"Oh? A gift?" Orochimaru didn't immediately take the storage scroll Jin was offering. Instead, he studied him with open curiosity.
Before today, they had never met.
Before the Third Shinobi War, Orochimaru had barely noticed Uchiha Jin at all.
It was only after Jin's sudden rise on the Mist front that he had begun paying attention.
And yet, judging from Jin's attitude, it seemed he had long intended to approach him—even carrying this so-called "gift" in advance.
That intrigued Orochimaru more than the scroll itself.
Jin paused briefly before speaking.
"Lord Orochimaru, given the current situation, you must understand by now… that you are no longer in the running for Fourth Hokage."
Orochimaru's brows twitched slightly, though his expression remained calm.
Did he want to become Hokage?
Yes.
And no.
Compared to the title, what he truly desired was knowledge—limitless knowledge. Truth. The secrets of life and death.
The Hokage's position would have granted him access to resources and forbidden archives otherwise out of reach.
To him, becoming Hokage was like pursuing immortality—it was merely a stepping stone toward something greater.
He was not blind. He knew his teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had already chosen Minato.
He had no real obsession with political power—but having something that might have been his quietly taken away without even asking left a bitter taste.
Jin met his gaze.
"In my view," Jin continued evenly, "this may not be a bad thing for you."
Orochimaru smiled faintly, his voice low and serpentine.
"You seem to understand me quite well, Jin-kun."
"Perhaps," Jin replied. "I believe you are a pure researcher. Someone like you shouldn't be entangled in political struggles… nor wasting time on battlefields."
"Your arena should be laboratories and libraries—places where knowledge is uncovered."
For the first time, something bright flickered in Orochimaru's golden eyes.
The feeling he had only vaguely sensed before now crystallized—
Jin did understand him.
Jin went on.
"I know that due to resources and access, you've grown deeply involved with Elder Danzō."
"But Danzō is a man without limits. Sooner or later, he will cost you precious research time."
"That path is like drinking poison to quench thirst."
Orochimaru regarded him carefully.
"You seem to know quite a bit about Elder Danzō as well. But aside from him… what alternative do I have?"
"No," Jin said softly, pushing the scroll closer again. "Your alternative is right in front of you."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
"What exactly can you offer me?"
Jin smiled.
"First—research funding that far exceeds what Danzō can provide. Practically unlimited."
"Second—unrestricted access to all of Konoha's resources and archives. Including those in Danzō's possession."
Orochimaru's pupils contracted.
Even Hiruzen himself likely wouldn't dare promise something so absolute.
He shook his head faintly.
"If one speaks too grandly, credibility suffers."
Jin chuckled.
"What if I told you this represents both my sincerity… and Minato's?"
That made Orochimaru pause.
He knew Minato.
Jiraiya's student was talented, warm, and idealistic.
Orochimaru's tone cooled slightly.
"Minato-kun would never accept live experimentation."
"Not before," Jin admitted. "But after learning certain truths—after understanding the enemies we will face—he is no longer so rigid."
"As long as experiments do not involve Konoha's own people…"
"Death-row prisoners from Konoha's prisons. Bandits and murderers across the nations. Enemy spies captured in war."
"Minato can accept that."
He let the words settle.
"When Minato takes office, he will establish a Konoha Research Institute."
"You will serve as its director."
"All of Konoha's strength will support your research."
"In exchange, your findings will be shared with the village."
Orochimaru's heartbeat quickened.
If he truly gained the backing of the entire village—
Whether he became Hokage would hardly matter.
Better yet, he would be freed from tedious governance and able to devote himself entirely to his pursuits.
He exhaled slowly.
"I find myself curious," he said softly, "about these 'truths' and these future enemies you speak of."
Jin shook his head.
"That is a long story. And not for today."
"When the Research Institute is formally established, I will tell you everything."
Silence lingered.
Then Orochimaru smiled and finally picked up the scroll.
"At least tell me what's inside."
Jin's lips curved.
"Corpses."
"The remains of bloodline and secret-technique shinobi from Kirigakure—the Kaguya, the Yuki, the Hōzuki, and others."
"Minato likely has specimens from Iwagakure and Kumogakure as well. Those will follow once he returns."
He added lightly—
"If you ever require them… even Sharingan or Byakugan can be supplied."
Orochimaru's smile widened.
This gift struck directly at his weakness.
Had he known what the scroll contained, he might not have bothered negotiating at all.
He casually swallowed the scroll whole.
"Jin-kun," he said, voice rich with amusement, "your sincerity has been received."
"If you ever need something from me, do not hesitate."
Jin inclined his head.
"I only ask that you distance yourself from Danzō."
"And in your spare moments between research… enjoy the show."
"I guarantee you—within a year at most—everything Danzō controls will fall into your hands."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
"Then I shall look forward to it."
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/warewolvesTL