Fortunately, it was just a strange eccentricity that didn't seem to hinder communication.
Danzo suppressed the confusion swirling in his heart and spoke slowly.
"Orochimaru, a genius like Uchiha Motomu requires the specialized training of our Root."
"Regarding the research experiments, we have already made the greatest concessions possible."
"I suggest you think long and hard about your disciple joining the Foundation."
Just as I expected.
Motomu listened silently to the old man's words, his heart tightening.
Entering Root meant moving into a training base that was gradually distancing itself from the Anbu.
For him, there were both advantages and disadvantages.
Root missions would allow him to leave the village sooner, encounter ninjas from other nations, and move closer to his target Gyms and Tailed Beasts.
The downsides were the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal and the constant, piercing surveillance of his Root teammates.
He could likely maneuver his way around teammates, but he was truly powerless against that Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.
Since his words carried little weight, it all depended on whether Orochimaru would leave some room for negotiation.
"Very well."
Motomu: "..."
Danzo: "..."
What was that supposed to mean? He agreed just like that?
Aren't powerful cultivators supposed to be fiercely protective of their disciples?
Motomu looked at Orochimaru, who was dressed in dark, wide-sleeved robes, his sinister face as calm and unreadable as a deep well.
Suddenly, he understood the reality of the situation.
In the Dream Realm of Cultivation, Orochimaru was a demonic rogue cultivator.
This man was definitely not a saint!
"My dear disciple, a hundred years spent wasting away on the righteous path is nothing compared to seizing every moment on the demonic path."
"Now that you have entered Danzo's demonic path, your master hopes your cultivation will progress rapidly."
"I shall obey your decree, Master."
A teachable student indeed.
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction, his gaze shifting to Danzo, who was momentarily speechless.
The methods used by demonic sects to plant demons within the heart were formidable.
He wondered how his disciple would manage to escape such a trap.
Interesting. Truly interesting.
"Should you perish within the Root, your master will personally come to collect your remains."
"My thanks, Master."
While bowing with his hands clasped, Motomu was screaming internally.
'You terrible person! You're absolutely awful!'
'Progress my cultivation rapidly?'
He was staying up every single night, exhausting himself to the point of collapse just to grind experience for Big Eyeball.
Even with all that effort, Big Eyeball had only just reached Level 20.
As for the second Pokémon, there was barely even a trace of information.
Strength growth was linear; even with a cheat system, it was impossible to become an all-powerful being in just a few months.
Given the current circumstances, was he truly powerless to change his fate?
Motomu forced a bitter smile.
The word 'wretched' almost slipped from his lips.
Just then...
The words Kushina and Minato had spoken earlier surfaced in Motomu's mind.
That was it!
The Chunin Exams.
Danzo used the excuse of improving strength to justify having him join Root.
Orochimaru's rationale was also built upon the foundation of increasing power.
Using participation in the Chunin Exams—the best way to prove one's growth—as a counter-offer.
It was a flawless excuse.
Danzo likely wouldn't suspect that I was hiding other secrets.
With his mind racing, Motomu turned his gaze toward the silent Danzo.
"Elder Danzo, before I join the Root, I wish to participate in this year's Chunin Exams."
"I want to become a Chunin."
Hearing this, Danzo's narrowed eyes opened slightly.
'Foolish!'
Ever since the death of Uchiha Kagami, there hadn't been a single member of the Uchiha clan in the Anbu.
Sarutobi was wary of the Uchiha.
Currently, aside from the Anbu, no other department had more resources than Root.
If it weren't for the fact that this kid was the only promising one among the current Uchiha generation...
Did he think Root was some common marketplace?
Coming and going as he pleased.
Regardless, all Danzo wanted was combat data on the Sharingan.
Participating in the Chunin Exams wasn't impossible; in fact, it was an excellent opportunity to collect data.
Besides, Kagami's son, Uchiha Shisui, was already four years old, and his talent certainly wouldn't be inferior to this boy's.
Rather than wasting time on a disobedient brat with a single two-tomoe eye, it would be better to focus on cultivating Shisui early on.
Danzo made his decision instantly.
"The Root is a highly confidential organization. Participating in the Chunin Exams means you will no longer be eligible to join."
"Uchiha Motomu, are you certain you want to proceed with the exams?"
It appeared...
Danzo was actually considering letting him go.
It made sense. He had only displayed a single eye with two tomoe; to Danzo, he wasn't particularly exceptional.
It was only his early graduation that had piqued the man's interest in the first place.
Motomu felt a wave of relief and immediately forced himself to recall the saddest memories of his life.
He thought of the two green flak jackets his parents had left behind and the ninjutsu scrolls in the wooden box that had never even been opened.
"Becoming a Chunin was my parents' greatest wish for me."
His voice trembled slightly as he wiped away a tear squeezed from the corner of his eye.
"Lord Danzo, I am truly sorry. I cannot let my late father and mother down."
Danzo nodded expressionlessly.
He didn't say another word, simply turning and leaving with his subordinates.
Once Danzo was out of sight, Orochimaru turned his attention back to Motomu.
"My disciple, what a pity."
'Pity my foot!'
Motomu's heart twitched, but he replied calmly.
"Master, everyone has their own path to walk."
Orochimaru nodded at that and led Motomu back toward the laboratory.
...
Several minutes later.
Inside the 'cave dwelling' that had been converted from the laboratory.
Motomu and Orochimaru sat facing each other on prayer mats.
"Master, what are your instructions?"
Sitting cross-legged with his robes neatly arranged, Orochimaru took a slow sip of tea.
"Disciple, do you know of Dharma Treasures?"
D-Dharma Treasures?
Motomu was momentarily stunned.
"Master, are you referring to the Six Paths Tools?"
"No, no."
Motomu watched as Orochimaru formed a sword-seal with his fingers. A brilliant light erupted from his mouth as a three-foot blade shot forth like a bolt of lightning.
"This blade is called the Kusanagi Sword, an artifact I obtained by chance."
"In my younger years, I created a technique known as the Longsword of the Sky, which allows for invisible sword manipulation."
"The underlying logic is remarkably similar to your Object Control Technique."
The Kusanagi Sword.
As it was one of his objectives for this journey, Motomu naturally recognized the legendary artifact.
However, he didn't know why Orochimaru was showing it to him now.
Following the flow of the conversation, Motomu asked, "Master, have you also successfully mastered the Object Control Technique?"
"Correct."
A sinister, knowing smile spread across Orochimaru's pale face.
"Controlling a sword and controlling an object follow the same principles."
"However, without spiritual cultivation, the method of execution requires slight modification."
"Disciple, I see that you are currently only able to manipulate minute objects, lacking true freedom of movement."
"I shall teach you this method first."
A hand-written manual with a light blue cover and the title 'Object Control Technique' drifted slowly through the air toward Motomu.
Holy crap!
He actually managed to research and create something real!
Motomu reached out to take the booklet and slowly flipped to the first page.
As he looked at the dense, confusing content within...
Motomu was completely bewildered.
This is bad.
The stuff I made up has been modified by Orochimaru into something I can't understand at all.
Motomu pretended to have a moment of profound realization, flipping through the pages one by one.
"This technique is incredibly profound; do not feel rushed to master it all at once."
Motomu stopped his act.
He looked up, focusing his gaze back on Orochimaru.
One could only conclude that he truly was the top scientist in the ninja world; from just a tiny spark of an idea, he could actually engineer something like this.
When Motomu stopped moving.
Orochimaru set down his teacup, his expression turning solemn.
"Disciple, do you know where the true cultivation methods of this world are hidden?"