"This is fine. The place we're going to this time should indeed be interesting."
Itachi smiled slightly as he responded to Orochimaru. This time, he planned to unseal Minato's Flying Thunder God sealing technique for a closer look.
He didn't intend to wait until Naruto grew up.
While it would be meaningful for Naruto to see his father and fight alongside him, the fact that Minato ultimately sealed his memories made it less than perfect.
And with Itachi's Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan nearing evolution, fulfilling the dreams of diehard fans of the Hokage era would be a piece of cake.
Of course, that was a matter for later. For now, their positions didn't conflict—they weren't enemies. But the future was uncertain...
---
"Let's hope so," Orochimaru replied, giving Itachi a deep look.
Compared to the mystical Dragon Vein, Orochimaru found Itachi much more intriguing.
After all, Itachi seemed to know too much…
Kakashi, meanwhile, silently followed behind the two, resembling a white-haired bodyguard.
He still held great respect for Orochimaru.
The impression Orochimaru left on him last time was not a small one.
Hearing Orochimaru's slightly emotional words, Itachi remained silent, offering only a faint smile.
Some things are best left for Orochimaru to witness and experience firsthand.
Hopefully, when that time comes, Orochimaru won't end up blurting out something like, "What the hell?!"
---
What had been a duo became a trio with Orochimaru's arrival, creating a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
Over time, Kakashi had grown a bit talkative.
But with Orochimaru joining them, Kakashi reverted to his quiet, reserved self, almost as if he were shy. This sudden change left Itachi feeling slightly exasperated.
---
"By the way, I've prepared the Shikotsumyaku you wanted."
After the trio had walked in silence for about an hour, Orochimaru, noticing the quiet atmosphere, brought up a topic.
"Really?"
Kakashi's expression shifted to one of confusion before his eyes lit up with excitement.
He understood exactly what those few words from Orochimaru meant.
After all, he was one of the beneficiaries of similar experiments.
Ever since mastering Wood Release, he had experienced firsthand the immense power of the God of Shinobi.
---
Seeing Itachi's surprise and excitement, Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"Anglers may not always like eating fish, but they do enjoy fishing."
Orochimaru's approach to scientific research was similar.
His research results were his pride, but if no one could use them, they were just meaningless data.
Being able to see his work bear fruit was a pleasure.
And knowing that his friend Itachi had become stronger through his efforts filled Orochimaru with genuine satisfaction.
---
"How about we stop traveling for today, and I'll inject the serum now?"
Understanding Itachi's eagerness, Orochimaru suggested.
After all, the last time he gave Itachi an experimental serum, Itachi had used it overnight—and nearly lost his life in the process. Orochimaru still found that memory amusing.
At Orochimaru's suggestion, Itachi froze in place, unable to take another step.
Kakashi, meanwhile, silently observed Itachi, waiting for his decision.
---
"Alright, but is this process troublesome? Are there any potential side effects? We still have other things to do later," Itachi asked after thinking for a moment.
If it were possible, he'd prefer to inject the serum immediately.
But if it required too much time, it would delay their plans.
"The chances of complications are slim. Even if something happens, it'll resolve in a few days. Besides, the Hashirama cells in your body are far more dominant than Shikotsumyaku."
"This will only give you the base-level ability of Shikotsumyaku. How strong it becomes later depends on how well you nurture it, letting it grow roots, sprout, and eventually bear fruit…"
Orochimaru's soft explanation was laced with temptation.
---
"Will my current constitution make me susceptible to Kekkei Genkai disease?"
---
After hearing Orochimaru's words, Itachi asked once more.
He had already made up his mind to inject the serum right away. However, since he was about to proceed, he figured he should understand more about it first.
After all, the Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) is an extraordinary Kekkei Genkai, and Itachi held a deep sense of reverence for it.
Of course, the main issue was that Orochimaru had likely derived this serum from Kimimaro's body, which made Itachi feel a bit uneasy…
When Kakashi heard Itachi's question, he began forming hand seals. His vitality and chakra surged significantly.
In mere moments, the area within a few meters transformed into an oasis in the middle of a desert.
The power of Wood Release was truly overwhelming.
…
"It won't. The disease from the Shikotsumyaku bloodline will no longer pose any threat to you…"
Orochimaru's eyes showed slight surprise and amazement as he observed Kakashi's use of Wood Release. He was surprised by his own achievement and astonished that Kakashi had genuinely acquired such power. Admittedly, this power was far more refined and pleasing to the eye compared to the Wood Release of a previous experimental subject…
"Alright then…"
Itachi stepped into the spacious three-bedroom wooden structure Kakashi had created with Wood Release and sat down on a wooden bed.
He sighed softly.
Seeing this, Orochimaru took out a small syringe and pressed it lightly. A tiny stream of green liquid sprayed from the sharp needle. Orochimaru quickly stopped and looked eager to proceed.
Compared to the nonchalant Orochimaru, Kakashi, who stood behind him, had his eyes wide open, practically bulging like saucers. He stared at Itachi with barely concealed anticipation.
It was as if he wanted to see Itachi embarrassed…
After all, such a sight was incredibly rare.
If he had a camera, Kakashi would have wanted to capture this moment.
Of course, that was only a fleeting thought. If he actually attempted it, he feared Itachi might kill him…
…
As Orochimaru approached with a grin, Itachi's face darkened.
Another injection…
It was somewhat depressing.
How many injections had he endured by now?
He, Uchiha Itachi, truly had a strong aversion to needles…
"Just inject it into my arm," Itachi said.
Seeing no movement from Itachi, Orochimaru softly reminded him, abandoning his tempting idea of injecting somewhere else…
Itachi was usually so aloof, so composed—like a bottomless abyss.
At that moment, Orochimaru couldn't help but entertain the mischievous idea of pulling Itachi down from his pedestal…
After all, they were friends. It wasn't good for Itachi to be so cold and distant.
Wouldn't it be better if he were approachable, warm, and vibrant?
Joking around together would make them feel more like true friends, genuine companions…
…
Orochimaru's whimsical thoughts came to an end as Itachi revealed his pale arm.
Some things are best left to fate; forcing them might damage their camaraderie.
After all, if things went poorly, it could affect their revolutionary friendship, and that wouldn't do…
---