Are human lives fragile?
That depends on who you compare them to...
Compared to mayflies and ants, humans are undoubtedly not fragile.
Even compared to animals and beasts, humans can earn the title of "terrifying upright apes," placing them near the top of the food chain.
But when measured against human ideals and desires, they appear fragile and fleeting.
This is also why Minato intentionally cooperated with Orochimaru.
While he wasn't as obsessed with immortality as Orochimaru, he was certainly not satisfied with a lifespan of mere decades or a century.
Given Minato's own capabilities, achieving immortality wasn't actually difficult.
Once he fully merged the power of All Things in Creation and awakened the Rinnegan, he wouldn't need to collect the Tailed Beasts.
As long as he could gather the Chakra of all nine Tailed Beasts, remove the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path's kidneys, create a miniature Ten-Tails, and seal it within himself, he would theoretically reach Kaguya's level of existence—at least in terms of life tier.
Whether he could become immortal like Kaguya was uncertain, but living significantly longer should pose no problem.
But setting aside the potential drawbacks of such a method, eternal life held no meaning for Minato.
"Do you know, Minato-kun..."
Orochimaru set down his cup, his tone becoming noticeably more serious, a flicker of memory crossing his eyes.
"We're quite alike. Both our parents died young, and we both possess exceptional talent. Heh heh heh... Though it's nothing compared to you, Minato-kun, Teacher Sarutobi once called me a once-in-a-decade genius."
"I used to stand before my parents' graves and ponder: if everyone must eventually die, what is the meaning of life?"
As he spoke, Orochimaru looked at Minato, seemingly hoping to hear his perspective.
"Well..."
Minato smiled warmly. "Senior Orochimaru, food eaten eventually becomes waste. Would you eat feces directly?"
"Hmph hmph hmph... You're right, that's the logic."
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle, glanced at the grilled meat on the table, and suddenly felt his appetite wane.
"You see, you actually understand that the meaning of life lies not in its outcome, but in its process. I think that's how most people view life." Minato said gently.
"Is that your view too, Minato-kun?" Orochimaru asked.
"If there's no choice... then yes." Minato answered without hesitation.
"And if there is a choice?" Orochimaru pressed.
"Wouldn't that be better? Who would complain about living longer?"
Minato's answer was straightforward, not just to humor Orochimaru, but because he genuinely felt that way.
"Then... what if that choice inevitably involves moral issues?"
Orochimaru stared intently into Minato's eyes, this being his true concern. He wanted to know how Minato would choose.
At just nineteen years old, Minato wasn't yet the future S-rank Rogue Ninja who would kill without blinking.
"For example?"
"For example... human experimentation?"
"That would depend on your moral standards, Senior."
While they spoke, the grilled meat was nearly ready. Minato picked up a piece and placed it on a plate, calmly saying, "I don't care about the lives of strangers, but I couldn't slaughter innocents for my own selfish gain. However, if I could make use of someone like Danzo, I wouldn't have any moral qualms about it."
"In comparison, I believe the crux of this issue lies in whether one can hold firm to their own bottom line in the face of desire."
Orochimaru fell silent.
Minato was right. This was the truth he dared not confront.
Lately, he had been plagued by dark thoughts, many of them directed at Minato. Upon regaining his senses, he couldn't help but feel guilty for these thoughts.
Yet the desire for immortality, like forbidden fruit, continued to tease his nerves.
Human experimentation was common enough—even testing a cold medicine could be considered such. Medical progress depended on anatomy; there was nothing inherently shameful about that.
The problem was that Orochimaru carried a guilty conscience.
Deep down, he had already unconsciously crossed his own line.
At this point, any catalyst—like the death of someone dear—would cause him to plummet into darkness at breakneck speed.
As the sky outside darkened, the warmth of the charcoal fire washed over their faces. Orochimaru remained in deep silence.
Watching Orochimaru lost in thought, Minato suddenly chuckled softly. "However... I suspect this wouldn't be a problem for you, Senior Orochimaru."
"Hmm?"
Orochimaru paused, his gaze lifting from his contemplation. He looked at Minato with a hint of surprise.
"What makes you say that, Minato-kun?"
"Doesn't your own lament over the fragility of life stem from your deep value for it?" Minato replied gently, determined to steer Orochimaru away from the path he'd taken in the original story. "You were Teacher's trusted teammate and Nawaki's admired older brother. Though I don't know you well, their trust in you proves you're no shallow fool like Danzo, who cares nothing for the next generation."
Orochimaru chuckled softly, genuinely pleased. "To be so highly regarded by you, Minato-kun, I am truly grateful."
He did, after all, have people he cherished: Jiraiya, Tsunade, Nawaki, Teacher Sarutobi... these were the emotional anchors that tethered his otherwise detached humanity.
If he were to sever those ties, what meaning would even the longest life hold?
Even if he mastered all the Ninjutsu in the world, with whom would he share the satisfaction of seeing his ideals realized?
At that point, what would he even be?
Human?
Or just a monster that looked human but was hollow inside, driven only by the instinct to flee?
"Minato-kun, you're truly perceptive."
Orochimaru spoke with a tone of admiration, clearly aware that the other party had sensed his intentions and offered this timely advice.
To be honest, he was rather grateful.
Danzo's experience made it clear that Minato wasn't the type to leave loose ends.
Therefore, this advice was particularly valuable.
"If I were to find another possible path, Minato-kun, would you be willing to lend me a hand?"
Looking at the five-year-old blond before him, Orochimaru extended a sincere invitation, showing no trace of condescension due to Minato's age.
"I yearn for truth, yet I've always lingered at the threshold, unable to enter. With a companion like you, Minato-kun, perhaps we could truly discover another possibility."
"Okay, I agree."
Minato nodded without hesitation.
His straightforward response momentarily froze Orochimaru.
He opened his mouth, suddenly feeling as if he'd been tricked.
Yet he couldn't pinpoint anything wrong—after all, he'd been the one to invite Minato to team up.
"Then, in the days to come, I'll be counting on your guidance, Minato-kun."
"..."
This guy's phrasing is so ambiguous...
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