Lux specifically set a one-year deadline, which was also carefully considered.
After all, every time Isshiki enters Stage Two and unleashes his full power, his lifespan is significantly shortened.
Originally, he only had a few decades left to live.
However, if he were to be treated purely as EXP and drained completely, he likely wouldn't last long.
Lux simply hoped that Isshiki could hold on until the end.
Moreover, without a sense of urgency, given Minato's gentle personality, he wouldn't rush to integrate the power of the entire ninja world!
The necessary strength still needs to be provided.
Lux was confident that Minato himself would make the most of this opportunity and time!
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Another figure approached.
Orochimaru came over to Lux and the other two, but he also looked somewhat miserable.
His head hung limply to the left side of his neck, and his neck bone was clearly broken, making him look rather terrifying.
His neck had obviously been crushed by Isshiki, yet he still didn't die!
This demonstrated just how resilient Orochimaru had become after his body transformation.
"Sir, you've finally appeared!"
Orochimaru wasn't surprised by Lux's appearance, but rather more intrigued.
He was far more cold-blooded and pragmatic than Minato. When he learned that Immortal Blessing was willing to support Minato, he suspected that the other party must have some expectations and hopes for Konoha and Minato.
These expectations weren't necessarily bad.
They might even benefit Konoha Village. At the very least, there was no obvious downside at the moment.
Therefore, it was highly likely that the Immortal Blessing wouldn't abandon Konoha and Minato before achieving their own goals and expectations.
This was also one of the reasons why Orochimaru chose to stay in Konoha and continue supporting Minato.
And now, it seemed he was right.
He had even greatly underestimated the strength of the "thigh" that Minato was leaning on!
Isshiki, who was so powerful, was easily captured by Immortal Blessing; this not only shocked Minato but also terrified Orochimaru.
Of course, alongside the shock, there was also an insatiable curiosity.
No matter which parallel ninja world Orochimaru was in, his strong desire to pursue the truth would never change.
Isshiki himself, his origins, Kama, his power, and even the treasure that Immortal Blessing used to capture him alive.
Orochimaru was driven mad with curiosity and wanted to go even madder!
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"Orochimaru, you're not dead?!" Minato was shocked.
There was no denying that he was surprised to see Orochimaru still alive in such a pitiful state.
"If it had taken any longer, Minato and I would have definitely died."
Orochimaru lifted his head and rejoiced.
However, his eyes were fixed on the Golden Qiankun Seal in Lux's hand, and he couldn't wait to pounce on it and study it thoroughly.
What a treasure, not to mention its power to capture Isshiki in an instant.
Its ability to grow or shrink at will alone had already made Orochimaru extremely curious.
Lux glanced at Orochimaru. He wasn't sure if Orochimaru had fully developed the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique.
But the fact that he was still alive was enough to prove Orochimaru's tenacity.
As for the Golden Qiankun Seal in his possession, Lux couldn't give it to Orochimaru for research; these items were high-level artifacts from the system, so he couldn't mislead Orochimaru's scientific research direction.
Seeing Lux put away the golden seal, Orochimaru grew even more restless.
"Sir, what about the enemy?"
"Don't worry. If you can work with Minato to find a way to defeat him within a year, then all his knowledge and even his body can be handed over to you. What do you think?"
"Are you serious?!"
Orochimaru was so excited that his neck almost stiffened from the thrill.
For him, this was even more enticing than becoming Hokage!
"Of course, I'm serious. Minato will fill you in on the details, so work hard on your own."
"Alright! But, that guy is really strong."
"Without some targeted research materials within a year, it'll be difficult to defeat him."
Orochimaru had a sly smile on his face, clearly wanting to ask for some benefits, or at least some hints and information!
Lux naturally saw through Orochimaru's thoughts.
Then he raised his hand and waved.
"Almighty Push!"
A gravitational force sucked Obito, who was unconscious, from a hundred meters away.
Just as Isshiki defeated Minato, he knocked Obito out.
After activating Stage Two and revealing his identity, Isshiki naturally had no more doubts.
He needed a compliant and cooperative vessel. Since Obito refused to cooperate, he could only make him "cooperate" physically.
Fortunately, Obito, as the vessel for his reincarnation, had to remain alive.
Otherwise, Isshiki would have killed Obito long ago.
"Obito? This person seems very important to Isshiki, doesn't he?"
"Exactly. The black lines on his body are the exclusive secret technique of the Otsutsuki Clan, Kama. Although some parts are missing, the technique is undoubtedly very valuable. If you study it carefully, it will help you better understand Isshiki's power and find a way to counter him and the Otsutsuki Clan." Lux explained.
From this perspective, they had to thank Isshiki. Obito was specifically chosen as a vessel, giving them valuable additional research material with Kama.
"I understand!"
Orochimaru was overjoyed. It would be much easier to deal with now that he had a research direction.
Especially since the Kama had just rapidly healed Obito's fatal injuries, almost like a resurrection. Orochimaru had long desired such a technique.
However, to further stimulate Orochimaru's desire, Lux added:
"Oh! That's right. This Kama is the true secret behind the Otsutsuki Clan's ability to perfectly reincarnate and achieve near-immortality."
"I thought you might be interested?"
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru was so excited that his scalp went numb. Pursuing immortality was one of his primary goals!
"What?!! This is Kama? Can it reincarnate? Can it achieve immortality?"
"Yes, yes, yes! I'm truly interested in this!"
"Amazing, this is amazing!"
Orochimaru's eyes sparkled like a demon that had been starving for three days and nights. He pounced on Obito and licked him with his tongue.
He wished he could swallow Obito whole and then return to the lab to start his research!
Lux slightly raised the corner of his mouth.
No matter which Orochimaru he was, he would never be able to resist the temptation of this mystery that surpassed all ninjutsu.
But Orochimaru from Parallel World 4 alone might not be able to quickly unravel the mystery of Kama.
After a while, Lux would bring Orochimaru from Parallel World 3 to meet Orochimaru from Parallel World 4 and exchange technical experiences.
It was expected to help make breakthroughs in the experiment's progress and accelerate the completion of the "SSS-level project" on how to defeat Isshiki!