Was there still any justice left in this world?
Any law at all?
He—Tobirama Senju—the Second Hokage of Konoha, was now trapped in a dark underground laboratory, forced to work like a slave for an Uchiha… without even being paid.
The abuser slapped the victim—
And then demanded the victim smile and say, "That was well done."
And Uchiha Ren actually had the nerve to do something like this!
Tobirama suppressed his anger. There was no point continuing this topic with Ren. He simply shifted his gaze toward Orochimaru, changing the subject.
"Ren, you'd better be right about this."
Ren smiled lightly.
"Trust my judgment. Orochimaru's talent in ninjutsu research is the greatest in the current ninja world."
This wasn't blind confidence.
Orochimaru's future achievements had already proven it countless times.
Even Tobirama—
Couldn't compare in terms of sheer survival-focused research.
"Greatest in the ninja world?" Tobirama snorted, his expression full of disdain. "You're quite bold."
Ren shrugged.
"Of course, that doesn't include you. I meant the current ninja world."
"After all… you're already dead."
Tobirama snapped.
"Brat—!"
He lunged forward, throwing a punch straight at Ren's face.
Ren casually caught it midair.
"Tobirama, the world is so beautiful. Why are you so irritable? That's not good."
The strength behind the clone's punch—
Was laughable.
On the side, Orochimaru watched with great interest.
Two Hokage—
Fighting in front of him.
This kind of scene—
Was once-in-a-lifetime.
And clearly—
There was something going on between them.
Far more than what Ren had just said.
…Interesting.
Very interesting.
"Tobirama, the kid's still here."
Ren waved his hand.
"You don't want me to blow up your clone, do you?"
Tobirama snorted and withdrew his fist, turning his attention fully to Orochimaru.
"…Looks ordinary."
"Anyway," Ren said casually, "Orochimaru is yours now. From today on, you're his teacher."
Tobirama's face darkened.
"Hmph. Not just anyone is qualified to become my disciple."
He was the Second Hokage.
A master of forbidden techniques.
Not some random instructor.
Orochimaru stepped forward.
No hesitation.
"Second Hokage-sama, I will prove my worth."
Tobirama paused slightly.
…At least the kid had courage.
"Fine."
"On his—the Third Hokage's—account, I'll teach you for a while."
"But if your talent doesn't meet my standards…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
No need.
Ren nodded in satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Tobirama was already mentally exhausted.
Recently, Ren's research demands had become increasingly absurd.
Sugar-producing insects.
Protein block insects.
Solar energy conversion organisms.
Did he think science was magic?
Even Tobirama had nearly lost patience.
Until—
Ren asked one simple question:
"Is it a funding issue?"
"If it is, I can increase the budget significantly."
Tobirama fell silent.
…Fine.
Maybe he did understand research.
After assigning Orochimaru, Ren pulled Tobirama aside.
Lowering his voice.
"Tobirama, don't teach him forbidden techniques."
"I'll handle that part."
Tobirama frowned.
"…What do you mean?"
"You think I can't teach properly?"
"I'm the master of ninjutsu research!"
Ren cut him off.
"You're the master of forbidden techniques."
"Don't corrupt him."
"One mad scientist in Konoha is enough."
"Just train him in proper scientific research."
Ren's tone turned slightly colder.
"Edo Tensei alone—how many people died for that?"
"You know better than I do."
"Desecrating the dead doesn't end well."
"May the Sage of Six Paths forgive your sins."
"Amen."
Tobirama's veins twitched.
"…Ridiculous!"
"Utterly ridiculous!"
"You're one to talk!"
"Your mastery of Edo Tensei is no worse than mine!"
"If I suffer retribution—your fate will be worse!"
Ren smiled.
"Tobirama, you misunderstand."
"The only person I've ever used Edo Tensei on…"
"…is you."
"You desecrated the dead."
"I brought you back to serve the future of the ninja world."
"I'm helping you atone."
"That's a great merit, you know."
He leaned slightly closer.
"You won't end up dying alone like you did."
Silence.
Then—
Explosion.
"Uchiha brat!!!"
Tobirama completely lost control, lunging forward.
Ren formed a hand seal.
Instantly—
Tobirama froze in place.
Unable to move.
"Tobirama, your temper still needs work."
Ren sighed.
"The junior's watching. If you've calmed down, blink."
After more than a minute—
Tobirama finally regained control.
Without another word, he dragged Orochimaru to a workbench and began teaching him from the basics.
At the same time, he handed over a long list—
Rare research texts.
All of them.
Now belonging to Orochimaru.
Ren turned to another Tobirama clone.
"So, how's the Hashirama Cells research going?"
At the mention of that name—
Tobirama paused.
His expression turned complicated.
Recent experiments had confirmed something astonishing.
Uchiha cells—
Sharingan—
Even ocular power—
All suppressed Hashirama Cells.
When properly combined—
The cells could merge.
Enhancing vitality.
Increasing ocular power.
Even granting partial Sage Body traits.
But for normal humans?
Total rejection.
Cellular destruction.
Only the Uchiha—
Were compatible.
Tobirama couldn't understand it.
Why?
Why them?
He explained the results calmly.
Ren's eyes lit up.
His strength—
Could finally advance further.
"…Don't celebrate too early."
"These are preliminary conclusions."
"No human trials yet."
"Injecting now would be reckless."
Ren nodded.
He wasn't stupid.
"Then we move to human trials," Tobirama continued.
"I'll need Uchiha test subjects."
Ren fell silent.
This—
Was different.
These were his clan members.
"…Use other shinobi first."
"Prisoners."
"I'm responsible for my clan."
Tobirama nodded.
"Possible."
"But slower."
"More deaths."
Ren didn't hesitate.
"Fine."
Konoha prisons—
Were full.
Enemy shinobi.
War captives.
In this world—
There were no rights for prisoners.
They were resources.
As for time?
Ren glanced at Tobirama.
Time—
Was like water in a sponge.
Squeeze harder—
And more would come out.
Especially from him.
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