"Hehe, Yoru-kun, you have solved an important issue for me, teacher."
Inside the wooden cabin, Orochimaru gazed at the respectful Uchiha Yoru standing before him. He never expected his disciple's help to be so significant, giving him the feeling of having a capable assistant.
However, this assistance did not involve research since Uchiha Yoru, despite possessing advanced medical ninjutsu skills, still had a long way to go.
The assistance Orochimaru felt was in terms of funding. Ever since taking on this disciple, he rarely had to worry about experimental funds. Moreover, Yoru had begun utilizing the Uchiha name to gather people for him.
"Orochimaru-sensei, they volunteered themselves."
Yoru's eyes were filled with determination, as if he firmly believed and expected Orochimaru to become the Fifth Hokage, a sentiment shared by others, including the major clans.
Orochimaru couldn't help but know that his disciple had been meeting with representatives from the major clans in the camp. In his eyes, it was simply the Uchiha way of helping him ascend to the position of Hokage faster.
Or perhaps, it was Uchiha's way of expressing his sincerity and striving for significant achievements. Look at how many connections I have helped you establish.
Suddenly, Orochimaru let out a raspy laughter. "Hehe, it's much easier with you, Yoru-kun, and with the Uchiha clan's support."
It was the first time Orochimaru mentioned the Uchiha clan, and Yoru's expression became excited, nodding solemnly. "Rest assured, Orochimaru-sensei, the Uchiha clan will always stand firmly behind you."
"The Inuzuka and Aburame clans are offering 50 million in financial aid, while the Hyuuga clan is willing to provide 200 million, but they hope you will consider their candidates for the ANBU after you become Hokage."
Although Yoru had already made promises on his behalf, it now seemed as if it was the Hyuuga clan's idea. It was truly a case of having the best of both worlds.
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru narrowed his golden, slitted eyes, revealing an evil smile. After a moment, he let out a raspy laugh. "Hehe, the ANBU, huh? Why not?"
Orochimaru only had an indifferent smile in his heart. Konoha was built by the major clans, and the ANBU, under the Hokage's authority, was an exception. They were the Hokage's power, consisting mostly of elite members from the common population.
The major clans were originally part of the Hokage system, and the Uchiha clan was the only exception. Therefore, the major clans' current display of goodwill was merely a show of support for the future Hokage. The investment was for the future.
After Orochimaru's failure in the competition for the Fourth Hokage position, he was not as obsessed with becoming Hokage anymore. However, it seemed that everyone was pushing him to take the position.
After all, the Third Hokage was already elderly and retired due to the heavy losses in the Third Great Ninja War. Countless people were now investing in the future Hokage. Little did Orochimaru expect that he would eventually become a rogue ninja. It should be noted that human experiments had existed since the time of the Second Hokage; there were precedents for techniques like Edo Tensei.
Moreover, Orochimaru had established many secret research bases within Konoha's borders. Although he had some hidden bases of his own, they could only be considered as using his authority to carry out personal matters. Just look at how the Sarutobi clan, the self-proclaimed "3,000 Shinobi Clan," came to be.
Orochimaru's human experiments were mentioned in the original source material. He joined Root with Danzo's approval and support. How could the Hokage not know about it?
It can only be said that Danzo learned from Orochimaru and secretly abused his authority to let Orochimaru conduct research on Wood Release and other techniques. There were precedents for this.
"Sensei."
Orochimaru smiled casually. He was no longer interested in politics. He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, both the Hyuuga and Uchiha will get what they want."
Indeed, Orochimaru was one of the candidates for the position of Hokage. After all, one couldn't become a contender for Hokage without understanding politics.
Yoru, seeing Orochimaru's response, nodded excitedly. "Rest assured, Orochimaru-sensei, the Uchiha clan will do everything in their power."
Loyalty! After all, Yoru couldn't represent the Uchiha clan, but some people saw him as a representative of the current Uchiha clan.
"Hehe, Yoru-kun, I can see that you have talent not only in medical ninjutsu but also in swordsmanship. I was actually planning to give you this chakra-enhanced weapon when you became a Jonin, but I guess I don't need to anymore."
Under Orochimaru's evil and sinister smile, he tilted his head back and a horrifying scene unfolded. From his throat, a snake emerged slowly, as if something was about to be expelled. Then, the snake opened its mouth and started spitting something out.
Seeing the chakra-enhanced weapon that was spat out, Yoru couldn't help but show astonishment. It was the legendary sacred weapon.
"Hehe, the Kusanagi Sword, rumored to be forged with the hardest material in this world, comparable to chakra-infused metal. Do you like it, Yoru-kun?"
After retracting his long tongue, Orochimaru, under his sinister smile, swung the black, slender straight sword, removing any residue from its blade.
Yoru, looking at the sacred weapon handed to him, was filled with excitement. For a ninja, it was truly a treasure.
"Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei."
Gratefully accepting the Kusanagi Sword, which was originally wielded by Uchiha Madara in the original material, Yoru felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Orochimaru. After all, he was Snake Uncle, who knew how to make investments.
Orochimaru also smiled hoarsely, a smile filled with a hint of amusement. It wasn't because he was generous, but because the other party was worthy of his investment.
From a personal standpoint, the other party was his disciple, and now that he had awakened the Sharingan, becoming a Jonin in the future was not a problem. Not to mention, Orochimaru had also trained him. Giving him a weapon he didn't need was completely justified.
From a vested interest perspective, this disciple had brought him considerable benefits, and it would further solidify Uchiha's trust and inclination towards him. This would result in more research funds in the future.
Killing two birds with one stone, it was a win-win situation.
Satisfied, Yoru inserted the Kusanagi Sword into his back waist, revealing an excited smile. Orochimaru said, "The border has been stable recently. Remember to follow the training plan diligently."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei."
Orochimaru was undoubtedly the most responsible teacher. He had designed a training plan from a scientific perspective, aiming for the most efficient training effect without overloading the body, rather than acting recklessly.
~~~
Notes:
(Kusanagi Sword refers to a type of sword, not a specific one.)