Naruto: I Reign Supreme with Templates Across the Multiverse.

In a secret underground base,

Orochimaru lay weakly on a bed, leaning against the headboard.

This was the No. 2 Orochimaru in this world, his body close to collapse.

"It seems taking over another body must be prioritized. This body won't last much longer."

Orochimaru No. 2 murmured as he cast a glance at Orochimaru No. 1 nearby.

Orochimaru No. 1 was busy with experiments in his hands, not looking up as he said, "Are you still planning on Uchiha Sasuke?"

"In my opinion, your chances of success are almost zero. Since you've studied the Sharingan, you should understand its power."

"The Sharingan is an eye technique of the Yin Release type and uses spiritual energy."

"This means Uchiha Sasuke's spiritual energy is very powerful, likely stronger than yours now."

"Your soul has undergone many reincarnations, becoming extremely fragile."

"If you try to possess him, you might be swallowed by him instead."

Orochimaru No. 2 smiled weakly, speaking calmly, "How could I not know this?"

"Since I chose this path, I must be sure. Even if Uchiha Sasuke devours me, I still have a chance to come back."

"Because after devouring me, he will seek revenge against Uchiha Itachi. Itachi's strength is no joke; even if Sasuke wins, it will be a costly victory."

"At that time, exhausted and unable to suppress my chakra, I can turn the tables and devour his soul while he's weak."

Orochimaru No. 1 asked, "What if Itachi kills him?"

Orochimaru No. 2 smiled, "No, if his life is truly in danger, I will protect his body."

"When defeated, he must be chakra-exhausted. I can still take over his body then."

"Though regrettable — my apprentice Sasuke won't get his revenge with his own hands — it suits me, the teacher, to avenge him."

Orochimaru No. 1 shook his head, "I really don't understand your obsession with the Sharingan."

"Is it because your hands are sealed and you rely on ninjutsu like eye techniques?"

"No ninjutsu is invincible. No matter how strong the sealing, there are ways to break it. You're going down the wrong path."

Orochimaru No. 2 sneered, "Do you think I haven't considered this? No, everything is calculated."

"If I fail to seize Sasuke's body, you will release me from the curse seal."

"Then I will undo my seal and regain my hands."

Orochimaru No. 1 pondered, "The failure you mentioned — after the battle between Sasuke and Itachi?"

Orochimaru No. 2 nodded, "If I can't seize his body then, I won't wait any longer."

"Because if I wait, who knows how many years I'll have to wait to succeed. I don't have the patience or time."

Orochimaru No. 1 nodded, "No problem. Many have your cursed seal; just find one to release you."

"But if I help, you must reward me accordingly."

"I want all research materials on Hashirama cells, reincarnation, curse seals, and jutsu."

Orochimaru No. 2 said casually, "No problem. Once freed, I'll give you everything."

Orochimaru No. 1 sighed, "Then why the obsession with the Sharingan?"

"If it were the Rinnegan, I might understand. But just the three-magata Sharingan — even the Mangekyō Sharingan — isn't worth it."

Orochimaru No. 2 said helplessly, "You don't get it. It's an obsession. Success or failure, I have to try."

Orochimaru No. 1 frowned and looked outside the door.

Though closed tightly, he felt someone approaching — Uchiha Sasuke.

"Sasuke is here. He's probably planning to strike first."

"I can sense his murderous aura from far away."

Orochimaru No. 1 smiled at Orochimaru No. 2.

Orochimaru No. 2 said solemnly, "You should leave. If Sasuke devours me, let him leave this place."

Orochimaru No. 1 nodded and left with a hand seal.

Then a fierce battle erupted in Orochimaru No. 2's room.

Three minutes later, the fighting stopped.

Two minutes later, Sasuke emerged refreshed.

Orochimaru No. 1 returned and saw the gruesome scene:

A huge python made of countless white snakes lay in pieces on the floor, with snake blood everywhere.

"Sure enough, you failed!"

Orochimaru No. 1 shook his head helplessly.

…

Above a vast lake,

A large white clay bird flew over, carrying two figures in Akatsuki uniforms.

The yellow-haired Deidara looked displeased at the cold young man beside him — Uchiha Itachi.

After sealing the One-Tails, Deva Pain adjusted Akatsuki pairs to capture the remaining tailed beasts quickly.

With help from Black Zetsu No. 1 and No. 2, who realized how powerful Zenkichi was, they informed Obito Uchiha.

Obito and Nagato agreed to speed up tailed beast collection.

Analyzing remaining targets, Akatsuki members were reassigned based on each tailed beast's weaknesses.

Deidara and Itachi were tasked with capturing the Three-Tails, sleeping in the lake below.

Displeased, Deidara took white clay from his backpack, ate some with his palm, turned it into tiny white fish, and released them.

The fish entered the water, becoming Deidara's eyes and ears to locate the Three-Tails.

Because of his unique abilities, Deidara was assigned this task.

Soon, the fish found the Three-Tails.

The fish swam near its head and exploded, waking the beast.

Furious, the Three-Tails surged out of the water, creating huge waves.

"How about it, can you handle this?"

"If not, move aside and watch my art."

"Hmm!"

Deidara said proudly.

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