Old ties don't disappear—they just change sides.
"Orochimaru, come—kneel. I have a favor to ask."
Kamizuki Gen stood barefoot at the entrance, smiling brightly as he welcomed Orochimaru inside.
After receiving the new mission, Gen had returned home, ordered a full table of food, and sent someone to summon Orochimaru.
"…What?"
Orochimaru's expression shifted instantly.
Who asks for a favor like that?
"Hahaha—sit, sit."
Gen laughed and pushed him toward the table, helping him into a seat.
Orochimaru's face flickered between emotions—uneasy, like sitting on needles.
His gaze quickly landed on the table.
Amegakure's cuisine was laid out in full. Especially the steaming hot pot of stewed fish and oden—rich, fragrant, inviting.
Orochimaru didn't care much for food. To him, eating was merely maintaining bodily function—a waste of time.
He pulled his gaze away.
His mind spun.
Why had Gen called him here?
After a moment—
he gave up.
Better to let Gen explain.
Trying to predict this man's thoughts—
was pointless.
"Why have you called for me?"
Gen smiled and pulled out the Poison Extraction scroll, handing it over.
Orochimaru took it, spread it open, and scanned it.
His snake-like pupils narrowed.
"'They' gave this to you?"
He paused.
"I mean—the Leader."
"Why would they hand over Hanzō's techniques?"
Gen blinked.
"I took it from the archive in the steel tower."
"…They don't let you in?"
Orochimaru shook his head with a faint smile.
"No."
"Many areas in Amegakure require direct approval from the Leader or Konan."
"Even I… don't have access."
"…I see."
Gen fell into thought.
So—
Nagato and Konan really were holding nothing back with him.
"I've long wanted to study Hanzō's poison techniques," Orochimaru said, eyes still on the scroll. "But never had the opportunity."
He looked up.
"…You intend to learn this?"
Gen nodded.
"You can take the scrolls back."
"In exchange—help me simplify the training process."
"Very well."
Orochimaru accepted without hesitation.
But after a moment—
he spoke again.
"You are strong… but I must say this."
"The risks of this technique are extremely high."
"As is that arm you intend to transplant."
Even someone like Pain couldn't simply stack forbidden techniques and expect no consequences.
Poison techniques.
Body modifications.
One mistake—
and death followed.
Different bodies—
different tolerances.
The kind of "perfect experimental vessel" that could handle everything—
even Orochimaru had never seen one.
Even he—
suffered severe side effects from his own experiments.
This warning—
was both genuine concern—
and a disclaimer.
"I'll leave that to you, Snake-san," Gen said with a grin. "You handle the research. I'll handle the rest."
"…."
Orochimaru fell silent.
Some people—
just couldn't be persuaded.
"Then I'll skip dinner," he said lightly. "I'll return and begin immediately."
Gen immediately stopped him.
"You came all this way."
"We're all Konoha guys—eat before you go."
"…."
Orochimaru hesitated.
He was genuinely worried—
this man might spring something else on him.
"The Hōzuki cells—I have those," Orochimaru said, deliberately shifting the topic. "But the salamander liver oil, and the Peacock Stone…"
"The materials are manageable," Gen replied. "But the 'extreme yin substance' mentioned in the scroll—any ideas?"
Orochimaru thought carefully.
"…Something rich in Yin Release chakra."
"In other words—strong spiritual energy."
A pause.
Then—
both spoke at the same time.
"Sharingan?"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up.
"There may be something even stronger than the Sharingan."
"I'll investigate."
"Much appreciated, Snake-san."
Gen smiled.
Orochimaru glanced at the table.
"…May we begin?"
He truly wanted to finish quickly—
and leave.
Being alone with someone who could end his life at any moment—
was not comfortable.
After all—
he still wanted to live.
"Not yet," Gen said casually. "We're waiting for someone."
"…Someone else?"
Orochimaru frowned.
Who?
At that moment—
the door opened.
A soaked figure stepped inside.
"My apologies, Gen. I was exploring Amegakure earlier and only just learned of your invitation…"
Itachi shook the rain from his hair—
then froze when he saw Orochimaru.
"…Orochimaru-sama?"
Orochimaru looked equally surprised.
"…Itachi?"
He hadn't been present when Itachi arrived.
"It seems you've joined Akatsuki as well," Itachi said quietly.
His expression soon settled.
But inside—
his thoughts raced.
He was here as Konoha's spy.
And now—
he had just uncovered critical intelligence.
Orochimaru.
Kamizuki Gen.
Both here.
This information—
had to be transmitted back.
But—
he hesitated.
Gen's presence—
was even more shocking.
Should he report both?
"…."
Itachi's gaze flickered.
He wavered.
Orochimaru might not catch it—
but to Gen's perception—
Itachi's micro-expressions were as clear as daylight.
"My lord, the chicken soup is ready."
A maid entered, placing a steaming pot on the table.
Gen picked up his chopsticks first and laughed.
"Hahaha—Itachi, you're late."
"You'll have to drink three cups as punishment."
He glanced at both of them.
"Well then—everyone's here."
"Let's eat."
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