When not immersed in research, Orochimaru was an undeniably fascinating conversationalist. His knowledge spanned countless fields, his skills considerable, and, best of all, he spoke directly and without pretense.
"That's probably what makes someone so captivating. No wonder Jiraiya likes Snake Dude so much," Hayashi murmured quietly to himself.
Noticing the time, Orochimaru removed his white coat and asked, "Haven't you eaten yet?"
"Not yet," Hayashi replied.
"Good, there's a small kitchen inside. We'll make do here."
Hayashi followed, eyes widening. "There's a kitchen in the lab?"
When he pushed open the wooden door, the sight shocked him.
The so-called kitchen was minimal: a wooden table, two stools, and a corner stacked high with instant noodles.
"…We're eating this for lunch?"
"Yeah, a quick bite. What's wrong?"
Hayashi sighed, reconsidering his earlier admiration. This wasn't refined living—it was the humble existence of a research-obsessed recluse, a dedicated ninja-scientist surviving on instant noodles. The mountain of food could have lasted a year.
He pulled a scroll from his bag. "Let's eat mine. I brought some bento boxes."
Orochimaru glanced at the instant noodles with a hint of regret. "Alright then."
The table was small, just enough for the two of them. Orochimaru picked up a chicken roll, took a bite, and commented, "Mikoto's cooking is improving."
Hayashi stuffed a rice ball into his mouth, muttering, "Sensei, don't just envy me. Have you ever considered your personal life?"
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "When I was young, I admired one or two… well, maybe two or three female ninjas. Later, I realized I prefer ninjutsu."
Hayashi tilted his head. "Then, have you ever thought about having a child?"
"Never. If necessary, I can cultivate one myself using cloning techniques."
"…Right."
"More than a spouse or children, I need an assistant now, someone to help with experiments. I cannot manage alone. Danzo suggested a few, but I rejected them all."
Hayashi raised an eyebrow. "He wanted to steal your techniques?"
"More than that. He wanted to know what I'm researching. I requested forbidden techniques before, which probably made him cautious."
"Forbidden techniques?"
Orochimaru sipped his red tea and asked, "Have you heard of Impure World Reincarnation?"
Hayashi shook his head. The technique was rare, its knowledge restricted across the ninja world. Any claim of familiarity would have been difficult to explain.
Orochimaru's eyes glimmered. "This ninjutsu summons the souls of deceased ninjas, restoring them in living bodies."
"Such a thing exists?"
"Indeed. Unfortunately…" Orochimaru sighed. "The Third Hokage has hidden this technique, along with the First Hokage's Wood Release and many other forbidden techniques. Ordinary shinobi have no access; if anyone in Konoha can wield them, it is Danzo."
"Does he really hold that much power?"
Orochimaru chuckled. "The Third Hokage trusts Root to Danzo, which shows his confidence in that man—indulges him, even."
Hayashi nodded, understanding. Such trust is forged over decades, unshakable by ordinary shinobi. One could call it nepotism, yet the alternative—handing power to disobedient subordinates—would be disastrous.
Finishing his tea, Orochimaru said, "The main reason I want Impure World Reincarnation is to explore immortality."
"You have ideas about immortality?" Hayashi asked.
"Yes," Orochimaru said seriously. "The human body inevitably decays, but the soul is different. Uninjured, it can persist indefinitely. If I transfer it to a young, healthy body repeatedly, I may achieve eternal life."
He had pondered this for years. Theoretically, there was no flaw; the challenge lay in execution.
A related ninjutsu, Spirit Transformation Technique, could separate spiritual energy and manifest it into another's body—but its duration was short. Impure World Reincarnation could overcome this limitation, anchoring the soul permanently in a new body.
Hayashi watched, admiration filling his eyes. Orochimaru was a ninja realizing his ambitions through intellect and effort, independent of bloodlines. Self-evolution was his path; with enough time, even a being like Kaguya might not surpass him.
"A fascinating concept," Hayashi said thoughtfully. Immortality intrigued him, though he was more captivated by the indestructible potential Kaguya displayed.
Orochimaru's smile was wry. "Don't assume it's simple; execution is tricky. With my current knowledge, mastering Spirit Transformation or Impure World Reincarnation is nearly impossible. All this exists only in theory, for now."
Yet patience was no shortage for a researcher like Orochimaru. He rose, calmly producing a small bottle of red liquid.
"This is a joint-softening agent. Clinical trials are complete, no adverse reactions. Usage instructions are in the scroll. Use it if you wish."
Hayashi nodded, placing the bottle carefully in his ninja bag.
"It's a pity it cannot be mass-produced," Orochimaru sighed.
Hayashi touched the bottle thoughtfully. Could I really waste something so valuable on myself? This potion was a tool for unlocking countless opportunities—a weapon of potential unlike anything else.
===
If you want to read more, there are up to 100 chapters available on patreon.
Patreon.com/ _Zeph