so did the other clans and families.
As for his disciple meeting with representatives from various clans at the camp, how could Orochimaru not know? In his eyes, it was merely the Uchiha Clan's way of ensuring he would become the Fifth Hokage sooner.
Or perhaps it was the Uchiha Clan's way of showing their sincerity and earning significant merit, as if to say, "Look at how many connections I've helped you establish."
Orochimaru immediately let out his unique, raspy laugh, "Heh, I've found that since Lord Yoru joined, having the Uchiha Clan around has made things much easier."
This was the first time Orochimaru mentioned the Uchiha Clan, and Uchiha Yoru's face lit up with excitement. He nodded solemnly, "Teacher Orochimaru, rest assured, the Uchiha Clan will always stand firmly behind you."
"The Inuzuka Clan and the Aburame Clan have expressed their goodwill towards you, offering fifty million in financial aid. The Hyuga Clan, on the other hand, is willing to provide two hundred million in aid but hopes that you will consider their candidates for the ANBU when you become Hokage."
Though he had already made the promise, he now claimed it was the Hyuga Clan's idea, truly playing both sides against each other.
Orochimaru's golden, slit-like eyes narrowed, and he flashed an evil smile. After a moment, he rasped, "Heh, the ANBU? It's not impossible."
At this moment, Orochimaru's mind was filled with a carefree smile. Konoha was supported by the major clans, and the Hokage's ANBU was an exception, being a force under the Hokage's direct control, mostly composed of elite civilians.
The major clans were part of the Hokage's lineage, with the Uchiha Clan being the exception. Therefore, the current major clans were merely showing goodwill to the future Hokage, and their investments were for the future.
After experiencing the failure in the Fourth Hokage competition, Orochimaru was no longer as obsessed with becoming Hokage. However, it seemed that everyone was pushing him towards the position.
After all, the Third Hokage was already elderly, having stepped down due to the significant sacrifices made during the Third Great Shinobi War. Therefore, many were now investing in the future Hokage.
Orochimaru probably never imagined that he would eventually become a rogue ninja. The human experiments had started with the Second Hokage, setting a precedent. Otherwise, how would techniques like Edo Tensei have been developed?
Moreover, Orochimaru had set up many secret research bases within Konoha. While some were his own private facilities, the most he could have done was abuse his position for personal gain. How did the Sarutobi Clan's claim of three thousand ninja come about?
Orochimaru's human experiments were also mentioned in the original story. He had joined Root, and it was under Danzo's direction and support that he started these experiments. How could the Hokage not know about such a significant operation?
Danzo had also secretly abused his power, allowing Orochimaru to research Wood Release, setting another precedent.
"Teacher."
Orochimaru smiled casually. He was no longer as interested in politics as before and waved his hand, "Rest assured, the Hyuga Clan will get what they want, and so will the Uchiha Clan."
This promise, one could only say, was worthy of a Hokage candidate. After all, how could someone who didn't understand politics become a Hokage candidate?
Uchiha Yoru, seeing this, nodded eagerly, "Teacher Orochimaru, rest assured, the Uchiha Clan will do its utmost."
Loyalty! After all, he didn't represent the Uchiha Clan. He was merely seen as the current representative by some.
"Heh, Lord Yoru, I see you not only have a talent for Medical Ninjutsu but also for swordsmanship. This Chakra Weapon was originally meant to be a gift when you became a Jonin, but I think it's unnecessary now."
With an evil, sinister smile, Orochimaru tilted his head, and a terrifying scene unfolded. His throat gurgled as if something was about to be expelled, and a dark-colored snake slowly emerged from his mouth, which then opened to reveal another object.
Seeing the Chakra Weapon, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but show surprise. It was this divine weapon.
"Heh, the Kusanagi Sword is said to be made from the hardest material in the world and is similar to Chakra Metal. I wonder if Lord Yoru is satisfied."
After retracting his long tongue, Orochimaru, with his sinister smile, grasped the long, black, straight blade and flicked it, instantly cleaning off the slime on the blade.
Seeing the divine weapon being offered, Uchiha Yoru was filled with excitement. For a ninja, this was a priceless treasure.
"Thank you, Teacher Orochimaru."
Reverently accepting the Kusanagi Sword, originally wielded by Sasuke Uchiha in the original story, Uchiha Yoru was deeply grateful for Orochimaru's generosity. Uncle Snake was always one to understand the value of investment.
Orochimaru also laughed raspily, his golden eyes filled with amusement. It wasn't that he was generous, but that the other party was worth the investment.
From a personal perspective, the other party was his disciple, and he had already awakened the Sharingan. Becoming a Jonin would be no problem, let alone with his guidance. Giving him a divine weapon he didn't need was entirely reasonable.
From a practical perspective, this disciple had brought him considerable benefits and increased the Uchiha Clan's trust and support. This would lead to more research funding in the future.
A win-win situation, achieving two goals at once.
Satisfied, Uchiha Yoru inserted the Kusanagi Sword into his waist and smiled excitedly. Orochimaru then said, "The border has been relatively stable recently. Remember to follow your training plan diligently."
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru."
It had to be said that Orochimaru was the most responsible teacher, setting training plans based on scientific principles to achieve the best possible results without overloading the body, unlike haphazard, impulsive training.
The original story notes that the Kusanagi Sword is a type of sword rather than a specific weapon.
The decisive moment is coming this afternoon. With nearly 70,000 words, it's time to see if this story will gain traction or fail.
(End of Chapter)