Naruto didn't care about the number of jutsus he knew.
His life goal had long ceased to be mastering every jutsu under the sky.
Given his current understanding of the arts, as long as he grasped the underlying principles, he could create his own techniques.
Moreover, it was worthwhile to exchange a piece of information for a technique he desired, especially since he was considered "dead" in the eyes of others.
Naruto performed the hand seals and summoned a scroll, selecting two incantations.
One was "White Lightning," a Hado Spell number four, and the other was "Crash," Hado Spell number one.
He wrote down the training methods, usage instructions, and the incantation chants, then tossed it to Kabuto Yakushi.
Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, glancing at the scroll.
He confirmed that it was not written in any incomprehensible language, and seemed to be a complete system rather than a sloppy forgery, nodding in satisfaction.
Orochimaru licked his lips and began speaking slowly, "The leader of the Akatsuki organization is a man with the Rinnegan."
Naruto frowned, "Rinnegan?"
"That's the legendary eye of the Sage of the Six Paths," Orochimaru explained, "said to be even stronger than the Sharingan."
"I've fought against him."
Here, Orochimaru paused for a moment, "But my power was utterly crushed by his."
"His strength surpassed the boundaries of human capability."
"Just like he said himself, he is... a god!"
Naruto's expression didn't change much.
He's seen plenty of people stronger than himself.
The existence of someone capable of crushing Orochimaru wasn't surprising to him.
Orochimaru glanced at Naruto, seeing that he didn't interrupt, and continued, "In that organization, apart from the leader, there are seven or eight rogue ninjas of similar strength to me."
"Their objective is to collect the Tailed Beasts and monopolize warfare."
Naruto squinted his eyes.
Collect the Tailed Beasts? Monopolize warfare?
"They've always been working towards this goal," Orochimaru said softly, "They've attempted to capture some Jinchuriki, but haven't yet reached the stage of attacking the ninja villages."
He extended his tongue, licking his lips, as the vertical pupils in his eyes flickered with an unusual light, "I've always been hunted by that organization, you know."
"And I have to thank you, Naruto,"
"for spreading rumors about my death."
"They should halt their pursuit of me for a while."
He paused to take a breath, speaking with a meaningful undertone, "But your situation, Naruto, might be a bit dire."
"If Pain— the leader of the Akatsuki— decides to act himself..."
"Then things would indeed be dangerous."
Naruto didn't say much more.
Karin's pen made a soft scratching sound as she took notes.
"Is there anything else you'd like to know, Naruto-kun?" Orochimaru asked, glancing at the scroll Kabuto Yakushi held in his hands.
These two wordless spirit techniques were exactly what Orochimaru aimed to get from Naruto first.
And there were still many more things he coveted.
"Do you know about the Pure Land?" Naruto inquired.
Orochimaru was slightly taken aback. "That mythical place where souls go after death?"
Naruto nodded.
"That's all I know about it," Orochimaru said, shaking his head. "Such a place... I've searched for it but found nothing."
Naruto asked, "When you ended your life, didn't you go to the Pure Land?"
"I wasn't killed by you," Orochimaru corrected, emphasizing Naruto's misunderstanding. "I chose to end it myself."
"Moreover, it wasn't a final death. I merely stopped using that vessel."
"I am very much alive."
Naruto nodded thoughtfully. "What about the Impure World Reincarnation?"
"There's mention of it in the Leaf's Book of Seals."
"But given your current status, I doubt you could acquire that jutsu from them."
Just as Naruto had made his bold demand earlier,
Orochimaru also revealed his fangs at this moment.
"Can the Impure World Reincarnation discover the Pure Land and communicate with it?" Naruto asked, ignoring Orochimaru's bargaining, posing a question with quiet curiosity.
Orochimaru frowned and shook his head.
He had used the Impure World Reincarnation technique many times, yet had never really noticed this issue.
On closer reflection, he had only ever chosen a suitable "vessel", performed the jutsu, and the soul would automatically emerge.
"If you have the notes from the development of the Impure World Reincarnation, I'd be willing to trade for them," Naruto continued.
Orochimaru's expression soured.
This jutsu he had secretly learned back when he was in Konoha.
"This was a technique developed by the Second Hokage," Orochimaru replied, "The research notes are not in my possession."
"But the Impure World Reincarnation can summon the Second Hokage," he continued.
"As long as you can persuade him, you can learn the secret of this jutsu."
Naruto reminded him, "But the Second Hokage is currently sealed by the Reaper Death Seal."
"It seems we'll have to wait until we uncover the secrets of the Reaper Death Seal before we can proceed with any further trade," Orochimaru said with a hint of disappointment. "Naruto-kun, it seems you've gained a lot, exchanging such a small thing for so much information."
Naruto stood up, glanced at him, and said, "Orochimaru, you've also gained something this time."
He prepared to leave with Karin.
"Wait, Naruto-kun." Orochimaru called out to him. "I have one last request, if you wouldn't mind hearing it."
Naruto turned to look at him.
"Since you've already left Konoha, why not join the Sound Village?" Orochimaru proposed, his voice seductive. "To outsiders, it appears I've been killed by you, so taking the spoils is perfectly justified."
"Stay, and you'll be the leader."
"You could even call yourself the 'Sound Shadow' without issue."
"You have the right."
The title of "Kage" isn't just casually awarded to any village or organization's leader. Only the ninja leaders of the "Five Great Nations" are qualified to be called "Kage."
This status is determined by strength.
"Orochimaru." Naruto called his name.
Orochimaru spoke softly, "How about reconsidering?"
"I'm done being a ninja," Naruto replied.
This declaration left Orochimaru momentarily stunned.
"The identity of a ninja is simply too dull," Naruto continued as he headed towards the door, speaking softly, "Even if I become a so-called 'Kage,' what's the difference?"
"What is it that a ninja is supposed to protect?"
"Is it merely just other people's missions?"
"Besides, I have my own life and goals."
"I find these things much more worthy of pursuit than the title of 'ninja.'"
Naruto opened the door.
Sunlight poured in from outside.
Bright and dazzling, the light scattered upon his blond hair, forcing Orochimaru to squint to adjust.
"Even Konoha couldn't keep me."
"How could I possibly stay in a Sound Village under your control?"
Naruto walked out with Karin.
Orochimaru watched them leave in silence, offering only a slight wave of his hand in farewell.
Kabuto Yakushi immediately understood the gesture, pushing Orochimaru's wheelchair as he turned back into the shadowy depths of the passageway.
(End of Chapter)