Gekko Chizan suddenly felt like a thousand question marks popped up in his head...
Uchiha Madara appeared in the Land of Earth?
No way, wasn't that bastard supposed to be dead...
Wait a minute, he suddenly thought of something... Back then, didn't he fight a bunch of people in the Land of Earth?
The leader was none other than Kitsuchi.
And what he used at the time was the Genjutsu of Ryūchi Cave combined with Crystal Release, disguised as Uchiha Madara and Susanoo...
So the reason Iwagakure retreated and didn't dare to act recklessly... was also my fault?
Damn it, doesn't that mean I've been involved in all the major incidents across the Four Great Nations?
"Surprised, aren't you? But the information we got really says so."
"Uchiha Madara... If he's still alive, he should be over a hundred by now. How is that even possible..."
"Or could it be he's already achieved immortality?"
When immortality was mentioned, Orochimaru's eyes flickered with a shocking light. After all, in his research, immortality was the most important piece—and his ultimate goal.
Gekko Chizan, on the other hand, was utterly speechless.
So the biggest twist here... was me?
What the hell is this situation?
But when he heard Orochimaru mention immortality, Gekko Chizan's expression changed.
"Sensei, you're still obsessed with immortality?"
"But if you keep going down this path, the result... I already told you last time."
In Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never approve of Orochimaru touching research that violated human ethics. Wasn't the First Hokage's cell cultivation project shut down precisely because of live experiments?
He knew exactly what kind of immortality jutsu Orochimaru was after.
Living Corpse Reincarnation—a ninjutsu that transferred one's consciousness into another person's body (basically seizing their body as a vessel) to gain eternal life.
To succeed with this jutsu... the lives it would cost weren't one or two.
"I know, but this is my pursuit, and I won't give it up."
"Besides... in this war, apart from you, Jiraiya's disciple Namikaze Minato gained quite a reputation. Now there are already voices in the village calling for him to become the next Hokage."
Orochimaru's tone was flat, as though Namikaze Minato replacing him didn't bother him at all.
What truly killed him was being barred from continuing his research.
"Even if continuing your research means you'll be driven out of Konoha?"
Gekko Chizan stared seriously at Orochimaru, wanting his answer.
This time, Orochimaru didn't hesitate. He nodded, his voice deadly serious.
"The war is over, the new Hokage successor has been chosen, and my dealings with Danzō—Hokage definitely knows about them."
"On top of that, I was involved in all kinds of research projects before. And lately, I've noticed ANBU members often appear outside my laboratory."
"Chizan-kun, you were right. He won't tolerate me touching forbidden subjects anymore."
"And recently, because of your disappearance, I haven't paid the slightest attention to village matters, which has already caused much dissatisfaction."
Though he said this, not a hint of displeasure appeared on Orochimaru's face. On the contrary, his eyes toward Gekko Chizan were full of recognition.
His disciple... able to retreat alive even when facing a Tailed Beast.
Though he didn't know what Chizan had been doing the past six months...
At least he came back alive.
"Well then, Sensei, since that's the case, let me show you what I've been up to all this time I was gone."
"But I want you to keep it secret. If word gets out... I might have to leave the village to wander with you."
Gekko Chizan slowly stood up and placed his hand on Orochimaru.
The next second, the two vanished from the laboratory.
When they reappeared, they were already outside the village.
...
"This is already outside the village, right?"
"Chizan-kun, I'm really curious what you want to show me."
Orochimaru smiled at his disciple.
Gekko Chizan didn't say much.
He simply activated the Flying Thunder God again—this time, borrowing Chōmei's strength.
"Chōmei, control your strength well. Take us straight to Island Turtle."
"Don't worry, I'll suppress my chakra so we won't be exposed."
Flying Thunder God—activate.
Gekko Chizan and Orochimaru instantly crossed the entire Land of Fire and arrived at Island Turtle in the South Sea.
As the salty sea breeze filled his nose, surprise flickered across Orochimaru's face.
The endless ocean stretched out before his eyes. He couldn't help but believe they were really out at sea now.
But what shocked him even more was the creature beneath their feet.
"This... is a giant turtle?"
"A turtle the size of an island?"
"There's actually such a magical creature in this world."
As a scientist specializing in biology and mechanics, Orochimaru was instantly captivated by this strange species.
He grew visibly excited.
"Chizan-kun, where did you find this giant turtle? No, I should call it Island Turtle."
"Heh, Sensei, take a guess?"
Gekko Chizan looked at Island Turtle with obvious pride.
This was his prized possession—his moving fortress.
"And Sensei, this Island Turtle isn't just a turtle. There are many creatures on it, all enormous in size, and a huge variety of species too."
"Oh, right, there's even a training spot called the Falls of Truth."
Orochimaru became even more excited and curious.
As a scientist—and especially a biologist—he had endless curiosity for rare species.
Without even thinking, he started walking toward the island's interior.
The deeper they went, the more of the massive creatures Gekko Chizan had mentioned came into view.
Gorillas. Lions. All freakishly huge.
"Well, Sensei, what do you think? Pretty awesome, right?"
"Truly remarkable. And since this Island Turtle is mobile, using it as a research base would be perfect. The only problem is power supply."
Orochimaru immediately pointed this out. After all, Island Turtle was great, but without electricity, many things couldn't function.
Gekko Chizan laughed loudly.
"Sensei, you're overthinking this. Power? With this many animals, just build a generator, right?"
"So much free labor—would be a waste not to use it!"
The two burst into laughter.
Though honestly, the laughter sounded a little shady.
When the laughter faded, Orochimaru asked again about Island Turtle's origins.
"Oh, this Island Turtle?"
"I snatched it from Kumogakure. I heard they specifically raised it, but I just used Flying Thunder God to gradually move it to the southern sea of the Land of Fire."
"And then I used Genjutsu to cut off all contact between Island Turtle and the Kumogakure shinobi."
"So yeah... this Island Turtle is now my personal property."
Orochimaru: ...What the hell kind of disciple did I raise?