Chapter 126

Fusing Kaguya's genes?

Yes, it was a risky proposition, but for Orochimaru, the potential reward far outweighed the danger.

To fuse with Kaguya's genes, the most direct way would be to release her from the seal. But Kaguya wasn't just any foe, she was the ancestor of chakra, the true god of the ninja world, and an unparalleled force of nature. Even the Sage of Six Paths, her own son, hadn't fully inherited her power.

It was clear: releasing Kaguya could bring catastrophic consequences to the world. Yet, for Orochimaru, this path seemed far safer than constantly changing bodies or dealing with the soul-matching issues that plagued his other immortality techniques.

Kaguya's longevity was undeniable. Although she wasn't truly immortal, she had lived for millennia, maybe even tens of thousands of years. If Orochimaru could fuse her genes with his, he too would gain the same lifespan. And with a lifespan spanning thousands of years, he could dominate the world without the constant need for new bodies.

As for Kaguya's unimaginable power? Orochimaru wasn't particularly worried. He believed he could time her resurrection perfectly, keeping everything under control. After all, the ninja world was nothing if not predictable, and Orochimaru had enough foresight to anticipate every move. As long as he played his cards right, even without the destined saviors like Naruto and Sasuke, he believed he could tip the scales in his favor.

But that was all predicated on one simple fact: he needed to be powerful enough first.

While his thoughts wandered, a familiar voice suddenly broke the silence.

"Hey, what are you thinking about sitting here all by yourself?"

Orochimaru felt the distinct fragrance of Tsunade as she approached and took a seat next to him. She smiled as she leaned closer.

"Nothing much. Did you finish preparing the antidote?"

Tsunade smiled confidently, "Of course, it's been ready for a while now. With my skill, making a basic antidote isn't exactly hard work."

Orochimaru chuckled lightly. "Right…"

He was about to continue, but then he felt Tsunade lean against his shoulder, making him pause.

Even though Tsunade was wearing her standard jounin gear, Orochimaru couldn't ignore the unique sensation that came with her presence.

"Orochimaru..."

"Hmm?"

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"What is it?"

Tsunade hesitated for a moment, her face slightly flushed. It was rare to see her this shy.

"Are you… not interested in me?"

"Not interested?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, pretending not to understand, though he knew full well where this conversation was headed.

"You know what I mean," Tsunade muttered, her face turning redder by the second.

Orochimaru fell silent, gazing at her. For the first time in a while, Tsunade wasn't displaying her usual boldness. Her usual swagger seemed to fade, replaced by uncertainty. She was serious, that much was clear.

"Do you really not understand?" she pressed, clearly working up the courage to address something that had been bothering her for some time.

Orochimaru knew what she meant, of course. He understood her feelings. He was far from the original version of himself who only saw power. He had come to care about her in his own way, but his mind was always occupied with greater ambitions.

Tsunade continued, her voice quieter, more vulnerable. "Why… why haven't you ever made a move? Do you not care about me that way? Or… or is it because of something else? Because we're so familiar with each other? Or maybe… maybe what Jiraiya said was true, that we're not really together because nothing's ever actually happened between us?"

She was spilling all her insecurities now, and it was clear that these doubts had been eating away at her for a while. Despite her outward confidence, Tsunade was still a woman who craved the affection and security that Orochimaru had never fully given.

Orochimaru reached out, gently touching her face with his pale hand. "You're overthinking things," he said quietly. "Of course I'm interested in you. I just… didn't have the time before."

Tsunade blinked, hope flickering in her eyes. "So… you do like me?"

"Of course."

"What do you like about me?" (T/N: The billion dollar question hahahahahaha)

That question hit harder than Orochimaru had expected. He wasn't prepared for it at all. His brain stalled, his mind scrambling to find the right words.

He hadn't given it much thought, to be honest. Was it her looks? Her strength? Or perhaps the fact that she had always been loyal, always by his side?

Tsunade's beauty and figure were undeniable. Most men would find her attractive at first sight. But beyond that? Orochimaru wasn't sure.

Tsunade, despite her temper and vices, had always shown him a softer side. Sure, she was a drinker, a gambler, and had a fiery temper. But with him, she was gentle, supportive in ways others couldn't be.

After what seemed like forever, Orochimaru finally responded, "…I don't think there's any one specific reason."

Tsunade was momentarily stunned by his answer, but then she smiled, a real, happy smile. "I like your answer, Orochimaru," she whispered, laying her head on his shoulder.

For a moment, the world seemed to slow. Orochimaru's fingers absentmindedly played with Tsunade's hair, a quiet sense of contentment filling the space between them.

But that peaceful moment didn't last.

"It's rude to eavesdrop, Jiraiya. Don't you think?"

Orochimaru's voice cut through the stillness, sharp and direct.

There was a rustling sound from behind the tent, and sure enough, Jiraiya appeared, scratching his head sheepishly.

"Haha! Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt your romantic moment!" he laughed awkwardly, trying to play it off.

Tsunade's expression immediately soured. "Jiraiya! What are you doing? You creep—"

Orochimaru cut her off. "Don't worry about it, Tsunade. You know Jiraiya's always had a thing for you."

Tsunade blinked in surprise before laughing softly. "Oh, right. Jiraiya, didn't I already tell you it's never going to happen?"

Jiraiya threw his hands up, as if conceding defeat. "I know, I know. I get it. You don't have to rub it in anymore. I promise I won't get in the way."

Turning dramatically, Jiraiya began walking away, trying to appear nonchalant. But there was something in his expression that betrayed his usual confidence. He had been prepared for this moment for years, but witnessing it firsthand stung more than he had expected.

Before he could fully leave, Orochimaru called out. "Jiraiya, don't go yet. I need to talk to you about something important."

"What? What is it?" Jiraiya paused, half-relieved to have an excuse to linger.

Orochimaru's voice was calm but serious. "I want to talk to you about senjutsu."