Chapter 87

Haruki once again arrived at the ninja school research institute.

Looking at the green, transparent cylinders around him, he found it hard to believe that Orochimaru could stay cooped up here for so long. He rarely left the place. Perhaps it was because in his previous life he was a liberal arts student; it's like how savory food lovers can never understand sweet food lovers.

"Orochimaru, I heard you met with Danzo?"

Haruki didn't bother with formalities and got straight to the point of his visit. He knew Orochimaru well; he wasn't a hypocrite and was quite straightforward in nature. For instance, in the original series, he didn't mess around with Uchiha Sasuke and directly showed a great deal of interest, using power to entice him. If it were Haruki, he'd probably paint a rosy picture first and then slowly reel him in.

"Yes."

Orochimaru didn't even lift his head as he answered. He stood in front of the laboratory table, wearing white gloves stained with blood.

"I want to know what he talked to you about," Haruki asked, surveying the gory scene that could easily be censored.

"Nothing much. He asked me to help him research Hashirama Senju's cells to cultivate children with the Wood Release Kekkei Genkai."

Orochimaru didn't hide anything and said frankly, "But I refused him."

"Why?"

Haruki was somewhat surprised at his calm demeanor. He had expected Orochimaru to agree, considering it did happen in the original series.

"That's the God of Shinobi. You should be very interested in Hashirama Senju's cells."

"The God of Shinobi can't help me achieve immortality," Orochimaru replied nonchalantly. "Besides, I don't like Danzo Shimura."

Haruki gave him a curious look. Orochimaru, having never come into contact with Hashirama's cells, didn't know that besides Wood Release, they had various other functions. They were almost omnipotent and could indeed aid in his quest for immortality. As for the second reason, Haruki ignored it; he had never seen Orochimaru like anyone.

However, it was puzzling that despite the terrifying capabilities of Hashirama's cells, capable of achieving near-legendary regenerative abilities, Hashirama himself had died prematurely.

"Any more questions?" Orochimaru prompted, urging him to leave. "If not, don't get in my way."

Haruki couldn't help but chuckle. After all, I was your teacher for a while, and now you treat me like I'm here to blackmail you.

"I need a favor from you."

Orochimaru immediately looked up, his slit-like eyes exuding a chilling aura, as if ready to strike like a snake.

Haruki ignored the threat and said, "I want you to help Danzo Shimura research Wood Release."

"I don't understand," Orochimaru frowned slightly. "You're not part of Root. Why help Danzo? Or do you want control over the Hokage's root?"

"I have no interest in that."

Haruki thought for a moment and said, "In fact, it's more important for me to have no Root at all."

"You want to eliminate Root?"

Orochimaru seemed to ponder. Indeed, Root's power was immense, and its elimination would benefit Tsunade's path to becoming Hokage.

"Exactly. You pretend to help him, but use the opportunity to gather evidence of him conducting experiments on Konoha's people in violation of village regulations."

Haruki didn't mind revealing his plan to Orochimaru, giving the situation a surreal twist, as he was essentially describing what Orochimaru had done in the original series. Considering Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, was forced to defect, what would happen to Sarutobi Hiruzen if his close associate, Danzo Shimura, committed similar acts?

Haruki recalled how Hiruzen forgave even assassination attempts by Danzo. Their relationship was quite complex, with mutual exploitation, common goals, and special feelings.

"Why should I help you?" Orochimaru shook his head. "We're even."

"Even?"

Haruki smiled, "How are we even? Though you helped me break the Caged Bird Seal, which repays my teaching you biology, you're currently using my money."

As a Jonin, Orochimaru had quite a bit of money, but it wasn't enough. Scientific research was expensive, no matter the world. In the original series, Orochimaru established the Hidden Sound Village not just for territory but also for financial reasons.

Hearing Haruki's words, Orochimaru fell silent. This guy had indeed provided him with a stable and favorable external environment, resolving all issues except the experiments themselves.

"I'll help you, but you must promise me one condition," Orochimaru said, frowning slightly.

"Oh? What condition? If I can meet it, I surely will." Haruki waved his hand, thinking he didn't mind spending a bit more after all the money he'd already invested.

"You." Orochimaru said plainly.

"???" Haruki was startled, stepping back. "What did you say? I didn't catch that."

"The Wood Release experiments were conducted in Konoha's early days. I've seen the records; they all failed because Hashirama's cells are too dominant."

Orochimaru explained without any change in expression, "Injecting Hashirama's genetic material into a human body causes severe rejection, but you might be able to neutralize it."

"Speak clearly to avoid misunderstandings."

Haruki couldn't help but complain. Orochimaru knew he could use Wood Release, which was the only reason he would cooperate; it wasn't just mere persuasion.

"What misunderstanding?" Orochimaru glanced at him, not understanding his point.

"Nothing," Haruki shook his head. "Since you want to study, as long as no one dies, I'll cooperate."

He was quite confident in his medical ninjutsu.

"No worries. If you die, I'll revive you with Edo Tensei," Orochimaru said casually.

"Huh?" Haruki was taken aback, then frowned. "How did you get your hands on Edo Tensei?"

"I stole it," Orochimaru said indifferently.

"Such a technique goes against nature; don't use it," Haruki suggested after some thought.

"It's surprising to hear that from you," Orochimaru gave him a surprised look.

Haruki didn't respond; he just didn't want to see random people being resurrected. But it wasn't a big deal.

"I didn't steal Edo Tensei for research. I wanted to learn Konoha's forbidden jutsu," Orochimaru explained unexpectedly.

"Danzo conducts his experiments on prisoners in Konoha's maximum-security prison. When you interact with him, try to push him into more extreme actions," Haruki added. "Hashirama's cells are very useful to us, so get as many as you can."

He thought about how future students and descendants might have multiple Mangekyou Sharingan pairs. Having Hashirama's cells would prevent premature blindness. Besides, it might enable Tsunade to learn Wood Release, though it was risky and depended on Orochimaru's final results. This was just the first step in dealing with Danzo; Haruki had more interesting plans for him.