"I can join, but, Orochimaru," Tsunade's voice regained some of its calm, carrying an unquestionable firmness, "I have conditions."
"Oh? Please, go on." Orochimaru seemed to have expected this.
"First, the primary direction of the research must be clearly defined as understanding the mysteries of life and the Soul, and exploring possibilities for peaceful application. Your human experiments must minimize unnecessary pain and sacrifice. I can't do anything about the dead, but the living must be treated accordingly."
Tsunade stared into Orochimaru's eyes, "This is the bottom line. If I find that you are conducting meaningless massacres or large-scale abduction of living subjects, I will immediately withdraw and do everything in my power to destroy everything here."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised that Tsunade would propose such specific and 'mild' conditions; he had thought her demands would be more radical.
He pondered for a moment and nodded, "Agreed. In fact, as the research progressed, especially after communicating with my collaborator, I have rarely used live subjects for experiments."
"Second, regarding the resurrection of Nawaki and Dan," Tsunade's gaze was firm.
"I need to understand all the technical details, the risks, and the success rate assessment. No attempts can be made recklessly until I am certain of the outcome. Furthermore, I must be involved throughout the entire process and have the final say."
"That is only natural," Orochimaru agreed readily.
"They are your family; it is only right that you take the lead."
"Third," Tsunade glanced at Karin, Jugo, and Kimimaro.
"These children—they are not mere tools or experimental subjects. On the premise of their consent, their treatment must be improved, and they must be given opportunities to learn, grow, and make their own choices. Especially Karin and Jugo; their abilities are unique, and they need proper guidance and protection rather than just being research subjects."
This condition made Karin freeze for a moment, her gaze toward Tsunade becoming somewhat complicated. Jugo seemed to have no reaction, while Kabuto pushed up his glasses, his expression unreadable.
Orochimaru smiled, this time with a deeper meaning.
"Heh heh, I told you, Tsunade, don't think so poorly of me. I am quite caring toward my subordinates. Some were rescued by me, others joined voluntarily; I have not restricted their freedom."
Tsunade nodded.
"Finally," she took a deep breath, "take me to see your collaborator, or at least let me communicate with her directly. I must confirm if her mastery of the Soul Domain is truly as you claim."
A sharp light flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. "Regarding my collaborator... I cannot speak for her and would need to consult with her. However, arranging a remote communication might be possible."
He turned to Kabuto, "Kabuto, take Tsunade to the prepared lounge first and show her the current data."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto bowed and then made a 'please' gesture to Tsunade. "Lady Tsunade, please follow me."
Tsunade glanced at the Incubation Pods, then turned and followed Kabuto out of the main laboratory.
Orochimaru remained alone in the laboratory. He walked to an empty Incubation Pod, his fingers lightly brushing the cold glass surface, his eyes sparkling with an indescribable light. Then, he spoke to the air.
"So, are you satisfied with the teammate I've recruited? The mysterious Eldest Miss Hinata."
"Not bad. Persuading her to join has indeed added bricks and mortar to our organization."
Hinata's figure appeared behind Orochimaru.
"When did you notice me?" Hinata asked.
"I knew from the moment you entered. I guessed you'd come to join the fun."
Hinata's gaze fell upon the Little White in her hand. A flicker of realization and helplessness passed through her eyes as she tapped its head with her finger.
"Was it because of him?"
Orochimaru chuckled.
"You guessed correctly. Although he doesn't have monitoring or tracking capabilities, when he's this close, I can still sense him a little."
Orochimaru gestured for Hinata to sit in the chair opposite him and personally poured her a cup of tea.
"But it's not entirely that; it's more about intuition. Besides, you are always so elusive, appearing in my corridors or laboratories at any moment. I've long since gotten used to it."
His tone carried a hint of admiration and familiarity. After all, he had been curious about the spatial techniques and concealment abilities Hinata possessed for a long time.
Hinata nodded and took a sip of the tea. The taste wasn't great, but it was refreshing and cleared her mind.
"Now, let's talk business," Orochimaru said, his playful expression fading.
"You should have heard. Tsunade has officially agreed to join and has set her conditions. The most critical one is her demand to communicate directly with the collaborator—that is, you. She needs to confirm your mastery in the Soul Domain."
Hinata touched her teacup and began to think.
She could go see her using a Clone or use a Transformation Jutsu to change her appearance, but why did she have to be so secretive? She couldn't be bothered to play the mystery game anymore.
She looked up at Orochimaru.
"I'll meet her directly. She'll find out my identity sooner or later anyway."
"Heh heh, aren't you afraid Tsunade will tell others about you?" Orochimaru said with a smile.
Hinata glanced at him, indifferent.
"Wouldn't that be perfect? If it leaks, the whole Ninja World will know of my existence. It would be even better if they tried to hunt me down; I haven't even used my full strength yet."
Orochimaru smiled at Hinata's confident display.
"To be honest, I'm also quite curious about what your full power looks like. Well, since you've decided, let's arrange it. When do you plan to see her?"
Hinata stood up and straightened her clothes.
"Now."
"Haha, good." Orochimaru also stood up, his eyes shining with excitement.
"Then let's go meet this new partner and open our first Core Technology Summit under the blueprint of the new world. Tsunade's expression will surely be wonderful when she sees you."
Indeed. They were soaking in a hot spring together just two days ago; who could have imagined this?
Orochimaru led Hinata toward where Tsunade was.
Little White moved in Hinata's hand, looked up, and then slowly curled back up, as if to say: 'The excitement belongs to them; I'll just keep sleeping.'
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