Chapter 212: Orochimaru's Surrender
Right after Orochimaru personally demonstrated the Impure World Reincarnation technique and explained in detail its requirements, a system notification immediately rang out in Uchiha Dali's mind.
[You have witnessed a Kage-level powerhouse use the Impure World Reincarnation technique, and have thoroughly understood its method of use. You have comprehended the Perfect Impure World Reincarnation!]
[Perfect Impure World Reincarnation: An ultra–S-rank ninjutsu developed through complete improvement of the basic version of the Impure World Reincarnation technique. The reincarnated target possesses 100% of their living strength and retains self-awareness, able to display their full power in life. Summoning no longer requires sacrificing a living human, though it still requires the target's flesh or something biologically connected to them.]
[Those revived by the Perfect Impure World Reincarnation will completely obey the caster, unable to harm them in any way or release the technique against the caster's will, even if they know the method to undo it.]
Hearing the voice in his head, the corners of Uchiha Dali's mouth slowly curved into a satisfied smile.
He hadn't come to Orochimaru to revive Nohara Rin using Impure World Reincarnation—this was what he was really after.
Heaven-defying talent truly was heaven-defying.
Now that his goal was achieved, he had indeed mastered the Perfect Impure World Reincarnation.
Just how powerful was this? The voice in his head had already explained in detail.
No need to use living humans as vessels.
The summoned dead would have their full strength from life and retain their own consciousness.
Most importantly—they could not defy the caster, nor could they undo the technique without the caster's consent.
What did that mean?
To put it bluntly, as long as Uchiha Dali refused, even someone like Uchiha Madara or Senju Hashirama could never break free from the Impure World Reincarnation's control, never escape his grasp.
It was truly perfect.
Having secured his objective, Uchiha Dali no longer intended to waste time.
He glanced at Orochimaru. "You've done well, Orochimaru."
"So, my earlier offer still stands—what's your answer?"
Uchiha Dali looked at Orochimaru with a faint, knowing smile.
Back in the depths of the Cloud Thunder Gorge, he had met Orochimaru and invited him to return to Konoha to serve under him, promising to overlook his betrayal.
At that time, Orochimaru had given no reply.
Now, he extended the olive branch once more. If Orochimaru still refused, he'd let him go.
After all, this man could never be a threat to him.
And keeping him around might be more useful in the future.
Orochimaru's face was covered in a sheen of tense, cold sweat.
Looking at Uchiha Dali's half-smile, he seemed almost unable to believe his words.
After a while, he chuckled. "Hehe… Uchiha Dali, why exactly are you willing to let me go?"
"You're a talent. A rare talent. I admire you. Is that reason enough?"
"…It is."
"But some of my ideals may be… unacceptable to the people of the village."
Orochimaru agreed almost without hesitation, though he had his own calculations. Now he wanted Uchiha Dali's assurance.
After all, he would never abandon his ultimate goal.
To become the ultimate being, he needed more experimental materials and research subjects.
And there was one thought he hadn't spoken aloud—hidden deep in his heart.
He had noticed something extraordinary about Uchiha Dali.
Years of honed perception told him that Uchiha Dali might very well be the best research subject he could ever find.
If he could obtain a chance to study Uchiha Dali's cells, perhaps he could become the ultimate being and achieve his dream.
"As long as you don't go too far and you don't target the villagers, I won't interfere with what you do."
Uchiha Dali gave his word.
He was well aware of Orochimaru's skills and methods.
With his full support, who knew what kind of advanced technology and powerful creations Orochimaru might produce?
Even if he himself never needed them, his subordinates could.
People like Namikaze Minato, Kakashi, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Fugaku, Uzumaki Nagato, Uchiha Obito…
With Orochimaru's "black technology" enhancements, their strength could rise to an entirely new level.
"Hehe…"
"I might have one presumptuous request—would you agree to it?"
Orochimaru hesitated, but still decided to ask.
He didn't know that Uchiha Dali had been using Observation Haki to eavesdrop on his inner thoughts—one of the key reasons he had received such a generous promise.
Orochimaru had harbored no malicious schemes or tricks.
His surrender was genuine.
Because Uchiha Dali had sensed this with Observation Haki, he had shown him such leniency.
Had Orochimaru harbored even a sliver of ill intent, he would've been dead hundreds of times over by now.
Of course, Uchiha Dali also knew perfectly well about Orochimaru's desire to obtain his genetic material for research.
He simply pretended not to know and looked straight at him.
Orochimaru, bold as ever, actually voiced the question: "May I study you?"
"By 'study,' you mean… something legitimate?" Uchiha Dali asked with that same faint smile.
Not understanding the implication, Orochimaru replied in all seriousness, "I only need a small tissue sample from your body to cultivate experimental somatic cells.
"Later, I might need your cooperation to provide more cells for further research—but nothing excessive."
The moment he finished speaking, he saw Uchiha Dali extend his arm.
Orochimaru was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood. "Much obliged."
He spoke, and then his head shot forward—connected to a long, serpentine neck—flying toward Uchiha Dali before biting down hard on his arm without hesitation.
No tricks.
He only collected the necessary genetic data, blood samples, and somatic cells.
Orochimaru didn't dare make any other moves.
"That's all you need?" Uchiha Dali asked curiously.
"That will do. If I need more, I'll request it from you again," Orochimaru replied.
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