Although Mizuki's thoughts had been uncovered, he didn't feel ashamed or angry. In a way, Yakushi Kabuto and Mizuki were indeed quite similar—they were both civilian ninja and war orphans with no notable background. The difference was that Kabuto worked as a double agent among different factions, eventually earning Orochimaru's trust and securing protection and a foundation for growth, while Mizuki gained significant advantages through foresight and information superiority.
Civilian ninja who managed to rise this far through the cracks were no ordinary individuals. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that Kabuto Yakushi could roughly guess Mizuki's intentions based on their shared experiences.
However, Mizuki didn't want to overreact to Kabuto Yakushi's subtly sarcastic yet understated flattery. Since he'd already extorted quite a few good things, knowing when to back off might bring even more benefits. From now on, their conversation would focus on mutual benefit—when negotiating, it was better not to let the opponent control the topic.
Mizuki looked at Kabuto Yakushi, who wore a confident expression, and said, "I admit these two jutsu have potential for negotiation, but how useful they'll be to me is hard to predict. Since you mentioned ideas and inspiration, their true value can't simply be measured by effect or power alone. As you said, theoretically, the possibility I'll actually use them is extremely low…"
"Uh?" Caught off guard by this argument, Kabuto Yakushi couldn't immediately think of a solid rebuttal. If tangible benefits couldn't be used as bargaining chips, the value of these techniques would plummet. As for vague reasons like providing references, without possessing the actual technique yet, it was hard to explain clearly.
"So what do you suggest?"
"You must give me partial records about these forbidden jutsu so I can judge their value before we proceed further with negotiations."
"Absolutely impossible!" Kabuto Yakushi rejected firmly. "What if you completed the entire jutsu just based on the information I provided? If I give too little, you won't see its true worth; give too much, and I won't feel secure!"
"Fine," Mizuki replied, unwilling to dwell too long on details, eager to move forward. "Let's discuss the transaction method later. Now tell me exactly what it is you want. I don't have many powerful ninja techniques or forbidden jutsu here. I'm really curious which one caught your eye…"
"I want your [Genjutsu Magical Formation] and [Breath-Sealing Art]!"
"[Breath-Sealing Art]? You sure aim high." Mizuki couldn't help feeling astonished by Kabuto Yakushi's intelligence-gathering ability and sharp judgment. Last time, Kabuto Yakushi had praised the [Genjutsu Magical Formation], and now he was targeting the very foundation of Mizuki's techniques.
"How exactly did you find out about that technique? I don't think anyone else knows it besides me and Sakura Haruno. During the Chunin Exams, Sakura Haruno never fully demonstrated its effects. How did you become interested in it?"
"I understand the requirements for mastering Sage Mode," Kabuto Yakushi answered. "Strong physical condition and massive amounts of chakra are fundamental prerequisites. Your body and talents aren't unknown to me. If even someone like you could master Sage Mode, there wouldn't be so few Sages walking around!"
"So, you figured out it was the Breath-Sealing Art that took effect?"
"I don't know exactly how the Breath-Sealing Art works, but its name already reveals plenty. Except for those with zero talent for naming, most jutsu names reflect something about their original creators. Don't the three words 'Breath-Sealing Art' speak for themselves?"
"A technique that seals energy and cultivates chakra? Fine, I'll give you credit for figuring that out. But what do you have to offer as leverage?"
"Wouldn't the Impure World Reincarnation and the Living Corpse Reincarnation be enough?" Kabuto countered. "Aren't these two techniques far more powerful than your Breath-Sealing Art?"
"Did my earlier words really go over your head?" Mizuki said, clearly displeased. "If we're going to judge value purely by strength, then why talk at all? Why not just fight, winner takes everything! And besides..."
Mizuki looked at Kabuto, whose expression brimmed with reluctance, and continued, "Get this straight—it was you who came to me first proposing this deal. The advantage lies with me. Whether or not the trade happens depends entirely on what I want, not on what you're willing to offer."
Those outrageous words left Kabuto momentarily stunned into silence. Fortunately, his badly scarred face hid how livid he had become.
Unfazed by Kabuto's reaction, Mizuki pressed on. "Even though I've accepted your payment for saving your life, you're still in my grasp. You haven't handed over the promised jutsu yet, so in reality, there's no real guarantee for your safety."
"Are you backing out?"
"Nonsense!" Mizuki denied immediately. "This isn't even close to breaking our deal—it's just negotiation. Like you said before, I'm not some naïve fool. If we can't reach an agreement, lying to enemies doesn't count as deceit, does it? It should be called being clever."
Mizuki's words instantly gave Kabuto a sense of danger.
After a long silence, Kabuto raised his head and asked, "Then what do you want?"
Seeing how cooperative Kabuto had become, Mizuki replied with satisfaction, "The value of the Impure World Reincarnation will be determined after you hand part of its records to me. As for the Living Corpse Reincarnation, there must be one critical foundational issue resolved before I recognize its worth."
"What kind of problem?" Kabuto asked, confused. "Lord Orochimaru has used it several times already; there shouldn't be any significant lingering damage!"
"That's just your opinion!" Mizuki scoffed. "Nobody can guarantee that everything will go smoothly during the Living Corpse Reincarnation. Strong individuals always find ways to avoid risks—especially problems arising during spirit merging. The final trump card relies entirely on a person's enduring obsession—their manifestation. Only after acquiring related information regarding this aspect will I feel safe studying the Living Corpse Reincarnation thoroughly."
"Obsession? Manifestation?" Kabuto murmured thoughtfully.
"Precisely. Without this, the Living Corpse Reincarnation becomes an enormous trap—I won't accept such a technique."
"But I've never heard of Lord Orochimaru having any issues along these lines."
"Just because you haven't heard about it doesn't mean they don't exist."
"Mizuki explained carefully, 'In my mind, the capability of the [Breath-Sealing Art] equals that of the jutsu I just mentioned, plus both [Living Corpse Reincarnation] and [Impure World Reincarnation]. If you're on board, we can do the trade. Naturally, this gives me the upper hand, but that's only fair — after all, you're the one asking for help!'"
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