Chapter 12: Orochimaru who was severely beaten in advance

"How is it? Are you satisfied with my info?"

Natsume, maintaining a relaxed demeanor, casually took a sip of tea while addressing Orochimaru. As a wooden clone, he didn't feel any anxiety or urgency.

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. He had been confident that his abduction of Yamato had gone unnoticed. At best, Shimura Danzo might have realized Yamato was missing only after the fact. However, he was puzzled about how Natsume had learned of his success.

The certainty in Natsume's response indicated that he already possessed this information. Orochimaru concluded that there must be a mysterious organization backing Natsume, one with formidable intelligence-gathering capabilities.

"I am indeed very satisfied," Orochimaru admitted, his tone icy. "Without your assistance, Shimura Danzo might have kept me in the dark."

Yamato held significant value to Orochimaru as a scientist. He saw Yamato as a crucial specimen for his research, understanding that an adequate number of subjects was essential to continue his work. Orochimaru had even contemplated suspending his experiments on the reincarnation of corpses temporarily in order to prioritize Yamato's case.

Natsume, with a warm and sunny smile, reassured Orochimaru, "No need to thank me. It appears our transaction can proceed as planned."

Orochimaru paused briefly before responding, "Hashirama cells are in limited supply. If there are too many, it becomes challenging for me to acquire them."

Natsume raised an eyebrow, fully aware that Orochimaru had not only taken cells from Senju Hashirama but also from Senju Tobirama and others.

"For the transplantation of Hashirama cells, I'll need enough for nine individuals," Natsume stated, knocking on the table. "Furthermore, I require access to the experimental data."

Orochimaru nodded with his usual emotionless expression, unsurprised by the request. He understood that the Hashirama cells would be used for transplantation, a skill that garnered respect in the current ninja world.

Natsume continued, "What I need is data on the perfect transplantation of Hashirama cells, not your current methods."

Orochimaru's alertness surged once again. This mysterious individual possessed extensive knowledge of the Wood Release experiments. Making him question himself [" how does he know this?"]

"No problem."

Orochimaru agreed to provide the data, knowing he could manipulate it as needed. Deception was a simple task if he truly wanted to mislead someone, unless Natsume managed to find a skilled medical ninja of Tsunade's caliber. However, the likelihood of such an occurrence seemed slim.

"Now, can you reveal the other secret?" Orochimaru inquired impatiently. Yamato had been referred to as a "little secret," and he was eager to learn about this "big secret."

"Logically, I should disclose it after I obtain Hashirama's cells," Natsume responded calmly. "But I trust that you won't break your promise."

Orochimaru regarded him seriously. Natsume's unwavering confidence caught him off guard, but upon further reflection, it seemed consistent with the mysterious individual's character.

"What is your assessment of Senju Hashirama's strength?" Natsume queried.

"Very formidable," Orochimaru replied candidly. He had read extensively about Senju Hashirama in Konoha's archives, which painted a vivid picture of his power. Orochimaru believed that Senju Hashirama surpassed the Five Kage in strength, given his ability to quell troubled times and capture tailed beasts, especially after witnessing the formidable Kyuubi.

"What about Uchiha Madara, who is renowned alongside Senju Hashirama?" Natsume continued.

"He should be equally formidable," Orochimaru speculated. Though there was limited information about Uchiha Madara in written records, his legendary battle with Senju Hashirama at the Valley of the End was widely acknowledged. The battle had left a lasting impact on the terrain and demonstrated Uchiha Madara's strength, likely on par with Senju Hashirama.

"What is the source of Uchiha Madara's strength?" Natsume asked.

"Sharingan," Orochimaru responded, growing increasingly curious about the purpose behind these questions.

"What are your thoughts on Uchiha Fugaku's strength?" Natsume questioned.

"It's decent," Orochimaru replied. "The Three Tomoe Sharingan is impressive, but it's only stronger than the average jounin."

"Doesn't something seem off to you, though?" Natsume continued. "Both the Three Tomoe Sharingan and Uchiha Madara's Sharingan are considered Sharingan, yet Madara is significantly more powerful."

Orochimaru was taken aback. It was true—ten Uchiha Fugakus combined might not match the strength of one Uchiha Madara. He began to question the Three Tomoe Sharingan's ability to control tailed beasts, especially after considering the suspected control over Kyuubi through the Sharingan.

"Are you suggesting there's a higher level of Sharingan beyond the Three Tomoe Sharingan?" Orochimaru asked, quick to grasp the concept.

"That's correct," Natsume affirmed. "Above the Three Tomoe Sharingan is the Mangekyo Sharingan."

"Mangekyo Sharingan?" Orochimaru repeated the term, letting it sink in. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo had knowledge of the Mangekyo Sharingan due to Senju Tobirama's involvement. It was only when Uchiha Shisui had revealed his abilities that they realized the true extent of its power. Shimura Danzo had even obtained Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan through deceit.

Orochimaru questioned, "How powerful is it?"

With a hint of a smile, Natsume replied, "Would you like to find out?"

Orochimaru's eyes lit up with excitement, his mind already scheming on how to acquire this remarkable eye. Natsume couldn't help but chuckle at Orochimaru's eagerness, showing that he had never faced defeat. It was clear that Orochimaru believed even the formidable Mangekyo Sharingan had its limitations.

"Yes, his name is Uchiha Shisui," Natsume confirmed.

Orochimaru appeared surprised. He was aware of Uchiha Shisui's prowess during the Third Ninja War but hadn't expected him to possess the Mangekyo Sharingan.

Natsume offered a piece of advice, "Prepare some life-saving measures, or you might find yourself in The Pure Land."

Orochimaru felt a twinge of irritation. Few ninja had managed to make him take such a warning seriously since he earned the title of Sannin. Natsume's words implied that not only would Orochimaru likely be unable to defeat Uchiha Shisui, but he could also find himself in a dangerous predicament. Orochimaru found it hard to believe.

However, Natsume said nothing more. He believed Orochimaru's life-saving methods should be sufficient, and Orochimaru might not even kill him if Uchiha Shisui discovered that he was behind the attack.

As for himself, Natsume had no reason to worry. The power of the Mangekyo Sharingan was formidable, and Orochimaru likely had no effective countermeasures.

"We'll meet again next time," Natsume said with a smile as he dismissed his wooden clone. "I hope you'll have those Hashirama cells ready by then."

Orochimaru watched the clone disappear and immediately dispatched his agents to locate Uchiha Shisui.

The following day, Orochimaru confronted Uchiha Shisui in a fierce battle.

Simultaneously, Natsume, attending class at the ninja school, received a notification from the Holy Ring of Destiny:

"Because of your actions, Orochimaru's fate has changed, and you have gained fifty-eight destiny points."

"Because of your actions, Uchiha Shisui's fate has changed, and you have gained nineteen destiny points."