Chapter Forty-Three: Bargaining

Upon hearing these words, the white snake halted its flickering tongue. Its golden eyes locked onto Uchiha Li, a hint of surprise and suspicion flickering in its gaze.

What Uchiha Li said was true, but precisely because of this, the snake was puzzled. His defection from the village was indeed widely known, yet the specifics had been carefully concealed by the village. The public only knew he had violated moral codes and endangered lives by capturing villagers for human experiments, but the true purpose of those experiments remained a closely guarded secret.

After all, the First Hokage was not only the leader of Leaf Village but also its spiritual symbol. The experiments involving the First's cells had always been conducted in utmost secrecy, even when the village itself was involved, let alone now, when it was his own private undertaking. Logically, only the highest echelons of the village would know about this. Given the level of distrust towards the Uchiha, there was no way someone like Uchiha Li would be privy to the truth.

Yet now, Uchiha Li spoke with remarkable clarity, just as he had known of the snake’s impending departure from the village last time. Still, Orochimaru cared little for whatever secrets Uchiha Li might be hiding, so long as they were useful to him.

With that thought, the surprise in the white snake’s eyes faded, replaced by a calm composure. "You may have my genetic technology, but what about your tuition?"

"What does teacher require as tuition?" Uchiha Li shifted the conversation smoothly. "If the price is too high, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline, for I do not absolutely need it."

Though he called Orochimaru “teacher,” Uchiha Li was well aware that theirs was merely a partnership. Orochimaru would never impart his knowledge for free, and Uchiha Li had no intention of letting him sense any urgency, lest the price be raised.

At this stage, Orochimaru could not possibly know the true role of the First Hokage’s cells in the Mangekyo Sharingan; his interest lay mostly in researching Wood Release, that bloodline limit. Thus, Uchiha Li could use this gap in knowledge to mislead Orochimaru and bargain for greater benefit.

The white snake’s lips curled into a cold, human-like smile. "It might be troublesome for others, but for you, it should not be difficult."

Uchiha Li tilted his head, urging Orochimaru to continue.

The white snake spoke directly: "I don’t know how you found out, but you should know I am very interested in the Sharingan."

"Indeed," Uchiha Li nodded, not denying it.

"Your own eyes are out of the question," the white snake said with a touch of regret, pausing before continuing, "but I want you to observe and collect information on two members of your clan: Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi."

At these words, Uchiha Li’s eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "Teacher, you certainly know how to pick them. Shisui is a genius of the clan, and Itachi is the son of the patriarch. Their information will not be easy to obtain."

He paused briefly before continuing, "Besides, they are my kin. Teacher, do you not know how highly I regard my clan?"

"Are you referring to your pursuit of Sharingan on the battlefield?" The white snake’s tongue flickered faster, laced with disdain. "Others may be misled, but I will not be fooled."

Since their last encounter, Orochimaru had realized that Uchiha Li was a master of concealment. More importantly, Uchiha Li’s attitude toward him was strange, his behavior unusual.

Orochimaru deduced that Uchiha Li was of the same breed as himself—willing to do anything for his own interests.

Uchiha Li ignored the sarcasm in Orochimaru’s tone and replied calmly, "Be that as it may, Shisui and Itachi are my kinsmen, my beloved brothers."

The white snake seemed to lose patience, letting out a cold snort. "Then what is it you want?"

A faint smile curved Uchiha Li’s lips as he spoke slowly, "I require more instruction and compensation."

The white snake was taken aback, silent for a moment, its serpentine eyes flickering. At length, it spoke:

"As expected of you, Li. Your proposal is truly unexpected. I accept your terms."

"In that case, not only shall I grant you knowledge concerning genetic technology, but I will also gift you my own notes and insights from my studies."

"Lastly, I will provide some relevant laboratory equipment and the First’s cells, along with other materials necessary for your research."

Having finished, the white snake quickly relayed Orochimaru’s warning before Uchiha Li could respond, "This is the most I can offer, and I have one additional condition."

"What is it?" Uchiha Li’s expression did not change, though he was already satisfied. Orochimaru’s offer was exceedingly generous, especially the study notes. With those, his mastery of genetic technology would come much more easily, saving considerable time. The equipment and First’s cells would also spare him much effort in gathering resources.

The white snake spoke bluntly, "As for Shisui and Itachi, I will give you time to gather their information. In exchange, I require you to obtain several Sharingan for me."

Uchiha Li stroked his chin, recalling something, then said, "Agreed. If it’s only Sharingan, that’s not a problem, but…"

"But what? Li, don’t be greedy."

The white snake’s tail began to beat restlessly against the ground, murderous intent flickering in its pupils. If not for being hunted by Jiraiya, Orochimaru could simply sneak back into the village and seize some Sharingan himself. But Uchiha Li’s repeated demands seemed excessive. If necessary, Orochimaru could simply abandon the partnership; after all, there were others in Leaf with Sharingan.

Seeing the white snake’s agitation, Uchiha Li realized Orochimaru was out of patience, so he quickened his speech:

"Teacher, you misunderstand. What I mean is that the Sharingan are guarded very tightly by the clan. The eyes I reclaimed on the battlefield last time have already been handed over."

He paused, feigning helplessness, "So I’ll need an appropriate opportunity to retrieve them. It shouldn’t take long."

He wished to obtain the Sharingan quickly in order to exchange them with Orochimaru for research on the First’s cells. But Uchiha Li was not so heartless as to snatch them from living clansmen.

To prevent their bloodline from leaking, the Uchiha would never bury deceased members with their Sharingan; instead, the eyes were removed and sealed in the clan’s secret vault. His plan was to find a chance to enter the vault, sparing any living clansmen from harm.

It was hardly a noble act, but it was the best solution Uchiha Li could devise.

"Very well. I will contact you again in a while," Orochimaru said, controlling the white snake to nod its head before slithering into the depths of the thicket.

Uchiha Li spoke no further, heading in the opposite direction.

Just as he was about to leave the grove for good, the white snake returned, carrying Orochimaru’s voice:

"Li, do not disappoint me. Otherwise, our collaboration will be dissolved!"

Uchiha Li paused, did not turn back, and replied coolly, "Rest assured, Orochimaru…"