Naruto: I, Uchiha, Just Want to Die

Chapter 183: Curse Mark and Zero Tails Enhancement Plan! A Summons from Danzo!

"The Evil Uchiha"

Hearing Orochimaru's words, Uchiha Ci's eyes slightly widened, and a cascade of thoughts filled his mind.

When it came to "evil Uchiha," the first figure that popped into his head was his younger brother, Obito, after his descent into darkness.

Could it be...

Did Orochimaru want him to emulate those deeds? Murdering his teacher, bombing Konoha, and attempting to overthrow the Shinobi world?

But he had received nine years of compulsory education! He couldn't bring himself to commit such atrocious acts, especially the first one!

Unlike Obito, who was uneducated, Uchiha Ci considered himself a civilized man. Doing such things felt... well, beneath him. Besides, Orochimaru was his teacher! How was he supposed to kill him?

As for the other two deeds, one was already accomplished, and the other was soon to be done.

Besides, he bore no personal grudge against Konoha at the moment. Even the village's greatest villain, the "Pot King" Danzo, probably wouldn't care about his mere two-tomoe Sharingan.

How was this supposed to work? Should he flaunt Zero Tails in front of Danzo to tempt the man into a trap, thereby baiting him into committing a crime for a sting operation?

With this thought, Uchiha Ci raised his head, frowned, and asked Orochimaru seriously:

"Orochimaru, what exactly does it take to qualify as an evil Uchiha?"

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming mischievously. After a pause, he rasped:

"For instance... following your heart, ignoring the judgment of others, and doing things you've always wanted to do but couldn't."

Uchiha Ci's body jolted, his eyes lighting up.

"You mean... I should sneak into the Root Headquarters, transform, and blast Danzo, the guy who's always targeted the Uchiha clan, with a massive attack?"

"Honestly, I've been annoyed with that old man for a while!"

"Kill him, then help you take over as the head of Root! You and I, teacher and disciple, controlling Root together—wouldn't that be wonderful?"

This plan seemed highly feasible!

Danzo probably didn't yet have that arm full of Sharingan for multiple Izanagi uses. At most, he might have a single three-tomoe Sharingan in his right eye, coupled with his Wind Release techniques, summoning beasts, and sealing arts. He might not even possess Izanagi yet.

This level of threat wasn't far off from an elite-level "Ebizo."

If Uchiha Ci went all out, his odds of victory were quite high!

Hearing this, Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, unsure how to respond. When had Danzo ever offended this boy?

After some thought, Orochimaru's lips curled into an amused smile. In a raspy voice, he chuckled:

"Well, that might not be a bad idea. Though there's a risk of becoming a rogue ninja, that hardly matters."

"With me here, you can give it a try."

"However..."

Currently, Orochimaru had a significant funding gap for his Wood Release experiments, and Danzo was a key investor. He wasn't ready to "kill the goose that laid the golden eggs" until he had concrete results.

Glancing at Uchiha Ci, Orochimaru added nonchalantly:

"Danzo still has his uses. Besides, in your current state, you can't defeat him. That old fox has a few tricks up his sleeve that even I find troublesome."

"You'll need more training."

"I've reinforced the Heaven Curse Mark with the Evil Sealing Method and used the Four Symbols Seal to suppress your Sharingan's ability to absorb natural energy."

"Before the next battle erupts, you must complete several training tasks."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, took out a scroll, and tossed it to Uchiha Ci.

Unrolling it, Uchiha Ci saw the title:

"Experimental Records and Methods for Suppressing the Heaven Curse Mark"

The scroll detailed gruesome and inhumane experiments and their effects on the Heaven Curse Mark. Toward the end, Orochimaru had made preliminary analyses of how to eliminate most side effects and fully activate the "Curse Mark Stage One."

There were even conceptual ideas about "Curse Mark Stage Two" and a true "Sage Mode." However, these theories likely wouldn't be finalized until Orochimaru acquired Jugo, who could naturally enter Sage Mode.

"You've already advanced the Heaven Curse Mark to Stage Two, approaching the Ryūchi Cave Sage Mode. But your method is far too reckless. You need to learn precise control of this power," Orochimaru instructed sternly.

"For now, avoid further contact with the Sage Snakes of Ryūchi Cave."

"I have a better method to help you master Sage Mode in one step."

"The first step is for you to perfectly control the power of the Curse Mark!"

"This scroll contains several methods to further integrate the Curse Mark with your body, reducing the strain of natural energy."

Uchiha Ci raised his head in slight surprise.

"Anything else?"

Orochimaru nodded calmly.

"The second is the Wood Release experiment."

"As you know, you have less than two years left to live."

"To extend your life, we need to 'expand' your body's capacity. But this isn't something that can be achieved in a short time, even with your unique physique."

Orochimaru exhaled deeply and continued in a low voice:

"The initial cellular fusion experiments conducted using your tissues have failed over 300 times. However, there was an unexpected result."

"The multi-generational refined Hashirama cells can serve as cultivation material for the Zero Tails within you, allowing it to grow rapidly."

Uchiha Ci was momentarily stunned.

If so, his chronic chakra deficiency might finally be resolved. He wouldn't collapse after firing a few high-energy blasts anymore.

If Zero Tails could rival the chakra reserves of a true Tailed Beast, this would undoubtedly be a massive boost for him.

"For now, that's all. I'll summon you via my summoned snakes regarding the Tailed Beast cultivation."

After finishing, Orochimaru suddenly squinted at the door. Through the window, two shadowy figures appeared outside.

Watching these uninvited guests, Orochimaru chuckled hoarsely:

"Well, isn't this convenient?"

"Ci, let's see if you can become a true villain."

Extending his tongue to lick his lips, Orochimaru made a series of rapid hand seals:

Tiger → Hare → Snake → Horse → Ram → Bird (repeated thrice) → Dog → Rat!

Placing his hand on Uchiha Ci's neck, Orochimaru released two seals:

Evil Sealing Method: Release!

Four Symbols Seal: Release!

In an instant, Uchiha Ci felt two invisible chains within him dissolve.

Orochimaru then drew a syringe filled with green liquid from his sleeve and handed it to Uchiha Ci.

With a sinister laugh, his eyes glinted coldly.

"Take this and show our investor what it means to be a villain—"

"And what it means to be a... human weapon!"

With that, Orochimaru vanished from the room.

Moments later—

Bang!

The door burst open!

Two Konoha Anbu, clad in uniforms and masked, exuding cold killing intent, strode in.

Fixing their icy gazes on Uchiha Ci, they commanded coldly:

"Uchiha Ci, Lord Danzo summons you!"