Uchiha Ren smiled and shook his head. From the scrolls in his hand, he selected one and handed it to Orochimaru.
"At the moment, this storage scroll contains the corpse of a creature known as White Zetsu."
"White Zetsu?" Orochimaru asked, puzzled.
Ren nodded and explained:
"White Zetsu is a special lifeform. To put it simply… it was originally human, but it was assimilated by Wood Release, resulting in a unique biological form."
Even Ren himself found it somewhat difficult to clearly explain the exact origin of White Zetsu.
In the original storyline, there were two explanations for their creation.
One theory was that Ōtsutsuki Kaguya used the Infinite Tsukuyomi to transform humans into humanoid weapons known as White Zetsu.
The other theory claimed that Uchiha Madara cultivated them using Hashirama cells through the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Ren personally leaned toward the first explanation—that Kaguya transformed humans into White Zetsu using the Infinite Tsukuyomi, while Madara merely reactivated these dormant White Zetsu with Hashirama cells.
However, those secrets were far too complicated to explain.
Ren didn't bother going into such depth. As long as Orochimaru understood their practical use, that was enough.
"In short," Ren continued, "you can treat White Zetsu as a kind of Wood Release-based organism. It can perfectly adapt to Hashirama cells."
"It possesses some of the characteristics of Hashirama cells, but lacks their overwhelming corrosive power. That makes it much easier to integrate with other shinobi."
"White Zetsu has many possible applications. As for the specifics, you'll have to study it yourself."
Orochimaru looked at the scroll in his hand, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"To think such a fascinating lifeform exists in this world… Hearing you describe it like that makes me eager to begin research immediately."
Ren nodded.
"These White Zetsu should help somewhat with Itachi's treatment."
"Additionally, I want you to develop an auxiliary serum for the Uchiha clan, using both White Zetsu and Hashirama cells as the foundation."
"An auxiliary serum?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow in surprise. "What effect do you want it to have?"
Ren explained:
"When the Sharingan of an Uchiha evolves to a certain stage, many of us encounter problems similar to Itachi's condition—though his case is far more severe."
"You may have heard that above the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, there exists a special form known as the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"But what you probably don't know is that although the Mangekyō Sharingan grants immense power, it also becomes a heavy burden for the user."
"The more frequently we use the Mangekyō Sharingan, the more our vision deteriorates."
"Once the dōjutsu power of the Mangekyō is completely exhausted…"
"We permanently lose our sight."
"Based on your earlier conclusion about Itachi's condition, I suspect this is also because our bodies cannot supply enough nourishment to sustain the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Ren paused before continuing.
"One of our clan members once fused with a White Zetsu body by coincidence, and this prevented the deterioration of his Mangekyō Sharingan."
"What I need you to do is replicate that coincidence—and find a safer method."
Above the Mangekyō Sharingan exists an even higher stage known as the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
The commonly accepted evolution method was to transplant the eyes of a close blood relative.
However, Ren considered that approach to be a failed evolutionary path.
After all, neither the Sage of Six Paths nor the Uchiha progenitor Indra Ōtsutsuki fused the eyes of relatives when their eyes evolved into the Eternal Mangekyō—or even further into the Rinnegan.
There were two main reasons for that.
First, their bloodlines were extremely pure.
Second, their bodies were powerful enough.
But as generations passed, the bloodline of the Uchiha clan gradually diluted, and their physical bodies became weaker.
As a result, later generations had to rely on alternative methods to push the Sharingan further.
For example—transplanting a relative's eyes.
Wasn't that essentially a forced purification of bloodline power?
Moreover, the Senju clan and the Uchiha clan shared a common ancestor.
Senju Hashirama, as the reincarnation of Asura Ōtsutsuki, had a bloodline that had also undergone a form of atavistic return.
Therefore, integrating White Zetsu cells infused with Hashirama's power was also a method of purifying bloodline strength.
It simply approached the problem from a different angle.
And compared to sacrificing a close relative…
Using White Zetsu cells was clearly far more practical.
Furthermore, both Uchiha Ren and Uchiha Shisui currently had no close relatives alive.
As for Uchiha Fugaku, although he had two talented sons, he would never accept such a cruel evolution method.
Therefore, following the successful example of Uchiha Obito and using White Zetsu cells to eliminate the drawbacks of the Mangekyō Sharingan was the best option available.
"I see…"
Orochimaru licked his lips slightly, excitement flashing across his eyes.
"The bloodline of the Uchiha clan is becoming more and more interesting."
He carefully stored the scroll away before continuing:
"So this is why you came to see me today?"
"Or perhaps…"
His gaze shifted toward the remaining scrolls in Ren 's hand, filled with curiosity and anticipation.
Ren smiled and handed them over one by one.
"This scroll contains the corpses of several Hyūga clan shinobi."
"This one records a detailed analysis of the Caged Bird Seal used by the Hyūga clan."
"And these scrolls contain various materials related to Fūinjutsu."
Orochimaru took the scrolls, shock flashing across his face.
"You plan to break the Hyūga clan's Caged Bird Seal?"
"I thought Minato's words earlier were just part of an act you two staged. But now it seems…"
"You're serious."
Orochimaru naturally knew that Namikaze Minato had recently offended both the Uchiha clan and the Hyūga clan, along with several other noble clans of Konoha.
But since Orochimaru had already spoken privately with Ren beforehand, he had assumed it was merely a political performance staged by Ren and Minato to lure Shimura Danzō into making a move.
Unexpectedly, the situation had taken a different turn.
They were completely serious about it.
Ren spoke solemnly.
"If we knowingly ignore oppression that exists within the village, then how would we be any different from the Third Hokage?"
"As the leader of the village, the Hokage must stand for the interests of all villagers."
"He should never compromise with any single clan."
"HAHAHAHA!"
Orochimaru froze for a moment before bursting into laughter, tears nearly forming in his eyes.
"Exactly! If that were the case, how would it be any different from that old man?! Hahaha!"
Ren shook his head slightly.
"I know the Caged Bird Seal, which the Hyūga clan has used for thousands of years, won't be easy to Crack."
"But I hope you'll give it serious attention."
"Preferably, improve upon it—removing the component that allows the seal's controller to determine the life or death of the bearer."
"Minato and Kushina will also conduct research on it."
"If you have any ideas, you can coordinate with them."
Orochimaru nodded.
"I understand."
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