Therefore, Karin was standing extremely close to Menma, almost pressing up against him, her right hand tightly gripping the hem of Menma's clothes as though afraid he might suddenly disappear.
"Ahem… I'm really sorry, Menma-kun. I made you wait so long before meeting you. I wonder, have you been able to get proper rest these past few days?"
Orochimaru's voice was hoarse, and although his complexion was visibly pale, he still exuded a chilling pressure that made ordinary people instinctively tense. It was obvious that he had yet to recover from the severe injuries he sustained during the battle with the Third Hokage.
Even so, the aura surrounding him remained sharp and oppressive.
There was no doubt that the loss of his arms had greatly weakened Orochimaru's combat ability for the moment. However, this limitation was temporary. Orochimaru had already begun planning replacements. Even without hands, he could still use ninjutsu and perform hand seals through alternative methods, though the process would be far more cumbersome.
Under such circumstances, it was still impossible for ordinary shinobi to take advantage of Orochimaru.
In the original history of the shinobi world, the Sharingan was indeed Orochimaru's greatest natural enemy. Even then, Orochimaru always acted according to his own schemes. Otherwise, with only a three-tomoe Sharingan, how could Sasuke who at best was merely approaching Kage level at that time have truly defeated Orochimaru head-on?
"Haha, it's no problem at all. Although the conditions here aren't ideal, compared to Konoha's cage, this place is far more comfortable."
Menma smiled faintly, his gaze unrestrained as it landed on Orochimaru's heavily bandaged arms.
"As for Orochimaru-sama, I can understand your situation completely. After all, the taste of the Reaper Death Seal isn't something anyone could endure comfortably. To be honest, I didn't expect that old man to have mastered such a technique. Orochimaru-sama truly exceeded my expectations being able to escape with only the loss of your arms is already remarkable."
The moment these words fell, Orochimaru's narrow, snake-like pupils gleamed dangerously. Kabuto Yakushi, who stood beside him, also stiffened slightly, his expression changing subtly.
"So Menma-kun is familiar with this technique as well?"
Orochimaru stared directly at Menma, his tone calm but laden with probing intent.
"It seems you are far beyond my initial estimations."
"Orochimaru-sama doesn't need to test me."
Menma replied calmly, without the slightest sign of nervousness.
"I've already said that there are abnormalities within my body that defy common sense. And don't forget—
, I am an orthodox Uzumaki. The Reaper Death Seal originates from Uzumaki sealing arts. As for the condition you're in, others may not be able to perceive it, but it would be impossible for me not to notice."
Menma's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued.
"That technique exacts a price paid with life itself."
Orochimaru said nothing, but the pressure in the room subtly increased.
At present, Menma and Orochimaru were partners.
When one possessed sufficient strength to protect themselves, revealing information that did not endanger one's foundation could actually be advantageous. The more leverage Menma displayed, the more bargaining power he gained. After all, words alone were meaningless so far, everything Orochimaru had promised was still nothing more than empty commitments.
To put it bluntly, Menma was still an unclaimed prize.
"Orochimaru-sama, you must have already realized this over the past few days, haven't you?"
Menma continued with a gentle smile.
"The true terror of this technique."
The Reaper Death Seal was only effective at close range, but once successfully activated, as long as the target remained human, there was no escape from death's judgment.
Soul extraction was among the most horrifying phenomena in all of ninjutsu.
"Since Menma-kun understands the Reaper Death Seal so thoroughly," Orochimaru finally said, his voice low and measured, "then you must also possess a method to counteract its effects."
His gaze flicked briefly to his bandaged arms.
"As you can see, I can no longer use my hands at all."
Since the veil had already been lifted, there was no point in concealing anything further.
Orochimaru was never one for pointless hesitation.
In his eyes, Menma was a partner of extremely high value. Menma's willingness to speak so openly was proof enough of his intentions. Therefore, Orochimaru chose to state his needs directly.
"Haha, of course I do."
Menma chuckled softly.
"But Orochimaru-sama should also understand there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world."
"Fair and reciprocal transactions."
Orochimaru nodded slowly.
"I agree completely, Menma-kun."
"Good."
Menma nodded in satisfaction.
"Then let's proceed. This scroll contains records related to the Reaper Death Seal. Naturally, it's not one hundred percent complete it can only serve as reference material. Of course, if Orochimaru-sama manages to obtain the core principles of the technique, you'll be able to verify everything yourself."
Menma paused briefly, then added with deliberate emphasis:
"Oh, and my request is included as well. Orochimaru-sama may want to review it carefully."
As he spoke, Menma withdrew a prepared scroll from within his cloak and casually tossed it toward Orochimaru.
Kabuto Yakushi stepped forward at once, catching it midair and unrolling it.
Orochimaru merely glanced at it from the corner of his eye.
Just one glance
And his pupils contracted sharply.
"Haha… this is quite the generous offering, Menma-kun."
A strange, almost delighted expression crossed Orochimaru's face.
"As for your request, rest assured. I will prepare everything you need in the shortest time possible."
"That would be ideal."
Menma replied calmly.
"But Menma-kun…"
Orochimaru's gaze sharpened as he looked directly at him.
"Have you forgotten something?"
"Hm?"
Menma blinked, then smiled in realization.
"Of course not. I simply assumed Orochimaru-sama would prioritize resolving the issue with your arms first."
He then continued evenly:
"Since Orochimaru-sama is so eager, then this is what I promised you earlier."
Menma produced another scroll, along with a small sealed bottle filled with thick, dark red blood.
"This scroll contains the crucial information regarding the relationship between the Sharingan and the Rinnegan. And this bottle contains my blood. It should be sufficient to support Orochimaru-sama's current research."
He paused briefly, then added without hesitation:
"If you require more in the future, as long as it remains within reasonable limits, I can cooperate including providing the Kyūbi's chakra."
Menma threw both items across the room.
Kabuto caught them smoothly with one hand.
Orochimaru stared at Menma intently, as though seeing him anew.
"Menma-kun truly doesn't hesitate at all."
His voice carried a hint of amusement.
"Throwing out so many chips… aren't you afraid I might regret this later?"
The unspoken implication was clear.
Or was Menma simply confident enough that Orochimaru wouldn't dare?
"Haha."
Menma smiled faintly.
"Of course it's because I believe in Orochimaru-sama's 'credibility.' I don't think you'd do such a thing… would you?"
The words sounded sincere, yet carried an unmistakable edge of mockery.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly.
But only for an instant.
The next moment, he laughed softly.
"Of course not."
He turned his head toward Kabuto.
"Kabuto. Suspend all other experiments. From now on, your highest priority is fulfilling Menma-kun's requirements."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Kabuto bowed respectfully in response.
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