"Ran-kun, I wholeheartedly agree with your line of thinking."
Regarding Uchiha Ran's proposal to focus research on Wood Release and the Sharingan, Orochimaru expressed complete approval.
However, he was also very clear about one reality of scientific experimentation—
Funding.
In research as ambitious as Wood Release and the Sharingan, the availability of funds was absolutely critical.Whether experiments could proceed smoothly, whether research could be taken deeper, and whether any real scientific results could be achieved—all of it depended directly on financial support.
Orochimaru explained that the first and most pressing expense was experimental equipment and materials.
Many experiments required specialized instruments and rare materials, all of which were extremely costly.While some devices could be built by hand, a large portion still had to be custom-ordered.
Only with sufficient funding could they acquire the most advanced equipment and the highest-quality materials, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and meaningful results.
"Orochimaru-sensei, I understand all of that," Ran said, adjusting his glasses as he raised the most crucial question."The Sharingan isn't the problem. The real issue is Wood Release—and the research funding needed for it."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a faint, dangerous smile.
"No, Ran-kun. I'm going to take you to meet someone."
He continued calmly,
"You know him as well. A conspirator—one who prefers the shadows. Trust me… he definitely has what we want."
Ran narrowed his eyes and smiled back just as slyly.
"Ah… so it's Elder Danzō. That rat who loves hiding in dark corners."
"Careful with your words," Orochimaru chuckled."Elder Danzō happens to be a very generous patron—one who can provide us with Wood Release materials and substantial research funding."
Ran shrugged.
"Fine. For the sake of research funding—and the possibility that Elder Danzō might contribute to the evolution of my Sharingan—let's go meet our generous sponsor."
Standing in a familiar location, Ran couldn't help commenting,
"As expected of you, Orochimaru-sensei. Meeting Elder Danzō is effortless—straight into the Root base."
The underground passages were dark and damp, winding endlessly.Before long, Orochimaru and Ran arrived at Danzō's subterranean office.
Seeing his two visitors, Shimura Danzō merely glanced at them, gesturing for them to sit before calmly brewing tea himself.
"Orochimaru… and Ran-san," Danzō said flatly."You don't come to see me without reason. Since you've come together today, I assume you need my help with something important."
"Elder Danzō, you're as sharp as ever," Orochimaru replied smoothly."Recently, my research into kekkei genkai has reached a new stage. I now require your assistance for a particularly important project."
Danzō didn't respond immediately.
Instead, his mind raced.
Important research… requiring my help?
In his eyes, Orochimaru was a dangerous, cold-blooded snake.His previous kekkei genkai research already seemed suspicious—but something even more significant?
A possibility flashed through his mind.
"Orochimaru," Danzō said slowly, eyes narrowing,"Are you planning to initiate research on Wood Release?"
Though phrased as a question, the certainty in his voice was unmistakable.
Orochimaru smiled.
"Elder Danzō is indeed perceptive. I barely said a word, and you already grasped my intentions."
Then his gaze sharpened slightly.
Danzō followed that look—and waved his hand toward the surrounding space.
Whoosh.
In an instant, all the Root operatives hidden within the office vanished.
"Now you can speak freely," Danzō said.
"To be precise," Orochimaru replied,"we intend to study the cells of the First Hokage—Lord Hashirama."
He paused, then added casually,
"And if you don't mind, Elder Danzō… I'd also like to examine the eye in your right socket—the one emitting a presence superior to an ordinary Sharingan."
Bang!
Danzō slammed his cane into the ground, murderous intent flaring in his eyes as he glared at Orochimaru.
He never imagined Orochimaru's perception would be so sharp.
He had concealed Uchiha Kagami's Mangekyō Sharingan so carefully—yet Orochimaru still sensed it.
Yes.
Shimura Danzō's right eye was a Mangekyō Sharingan.
Its original owner was Uchiha Kagami, once the teammate of both Danzō and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
During a mission involving Kagami and Sarutobi—one that mirrored the fateful choice faced by the Second Hokage—
Danzō chose to stay behind with Kagami, covering the rear so Sarutobi could strike the enemy's flank.
In that battle, Kagami unleashed the power of his Mangekyō Sharingan.
The overwhelming genjutsu.The awe-inspiring Susanoo.
It captivated Danzō completely.
But the enemy numbers were too great.
After Danzō was gravely wounded, Kagami used Susanoo and the forbidden technique Izanagi to annihilate their foes—at the cost of his own life.
On the brink of death, Kagami entrusted his right eye to Danzō, asking him to carry on his will and power.
From that day onward, supplying the Sharingan with chakra forced Danzō to limit his combat involvement.
And he never told anyone about the Mangekyō.
In his heart, Kagami's will lived on.
Danzō intended to use that power to protect Konoha—in his own way.
Though he respected and felt indebted to Kagami, Danzō believed no Uchiha like him would ever appear again.
Thus, convinced he was carrying on the will of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, he continued to suppress the Uchiha clan without hesitation.
Seeing Danzō's reaction, Orochimaru knew better than to push further.
He smiled faintly.
"Please don't misunderstand, Elder Danzō. It was merely a passing thought."
"The real priority is Hashirama's cells. Once the First Hokage's power is fully understood…"
He chuckled softly.
"The Mangekyō Sharingan won't seem so invincible."
To Orochimaru's words, Danzō gave firm approval.
After all, Wood Release had to be superior—otherwise, how could Hashirama Senju have suppressed Uchiha Madara, even with Madara's Mangekyō?
"I agree to your request," Danzō said at last."I had already begun preparations for this research myself, but Root lacks the necessary talent."
He stood.
"Come with me."
Soon, Danzō led Orochimaru and Ran into a cold storage chamber.
From within, he retrieved a sealed, frozen sample of human tissue and handed it to Orochimaru.
"The Second Hokage once conducted similar experiments," Danzō said calmly."As the disciple of the Third, you can be considered an inheritor of his will as well."
The frozen cells glimmered faintly—
Hashirama's legacy.
And the beginning of something far more dangerous.