Chapter 169 : Takeshi and Orochimaru?

Konoha Hospital, a secluded location. Takeshi led Hiruko to his secret base, the entrance of an underground laboratory.

"Lord Orochimaru!" The two guards at the door bowed respectfully to the young Takeshi and opened the sturdy door.

Hiruko was astonished by Takeshi's presence. Takeshi was his contemporary, yet he seemed to have a close relationship with those guards. Not only was he powerful, but he also possessed his own laboratory!

Although the two guards at the door were just regular genin, they had already briefed Hiruko on the situation.

As Takeshi, with his relatively unknown laboratory, brought valuable "items" to Konoha, Tobirama's attitude towards him became increasingly lenient.

While Takeshi's research here was legitimate, involving formal drug cultivation and analysis, Tobirama had never delved into the details.

Subconsciously, Tobirama might even appreciate Orochimaru's research. As the creator of the Konoha Forbidden Technique, Tobirama might have unknowingly nurtured Orochimaru's ambitions and inherited his various research pursuits.

Though the profit margin was meager here, coupled with the funds Takeshi obtained from Kubisaki Castle, it was enough to keep the operation going.

Takeshi entered the door first, glancing back at the surprised Hiruko behind him and offering a warm smile. "If you're resolved, step in. But once you cross this threshold, there's no turning back in this life."

"How could I have any regrets?!" Hiruko quickly followed suit.

The laboratory was surprisingly spacious, occupied by several medical ninjas meticulously tending to plants brought back by Takeshi and producing various medicines.

Some were engrossed in their research, appearing overwhelmed. To Hiruko's surprise, some of them were top students from the medical class.

Others seemed to be engaged in processing and production. Hiruko could just about recognize military ration pills, exploding tags, and various ninja tools—essentially an array of miscellaneous items.

He even spotted body-strengthening liquids and an unfamiliar solvent.

"This is your laboratory. I must admit, it's a bit rudimentary. The conditions and equipment might be..." Hiruko hesitated briefly, acknowledging that Takeshi was young and resources might be limited, yet he couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed.

"That's true. It was quite a challenge to get this venture off the ground. These are research projects assigned by Hokage-sama."

Takeshi showed no embarrassment. Compared to the advanced equipment he would acquire in the future and the establishment of strongholds worldwide, his current situation was indeed modest. Nonetheless, he had the backing of Tobirama and Senju clan.

"Orochimaru, if you require..."

"Of course, this isn't everything." Takeshi smiled, leading Hiruko to a cabinet where he performed a series of hand seals. The cabinet door swung open, revealing a concealed passage.

"The real key is below." Takeshi entered first.

"As expected." Hiruko followed after him. The cabinet door sealed itself upon their entry; an escape would be impossible without knowing the precise method.

"Hmm? I sensed an unfamiliar chakra."

The underground atmosphere was distinctly unwelcoming. The space below was even larger than the upper level, dimly lit with a damp, chilling ambiance that could unsettle anyone unaccustomed to it.

Adjusting to the low light, Hiruko raised his gaze and immediately felt a jolt of apprehension.

A figure donning a white coat and mask was dissecting a corpse. Even averting his eyes from the ghastly sight, Hiruko sensed the individual had likely endured inhumane torment.

Two indifferent assistants were meticulously recording data and periodically injecting dubious fluids for observation.

Hiruko reluctantly recognized the assistants as Senyu and Gudu. He hadn't anticipated encountering them here.

They were conducting horrific human experiments!

The underground space housed numerous glass containers, each holding bizarre creatures and plants. Within these containers were both complete organisms and dissected tissues, some seemingly human in nature!

Several elaborate research apparatuses were ceaselessly operational. A few freezers were scattered on the floor, each containing corpses—adults and even children.

While this marked Hiruko's first time encountering such a scene, his determination and purpose helped him regain composure. He noticed the white-coated figure's gaze linger on him.

"You're Hiruko, I presume you've finally made your way here."

The white-coated individual surveyed Hiruko, almost questioning him. The tone was unambiguously cold and ruthless. Those dark golden pupils exuded a formidable pressure, as if peering into his very soul. Strangely familiar!

"Do... Do you know me?"

Hiruko hadn't anticipated Takeshi's research would encompass such a broad scale. The person before him was unlike the medical ninjas busy with their work. Evidently, he was a collaborator who communicated with "Orochimaru" on equal footing.

However, considering his appearance, he seemed no older than a teenager?

Never had Hiruko imagined that his first visit with "Orochimaru" would unravel like this. Could Takeshi really trust him? But witnessing this, he was becoming increasingly unsure about joining forces!

"Know you? In truth, we're well acquainted. However, you failed to realize it at the time."

The white-coated figure didn't see the need for cryptic games. Removing his mask revealed a cold, snake-like smile!

"What?! Who the heck are you? Why..." Hiruko's shock was palpable as he turned to Takeshi.

"In fact, he's me, and I'm him. But his name is Orochimaru, my clone. I have my own name: Takeshi."

Takeshi wiped his face, triggering subtle changes.

His stature grew slightly taller, the eyeshadow on his face intensified, and his facial features shifted—akin to a relative of Orochimaru or a close kin.

"What! What's happening here?"

"Don't be alarmed. It's just one of our abilities. Through hard work, you too can possess various extraordinary powers."

Orochimaru and Takeshi spoke in unison, creating an eerie ambiance in the dim underground space.

"Does Takeshi truly believe he's suitable for our collaboration? His talents are rather lackluster. Beyond his ninjutsu, he appears to have little value."

Orochimaru was candid, not shying away from the harsh reality—no, Orochimaru, you must recognize that talent is inconsequential. Anyone can attain it and lose it.

Takeshi patted Hiruko's shoulder. "What matters is his heart—his heart steeped in despair and darkness. It's this very heart that drives him to undertake actions that confound others, all for the pursuit of strength. That, my friend, is an invaluable trait, isn't it?"

Takeshi continued nonchalantly, "Given his talents in certain areas, his future accomplishments could be boundless."

"Orochimaru... Oh, sorry, Takeshi..." Hiruko was taken aback, yet also flattered. Yet he still struggled to grasp the concept that Orochimaru was a mere clone of Takeshi—a duplication of personas, bodies, and souls!

Hiruko should perhaps feel reassured; he was the first human privy to Takeshi's secret, the first to lay eyes on his face—however meaningless it appeared.

"I'll help him realize his role and guide him toward the right path. Orochimaru, go and meet our esteemed teacher and companions."

Takeshi took the scalpel from Orochimaru, addressing Hiruko once more. "Don't be paralyzed by shock. From what I understand, you were a top student in the medical class."

"Yes, I'm here to assist!"

Hiruko immersed himself in Orochimaru's experiments, involving the transplantation of others' cells.

Indeed, if he dedicated himself here, he could surpass those so-called prodigies!

With fervor, Hiruko committed himself to his work, his hands finally stained by the unspeakable human experiments under Takeshi's guidance.