Naruto: Dual-Pupil Uchiha

"Haha. With you being this sincere, it'd be unreasonable for me to refuse, wouldn't it?"

Orochimaru laughed openly, his tone calm and straightforward. He seemed to be thinking about the future.

"From today on, we're partners."

The two of them exchanged a smile, saying everything without needing more words.

"But... during our cooperation, you're not allowed to experiment on other people. Especially not innocent ones. No Reanimation Jutsu on them."

Genya looked directly at Orochimaru, reminding him once again.

He wasn't some bleeding-heart saint, but there was no need to drag innocent people into this. 

Of course, if Orochimaru wanted to use someone from the Sarutobi clan as a sacrifice, that wasn't his concern.

The Sarutobi clan had become the main beneficiaries ever since Sarutobi Hiruzen became Hokage. They were arrogant, overbearing, and completely lawless.

During his time in the Konoha Police Force, Genya had seen firsthand how the Sarutobi clan's younger generation acted — proud, arrogant, and especially dismissive toward the Uchiha.

On the surface, the Hyuga were said to be the strongest clan in Konoha. But in reality, the Sarutobi clan now held that position.

Especially since they had formed an alliance with the Shimura, Mitokado, and Utatane clans — these four clans now controlled most of Konoha's power. 

The only part they hadn't infiltrated was half of the Police Force.

So right now, Konoha was practically under Hiruzen's absolute rule. 

From framing Hatake Sakumo, to setting up Orochimaru, to Tsunade leaving the village — all of it helped Hiruzen secure his grip on the Hokage seat.

He could hold control over Konoha for decades to come.

"Of course. The people I use for my current experiments are all rogue ninja from other nations — ones who've committed murder. Or... do you think I'm someone who would do anything, no matter how low?"

Orochimaru looked at Genya and gave a bitter smile.

Sure enough, his reputation in Konoha — no, in the entire ninja world — was already ruined.

Ironically, he was once one of the legendary Sannin, admired by all in Konoha. But overnight, his name became cursed, and even crimes he never committed were pinned on him.

To be honest, aside from his obsession with immortality, he still had his limits—something that set him apart from common criminals.

After all,

He had his own bottom line.

"When do you plan to start?" Orochimaru asked, eyes gleaming with interest. He had long been displeased with Sarutobi Hiruzen. If they combined forces with the Uchiha clan, they might really be able to bring him down!

And maybe,

He could restore the reputation that had been torn to shreds.

"Overthrowing Konoha will take time. The Uchiha clan needs to recover first," Genya said calmly, his voice steady. 

"In the meantime, we can collaborate in research. I can share techniques for cultivating special cells, and in return, I need your expertise in curse marks."

It was clearly not the right time to act.

The Uchiha clan had been heavily suppressed by Konoha in recent years. They needed time to rest, recover, and grow stronger.

That way,

Even if the plan against Hiruzen failed, the Uchiha would still have the strength to leave the village and build their own.

Still, they could start with research. Genya needed curse mark knowledge, and in exchange, he could provide methods for cellular enhancement.

The two of them working together would complement each other perfectly.

After all, Orochimaru's research skills were unmatched in the ninja world. If he worked with Toshi on curse marks, they might be able to solve the Caged Bird curse in record time.

As long as the Caged Bird seal is removed, Neji will be completely free!

"Research, huh?" Orochimaru blinked. There was a glint in his eyes—it could've been excitement, or deep thought.

"Don't worry. From now on, we're partners. Atsukara can support you with what we have. For example, Hayashi can assist you in your research!" Genya noticed Orochimaru's interest and quickly added more.

"Hayashi can do research with me?" Orochimaru's eyes lit up when he heard that.

He stared at Hayashi like he was some rare specimen, even licking his lips excitedly. He was clearly intrigued.

After all, Atsukara's Wood Ox was someone every ninja village wanted to find. If he could research him—and combine it with the data from Hayashi—he might make real progress with Wood Release.

He could even break new ground in the field, maybe even develop Wood Release-based clones. That way, his Living Corpse Reincarnation Jutsu could parasitize directly into a Wood Clone!

Just thinking about it made Orochimaru almost too excited to contain himself.

Under Orochimaru's intense stare, Hayashi couldn't help but shiver.

Being watched by Orochimaru felt like being stalked by a cold-blooded snake—he could feel himself becoming prey.

He instinctively leaned closer to Genya, trying to find some courage.

He was even starting to believe Orochimaru wanted to cut him up and dissect him.

"Genya-sama…" His voice actually trembled a bit when he called out.

"It's fine!" Genya reassured calmly, then turned to Orochimaru and said,

"Hayashi is only cooperating with you for your experiments. Don't take it too far.

If you do... I won't hesitate to end our partnership and chase you to the ends of the ninja world."

As he spoke those final words, Genya's tone turned cold.

It was a warning to Orochimaru — if he dared to lay a hand on Hayashi, then even if Orochimaru really had achieved immortality, Genya would erase him completely.

"I understand. Since we're cooperating, I won't touch him." Orochimaru finally retracted his usual smile and replied seriously, "I have my principles."

Besides, Orochimaru knew — if Hayashi wanted to leave, unless someone with top-tier genjutsu was there to stop him, very few in this world could.

"Good. Then let's hope for a smooth partnership." Genya also smiled.

His young face looked friendly and sincere.

"Looking forward to working with you," Orochimaru replied, then added,

"So, when do we officially begin? I'm eager to start researching."

"Very soon." Genya rubbed his still-young chin, looking thoughtful.

This partnership with Orochimaru had been a spur-of-the-moment decision. He didn't have a solid plan yet. 

After thinking for a moment, he said, "I still have some things to deal with. Once Hayashi brings Kimimaro and the others back, someone will come find you."

"And… this place might already be exposed. Give me the address of a new base."

While speaking, Genya glanced up at the towering tree that pierced the sky, feeling a bit emotional inside.

Hayashi really doesn't hold back when he uses his powers.

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