Sasuke said indifferently, "It doesn't matter, just consider me a loser. But I do have the method to heal him."
Orochimaru paused, unsure of how to respond. After all, if Sasuke didn't care about winning or losing, there was nothing Orochimaru could do to sway him.
After pondering for a moment, Orochimaru spoke in a sincere tone, "Sasuke-kun, to be honest, ever since I realized I couldn't take your body, I chose Kimimaro as my next vessel. But because of Kimimaro's bloodline disease, I'm not satisfied with his body either."
"So, as long as you help me cure Kimimaro, I'm willing to agree to any conditions you have," Orochimaru finished, staring intently at Sasuke.
"Well, in that case, I want you to submit to me!" Sasuke declared, stretching out his right hand and clenching it tightly, his tone full of dominance.
Orochimaru frowned. He stared at Sasuke closely, his eyes filled with a complicated light. Surrendering to someone he once regarded as a vessel was a huge challenge and an insult.
However, faced with Sasuke's request, Orochimaru didn't refuse immediately. He was well aware of Sasuke's strength and potential. If he could secure Sasuke's support, it would greatly benefit his plans. At the same time, he knew that if he didn't accept this condition, he might lose the chance to cure Kimimaro.
Caught in an inner struggle, Orochimaru weighed the possibilities, trying to find a way to satisfy Sasuke's demands while maintaining his independence.
Finally, Orochimaru decided to put aside his pride temporarily and respond to Sasuke tactfully. "Sasuke-kun, your request was so sudden that it caught me off guard. Could you give me some time to think it over?"
Orochimaru tried to sound as sincere and calm as possible. Sasuke looked at Orochimaru, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He knew Orochimaru wouldn't submit easily, but he wasn't in a rush. He believed that with time, Orochimaru would come to understand his power and position.
"Alright, Orochimaru, I can give you some time to think. But remember, my patience is limited. If you fail to make the wise choice, you will face the consequences," Sasuke said firmly.
Orochimaru nodded, indicating he understood. He turned around and left the laboratory with Kabuto, secretly pondering how to deal with the situation. He needed time to weigh the pros and cons and find a way to collaborate with Sasuke that would still serve his own interests.
Meanwhile, Sasuke sat quietly, his eyes deep and sharp. He knew that to conquer Orochimaru, he had to offer something that Orochimaru most desired.
"What does Orochimaru desire most?" Sasuke murmured to himself, his gaze darkening.
"The Sharingan? After all, Uchiha Itachi's Sharingan left a deep impression on him. Or perhaps some powerful ninjutsu? Or maybe finding the best possible vessel for his reincarnation?"
Sasuke touched his chin, deep in thought. But as his thoughts deepened, Sasuke suddenly realized, "No, what Orochimaru desires most is immortality!"
He recalled what Orochimaru had once said and what he had always pursued. Orochimaru had witnessed the death of too many people and had a profound understanding of the fragility of life. He believed that the human body contained power that couldn't be fully utilized in a single lifetime, so he craved eternal life to learn all ninjutsu and master all the truths of the world.
Sasuke smiled mysteriously. "I see now; what Orochimaru truly wants is immortality."
He said this to himself, now understanding Orochimaru's inner world and discovering the key to conquering him.
In the following days, Sasuke decided to stay in the Hidden Sound Village to continue exploring its secrets. During this time, he met many ninjas from the village, but one person, in particular, caught his special attention—Guren.
Guren was a female ninja whose appearance immediately caught Sasuke's eye. In a place like the Hidden Sound Village, it wasn't easy to find someone who matched his ideal type of woman.
Moreover, Guren had a mature charm that made Sasuke's heart race. While Tayuya was also a beautiful girl, she was more cute and playful, whereas Guren exuded a unique temperament, a kind of maturity and confidence that made her radiate a captivating allure.
Over the next few days, Sasuke frequently sought out Guren, making no secret of his feelings for her. Orochimaru noticed this and smiled slightly. "Sasuke-kun, you truly are different."
He had met many powerful ninjas, but none like Sasuke. Kabuto, standing by, took the opportunity to suggest, "Lord Orochimaru, since Uchiha Sasuke seems so fond of Guren, why don't we...?"
Kabuto's intention was clear; he hoped to use Guren as a bargaining chip to secure Sasuke's help in healing Kimimaro.
After a moment of thought, Orochimaru nodded in agreement. "Indeed, since Sasuke is so enamored with Guren, I'll play the matchmaker."
Orochimaru then sent Kabuto to Guren's residence to relay the decision.
At that moment, Guren was sitting shyly in her room, thinking of Sasuke's handsome face, her heart beating faster. "Sasuke-kun is so serious. He said he fell in love at first sight and wants me to bear his children..."
Guren's face flushed with joy and anticipation. Just then, Kabuto arrived at her door, knocking and announcing, "Guren, it's Kabuto. Lord Orochimaru has something important to tell you!"
However, upon hearing Kabuto's annoying voice, Guren felt a surge of anger but still opened the door for him. After letting Kabuto in, Guren asked directly, "What does Lord Orochimaru want?"
Her tone showed no respect for Kabuto, the second-in-command of the Hidden Sound Village. Kabuto wasn't bothered at all, as he was used to her manner. After all, Guren might become Sasuke's woman, and he couldn't argue with her.
"Guren, Lord Orochimaru asked me to inform you of something important. You know Uchiha Sasuke, right?" Kabuto asked, his eyes narrowing with a familiar smile.
However, upon hearing Kabuto's question, Guren became slightly frightened. Could it be that Sasuke is an undercover agent from another village? Has Sasuke's identity been exposed, and now Kabuto is here to inform her to help capture him?
Ignoring Guren's thoughts, Kabuto continued, "Yes, Orochimaru-sama and Uchiha Sasuke recently made a deal, and Orochimaru-sama plans to offer you as part of the agreement. What do you think of Uchiha Sasuke?"
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