"You think you're qualified to accuse me of exploitation?"
"Ah, bah!"
"You inherently evil Uchiha brat!"
Tobirama's tone was full of irritation. Spit nearly flew onto Ren's face, his expression filled with indignation.
"Ahem… is that even comparable?"
"You're already dead, you don't even need rest. Orochimaru is still growing. If you keep squeezing him like this, what if he ends up malnourished?"
Ren did not back down in the slightest and immediately fired back.
Tobirama working twenty four hours a day was not because Ren was kind.
It was because there were only twenty four hours in a day.
As the Second Hokage, he should have dedication.
"Bullshit!!"
"So what if I'm dead? Don't the dead have rights?!"
"Tobirama, why are you acting like this? You are the Second Hokage. Konoha needs your wisdom now more than ever."
"This village cannot function without you."
"Not even for a moment."
Ren casually flattered him.
Tobirama's tense expression instantly softened. Though he still kept a cold face, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Hmph. Even if you praise me like that, I will not forgive you."
He spoke reluctantly, but inwardly he was replaying Ren's words.
Konoha could not do without him.
He was indispensable.
Ren remained expressionless.
He had already mastered how to deal with Tobirama.
This man needed to be handled carefully.
"If you still think it is unfair," Ren continued,
"then I can promise you. If Orochimaru unfortunately dies young, I will immediately use Edo Tensei to bring him back and have him accompany you in this laboratory."
…
Orochimaru froze.
He had just been watching the argument.
Usually when the Hokage and his teacher argued, it would escalate.
Which was good.
That meant he could quietly slip away.
But now
Why were they planning his life after death.
Orochimaru was still a normal person.
A good child.
In the original timeline, he would already have been on the battlefield, hands stained with blood.
But now Ren had kept him inside the village.
He had never killed anyone.
But at this moment, he realized something.
Living like Tobirama
Working endlessly in a laboratory
Day and night
With no end in sight
That was terrifying.
That was not the life he wanted.
I cannot die.
If I die, I will become like Sensei.
I must achieve immortality.
"Orochimaru, what do you think?"
Ren turned and smiled kindly.
"This is a great opportunity. Others would beg for it."
Orochimaru shivered.
Please no.
Let Sensei enjoy this alone.
"Stop scaring the child."
Tobirama stepped in.
"Orochimaru is my student. He inherited my legacy. He will not die young."
"Soon, I will teach him my Flying Thunder God Technique."
"If he masters it, he will secure a place in this world."
"This is my improved version. Better range, less chakra cost. Even against strong enemies, survival will not be a problem."
"Sensei!"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up.
Despite everything, his teacher still cared about him.
"But"
Tobirama coughed lightly and changed his tone.
"Ren's suggestion is not bad."
"In a few decades, Orochimaru will die eventually."
"You remember to bring him back with Edo Tensei."
"That way he will not be lonely in the Pure Land and he can continue contributing to Konoha."
Silence.
The warm atmosphere vanished instantly.
Orochimaru's heart sank.
Sensei
Practice what you preach.
I will not die.
Absolutely not.
Relying on others is useless.
I must rely on myself.
"Good, then it is settled," Ren said cheerfully.
"Agreed," Tobirama nodded.
"Orochimaru, any objections?"
"Look, he is so happy he cannot even speak."
"Of course he has no objections."
"This is an honor for Konoha."
"Exactly. He is my student."
…
Just like that, the two of them decided Orochimaru's fate.
"Orochimaru, go back to your work."
Ren waved.
"I need to discuss adult matters with your teacher."
"…Yes."
Orochimaru left.
His steps unsteady.
Eyes slightly red.
Tobirama frowned.
"What is wrong with him? His mood suddenly dropped."
"Did I scold him too harshly?"
Ren waved casually.
"Orochimaru is not that fragile."
"Maybe he is just overwhelmed with joy."
"I understand that feeling."
Then Ren raised the sealing box.
His expression turned serious.
"Tobirama."
"I caught Black Zetsu."
"Oh?"
Tobirama leaned closer.
"So this is Black Zetsu."
"Very black indeed. No wonder he is called that."
"Who named him?"
"Terrible name."
"It cannot be his mother."
"No mother would give her son such a name."
"His mother probably does not like him."
"And who is his mother again?"
Ren fell silent.
Tobirama's mouth was truly lethal.
"Ahhh!!!"
"I will kill you!!"
"You bastard!!"
"My mother loves me the most!!"
"Let me out!!"
"I will fight you!!"
Black Zetsu completely lost control.
His body trembled violently.
The sealing box began to crack.
Truth was the sharpest blade.
Did his mother love him?
Or was he only a tool?
He did not know.
"Enough, Tobirama."
Ren quickly reinforced the seal.
"He is about to break free."
"What did I say?"
Tobirama looked confused.
"You hurt his pride."
"Oh."
"I understand now."
"So his mother really does not like him."
"Ahhh!!!"
"I will kill you!!"
"Stop, stop."
Ren stepped in quickly.
"There is no need to humiliate him."
He looked at Black Zetsu.
"Calm down."
"I understand you."
"You are a good son."
"Your mother loves you."
Black Zetsu froze.
Silence returned.
"Tch. Fine."
Tobirama crossed his arms.
"Give him to me."
"I have prepared a special sealing prison."
"Once he enters, he will never escape."
He took the box.
Formed hand seals.
A rectangular sealing chamber appeared in the corner, covered in complex formulas.
"Go."
The box was thrown inside.
Minutes later, Black Zetsu broke free from the container.
His body reformed.
He pressed himself against the barrier, staring at Tobirama.
"What now?" Tobirama asked.
"That depends on him."
Ren stepped forward.
"In my hometown, there are two sayings."
"Those who understand the situation are wise."
"Confess and be treated leniently. Resist and be punished severely."
"I have never heard those in Konoha."
"Tobirama, why do you talk so much?"
Ren ignored him and looked at Black Zetsu.
"If you cooperate, it will benefit both of us."
Because in a way
They shared the same enemy
The Ōtsutsuki.
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