Naruto: Kurotsuchi Mayuri

"State your request," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, lighting his pipe. He glanced briefly at Orochimaru, then shifted his gaze to Kagetsu. 

"I hope the village can allow more kekkei genkai ninjas, or even captured kekkei genkai users, to cooperate with the Technology Development Department for testing, so we can establish a kekkei genkai database," Kagetsu said openly, ignoring the varied expressions of the people around him. 

"Orochimaru-sensei and I can ensure their safety and health." 

Hearing this, Danzo Shimura let out a cold laugh, clearly thinking that Kagetsu's proposal was ridiculous. "Who do you think you are?" he sneered. 

"Make another request," Hiruzen said, setting his pipe down and rubbing his brow with patience. 

"Kekkei genkai and secret techniques are the pride and taboo of each clan. Even as a Hokage, I don't have the authority to force them to cooperate." 

Kagetsu calmly corrected the misunderstanding. 

"I believe you may be overthinking this, Lord Third. What I'm suggesting isn't dangerous experimentation. This is purely about creating a database. Every clan that participates will benefit from it—things like uncovering hidden potential in their kekkei genkai, or even developing ways to prevent and treat hereditary diseases." 

Hiruzen shook his head, remaining firm. "This requires a Jonin Council meeting. We'd need to involve the clan leaders and jonin to discuss this matter properly. For now, you and Orochimaru should stay focused on researching the Wood Release. A war is on the horizon!" 

--- 

"Hiruzen!" Danzo called after the group left, glaring at the departing figures of Minato Namikaze, Kagetsu, and Orochimaru. His voice carried frustration. 

Hiruzen turned, his tone sharp as he addressed Danzo. "Enough! Your focus should be on external matters—on the movements of Sunagakure and Kumogakure! On the shifting situation in Amegakure, Kusagakure, and the other villages! We need to delay Konoha's involvement in the war for as long as possible." 

The long-standing understanding between the two allowed Hiruzen to grasp Danzo's intentions immediately. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi's experience and strength were unquestionable. He had successfully inherited the mantle from the Second Hokage, stabilized the village during the Second Shinobi World War, and secured the support of many jonin to solidify his position as the Third Hokage. He continued the policies of the Second Hokage and oversaw Konoha's growth to its current level. 

During his prime, Hiruzen's leadership had nurtured powerful shinobi like the Sannin and Sakumo Hatake, all of whom were strong candidates for the title of Hokage. 

The founding and expansion of Konoha's Ninja Academy, Medical Corps, and other departments were also thanks to his backing. 

However, after years away from the battlefield, Hiruzen had grown softer—less like the sharp, decisive ninja he once was. 

Although Orochimaru's recent closeness to Danzo had caused Hiruzen concern, Orochimaru had been well-behaved over the past two years, which reassured the Third Hokage. 

Naturally, Hiruzen had also begun to pay closer attention to Orochimaru's apprentice, Kagetsu, much like how he favored Jiraiya's student, Minato Namikaze. It was hard for Hiruzen not to show some leniency and favor toward them.

"Humph!" Danzo snorted and slammed the door behind him as he left. That only left the Third Hokage puffing smoke from his pipe, with advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanging puzzled glances. 

... 

"Let's part ways here, Orochimaru-senpai." Standing at the base of the Hokage Tower, Minato Namikaze took the initiative to say goodbye to Orochimaru and the others. All he could think about now was heading home to see Kushina Uzumaki. 

"You did it?" Orochimaru asked as he watched Minato's figure vanish in a flash. Then, with Shisui and Anko following behind, Orochimaru made his way toward the Technology Development Department. With only the four of them left, Orochimaru could no longer suppress his curiosity and thirst for knowledge. 

"Barely," Kagetsu replied, knowing Orochimaru was asking about his progress with the Kekkei Genkai technique (Kekkei Ikai technique). "The prerequisites are too many, and the risks are high. It's a complicated technique that requires very specific conditions to use." 

"You really surprise me, Kagetsu! I never thought you'd take such an unconventional approach to mastering Wood Release." Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Though it's still underdeveloped and costly." 

For Orochimaru, cost was never an issue. The only thing that mattered was whether the result fulfilled his ambitions. If Kagetsu's Kekkei Ikai technique could be perfected, Orochimaru had no doubt it would be useful to him. 

Shisui and Anko exchanged confused glances, feeling lost as they overheard the technical conversation. Neither of them could follow the intricate details. Their limited knowledge of medical ninjutsu and human biology only allowed them to grasp bits and pieces, but the overall discussion remained beyond their understanding. 

When they finally arrived at the Technology Development Department, Orochimaru and Kagetsu ended their discussion, though both seemed eager to continue. Seizing the moment, Shisui stepped forward, summoning all his courage to make a request. 

"Orochimaru-sama, I want to take the trial of the God Tree." 

His words immediately drew the attention of Orochimaru and the other two. 

"Are you sure about this?" Orochimaru asked, showing no displeasure at Shisui's boldness. Another talented subject for experimentation would be beneficial—not just for him, but for Kagetsu and the entire Technology Development Department. 

Even though Orochimaru had yet to formally accept Shisui as his disciple, unlike Kagetsu and Anko, he still carried the responsibility of a mentor. He wouldn't discard that role so easily. 

"The God Tree can enhance your visual prowess, but the ideal time to use it is when you've already awakened the Three Tomoe Sharingan—and pushed its power to the limits of your ability." 

"It's meant to help you break through that limit." 

"I understand," Shisui replied, closing his eyes briefly. Then, with a sharp breath, he opened them wide. In his blood-red Sharingan, three black tomoe rotated smoothly around his pupils. 

"Three Tomoe!" Anko exclaimed instinctively, her eyes widening in surprise. 

"I awakened it while we were surrounded by the Cloud shinobi, on the run," Shisui explained calmly, closing his eyes again to deactivate his Sharingan. 

"I have no problem with it. If you feel familiar enough with the Three Tomoe's power and you've earned Fugaku's approval, I'll gladly arrange the awakening ritual for the God Tree," Orochimaru said, nodding with interest. 

"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru!" Shisui bowed deeply, showing his respect. 

"You really don't seem like a typical Uchiha, Shisui." Orochimaru chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his voice. 

At Shisui's age, calm and gentle behavior like his was almost unheard of among the Uchiha. Compared to the usual members of the clan, Shisui seemed like an outlier, someone who didn't quite fit in. 

Interestingly, such outsiders often seemed to possess remarkable talent. 

Shisui lowered his head slightly, looking a little embarrassed by Orochimaru's remark. He knew that the Uchiha weren't exactly well-liked in the village. 

However, Shisui understood the truth: not every Uchiha with the Sharingan was an arrogant extremist. The Uchiha were simply emotional people. When driven by strong feelings, their behavior could appear irrational or even obsessive to outsiders. 

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