Naruto: Manipulation-Chapter 89: "Orochimaru, Nothing About You Can Be Hidden!" (BONUS)

Orochimaru was as slippery as ever.

Even though he was powerless in Shigen's grasp, his chakra sealed away, a self-assured, sinister smile still curled at his lips.

That alone made him too dangerous to be left alive.

Though Orochimaru was more than willing to trade Danzo's secrets for his own survival, the members of Akatsuki would have much preferred to execute him on the spot.

"Orochimaru is dangerous," Sasori stated without hesitation.

"Indeed..."

The Deva Path's voice was cold as he offered his suggestion. "If we let him go now, we will never catch him again."

"We must consider this carefully," Kakuzu added gravely. "If Orochimaru leaks the information that Lord Shigen has taken control of Akatsuki..."

"Killing him would be best," Konan said, her eyes flashing with murderous intent.

"Agreed," Nagato nodded.

"Tch..."

"I didn't expect to be so universally despised," Orochimaru mused, his eerie smile unshaken. His golden eyes scanned the gathered Akatsuki members before settling on Shigen. He knew full well that only one person's decision mattered here.

Ultimately...

He was at Shigen's mercy.

Escape was impossible.

If Shigen chose to execute him on the spot, Orochimaru would have to accept it. He had prepared a contingency plan for resurrection, but the odds of it succeeding were uncertain at best.

However...

A faint glow of green chakra flickered at Shigen's fingertips as he reached out and scanned Orochimaru's body with his medical prowess. Shigen's eyes narrowed slightly. He had discovered something.

"It doesn't matter anymore."

"I originally only wanted to extract Danzo's secrets from him, but now I see... it wouldn't make a difference how we deal with him here."

"..."

Orochimaru's expression darkened.

Shigen had found something!

This ancient medical ninja had a profound understanding of souls—he must have detected something off about Orochimaru's!

"His soul is fractured," Shigen stated calmly, withdrawing his hand. "He has tampered with it before. Even if this body dies, the fragments of his soul stored elsewhere will revive him given enough chakra."

"So that's why..."

"You weren't afraid at all."

"I originally thought you were still trying to bet on my kindness—that I'd prefer a peaceful resolution. But now I see your confidence comes from knowing that even if you die here, you will come back."

"..."

Orochimaru's face twitched before he let out a small chuckle. "No, no, I assure you, I fear death just like anyone else. Life is a precious thing, after all. I simply underestimated how perceptive you are, Lord Shigen..."

"But... I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

A flicker of admiration passed through Orochimaru's gaze. "You are the first in history to develop a technique that uses natural energy to create curse marks. I merely built upon your foundation and made some refinements. In doing so, I never expected the technique could have... additional uses."

Shigen was right.

Orochimaru had not come unprepared.

When he defected from Konoha, he had foreseen the possibility of being backed into a corner. To ensure his survival, he had implanted the highest-grade "Heaven Curse Mark" onto one of his disciples. Should he perish, that curse mark would serve as his anchor, allowing him to revive.

This meant...

Even if Orochimaru were to die here, he would eventually return. The only uncertainty was when and under what circumstances.

Of course...

Orochimaru still preferred not to die.

Living was always the better option.

But now...

This knowledge had become a bargaining chip.

Despite being a captive, Orochimaru smirked as if he held the upper hand.

"From my perspective, keeping this body alive and cooperating is, while not the ideal choice, still within acceptable parameters for both of us. Akatsuki needs intelligence on the great nations in order to capture the Tailed Beasts. I have the means to acquire such intelligence.

"Additionally, you've long been wary of Danzo's schemes. I can handle that problem for you..."

"Is there truly a better alternative?"

Sasori sneered. "Of course there is."

Orochimaru's grin widened. "The best alternative, naturally, is for me to remain in Akatsuki under Lord Shigen's command. After all, my supposed betrayal was merely a misunderstanding, wasn't it?"

"..."

The entire Akatsuki cast side glances at him.

This man...

Was truly something else.

Even Shigen couldn't help but be impressed.

From a purely intellectual standpoint, Orochimaru was indeed a remarkable individual. Beyond his cunning, his scientific and experimental expertise made him someone worth paying attention to.

For instance...

His research on curse marks.

Back in the ancient era, Shigen had also considered a similar concept—storing pieces of his soul within a curse mark as a means of revival.

Survival...

Justifying his own existence...

Shigen had done everything he could to ensure he lived on. But he had grown too strong, too quickly. Eventually, his soul had reached a point where it connected with the Pure Land itself. As a result, he could no longer fragment it like Orochimaru had.

"Is there no way to kill him for good?"

Sasori sounded regretful, clearly unimpressed with Orochimaru's supposed cooperation. He had no interest in working alongside him—his only desire was to see him dead.

"..."

Shigen shook his head.

"Then... can I stay in Akatsuki?"

Orochimaru asked, his smirk fading into something almost... sincere.

"I genuinely wish to learn from you, Lord Shigen."

And that was the truth.

Orochimaru understood what an invaluable opportunity this was. He may never get another chance to learn from someone like Shigen.

Danzo?

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Akatsuki's ambitions?

The conflicts between the great nations?

None of that mattered.

What Orochimaru truly sought...

Was knowledge.

"Although I admit, this is partly for my own selfish desires..."

Orochimaru met Shigen's gaze, pressing forward. "But even if your ideology has changed—even if you seek a different means to bring peace to the ninja world—that does not mean the advancement of medical science should be halted, does it?"

"..."

For the first time, Shigen seemed to waver.

"You only seek immortality," Sasori scoffed, calling him out.

The irony wasn't lost on him. Sasori had once been Orochimaru's partner in Akatsuki, and they had discussed their philosophies at length.

"How pathetic. You chase after an eternity of existence, but it will never compare to the eternity of true art."

"..."

Orochimaru's eye twitched.

This damn puppet...

Betraying him at a time like this!

"Orochimaru."

Shigen's voice was steady as he finally made his decision. "It is unfortunate, but I cannot trust you."

"Deception and betrayal come as naturally to you as breathing..."

"I cannot allow you to remain in Akatsuki. Even if your actions are bound by force today, your very nature makes you a threat to our goals in the future."

"..."

Orochimaru's forehead glistened with sweat.

This ancient figure...

Had seen straight through him!

Orochimaru always sought ways to turn the tide—even if he was overpowered, he would never truly submit.

"There's no need to deny it."

Shigen's cold gaze bore into him. "Under these eyes, nothing about you can remain hidden."

"..."

Orochimaru's smile twitched, now laced with bitterness.

"If you truly desire immortality..."

"Then you must also fear death."

Shigen's voice was calm as he delivered his final decree. "I will personally go to Konoha and locate the curse mark that anchors your soul."

"..."

Orochimaru's expression darkened.

If it were anyone else, his backup plan would be nearly impossible to uncover. But for Shigen...

This was a real threat.

"You will remain under Sasori's supervision for now," Shigen continued. "I suspect your soul fragments cannot be implanted in just anyone. There is likely only one bearer of that curse mark in existence."

Shigen's voice was unwavering.

"I will retrieve them."

"Consider it... collateral."

"..."

Orochimaru clenched his fists. His tongue flicked out, tasting the bitterness of his predicament. Rage burned in his chest, but his eyes were more dangerous than ever.

"Do I have a choice?"

"No."

Shigen's answer was final.

Yet, his cold demeanor softened slightly as he added:

"Don't worry. I suspect the one carrying your curse mark must be important to you. I won't harm them unnecessarily."

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