Sasuke said nothing. Just stood there, meeting Orochimaru's gaze without flinching.
The snake Sannin's smile widened. "Not intimidated? How refreshing. Most newcomers tremble when they first meet me."
"Should I be intimidated?"
"Some would say yes. I have quite the reputation." Orochimaru circled him slowly. Like a predator examining prey. "But you're not here because you're afraid. You're here because you want something."
"Power."
"Direct. I like that." Orochimaru stopped circling. "But power comes in many forms. What specifically do you seek?"
This was the moment. Sasuke needed to play this right. Not too eager. Not too knowledgeable. Just ambitious enough to be interesting.
"Strength to kill my brother," Sasuke said. The lie came easily. "Itachi Uchiha. I need to be strong enough to make him pay."
"Revenge. Classic motivation." Orochimaru's tongue flicked out. "And you think I can provide that strength?"
"I know you can. You're one of the Legendary Sannin. You have techniques and knowledge no one else possesses." Sasuke paused. "And you want something from me."
"Oh? What would that be?"
"The Sharingan. My body. Eventually." Sasuke kept his voice level. "You're dying. That body won't last forever. You need a new one. An Uchiha body."
Silence. The Sound Four tensed. This was information that shouldn't be public knowledge.
But Orochimaru just laughed. Actually laughed, genuine amusement in his voice.
"My, my. Someone did their homework." He clapped slowly. "You're absolutely right, Sasuke-kun. I do need a new vessel. And an Uchiha body with Sharingan would be perfect."
"So we both want something from each other."
"Indeed. Which makes this a business arrangement." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "I'll train you. Teach you techniques that will make you powerful enough to face your brother. In return, you'll stay here, learn from me, and eventually... well. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
The unspoken threat hung in the air. Eventually, Orochimaru would try to take his body.
Sasuke would make sure that never happened. But for now, he needed to play along.
"How long?"
"Hmm?"
"How long do I have? To train. To get strong enough."
"Impatient, are we?" Orochimaru smiled. "Three years. I need that long to prepare the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique anyway. That gives you three years to grow strong."
Three years. Plenty of time. More than enough to implement his plans.
"Deal."
"Excellent." Orochimaru gestured to Kabuto, who'd appeared silently at his side. "Kabuto will show you to your quarters. Training begins tomorrow at dawn. I hope you're ready, Sasuke-kun. My regimen breaks most students."
"I won't break."
"We'll see."