"Mr. Yoichi, I apologize for the sudden visit."
Orochimaru's unexpected arrival surprised Uchiha Yoichi, and even more so because he brought along a nervous young boy. Nevertheless, he welcomed them both in.
After all, he was a disciple of the Hokage and one of Konoha Village's Sannin.
After pouring three cups of tea and setting them on the table, Uchiha Yoichi finally asked, "Lord Orochimaru, what brings you here?"
"Indeed, I have something to discuss. Mr. Yoichi, do you know him?"
Orochimaru gestured to the young boy beside him.
These words made Uchiha Yoichi somewhat puzzled. He then shook his head and said, "I've never seen him before. Who is he?"
"He's from a village in the Land of Iron. I plan to take him as a disciple and teach him how to use Chakra; this is at the village chief's request, and I happen to have this intention as well."
Orochimaru paused, then continued, "I just returned from Ryuchi Cave. Although I passed the three trials, I find it difficult to successfully practice the Sage Mode, so I'm planning to do some research before making another attempt."
Just by trying to practice a little, he nearly went mad from the overwhelming natural energy. If he hadn't used his unique Substitution Jutsu in time, he might have failed the Sage training and been devoured by the White Snake Sage.
Orochimaru even suspected that the White Snake Sage didn't want him to learn Sage Mode and dismissed it by saying he didn't have the qualifications.
"To give up like this feels a bit unsatisfying, so I plan to study Sage Techniques a bit. Coincidentally, the village chief contacted me... Hehe, so I accepted this disciple."
"However, that village chief also wants their entire clan to join Konoha, which is beyond my capability. I thought Mr. Yoichi might have the power to do this, so I came to ask you...."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yoichi shook his head directly, "I don't have the means either. If their clan absorbs too much natural energy, they go berserk, and even a Chunin finds it hard to control them during such episodes. Without solving this issue, no ninja village would take them in."
Even if their strength is exceptional, who would want someone who can go berserk at any moment? Unless they're all locked in specially made prisons, it wouldn't be acceptable if they suddenly went berserk while others are sleeping at night.
"Since Mr. Yoichi isn't interested, let's leave it at that. But, Mr. Yoichi, have you trained in Sage Mode?"
Orochimaru asked. He felt a bit unwilling; Jiraiya managed to succeed in mastering Sage Mode, yet he couldn't. If Uchiha Yoichi had any ideas about it, Orochimaru hoped they could exchange their insights.
Uchiha Yoichi responded, "I will definitely try it in some time, but I'm not in a rush."
He has a constitution that allows him to absorb natural energy, and it's even more perfect than those villagers'. He relies on his body's instinct to absorb natural energy daily, so over a long period, mastering Sage Mode should come naturally.
"Is that so? Then I've disturbed you today enough."
After saying this, Orochimaru prepared to take his leave.
"Wait a moment, Lord Orochimaru, since you're here, why not chat a bit longer?"
Uchiha Yoichi stopped Orochimaru and then used his Sharingan to put the young boy beside Orochimaru to sleep instantly.
"Lord Orochimaru, would you like to collaborate with me?"
"Collaboration? You mean...."
"I know, Lord Orochimaru, you're interested in researching that race's physique to discover a way to train in Sage Mode. I can provide the resources, but I'll need a share of the results after the research is completed."
Orochimaru's initial dream was to learn all ninjutsu. But as it evolved into researching the world's truths, he realized human life was limited and sought immortality instead.
Nevertheless, his research in immortality was also part of his preparation to understand the world's truths. It's undeniable that he's a research genius. The latter turbulent periods in the ninja world had much to do with Orochimaru and the techniques he studied.
"I'm not short on resources, but I do owe Mr. Yoichi a favor, so I can agree to this."
Orochimaru didn't outright reject the offer; he needed resources while also considering repaying the favor of revealing the intelligence about Ryuchi Cave.
As one of the Sannin, it's quite possible he isn't lacking in resources. If Tsunade were willing, she could mobilize ample medical supplies, and Orochimaru certainly has his own channels.
But since Orochimaru agreed, Uchiha Yoichi's purpose was achieved.
The Curse Seal greatly enhances a ninja's abilities, making it ideal for cultivating subordinates. The Uchiha Race has many Chunins; equipping them all with the Curse Seal would make them as powerful as Special Jonin.
"Lord Orochimaru, we will have many opportunities for collaboration. Within the village, besides me, there is no one more suitable for collaborating with you."
Uchiha Yoichi said, "Not only do I have a lot of money to buy many experimental subjects for you, but I also have Secret Techniques collected from the Hidden Cloud Village, all of them!"
He had collected the Secret Techniques from the Hidden Cloud Village last time. Among them, there were many ninjutsu. After handing over a portion to Uchiha Kenji, he kept the rest for himself.
He hadn't yet thoroughly researched techniques like the Flying Thunder God and Reanimation Jutsu, and he lacked the energy to study the Secret Techniques from the Hidden Cloud Village.
"Secret Techniques from the Hidden Cloud Village...."
As Orochimaru continued pondering, Uchiha Yoichi turned and left the living room, quickly returning with a scroll placed on the table.
"This is a summary of Secret Techniques from the Hidden Cloud Village, though it only contains the names. I acquired it during my last mission."
The most valuable ones are, of course, not something Uchiha Yoichi would just reveal. He didn't even know where the Hidden Cloud Village acquired these techniques. They secretly attempted to create a potent weapon known as the Chakra Cannon, which wouldn't be developed until decades later.