Therefore, Karin was practically pressed against Menma, her right hand tightly clutching the lapel of his clothes.
"Ahem, my apologies, Menma-kun. I've made you wait so many days before seeing you. I wonder, have you rested well these past few days?"
Orochimaru clearly appeared to be recovering from serious injuries, yet the aura radiating from him remained formidable. Without the use of his hands, Orochimaru's strength was indeed significantly impacted, but only for the moment. Later on, he would find a substitute method; even without hands, he would still be able to weave signs and use ninjutsu, though it would be less convenient.
An ordinary person would stand no chance of gaining an advantage over Orochimaru.
In the original story, the Sharingan was truly Orochimaru's nemesis. Coupled with the fact that Orochimaru had his own plans (intending to take over the body), Sasuke—who at most had touched the quasi-Kage level with his three-tomoe Sharingan—would never have been able to defeat Orochimaru otherwise.
"Heh, that doesn't really matter. Although the conditions here aren't excellent, they are far superior to the cage back in Konoha. As for you, Orochimaru-san, I understand completely. After all, the taste of the Reaper Death Seal (Shiki Fūjin) isn't pleasant. Honestly, I didn't expect that old man to know that jutsu. And you, Orochimaru-san, exceeded my expectations as well; managing to escape with just the loss of your arms is already quite impressive."
Menma chuckled lightly, his gaze resting undisguised on Orochimaru's bandaged arms as he spoke softly.
Upon hearing Menma's words, a dangerous glint flashed in Orochimaru's narrow, snake-like pupils. Beside him, Kabuto's expression changed instantly.
"To think Menma-kun knows of this jutsu as well? It seems you far exceed my expectations."
Orochimaru stared intently at Menma, his words carrying a double meaning.
"There is no need to probe me, Orochimaru-san. I told you long ago that there is an existence beyond the norm inside me. And don't forget, I am a descendant of the orthodox Uzumaki clan. The Reaper Death Seal is a secret technique of our Uzumaki clan. Others might not recognize the abnormality in your body, Orochimaru-san, but it is impossible for me not to know. That jutsu... requires one's life as the price."
Menma paid no mind to the underlying probe in Orochimaru's words.
Right now, he and Orochimaru were partners in cooperation.
As long as he possessed enough strength to protect himself in front of Orochimaru, offering up items that didn't threaten his own fundamental interests would bring more pros than cons. The more chips he held, the more Menma could exchange for what he wanted.
And don't forget, most of these things right now were just empty words. To put it bluntly, Menma was effectively getting something for nothing—bluffing the "white snake" with empty hands.
"Orochimaru-san, you must have felt it profoundly these past few days, haven't you? The terror of that jutsu."
Menma smiled lightly and continued.
The Reaper Death Seal was only meaningful if one could get close enough to grab the enemy, but once successfully unleashed, as long as the enemy still fell within the category of "human," they could not escape the judgment of the Shinigami (Death God).
The extraction of the soul was a horrifying prospect.
"Since Menma-kun understands this jutsu so well, you must have a corresponding solution, correct? As you can see, I can no longer use these hands."
Since his cards had been seen through by the other party, there was nothing left to hide.
Orochimaru was not one to be indecisive.
In Orochimaru's eyes, Menma was inherently a high-value partner. If Menma was willing to bring it up, it proved he had a corresponding intent. Orochimaru didn't plan to beat around the bush; stating his attitude directly was key.
"Heh, naturally. However, Orochimaru-san should also be aware that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world, right?"
Menma smiled.
"Mhm. A transaction must be fair and equal. On this point, I am in agreement, Menma-kun."
Orochimaru spoke in his raspy tone.
"That's good. Catch. Inside this are some records regarding the Reaper Death Seal. Of course, they aren't one hundred percent accurate and can only serve as reference data for you, Orochimaru-san. Naturally, if you can obtain the core of the jutsu yourself, you can cross-reference them. Oh, right—my requests are also attached inside. You can take a look at those while you're at it."
Menma nodded with satisfaction, deliberately emphasizing certain words. He then pulled a scroll he had prepared in advance from his robe and tossed it lightly toward Orochimaru.
Kabuto, who had been standing beside Orochimaru, reached out to catch it. He unrolled it.
Orochimaru glanced at it from the corner of his eye.
With just a single glance...
Orochimaru's pupils constricted slightly.
"Heh, this help is already significant enough, Menma-kun. As for your requests, rest assured, I will have them prepared in the shortest time possible."
A peculiar, eerie look appeared on Orochimaru's face as he replied with a smile.
"That would be best," Menma said indifferently.
"However, Menma-kun, have you perhaps forgotten something else?"
Orochimaru looked straight at Menma, his voice dropping slightly lower.
"Ho? Oh, I certainly haven't forgotten. I just assumed that at this stage, you would be focused solely on solving the problem with your hands, Orochimaru-san. Since you are in such a hurry... here. This is what I promised you initially, Orochimaru-san. Inside is key intelligence regarding the connection between the Sharingan and the Rinnegan. And this vial contains my blood; it should be enough to support your current research. If you have any further needs later, as long as they are within a reasonable range, I can cooperate with you, Orochimaru-san. That includes the Nine-Tails' chakra as well."
Menma pulled another scroll from his robe, along with a vial of thick, bright red blood, and tossed them both toward the opposite side without any hesitation.
The moment Kabuto caught them...
Orochimaru seemed to re-evaluate Menma. After taking a deep look at him, he spoke: "Menma-kun really doesn't hesitate at all. To throw out all these bargaining chips... aren't you worried I might go back on my word?"
Or do you have such confidence that you don't fear my betrayal?
Orochimaru left the latter sentence unsaid, but the implication was clearly expressed.
"Heh, that is naturally because I trust in Orochimaru-san's 'reputation.' I imagine you wouldn't do such a thing, right?"
Menma smiled lightly. His words sounded sincere, yet carried a hint of mockery, causing Orochimaru's eyes to narrow slightly.
But a second later...
Orochimaru revealed a smile and replied, "That is only natural. Kabuto, drop all other tasks for now. Prioritize satisfying Menma-kun's requirements with full effort."
He turned his head to address Kabuto with the last sentence.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto bowed slightly in response.