"White Zetsu?"
Orochimaru looked in the direction the Genie Lamp pointed, a faint glint flashing in his eyes.
Putting aside the issue of whether it was suitable material for now, he was still in the early stages of figuring out how to use Six Paths level power. If he could use an existing example as a reference, that would be a good idea.
White Zetsu, originally a human from a thousand years ago, was later corrupted within the Outer Path Demonic Statue for over a millennium, transforming into a lesser being of the Otsutsuki bloodline. It was quite a qualified product...
But then, how much of his humanity did White Zetsu retain?
The Genie Lamp looked at Orochimaru, who had fallen into thought, with surprise. "What's wrong? Is White Zetsu not suitable?"
Given Orochimaru's incredible drive, he had expected him to act immediately if he found something suitable.
"It's not that. I just realized I might have made a mistake."
Orochimaru shook his head and reached out to the ground. Rocks and soil wriggled with life, and before long, they spat out a White Zetsu from deep underground.
"Orochimaru, you..." White Zetsu's eyes widened, and before he could finish speaking, he fainted.
Orochimaru glanced at White Zetsu, then turned his gaze to the Genie Lamp and said slowly, "Apart from its form, its brain, internal organ structure, and eating habits...it's a completely different species from humans."
"I was wondering, even if I successfully corrupted the spore, would the resulting product be more like me or more like the spore?"
He wanted a perfect species that was completely under his control yet possessed the spore's ability to absorb solar energy. But reality was often disappointing; after completing the corruption, he would more likely become a degraded version of himself.
The Genie Lamp raised an eyebrow. "You mean..."
"It shouldn't be me corrupting the spore, but rather the spore corrupting something else...and then having the latter gain its characteristics."
Orochimaru licked his lips with his tongue. "So the problem now is choosing a suitable host..."
Little White Snake was quite unique, but no matter how great the gap between it and ninja world creatures, it couldn't be wider than the gap between the Otsutsuki clan of a thousand years ago and the native inhabitants of the ninja world. At least the former two shared the power of Chakra.
In fact, if he chose the right host, he might quickly obtain a lesser substitute for the spore.
The Genie Lamp listened to Orochimaru and asked, "Your idea is interesting, but can't you use White Zetsu?"
"The influence of Otsutsuki power is already very deep; this is a very mature product, and it's very difficult to make it undergo a species change."
Orochimaru glanced at White Zetsu and tossed him into the mouth of a summoned viper. "However, as a reference, it's not bad."
But that was all. White Zetsu, though unique in its abilities, had its potential completely drained and could not undergo further changes.
When choosing materials next, he would even need to avoid ninjas who had received White Zetsu cell transplants.
"Heh...human experimentation, you're back to your old tricks."
The Genie Lamp chuckled, a playful smile on his lips. "But this time, even if you do it openly, I doubt anyone would dare say much."
Orochimaru shook his head at the Genie Lamp's tease. "That may be so, but there's no need."
Just like before, if he rephrased something, a large number of people would willingly come forward.
After thinking for a moment, he added, "And compared to natural humans, perhaps engineered humans are more suitable for spore corruption."
Finding someone who perfectly met the criteria among native natural humans would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, the difficulty would be much lower if certain characteristics were set beforehand and clones were cultivated in that direction.
Becoming a Six Paths level being was not just an increase in power; his special abilities and insight would allow his existing techniques to achieve incredible things.
"So, the next steps are...creating an environment for spore corruption and engineering suitable hosts."
Golden light flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He already had some ideas on how to approach both aspects.
As he was contemplating, he heard a sound of air breaking. In an instant, Jiraiya, who had left and returned, landed on the ground. His face was etched with urgency, and he said in a deep voice, "Orochimaru, the old man is looking for you. Come as soon as possible."
He then added with a wry smile, as if remembering the instructions given when he left, "Madara, who has been dead for a long time, reappearing in the ninja world is no small matter."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly. "Alright, I happen to have some matters that require me to see the old man as well."
...
