After leaving a crow with Tenzō, Itachi began his journey back.
Why leave a crow? Well, that stemmed from Sarutobi Hiruzen's previous actions.
Itachi expected to have some free time for a while, leaving the tug-of-war between Kirigakure and Konoha to play out.
Of course, the people in Konoha weren't likely to remain calm.
Though Gai and Kurenai didn't have much status or strong backing, Sarutobi Asuma's deep affection for Kurenai meant things could escalate if Hiruzen made any reckless moves.
---
A few days later, Itachi returned to Orochimaru's base.
Orochimaru had been locked in his laboratory the entire time, showing no sign of emerging anytime soon.
Resigned, Itachi pulled out the scroll Tenzō had given him and began studying it.
Since it was a gift, Itachi activated his Sharingan to copy the techniques inscribed on the scroll. Then, he set it ablaze, destroying the original.
Two weeks of intense ninjutsu research later, Orochimaru finally emerged.
"How are things progressing?"
Looking at the slightly haggard but visibly exhilarated Orochimaru, Itachi asked softly.
"Kakashi still hasn't shown any reaction. I've successfully extracted the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku serum. As for the Ryūmyaku, the team hasn't returned yet."
Noticing that Itachi, who usually ate with gusto, had barely touched his food and was already asking questions, Orochimaru put down his chopsticks and gave a straightforward response.
"I see... Forget waiting for Kakashi. Let's proceed with implanting Hashirama's cells directly."
Hearing Orochimaru's update, Itachi, who had nearly been overwhelmed on his last mission, spoke decisively.
---
"Huh? Aren't you going to wait? If Kakashi successfully integrates Hashirama's cells first, your success rate will increase significantly."
Orochimaru was puzzled by Itachi's decision.
With Kakashi's progress looking promising, waiting for his success would eliminate several uncertainties, significantly lowering the risks.
Orochimaru couldn't understand why Itachi was in such a rush.
"No need to wait. I trust your skills."
Meeting Orochimaru's gaze, Itachi shook his head and replied earnestly.
In truth, Itachi could have undergone the procedure as soon as he unlocked the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
However, back then, the situation was unclear, and Itachi didn't fully trust Orochimaru to handle such a delicate procedure without ulterior motives.
Now, having gained faith in Orochimaru, Itachi saw no reason to delay further.
His recent encounter with Gai had shown him that he still fell short of the strongest combatants.
There was no room for complacency; the sooner the implantation was done, the better the results.
If he could enhance his other chakra natures in the process, it would be an added bonus.
Moreover, Itachi needed time to study and prepare. Crafting Truth-Seeking Orbs in the future would require a solid foundation, something far from simple.
---
"Very well."
Seeing the determination in Itachi's eyes, Orochimaru couldn't bring himself to refuse.
He didn't fully understand what was driving Itachi.
But for a request from Itachi, Orochimaru was willing to comply without hesitation.
"Thank you. Let's have a drink."
Hearing Orochimaru's agreement, Itachi smiled slightly before suggesting they share a drink.
He wasn't sure what the future held after the Hashirama cell transplant.
After all, it had taken Madara considerable time to awaken the Rinnegan following his own fusion with Hashirama's cells.
For Itachi, even with the procedure, the prerequisites for awakening the Rinnegan might not align.
Reflecting on the long road ahead, Itachi felt his decision was sound.
---
"Heh, sounds good. I haven't had a drink in ages. A little relaxation is just what I need."
Orochimaru readily agreed to Itachi's suggestion.
With a subtle signal to a servant, the attendant promptly left and returned carrying a large sake jar.
Since they had an entire jar, the two opted to forgo cups and instead drank from bowls.
"Does this sake have a story behind it?"
The two drank together, and after finishing the wine in his cup, Itachi muttered softly.
"This wine has no story."
In response to Itachi's question, Orochimaru wiped the wine stain from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and spoke gently.
"Then why have we been drinking this same wine every time, without ever changing it?"
Hearing Orochimaru's words, Itachi was puzzled.
It was always this wine.
…
"Itachi, have you forgotten? This is the wine we drank the first time we met in Amegakure. I thought it was good, so I saved some."
