Chapter 86: The Deal
From behind a tree trunk, Orochimaru slowly stepped out into the open.
His long hair draped over his shoulders, pale skin glowing faintly in the dappled light, and his cold, snake-like vertical pupils gave him the same eerie aura he had before the war broke out.
"Hehehe~"
Orochimaru chuckled as he walked forward, stopping just five meters away from Baishi.
'He's seen my speed and strength, yet he dares to come this close. Is this confidence, or a show of intimidation?' Baishi thought, his figure vanishing from where he stood.
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed slightly, and he swiftly bent backward at an unnatural angle, avoiding Baishi's sweeping kick by mere millimeters.
'Soft body modification?' Baishi mused, watching as Orochimaru's body contorted like a snake.
Before Baishi could strike again, Orochimaru snapped back upright like a coiled spring. His movements were as fluid as a serpent, and in a heartbeat, he had wrapped himself around Baishi, his fangs aiming for Baishi's neck.
Startled, Baishi immediately activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and disappeared from Orochimaru's grasp.
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Baishi reappeared a short distance away, walking out of the woods with steady steps. Internally, he felt a bit awkward about his reaction. His sudden retreat had been fueled by the belief that Orochimaru intended to place a curse mark on him. In hindsight, he realized it was unlikely—Orochimaru hadn't yet met Jūgo and would not have developed the Curse Mark Technique at this point.
Still, Baishi had no intention of letting Orochimaru sink his fangs into him, regardless of the reason.
Composing himself, Baishi resumed his calm demeanor and asked, "Why are you here, Orochimaru-sama? Surely you have more important things to do than come to my little island."
Orochimaru, brushing aside his failed ambush, smirked and replied, "Isn't it you who wanted to see me?"
'Dealing with a sharp mind like his is always a challenge.' Baishi sighed inwardly, deciding there was no point in dancing around the subject.
"How about we make a deal?"
Orochimaru's interest was immediately piqued. "A deal?"
"Yes, a deal."
Orochimaru's playful smile faded slightly, and his gaze became more serious. "What do you want?"
"I need Hashirama cell extracts and rare toxins," Baishi replied without hesitation.
His request was straightforward. Ever since advancing his Wood Release to Level VI, progress had slowed significantly. Without an external catalyst, further improvement would take an exorbitant amount of time, which Baishi considered a waste.
Thus, Hashirama cells reentered his plans. While they no longer provided a direct boost to his Wood Release abilities, the cells' invasive nature could accelerate his body's adaptation and evolution, significantly reducing the time needed for growth.
As for the toxins, they were crucial for enhancing his Poison Resistance. Orochimaru, with his vast expertise in poisons and access to Ryūchi Cave's venomous snakes, was an ideal supplier.
Baishi was confident Orochimaru wouldn't refuse his request—so long as Baishi could offer something in return. After all, neither Hashirama cells nor rare toxins held much value for Orochimaru compared to the potential gains.
Orochimaru pondered Baishi's request for a moment before remarking, "You should know, Baishi, that Hashirama cells won't be of much use to you anymore."
Hearing his name instead of the designation "Thirty-Six," Baishi's expression softened slightly. He quickly corrected, "That was my past designation. My name is now Baishi."
Orochimaru repeated the name, his golden eyes scrutinizing Baishi. After a pause, he chuckled. "Very well, Baishi. But during your original experiments, I already injected you with the most active Hashirama cell extract available. More won't enhance your abilities."
Before Orochimaru could continue, Baishi interrupted, "That's for me to decide. Just tell me your price."
Orochimaru's curiosity deepened. 'What is he planning? Does he know something about Hashirama cells that I don't? Or… could his cells have undergone some sort of transformation?'
Suppressing his greed, Orochimaru leaned closer and whispered, "Your blood and flesh."
Baishi had anticipated this demand, and while it irritated him slightly, he didn't outright reject it. With a curt nod, he indicated his willingness to proceed.
The two then began negotiating the specifics of their exchange, including the timing, location, and precise terms of the deal.
Once the details were finalized, Orochimaru prepared to depart. However, Baishi suddenly asked, "By the way, Orochimaru-sama, how many members remain in Minato's team?"
"Minato's team?" Orochimaru paused, turning back to Baishi with a puzzled expression. "All four members are still alive. Why do you ask?"
"Oh, nothing. Just curious," Baishi said nonchalantly, waving his hand before walking off into the forest.
Orochimaru lingered, his snake-like eyes narrowing in thought.
"He's asking about Minato's team, not just Minato himself. And he phrased it as 'how many remain' rather than 'who's left.' Interesting choice of words…"
The question gnawed at Orochimaru's mind as he finally departed from Central Peak.
Baishi's inquiry served two purposes. Firstly, it was a subtle probe to gauge whether Madara Uchiha's plans had already commenced. Secondly, it was a seed—a carefully planted idea in Orochimaru's mind.
Baishi believed that, despite any potential butterfly effects, Obito would likely still fall into Madara's schemes. Whether it was the tragedy at Kannabi Bridge or some other manipulation, Obito's fate seemed inevitable. Once the rift in Minato's team became evident, Orochimaru would undoubtedly recall Baishi's cryptic question.
And when that time came, the seed Baishi had planted might grow into something far more significant.
(End of Chapter)
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