In the Hokage's meeting room, upon hearing that Orochimaru and Jiraiya had returned from Mount Myōboku, Danzo, the elder advisors, the head of the Jonin squad, Nara Shikaku, and the leader of the Uchiha Clan, Fugaku, had all gathered.
In fact, even if the two were still at Mount Myōboku, a corresponding meeting would have been necessary after the intelligence from Amegakure arrived.
Uchiha Madara's reappearance in the ninja world... no matter what method he used, it was no small matter.
If it weren't for the great battle at the Valley of the End, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, might not have died prematurely. The Second Hokage could have withdrawn from the war and had more time to reorganize the village, thus not leaving such a mess for the village.
It could be said that Uchiha Madara's actions had directly impacted the fate of the entire Konoha.
And the news of a dead man's resurrection from Amegakure... from the beginning, those present had no doubts.
After the intelligence about the Akatsuki organization's base in Amegakure was exposed, and after Orochimaru's battle with the Akatsuki leader, Nagato, many ninja villages had dispatched spies for investigation, and Konoha was naturally no exception.
The massive battle on the swamp could not have been faked. And in the ninja world, apart from Orochimaru, no one could have fought Nagato to that extent. If anything, it would have to be someone crawling out of their grave.
"This is a troubled time."
Mitokado Homura, who was usually calm, could not help but sigh. Konoha had barely settled into peace before a new formidable enemy appeared.
They knew very well that compared to the Akatsuki organization of Amegakure, Uchiha Madara disliked Konoha even more.
They had thought that with a top-tier fighter like Orochimaru, they could rest easy, but even if they could win, the aftermath of the battle could flatten the entire village.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru were summoned here to discuss a countermeasure as soon as possible.
And before the main parties arrived, there was nothing else to say. The village's top brass exchanged small talk about village administrative matters, passing the time with these trivial issues.
In this tense atmosphere, the leader of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku, felt somewhat awkward.
In the past year or two, thanks to the village loosening its grip on the clan and Orochimaru's assistance, the Uchiha Clan's standing in Konoha had risen like never before, completely overshadowing the Hyuga clan. No one mentioned them as 'one of' Konoha's two great Dojutsu clans anymore.
The gap was already obvious, and further discussion would not only offend the Uchiha but also slap the Hyuga clan in the face.
But even with their success in Konoha, it was clear that a clan traitor of this level was not something an Uchiha could handle.
This was obvious, but the usually proud Uchiha felt ashamed. Even though no one said anything, he wished he could escape the awkward atmosphere.
But as the clan leader, he had to be present.
Noticing Fugaku's troubled expression, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slowly said, "Clan Leader Fugaku, there's no need to be distressed. In the First Hokage's era, Uchiha Madara had already severed ties with the clan and even wanted to destroy the Uchiha family. The village is fair and just; it will not hold it against the Uchiha because of this."
"Nevertheless, he did originate from the Uchiha..." Fugaku's expression was grave. "The clan has a responsibility to deal with him."
If an ordinary person said this, the Third Hokage would have dismissed it as mere bravado. But for the usually stable and sensible Uchiha Fugaku to think this way, it had to be taken seriously.
After pondering for a moment, the Third Hokage shook his head and said, "This matter is no longer just about the Uchiha Clan; it is a crisis for Konoha, and even the entire ninja world. You don't need to bear this burden alone."
Seeing Fugaku about to say something, the Third Hokage interrupted, "News from Amegakure will spread quickly. What the trend is within your clan after that is what you should be considering now."
Upon hearing this, Fugaku's heart grew solemn, and he quickly responded.
He knew his own clan best. Although Uchiha Madara, as a rogue ninja, had caused them much trouble, there were still many who, with a certain fanatical will, viewed him as the pinnacle of Uchiha power.
After all, the previous 'rebellion plan' had used this very slogan. This was indeed something to be mindful of.
After subtly admonishing Fugaku, the Third Hokage continued to discuss village administrative matters with the advisors. Danzo, who had remained silent with a very low presence, looked at the thoughtful Fugaku and sneered inwardly.
