The moment the scroll was unfurled, Kakuzu couldn't hide his shock. His usually composed expression shifted, and even his pupils dilated slightly. It wasn't that he was easily shaken—far from it—but what Orochimaru had just handed him connected deeply with certain knowledge from his past life.
"These are circuit diagrams… and a simplified blueprint for an engine."
"Oh? So Kakuzu-sama is calling this a circuit diagram?" Orochimaru's grin widened. "A good name. Let's stick with it from now on, since the inspiration came from you in the first place."
Their meeting years ago had laid the foundation for an alliance between Otogakure and Ryūgakure. Back then, Kakuzu had thrown these scientific concepts—ideas that belonged to a much more advanced era—at Orochimaru. Such technologies wouldn't surface until the Boruto era, but Kakuzu saw no reason to wait. If he could bring about these advancements decades earlier, why not?
Orochimaru, having received this foundational knowledge, had wasted no time in immersing himself in research. Learning the basics was a trivial task for him. What intrigued him more was why Kakuzu had wanted him to study these things in the first place. After pondering this question, Orochimaru came to a conclusion: Kakuzu must have had a personal interest in such technology. Whatever the reason, as long as it piqued Kakuzu's interest, Orochimaru was more than happy to oblige.
In just a few years, he had successfully built a functioning engine and developed complex circuit diagrams.
"Kakuzu-sama, I have already created working prototypes of these technologies. They are stored in my lab. If you're interested, I can have them brought to you immediately."
Orochimaru's smile carried an unmistakable air of confidence. He knew that Kakuzu wouldn't be able to resist the allure of these creations. And once he accepted them, he would also have no choice but to acknowledge Orochimaru's true intentions.
Kakuzu examined the scrolls carefully before placing them back into the box. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Orochimaru, I wasn't wrong about you. You are indeed a genius in this field. Continue your research and ensure that your discoveries benefit the shinobi world."
"Hehehe… Thank you for the praise, Kakuzu-sama. I will continue to push forward. By the way, for this upcoming operation, do you plan to lead the forces personally, or will you be sending members of Akatsuki to fight alongside me?"
Kakuzu's gaze sharpened as he studied Orochimaru. There was no doubt—Orochimaru's intelligence network was as formidable as ever. He was well aware of Akatsuki's existence, including Kakuzu's connections within the organization.
Hidden within his words was a clear message: for the upcoming Konoha Crush plan, Kakuzu had two options—join Orochimaru himself or send Akatsuki members to assist. Either way, Orochimaru was confident that Konoha wouldn't survive the onslaught.
Hearing this, Kakuzu chuckled lightly. He had initially planned to direct Orochimaru to Danzo, the supposed head of Akatsuki, and let the two of them argue it out. It would be amusing to see how Danzo, so obsessed with Konoha, would respond to Orochimaru's plan to destroy it. More importantly, even if Danzo and Orochimaru reached an agreement, there was no guarantee that the actual members of Akatsuki would follow Danzo's orders. The situation would surely turn chaotic.
But such thoughts remained in Kakuzu's mind. Outwardly, he responded calmly:
"Akatsuki is my hidden card, not something to be exposed so easily."
"Oh? So does that mean you'll be fighting alongside me, Kakuzu-sama?"
"Orochimaru, perhaps you misunderstood me. I said you have great talent in scientific research. You should stay here and focus on that."
Orochimaru's expression darkened slightly. He could sense the underlying message in Kakuzu's words. But since he had come here today, he was prepared for resistance.
"So what you're saying, Kakuzu-sama, is that you intend to keep me here by force?"
Kakuzu nodded. "That's right. Your research results belong to me, and I've already chosen the path you will walk."
"Hahahahaha…"
Orochimaru suddenly burst into laughter, his voice filled with unrestrained amusement, as if Kakuzu had just told him the most absurd joke he had ever heard.
"Kakuzu-sama, even if you're joking, there should be a limit. Years ago, Otogakure and Ryūgakure formed an alliance. If you intend to go back on your word and refuse to assist your ally, I won't hold it against you. After all, you are the esteemed Kakuzu of the shinobi world."
Orochimaru's words carried a subtle layer of mockery and even an attempt at moral coercion. However, Kakuzu remained unfazed.
"Go on."
Seeing Kakuzu's unshaken demeanor, Orochimaru gradually reined in his laughter.
"Well then, if you refuse to help, I won't press the matter. But I won't be handing over my research. Let's consider our partnership ended. And surely, someone of your status wouldn't stoop so low as to betray my plans to Konoha, would you?"
Orochimaru subtly warned Kakuzu against leaking information about the Konoha Crush. This was his business, not something for outsiders to meddle in.
Kakuzu remained indifferent. He had no interest in revealing such details. But as Orochimaru turned to leave, he shook his head.
"Orochimaru, did I say you could leave? I told you—I've already chosen your path, and it's one you cannot refuse."
Kakuzu's words were firm and absolute. The moment he had met Orochimaru years ago, he had already decided on his fate. No matter how brilliant or cunning Orochimaru was, he wouldn't be able to escape this carefully laid plan.
Orochimaru turned back with a sly grin.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Kakuzu-sama, but the path you've chosen for me might not be the one I desire. So, I must decline. Kabuto, we're leaving."
As soon as Orochimaru finished speaking, a sharp whistling sound sliced through the air. A masked shinobi suddenly appeared behind Kakuzu.
"Orochimaru-sama, watch out!"
Kabuto, acting as both an assistant and bodyguard, immediately sensed the incoming danger. He sprang forward to shield Orochimaru, but before he could react, Kakuzu's tendrils wrapped around his neck. With just a slight squeeze, Kabuto was yanked forward, completely restrained.
Kakuzu didn't even glance at him, his voice calm yet commanding.
"When grown men fight, children shouldn't interfere."
Kabuto gasped, struggling against the immense force gripping him. "Ugh… ahh…"
The gap in strength was too vast. All he could do was claw at the tendrils wrapped around his throat, his breath growing more labored by the second.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (262 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)