This lifespan, estimated conservatively, excluded any other methods they might employ.
Beyond their extended lifespans, this clan possessed a technique—or rather, technology—known as the Wedge.
This technique allowed them to digitize the essence of an Ōtsutsuki member and implant it into a host body called a Vessel. Essentially, it was a compressed Ōtsutsuki data file that gradually unfroze over time or through combat. When the data fully thawed, the Ōtsutsuki would completely replace the host's body, achieving resurrection.
During this process, the Ōtsutsuki's soul would persist within the Vessel.
If the Ōtsutsuki's soul perished, the associated data would become the Vessel's wedding dress—a mere garment for the host.
Minato hadn't watched Boruto but had stumbled upon some related plot points. This was all he knew about the Wedge.
The branch on the moon clearly lacked this ability.
Not only the lunar branch, but even the Sage of the Six Paths' brothers, who were fragments of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya's power, seemed to have limited lifespans.
Perhaps this was due to impure bloodlines, or perhaps this power could only be mastered through learning.
"What do you think, Minato-kun?" Orochimaru asked, observing Minato's pensive expression. "Do you have any ideas?"
"Before we delve into the essence of Bloodline Limits, perhaps we should first determine their origins. That might save us from taking many unnecessary detours."
Minato deliberately steered Orochimaru toward the Ōtsutsuki lineage, curious to see how far the snake-like scientist could research with such a clear direction.
"Conventional elemental Bloodline Limits are of little interest. I believe it's best to focus on constitution-based ones."
"A very clear line of thought," Orochimaru nodded slightly, agreeing with Minato's words. "However, this approach inevitably leads us to your Wood Release, Minato-kun. According to legend, the Senju and Uchiha clans are both descendants of the Sage of the Six Paths."
"Are you asking for my assistance in your research, Senior?"
"Would that be acceptable?" Orochimaru tilted his head, feigning innocence while his mind raced with possibilities.
While he wouldn't go so far as to slice Minato open, drawing blood or scraping a bit of skin seemed perfectly reasonable.
"No," Minato shook his head slightly. "Not yet. But when I believe the time is right, I won't refuse."
He didn't mind assisting with the research. Compared to the power of the Ōtsutsuki, the Power of All Things wasn't anything particularly rare.
However, half of this power came from the Uchiha, and Orochimaru might detect something. For now, Minato wasn't ready to reveal his Sharingan as a trump card.
So, there's a secret...
Orochimaru said with a hint of regret: "Very well, I respect your choice, Minato-kun. I won't actively probe this secret until you agree."
He genuinely respected Minato's perspective.
In most people's eyes, researching forbidden jutsu was already a heretical act. To use a collection of forbidden jutsu to pursue the dream of immortality—a concept that seemed like a fantasy to ordinary people—was even more so.
Yet, even though Minato was just a child, Orochimaru truly respected this being who could understand him and shared similar ideals.
He had come to view Minato as a close friend, regardless of age, or perhaps even as a kindred spirit.
"Thank you for your understanding, Senior."
Minato suggested: "While I can't assist with the research directly, perhaps I could offer some ideas?"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "Such as?"
"The Senju and Uchiha."
Minato said slowly: "I once heard that children rarely inherit their parents' talents perfectly. Could the same be true for the power of the Senju and Uchiha?"
"A reasonable hypothesis!"
As the words fell, Orochimaru's vertical pupils narrowed further, like those of an excited snake.
"Minato-kun! You've probably heard this a million times, but I still want to say—you truly are a genius!"
"It's just an unverified hypothesis."
Minato chuckled wryly. What kind of genius was he?
He'd simply read the script!
Despite years of schooling and decent grades, his understanding of this subject was limited to a few pea plants.
"Heh heh heh, even if it's just a hypothesis, verifying it shouldn't be difficult."
Orochimaru immediately set his sights on the Uchiha Clan.
Poor Uchiha, they'd barely sent their rival Danzo to the grave before Orochimaru came after them.
"The village once conducted research on Wood Release, hoping to awaken it by transplanting the First Hokage's cells. Many volunteers stepped forward at the start of the experiment, including descendants of the Senju Clan."
"Unfortunately, every single attempt failed, and the experiment was abruptly halted. Danzo wanted to continue the research privately, but that's when you suddenly demonstrated Wood Release abilities."
"Thanks to you, Root still has a substantial supply of the First Hokage's cells. That saves me the trouble of cultivating new ones."
Orochimaru led Minato to the laboratory, the air thick with the smell of disinfectant.
He retrieved a syringe from the freezer, its contents a vibrant green liquid that seemed to pulse with vital energy.
"In our previous experiments, no Uchiha ever participated. After all, their power has been suppressed since the Warring States era."
Orochimaru tossed the syringe, his gaze meaningful. "It would be ideal to have a Uchiha cooperate with the experiments."
"Are there any injured Uchiha recently?" Minato asked.
"That would require an investigation, but it's unlikely."
Orochimaru sighed regretfully. "With the enhancement of the Sharingan, the Uchiha gain a significant advantage in combat and minimize their injuries. In this era of peace, finding a disabled Uchiha is nearly impossible."
"However, there's another more reliable method: a physiological union between the Senju and Uchiha..."
"But this approach is time-consuming and doesn't guarantee the desired outcome. As you said, children rarely inherit their parents' talents perfectly."
Hearing this, Minato was at a loss. "Do you have any better ideas, Senior? Don't tell me you're still planning that assassination scheme, are you?"
"Root no longer engages in those kinds of activities these days. I wouldn't want to make Minato-kun uncomfortable."
Orochimaru chuckled, his raspy voice carrying a hint of warmth. "The border tensions with the Land of Rain are escalating. War is inevitable; it's only a matter of time. Don't worry about lacking manpower."
"Besides, Konoha isn't the only place with Uchiha."
"Where else?"
"Konoha Prison."
A slight smirk curled Orochimaru's lips. "During the Second Hokage's era, the Uchiha Clan staged a rebellion, which was suppressed by the Second Hokage. Those rebels are still imprisoned there. All we need to do is instigate a controlled riot."
"Conveniently, the Uchiha Clan is responsible for guarding Konoha Prison. We can use this opportunity to do them a favor, while also striking down some of the more radical elements. After all, eliminating potential threats is also part of Root's job~"
Minato remained silent.
He was already beginning to mourn for the Uchiha.
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