In his opinion, the village gave the Uchiha Clan fame and fortune, yet they were like untamable wolves, always thinking of biting the village again. They deserved to be killed.
And the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who implemented such lenient policies, was even more of an idiot.
If he had a powerful ally like Orochimaru, he would have long ago used some means to control them completely.
With this thought, deep envy flickered in Danzo's lowered eyes.
In terms of strength and energy, he had long surpassed Sarutobi Hiruzen, even stronger than in his prime in his twenties or thirties. Yet, because of Orochimaru's existence, there was no possibility of him ever attaining that position.
This was truly... Subconsciously, Danzo clenched his fists.
*Rustle*
Just then, the meeting room door suddenly opened, and Orochimaru and Jiraiya strode in.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Danzo, on the other hand, pushed the dark thoughts that had just arisen back into the depths of his mind.
"Orochimaru, here is the intelligence from Amegakure..."
Mitokado Homura stood up and handed a stack of documents to Orochimaru as he took his seat.
"..."
Orochimaru quickly scanned through it, then turned his gaze to the others, a smile still lingering on his lips. "So that's what it is. It's not a big problem."
"Does that mean you are confident you can deal with Madara?"
Utatane Koharu added, "Not just defeat him, but also ensure the fighting doesn't affect the village. Uchiha Madara has a super-giant summoning beast."
A humanoid beast nearly a thousand meters tall. Just thinking about it was terrifying. Such a monster walking around could level Konoha, let alone fighting it.
"That giant statue? There's no need to worry about that."
Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged, and he smiled. "From the intelligence, it seems it's not Uchiha Madara's summoning beast, but Nagato's. Hmm... I didn't see him bring it out during our last fight. Perhaps there are some restrictions."
Hearing this, the others didn't feel any relief. Nagato of Amegakure... that was also a threat no less significant than Uchiha Madara.
"Nagato, he's a bit different from Uchiha Madara,"
Jiraiya suddenly spoke up. "At least if he knew that a fight would result in mutual destruction, he would choose not to fight. Konoha and Amegakure might be able to maintain a peaceful state..."
As he spoke, he noticed the Third Hokage's stern gaze and silently closed his mouth.
His relationship with Nagato was too sensitive. Speaking up for Nagato at this juncture was truly asking for trouble.
"Jiraiya is right..."
Orochimaru's expression was calm, and he smiled at everyone.
"In comparison, Nagato is a lesser threat than Uchiha Madara. In fact, for Amegakure itself, Uchiha Madara also poses a certain threat."
"That precious super-giant summoning beast, from the intelligence, Madara seems to have some degree of control over it. Perhaps their conflict can be exploited."
Upon hearing this, Utatane Koharu frowned. "Are you saying we should team up with the Akatsuki organization... to hunt down Uchiha Madara?"
The implication here was clearly different from the previous negotiation in Amegakure, which was about establishing a subtle balance of power. This proposed a public announcement of an alliance between Konoha and Amegakure, with both sides even cooperating to track Uchiha Madara's whereabouts.
In the aftermath of the war between Konoha and the Akatsuki organization, this was difficult to accept emotionally.
"You could say that." Orochimaru glanced at Utatane Koharu. "Whatever grudges we have, we can't fight the Akatsuki organization anymore."
Both sides had the ability to destroy the other, and neither wanted to do so. Therefore, overt military conflict had to be set aside and replaced with another approach.
"We can appropriately conceal the truth from ordinary villagers, as they suffered the most casualties in the previous war. As for the ninjas..."
Orochimaru licked his lips and said slowly, "Inflate the danger level of Uchiha Madara... This kind of manipulation is very simple."
One wanted to crush Konoha, while the other wanted to leave no survivors and destroy Konoha entirely. The ninjas who fought on the battlefield could distinguish between the two priorities.
Moreover, there was a deeper reason beyond the general trend for facilitating this.
Since he couldn't control the entire ninja world for the time being, with the pseudo-peaceful state between them, he could indirectly make the entire ninja world's power work for him.
This was the case for the future material bank problem.