On the other side of the complex, Hiruko followed behind Danzo with a trace of suspicion, entering the Hokage Residence.
As they stepped into the Hokage's office, Hiruko realized they weren't the only ones invited. Along with Danzo, the two village advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, were already seated.
The room was packed. Orochimaru was there, leaning against a wall, while Jiraiya and his star pupil, Minato Namikaze, stood nearby. Even Tsunade had made an appearance. Beyond the high-ranking officials, the heads of the major clans—Hyuga, Uchiha, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka—and several elite jonin filled the space. The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was uncharacteristically heavy.
"Hiruko, it's been a long time," Orochimaru said, his cold, reptilian gaze locking onto Hiruko. It was enough to make anyone's skin crawl.
As fellow research-oriented ninja, they understood each other all too well. To Hiruko, that look in Orochimaru's eyes was unmistakably the look of someone who wanted to put him on a dissection table.
Hiruko flashed a polite smile. "Orochimaru. How is your research coming along?"
"Not bad," Orochimaru replied smoothly.
The two began chatting as if no one else was in the room.
Jiraiya, never one for formalities, walked over and slapped a heavy hand on Hiruko's shoulder, throwing an arm around his neck. "Hiruko! Long time no see, buddy! You haven't changed a bit!"
Hiruko responded in a flat, neutral tone. "I'm doing well. With the village's support, I'm one step closer to the ultimate truth."
Deep down, Hiruko knew he had nothing in common with a "natural talent" type like Jiraiya. Although the two of them shared a reputation as the village's "Perverted Duo," Hiruko had no interest in humoring Jiraiya. He much preferred the company of Orochimaru—at least they both enjoyed taking people apart.
Orochimaru licked his lips, his voice raspy as he watched Hiruko. "Have you finished the development of that Life One serum?"
Hiruko nodded. "The primary objective failed, but the boost it provides to Genin is excellent. We're just waiting to move into mass production. Once it's deployed, the combat strength of Konoha's lower ranks will see a qualitative leap. There are... minor side effects, but I'm sure no one will mind such a small trade-off."
Speaking of his research, Hiruko couldn't help but recall the early days of the Hashirama Cell project. It had been spearheaded by the Third Hokage and Danzo, with Orochimaru leading the team. Back then, Hiruko was just a newcomer, assisting in minor parts of the experiments.
During that period, an untold number of Senju clan volunteers had been sacrificed, yet the success rate remained a flat zero. Seeing no hope, the Third Hokage eventually ordered the project sealed, forbidding further experimentation to prevent more "senseless" loss of life.
But once Pandora's box is opened, it stays open.
The Third Hokage could hit the brakes, but a "Crate-Walloper" like Danzo wouldn't, and Orochimaru certainly wouldn't stop. As an outsider with a system to level up, Hiruko wasn't about to let this opportunity for progress slip away either. After all, the Hashirama cells were a key to immortality. How could he possibly pass that up?
Orochimaru's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Gaining the aptitude to become a ninja is too difficult for ordinary people, but your byproduct sounds promising. Your direction was clever—instead of forcing the Wood Style to manifest, you focused on fundamental physical augmentation."
The subtext in Orochimaru's words was clear: Hiruko's practical contributions were the reason the "Good Guy" Hokage was looking the other way regarding his illegal research.
"And your subject mortality rate is significantly lower than mine," Orochimaru added with a smirk. "It seems you really cherish your 'materials.'"
Orochimaru's mind began to race. If Hashirama cells could strengthen the body this efficiently, then the true Wood Style couldn't be far off. Applying that power to a human host was only a matter of time. He was already eager to pull Hiruko aside for an "exchange of ideas" once the meeting ended.
He had no idea that among the past failures of the Wood Style experiments, one lucky survivor was still alive—secretly hidden by Danzo, and nearly ten years old by now.
Hiruko waved a hand dismissively. "Once the trial is over, I'll send you a copy of the experimental data."
Orochimaru nodded, then asked, "And what do you want in return?"
Hiruko grinned. "If you're feeling generous, help me capture a few more kunoichi."
The people in the room barely reacted to the statement. Hiruko was a brilliant ninja, but he was notoriously, flagrantly lecherous. Unlike Jiraiya, who was more of a "herbivore" pervert who just watched, Hiruko was a "carnivore" who actually followed through.
Everyone was used to it by now. His favorite pastime was rumored to be "Chamber Ninja AVIs." Even Pakura of the Scorch Style was currently "staying" in Hiruko's villa—a trophy Danzo had helped him secure, and Hiruko's favorite "spoils of war."
Hearing this, Tsunade couldn't help but roll her eyes, a flash of irritation crossing her face.
Both Hiruko and Jiraiya had pursued her in the past. Having transmigrated and replaced the original Hiruko, this version of him was far more handsome than Jiraiya. With his refined looks and "seeker of truth" aura, he had actually held a lead over Jiraiya in the early days.
Young Tsunade had initially found him charming—a man who pursued the truth with a touch of rogue-like charisma. But the moment she learned his dream was to build a massive harem, she had sprinted in the opposite direction. She was a Princess of Konoha; she had no patience for such a flighty man.
But Hiruko wasn't worried. He figured that once he perfected the Wood Style serum, it wouldn't be too late to go after her.
"Tsunade, you wouldn't want the Wood Style bloodline to leak out to other clans, would you?"
As for Dan Kato? Not an issue. Because Dan had been eyeing the Senju Princess, Hiruko's benefactor, Danzo, had "resolved" that problem long ago.
Orochimaru retracted his gaze, chuckling raspily. "Hiruko, you are as generous as ever." He was satisfied with his old classmate. With Hiruko's data, he could produce the Life One serum himself, cultivate his own forces, and perhaps go even further.
Beside them, Danzo narrowed his eyes, clearly plotting something.
"Hmph!"
Tsunade clenched her fists, her veins bulging as she glared at Hiruko. She looked ready to deliver a "fist of love" to his chest just to show him how much she appreciated the conversation. She knew exactly what they were discussing—talking about experiments on her grandfather's cells right in front of her face?
The rage was simmering. This guy used to hit on me, and now he's dissecting my grandpa?!