Chapter 106

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A fierce, cold wind howled across the desolate land, kicking up sand and stones. The weather was not pleasant today.

But the gloomy sky suited what was about to happen.

Gensou thought for a moment, then stomped his foot. A coffin, covered in sealing symbols, rose from the ground.

The lid opened, and Orochimaru, grinning, stepped out and looked at Gensou, saying, "We meet again, Gensou-senpai."

After that, he glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings and said knowingly, "So, it's time to begin, isn't it?"

Gensou nodded, not surprised that Orochimaru had guessed correctly.

Over the past six months, he had interacted frequently with the most capable scientist in the current ninja world.

Initially, Gensou intended to forcibly search Orochimaru's mind for useful information, like the complete version of Edo Tensei.

However, when he attempted it, he found Orochimaru's memories were exceptionally well-guarded.

Although his soul was fragmented, making him vulnerable to powerful genjutsu, Orochimaru, as an expert on souls, had protected his secrets effectively.

Unable to explore his mind and finding torture pointless for someone as resilient as Orochimaru, Gensou considered killing him.

But he realized Orochimaru's expertise in souls might help solve his own issues with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. So, he asked a few questions, and surprisingly, Orochimaru was cooperative.

As long as Gensou didn't pry into his secrets, Orochimaru was happy to discuss soul science, ninjutsu, and chakra with a fellow genius whom he saw as a kindred spirit.

Seeing Orochimaru's willingness to share knowledge, Gensou set aside his intent to kill.

Over time, the two exchanged many insights on souls and chakra.

Gensou had to admit that Orochimaru's insights had provided significant inspiration, helping him refine the Dead Demon Consuming Seal within six months.

For this reason, Gensou overlooked some of Orochimaru's minor schemes during this period.

But now...

"The Dead Demon Consuming Seal... I really wanted to see how you'd resolve it, Gensou-senpai." Orochimaru habitually licked his lips as he looked at Gensou.

After Hiruzen had sealed his arms, Orochimaru had long desired to study the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to find a way to undo the seal on his arms.

Thus, upon learning that Gensou was researching the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, Orochimaru eagerly joined in, offering many useful ideas.

But it seemed he wouldn't get to see the results.

Orochimaru spread his hands in a mock-innocent gesture, saying, "Gensou-senpai, are you planning to kill the donkey after it's done its work? That's not like you."

Although Gensou showed no outward killing intent, Orochimaru, having taken countless lives, could easily sense Gensou's intent in summoning him here.

Seeing his plan uncovered, Gensou remained calm, responding casually, "You've already cracked the seals on your coffin, haven't you? Staying quiet inside all this time must have been difficult for you, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru's expression briefly changed before he resumed his smile, self-mockingly, "I couldn't hide it from you, could I? But even so, you wouldn't concern yourself with my little schemes, right?"

"You underestimate yourself, Orochimaru, even if it's just a fragment of your soul."

Gensou shook his head, then, with a knowing smile, mentioned key points in the modified Dead Demon Consuming Seal, and looked at Orochimaru, saying:

"According to your suggestions, I could indeed achieve my goal of restoring my soul. But you deliberately ignored—or should I say, concealed—a crucial point. The apparent resolution of the life-sacrifice aspect is temporary. Once I complete the soul restoration, I'd seem fine at first. But eventually, the Shinigami would come for me."

"Orochimaru, am I right?"

Orochimaru's fake smile disappeared.

He looked deeply at Gensou with his golden, snake-like eyes and sighed, shaking his head, "As expected of you, Gensou-senpai."

"And as expected of you, Orochimaru."

From the start, Gensou hadn't been deceived by Orochimaru's facade of a curious scientist.

He knew full well that the man before him, despite appearing human, was a cold and cunning snake.

If a snake didn't show its fangs, could it still be called a snake?

Orochimaru's overt minor actions seemed like preparations for an escape but were meant to mislead Gensou.

His true trap was hidden within the modified Dead Demon Consuming Seal, which he had helped develop.

Had Gensou used it, death would have been inevitable, without any need for Orochimaru's intervention.

A less knowledgeable or less meticulous person might have fallen for Orochimaru's deception.

But Gensou, knowing Orochimaru's nature, did not.

"Orochimaru, do you feel wronged?"

With the truly modified Dead Demon Consuming Seal complete, Orochimaru's soul fragment was no longer of use. Gensou saw no reason to keep this venomous snake around.

As a precaution, he intended to eliminate him before starting his plan.

Orochimaru shook his head calmly, "Having lost, I have no complaints."

"But... if you're not using my version, Gensou-senpai, have you considered how you'll face the Shinigami's wrath?"

The Shinigami's wrath?

Gensou understood the implication behind Orochimaru's words.

He responded calmly, "Let it come."

The traditional way to deal with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal involved using the Shinigami mask stored in the Uzumaki Clan's mask temple.

Although Gensou had sent people to find it, they discovered the temple in ruins, possibly due to the butterfly effect of his actions. There were no masks, not even a single intact tile.

With no clues to follow, Gensou chose to forge a new path.

As for whether this would provoke the so-called Shinigami's wrath, Gensou was curious to see if it would truly intervene or if it was just a mindless entity without emotions.

(End of Chapter)