Orochimaru's lips curled into a genuine smile. He was very pleased with Fuma's sincerity and straightforwardness.
To offer manpower, money, and even a plan—what more could one ask for in a partner?
Orochimaru remained silent, closing his eyes to think. Fuma, too, refrained from disturbing him. Now was the time to give Orochimaru ample space to consider.
Rushed decisions made in the heat of the moment, without clear thought or guidelines, would only lead to greater troubles and tragedies.
Orochimaru ran Fuma's plan through his mind again before speaking slowly, "Fuma-kun, I agree with your ideas. Now, let me talk about my plan."
"I intend to use the Land of Hot Water as a forward base, where we can station the Mist Ninja clans we manage to win over."
The Land of Hot Water, also an island nation not far from the Land of Water, was known as the premier vacation spot in the shinobi world.
Most ninjas who came here did so for leisure and relaxation, making it a suitable place to house the Mist Ninjas they would recruit.
"I've always had an interest in the Mist Village's bloodline clans. According to my information, the Mist has an abundance of rare bloodline limits."
Fuma nodded in agreement. Indeed, if the Mist were allowed to develop without external interference, they could wield considerable power.
Ice Release, Dark Release, Boil Release, Lava Release, Swift Release, Crystal Release, and even the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku—all of them versatile bloodlines, with some even suitable for agriculture.
"I have a suggestion for you as well, Fuma-kun. From what I know, there are some powerful clans in Konoha that have fallen out of favor due to the Second Hokage's policies. You might consider reaching out to them. They could be valuable allies."
Fuma pondered Orochimaru's words. He was likely referring to clans like the Kurama and Tsuchigumo.
A mysterious smile appeared on Orochimaru's face as he gazed at Fuma. "However, there is still one important issue to resolve, Fuma-kun."
"If you and I both turn our backs on Konoha, how will you deal with Tsunade?"
Orochimaru's question cut deep. Right now, Tsunade still harbored strong feelings for Konoha.
She hadn't experienced the loss of her lover, nor had she developed hemophobia. Thanks to Fuma's influence, the Third Hokage had already granted her request to establish the medical corps.
At this moment, Tsunade had no resentment toward Konoha.
How would she react to a conflict between her lover, her teacher, and the village her grandfather had founded? It was impossible to predict.
Fuma looked at Orochimaru with a calm expression, "What we're doing is something that will upend the entire shinobi world."
"I still remember what you said: a thousand years ago, this world must have been hiding a great secret. Taking the Mist Village is only the first step in uncovering the true face of the shinobi world."
"Our journey is long, and if someone falls behind, I'll regret it—but that's just the way it is."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed even brighter, 'This is the mindset of someone with true ambition.'
[If Nawaki doesn't understand his teacher, then there's nothing I can do]
"As for targeting the Mist, it's mainly due to the isolated geography of the Land of Water. The nation founded by the First Hokage has grown deeply corrupt."
"In the current state of the shinobi world, taking action against a Daimyo requires a more isolated region. The Land of Water's geography makes it ideal."
Fuma added.
Orochimaru gave Fuma a meaningful look. It was a sensitive topic.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had married into the Senju clan on numerous occasions. If Fuma and Tsunade were truly united, then the nobility of the Land of Fire would essentially be Fuma's relatives.
If Fuma acted against the Daimyo, it would almost certainly ignite a storm in Konoha.
In fact, the Kage of each nation weren't fools. None of them were willing to grovel simply for a title, subjugating themselves to the Daimyo.
The one-country, one-village system had developed over time and had its historical reasons.
Hundreds of years ago, ninjas weren't the dominant force. The art of ninjutsu hadn't developed to the extent it had today. Back then, samurai were the military power of the world.
But with the arrival of the Warring States period, ninja strength exploded exponentially in the chaos.
Numerous devastating, bizarre, and powerful jutsu were born from the wars.
Even the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu was invented by Senju Tobirama.
One could imagine how limited ninja techniques were before the Warring States period.
The overwhelming power of Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, and the First Five Kage showed the Daimyo what true power looked like.
After the First Hokage established the one-country, one-village system, the Daimyo of each nation brought the relatives of the First Kage into their courts, granting them important roles and even arranging marriages with their direct bloodlines.
This was why later generations of Kage still had to show respect to the Daimyo's courts.
Otherwise, why would the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, despite being a ruthless figure who sealed the One-Tail in his own son and had his brother-in-law try to assassinate him, obediently mine gold when the Daimyo cut military funds?
It was laughable.
Tsunade's title of "Princess" didn't come from being the First Hokage's granddaughter but from being officially recognized by the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
This was why even Danzo and enemy ninjas called her "Princess."
"After we take the Mist, I'll send an Uchiha squad to control all the officials in the Daimyo's court using genjutsu, turning them into tools of governance without personal desires."
"In this way, we'll be able to freely allocate the Land of Water's taxes. These nobles have squandered too much money. We can use those funds to transform the village and invest in scientific research, creating a virtuous cycle."
Orochimaru looked at Fuma with satisfaction. Such determination and ambition—this was the kind of partner he wanted.
"Since Fuma-kun trusts me so much, I won't hesitate to give you a surprise."
"The Wood Release experiment I conducted before resulted in a child who survived and successfully integrated the First Hokage's cells. Before Danzo searched my lab, I moved him."
"Additionally, the star you gave me has been used to cultivate the first batch of mutated insects, and they're still being optimized."
"If we manage to improve them further, the Aburame clan's Shikuro, whom you mentioned, may very well join our ranks."
Fuma was pleasantly surprised by Orochimaru. The foremost scientist in the shinobi world had certainly earned his reputation.
Give Orochimaru the right materials, and he'd always deliver results.
That child who inherited the Wood Release was likely Yamato. His presence would undoubtedly cause quite a stir in the shinobi world.
Fuma was eager to see the Third Hokage's reaction when he heard that the Mist Village had produced a Wood Release user.
As for Aburame Shikuro, he was a poison insect master from the Aburame clan, capable of controlling nanoscopic poisonous insects, making him a living biochemical weapon.
If used properly, he would be more fearsome on the battlefield than even Hanzo's salamander.
Fuma took out a thick wad of banknotes and handed them to Orochimaru.
"Then let's begin."
"Don't worry, Fuma-kun. You won't be waiting long."
Orochimaru licked his lips with his long tongue. In that moment, his sinister aura resurfaced.
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