Hearing this, Orochimaru gave an awkward smile. Watching the servant refill Itachi's cup, he raised his own and gestured for Itachi to do the same.
Itachi was momentarily stunned by Orochimaru's words.
Then, he raised his cup, clinked it against Orochimaru's, and downed it in one gulp.
"Seems I have a bad memory. This wine really is good…"
After finishing the second cup, a rosy blush appeared on Itachi's face. He apologized somewhat sheepishly.
…
"You're a busy man. Forgetting is normal."
Orochimaru chuckled lightly, waved his sleeve to dismiss the servant, and personally picked up the wine jar. Standing up, he bent over and poured wine into Itachi's cup.
Seeing Itachi's cup now filled to the brim, Orochimaru smiled contentedly.
"Well then…"
Itachi was at a loss for words in response to Orochimaru.
"Come on, let's continue…"
Hearing Itachi's slightly awkward words, Orochimaru raised his cup again, arching a brow as he gestured for Itachi to pick up his.
"Uh… this…"
Hesitant, Itachi slowly picked up his cup. He started to say something but stopped midway.
Realizing it was his idea to drink, he steeled himself.
Bracing himself, he clinked cups with Orochimaru and drained it in one go.
…
After three large cups, Itachi's eyes began to glaze over. Drinking like this, without even time to eat, was starting to get to him.
He began to regret suggesting they drink in the first place.
Orochimaru, noticing Itachi's state, wiped the corner of his mouth as if nothing had happened.
The difference in their tolerance was clear.
Watching Itachi pick at his food, Orochimaru showed no mercy, getting up to pour more wine.
"How about we switch to smaller cups?"
After downing yet another cup, Itachi's tone betrayed a hint of defeat.
Not much of a drinker to begin with, and drinking so rarely, he was already starting to feel out of it.
At Itachi's admission of surrender, Orochimaru stood up to pour more wine, a smile playing on his lips as he gently shook his head.
It was as if he were saying, "I've only just begun; how could you quit now?"
…
After a few more rounds, Itachi, chopsticks in hand, struggled to pick up any food.
Orochimaru shook his head as if to say, "You're bad at this, yet you still wanted to drink."
Taking the chopsticks on the table, Orochimaru lightly picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Itachi's bowl.
Without even having touched his own food, Orochimaru had nearly rendered Itachi incapable.
"Why are you in such a hurry to transplant Hashirama's cells? Did you run into trouble on your last mission?"
Watching Itachi, now somewhat dazed, chew the meat Orochimaru had placed in his bowl, Orochimaru asked softly, his voice slightly hypnotic.
It turned out Orochimaru had intentionally gotten Itachi drunk to get information.
He didn't understand why Itachi, who had more secure opportunities ahead if he waited, had made such a seemingly rash decision.
Orochimaru knew that if he asked directly, Itachi wouldn't answer. So when Itachi suggested drinking, Orochimaru seized the chance, using only a fraction of his full drinking capacity to get Itachi drunk.
…
Hearing Orochimaru's question, a flicker of clarity appeared in Itachi's hazy gaze.
"No particular reason. I just feel confident now and don't want to wait any longer."
Itachi's muddled response was typical of someone drunk.
"Hmm? Why the sudden confidence? Wouldn't it be better to wait until Kakashi finishes?"
Orochimaru frowned slightly, failing to notice the ripple in Itachi's eyes.
Itachi's gaze grew clear as he watched Orochimaru idly manipulate a piece of meat with his chopsticks.
"I trust you."
Itachi stood up, fixing his eyes on Orochimaru, who had turned to meet his gaze. He spoke softly before turning to leave.
…
"Heh, interesting… I'll be ready. You should get some rest."
Orochimaru, momentarily puzzled by Itachi's clear eyes, smiled faintly as he watched Itachi's retreating figure.
Itachi didn't look back but raised his right hand, waving it casually as he left.
Only after Itachi's silhouette disappeared did Orochimaru withdraw his gaze with a touch of melancholy.
He couldn't outwit Itachi and couldn't figure out what he was thinking.
For someone who prided himself on his intellect, this was hard to accept.
Yet, hearing Itachi's words of trust and seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Orochimaru's heart felt warm, even touched.
…
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