Mastermind of the Akatsuki

After Byakuya's figure disappeared, Orochimaru donned a white lab coat and began to analyze Byakuya's cells using various scientific instruments, setting up comparison experiments as well.

A few hours later, the data and results came through. Orochimaru stared at the screen, deep in thought.

At first glance, Byakuya's cells appeared no different from ordinary human cells, yet they harbored an overwhelming power. Even when compared to Hashirama's cells, Byakuya's cells resisted any attempts by Hashirama's cells to assimilate them.

Unlike Hashirama's domineering cells that actively sought to devour and assimilate others, Byakuya's cells were comparatively benign. They didn't aggressively assimilate, yet contained a balanced blend of all chakra attributes. These combined chakra elements did not create any instability; rather, they formed an adaptable, stable cellular structure—essentially a universal cell, with endless experimental potential.

Realizing this, Orochimaru was stunned. If only he had more of Byakuya's cells, he might have injected them into test subjects, hoping to cultivate a suitable vessel quickly for his reincarnation.

Just as Orochimaru was lost in his musings, a familiar voice sounded behind him, "Orochimaru-senpai, how's the experiment coming along?"

"The results are promising. Byakuya's cells have potential comparable to Hashirama's."

After speaking, Orochimaru suddenly sensed something was off. He turned around sharply, only to see Byakuya standing there, watching him with a harmless smile.

But that seemingly benign smile sent chills down Orochimaru's spine. His clandestine efforts to collect Byakuya's cells had clearly been discovered. He wondered if Byakuya might eliminate him for his actions. Should he escape now? And where could he go if he left the Akatsuki?

While Orochimaru wrestled with these thoughts, Byakuya glanced at the data on the screen and remarked, "I didn't realize my data indicators were so high, almost on par with the First Hokage's cells. But tell me, Orochimaru-senpai, why did you feel the need to collect my cells secretly?"

A few drops of cold sweat formed on Orochimaru's forehead as he struggled to find a reply. But Byakuya quickly offered him a lifeline.

"Orochimaru-senpai, were you secretly gathering my data to help me increase my strength?"

Orochimaru hurriedly nodded, seizing the excuse. "That's exactly it, Leader Byakuya. My research on your blood is to help you become stronger."

"Good." Byakuya nodded, then continued, "I didn't expect you to be so dedicated to the organization's goals. For a moment, I wondered if you were gathering my data with plans to attack me someday. Anyway, in the future, if you need my blood for research, just ask. There's no need to sneak around." Byakuya's tone grew sharp, his gaze turning icy.

"We're all working toward the ultimate goal of peace in the ninja world. There's no need for underhanded tactics—I despise deceitful people. Orochimaru-senpai, I hope you won't become someone I despise. Otherwise, Konoha won't be the only group pursuing you."

At these words, Byakuya's eyes shone with a deadly gleam, like the gaze of a reaper from the underworld. His voice was dripping with menace.

Orochimaru understood that Byakuya was warning him. Byakuya had likely known about the secret collection all along—perhaps even left that blood behind deliberately to bait him.

Only now did Orochimaru remember that Byakuya, like Kushina, was also a member of the Uzumaki clan.

The Uzumaki clan's potent life force and uncanny sensory abilities make them formidable on the battlefield, rivaling even the Hyūga clan. This realization hit Orochimaru hard—his actions had likely been within Byakuya's awareness all along. Such a prospect was chilling, suggesting that Orochimaru would have minimal opportunities to escape Byakuya's detection should he ever try to flee in the future.

Amid the unsettling news, there was a silver lining: Byakuya didn't seem to mind his research into his cells. In fact, he even encouraged it, hoping it could yield fruitful results.

"Leader," Orochimaru said, "since I chose to join the Akatsuki, I won't leave so easily."

Pausing for a moment, he then added slyly, "But, Byakuya-sama, aren't you worried I might gain power surpassing yours through my research?"

Byakuya laughed confidently. "If you truly manage to surpass me through research, that would only show that my strength was insufficient. But a replica is just a replica. Can you really surpass me?" he asked, with a glint of challenge in his eyes.

"Think about it—the First Hokage had the power to bring peace to the world, yet despite all the efforts since his death, none of you who've studied his cells have even come close to matching him," Byakuya added with a smirk.

Orochimaru fell silent, contemplating the truth in Byakuya's words. Konoha had launched numerous projects to replicate the First Hokage's power, with even Tobirama Senju and himself participating. But decades had passed, and all they had to show was Tenzo, a mere shadow of the First Hokage's prowess.

Byakuya continued, "I know why you left Konoha, and I know what your dreams are, Orochimaru-senpai. And yet, I still chose to accept you, even allowing you to study my blood. Do you know why?"

Orochimaru looked puzzled but ventured a guess. "Because you have absolute confidence that no one can surpass you?"

Byakuya shook his head. "You're only half right. Besides my confidence, I don't want to see valuable techniques vanish with time. In the shinobi world, we must leave some legacy behind."

"We can either become a great hero, like the First Hokage, who quelled the chaos of his era, or leave a lasting impact through techniques, like the Second Hokage with his Shadow Clone Jutsu," Byakuya said, eyes gleaming. "Don't you want to leave a mark on the shinobi world, Orochimaru?"

Byakuya's words struck Orochimaru to his core, stirring reflections on his ambitions and legacy.

What Orochimaru didn't know was that this was all part of Byakuya's plan. That blood-stained twig had been left intentionally to draw Orochimaru's attention and encourage his research. Byakuya hoped that Orochimaru would extract useful insights, allowing Byakuya's abilities to ultimately benefit the Akatsuki.

After all, thanks to Byakuya's system, any enhancements to the organization's members would feed back into his own strength. As the Akatsuki's influence spread across more and more territories, every invention and policy that strengthened the shinobi world would become fuel for Byakuya's own power.