Two: Co-research as the path, strength and weakness as the order.
This Main House does not follow bloodlines, does not value background.
Only profound mastery of jutsu, strength of power, and great achievement in research are esteemed.
Three: The superior is the Main House, the rest are Branches.
Within the treaty, whoever researches most deeply and whose strength is greatest
Shall naturally become the lineage of the Clan Head, inheriting leadership of the Main House.
The rest shall be Branches, assisting on the left and right, jointly defending the clan.
Four: If one lineage prospers, the entire clan prospers.
The Main House does not oppress the Branches; the Branches do not betray the Main House.
Sharing existence and perishing together, sharing honor and disgrace.
Those who violate this treaty shall be mutually abandoned and jointly condemned.
Those who establish this treaty jointly swear to this.
"According to Minato's intelligence, the paper this treaty was signed on shows traces of at least thirty years of aging. That places it during the First Shinobi World War." Homura Mitokado frowned deeply, casting his gaze at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Why did we never hear of such a group back then?"
"Who would pay attention to a band of wandering ninjas who couldn't survive, along with some insignificant small clans?" Danzo Shimura's voice dripped with dismissal. "They probably hadn't even mastered a handful of techniques. Who knows how many such groups existed across the ninja world."
Hiruzen Sarutobi studied additional intelligence—disorganized theories and fragments of research records.
Though Minato Namikaze's memory was excellent, time had been short, and he'd been shaken. The experimental projects and data he'd written from memory were incomplete, some sections quite vague.
"Orochimaru has returned, hasn't he?" Hiruzen suddenly looked at Danzo.
"He has."
"Summon him."
"Yes."
An ANBU appeared, bowed to accept the order, and departed swiftly.
Shortly after, a knock sounded at the door.
Orochimaru entered, his gaze sweeping over Danzo before settling on Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Sensei. You called for me."
"Examine these materials and assess their authenticity." Hiruzen gestured with his pipe toward the intelligence spread across the table.
Orochimaru's practiced smile remained unchanged, though inwardly he breathed a slight sigh of relief.
He'd obtained fascinating materials on the battlefield this time. Just as he'd been preparing to return and conduct research, this summons had arrived—making him fear he'd been exposed.
He approached the table and picked up the documents one by one. His expression shifted immediately.
Initial curiosity gave way to seriousness. When he reached certain theories and data regarding the Incarnation ritual, fervor flickered in his eyes.
"Most of it is genuine. Some theories are vague—likely the recorder couldn't remember clearly."
"A pity it's so fragmented." He sighed, looking at his teacher. "I wonder where this intelligence originated."
His tone seemed perfectly normal, but Hiruzen knew his disciple extremely well. Orochimaru had already set his sights on this information.
It was still two years before Orochimaru's eventual defection. According to certain analyses, his Living Corpse Reincarnation must have been conceptualized before the Third War's end.
Preliminary refinement occurred during the two years between the war's conclusion and his departure. Mature application came afterward.
So at this moment, Orochimaru already possessed a relatively complete framework for the technique.
The rejection reaction between physical and spiritual energy... After chakra fails to mix perfectly, it leaves a vulnerability to genjutsu?
The experimental data he'd just seen flashed through his mind.
Excitement mingled with lingering dread. He hadn't considered this point at all.
If he'd perfected and used Living Corpse Reincarnation as planned, wouldn't he have created an inherent weakness to genjutsu?
The Incarnation ritual. And the "Bath" mentioned within it. I must find a way to obtain them—then perfect my own technique.
The decision crystallized instantly.
Hiruzen handed over another pile of intelligence.
"Review this as well. Give me your assessment."
Orochimaru accepted the documents and began reading. His eyes lit up immediately.
"A group dedicated to researching jutsu?" His voice turned eager. "How many members do they currently have? What techniques do they possess? What's their combat strength?"
"We've only confirmed their location so far. Exact numbers remain unclear. But the two powerhouses who've already appeared are extremely troublesome."
"One possesses no detectable chakra whatsoever. Beyond visual confirmation, he cannot be sensed at all. His physical strength is immense, and he can absorb chakra..."
"The other struck only once—but poses the greater threat." Even Hiruzen couldn't suppress a frown.
With his own strength, putting Minato Namikaze in such a state would have been impossible.
Orochimaru glanced at the description of Minato's condition and formed an immediate judgment.
"Domain Expansion? Likely a combination of Barrier Techniques and Sealing Jutsu—perhaps even incorporating Space-Time Ninjutsu."
"Object distortion? Wood and books becoming animate, combined with Yin-Yang Release chakra?"
"Instinctual fear?" He paused thoughtfully. "That shouldn't be raw power. If he were that strong, Minato couldn't possibly have survived to deliver this report."
"Distortion. Yin-Yang Release."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. Certain research data from the Incarnation ritual surfaced in his memory. A hypothesis formed.
"What have you deduced?" Hiruzen noticed his disciple's shift immediately and asked directly.
Though called the Professor of Ninjutsu, his expertise lay in learning, understanding, application, and execution.
Not dissection, modification, and innovation. Without a researcher's mindset, crucial information might slip past.
But he understood his student.
Orochimaru wore his cold, practiced smile—concealing certain details.
"It should be a technique that directly attacks the body, or even the spirit. Combined with that enclosed barrier Domain, it actually counters Minato quite effectively."
Hiruzen regarded his disciple with piercing eyes. He took a slow draw from his pipe.
Ultimately, he chose not to press whether the other was hiding something.
"Tell me—what should our next move be regarding this mysterious clan?"
Cold light glinted behind Homura Mitokado's glasses. He spoke first.
"Regardless of circumstances, we cannot abandon the seven ninja swords. Moreover, this intelligence suggests the disappearance of our personnel may be this hidden clan's doing."
"Any existence that threatens Konoha cannot be tolerated." Danzo made his position clear.
"Since Minato is countered, let him hold the front line." Koharu Utatane's voice carried ice. "Have the Uchiha and Hyuga clans seek justice themselves—and simultaneously retrieve the swords."
Displeasure flickered through Hiruzen. Making enemies of an unknown entity so directly didn't align with his thinking.
He turned to Orochimaru.
"What is your view?"
"Mine?" Orochimaru smiled, eyes narrowing. His deep voice resonated through the chamber.
"No matter what action we take, we need intelligence to make proper judgments. Why not let me go and gather more detailed information?"
"Indeed. Only with thorough intelligence can we make the right choice." Hiruzen nodded.
"Orochimaru—lead an ANBU squad to support Minato Namikaze. Additionally, deliver this to him."
He produced a scroll and extended it.
"Yes, Sensei."
Orochimaru accepted the scroll, expression betraying nothing.
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~ Evey 150 PS = Bonus Chapter
~ ush the Story forward with your [Power Stones]