Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"Naruto-kun, I believe you!"

After countless rolls and flips, even someone like Orochimaru couldn't escape feeling humiliated. Faced with the undeniable reality of his situation, he had no choice but to accept Naruto's words.

Naruto laughed heartily and said, "If you had just admitted defeat earlier, you wouldn't have had to go through all that trouble."

Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a pang of embarrassment. Who would have thought there existed a binding contract that ensured absolute obedience in this world? He had never heard of such a Ninjutsu before.

Even now, he still didn't understand what method Naruto used to control him.

Just this alone made it far more terrifying than Itachi's Genjutsu.

"Okay, it's getting late, and I need to return to my main body, otherwise my main body will be waiting anxiously. Today's events end here, they'll stay between you and me." With that, Naruto's shadow clone prepared to disperse himself.

"What? Naruto-kun, you were only a shadow clone this whole time?"

Orochimaru could barely believe it, 'If a shadow clone alone was this powerful, then how powerful would Naruto-kun's main body be?'

But he still had a doubt in his heart, and couldn't help asking: "Naruto-kun, what exactly is your goal?"

With such strength at such a young age, Orochimaru found it hard to believe that Naruto would be content to live a mediocre life in Konoha without some greater purpose.

"My goal, huh?"

Naruto was slightly startled and began to think in his heart.

Ending up in the Naruto World was never his choice, especially after realizing he was Uzumaki Naruto himself… something that filled him with worry.

This world was full of dangerous people, each willing to sacrifice others for their own dreams. Not to mention the arrival of the extraterrestrial Otsutsuki Clan, each of whom was a BUG-like existence.

No matter in the past life or this life, Naruto had only one real goal, which is to live well.

But to live peacefully here, he needed strength… enough to become practically invincible.

On second thought, this goal wasn't too different from Orochimaru's own. Orochimaru had sought eternal life, aiming for both physical and spiritual immortality, which was more ambitious than Naruto's goal of living well.

'If Orochimaru really figures it out, doesn't that mean I can also achieve immortality?'

'That would be amazing!'

'But for now, Orochimaru was only obeying me out of contractual compulsion. Orochimaru might slack off, feeling like a mere puppet, and wouldn't put his heart into his research.'

Naruto needed Orochimaru to genuinely respect and acknowledge him to push forward with researching immortality.

With that in mind, Naruto's eyes gleamed as he put on a somber look and sighed: "Life is so short, so fragile. Aging and death leave one feeling empty..."

As he said this, he stole a glance at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru's body trembled slightly, his slitted eyes revealing a flash of unyielding resolve.

Seeing that it worked, Naruto continued, "So, my goal from the beginning to the end is only one, I want to find a way to exist beyond time. With that, I'll have more time to master every Ninjutsu in existence and, perhaps, uncover the ultimate truth of this world!"

"Your ambition is truly admirable, Naruto-kun!" Orochimaru couldn't help but praise him.

Hearing this, Naruto almost couldn't hold back his laughter.

'Orochimaru's goal was the same, so praising me was like indirectly praising himself.'

However, he still forced himself to keep a straight face and said sadly, "But it's a lofty goal. Just the pursuit of immortality alone is difficult. My current focus is on seeking eternal life. As for the other things, I'll just take them as the time comes. By the way, Orochimaru, what is your goal?"

"My goal?" Orochimaru couldn't hide his excitement and said, "My goal aligns almost exactly with yours, Naruto-kun."

"Such a coincidence?" Naruto asked in surprise.

Orochimaru nodded heavily: "I have participated in the Shinobi World War and witnessed too many deaths. Only then did I understand the fragility of life. That's why I left Konoha… to find immortality and the world's truth. To think that one so young as you would have such insight... I feel humbled, Naruto-kun."

Orochimaru had once wondered how Naruto had such a powerful 'Contract Ninjutsu', but now, he assumed it was a product of Naruto's own research into immortality.

Although Orochimaru hadn't created anything as groundbreaking, he had also developed many new Ninjutsu over the years, so he could naturally understand Naruto. As a fellow researcher, he could relate to Naruto and even felt a sense of camaraderie.

He could only sigh that his skills were inferior to the other party's!

"It's easy to find beautiful women in the world, but it's hard to find a soulmate in the world. I really didn't expect that you would think this way. If I'd known we shared such goals, I wouldn't have even needed to use the contract on you."

Naruto feigned deep regret and added, "Unfortunately, I've only mastered creating contracts, not releasing them. But rest assured, once I find a way to break it, you'll be the first to know."

Hearing this, Orochimaru trembled, "Naruto-kun, I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but honestly, I don't think that will be necessary anymore."

"Why?" This time, Naruto was genuinely perplexed.

'With Orochimaru's sinister personality, it's impossible for him to be talked out of his mind with just a few words.'

'Could it be that the affinity of the Servant Contract has taken effect? ​​Has it increased the power of my Talk-no-Jutsu?'

Orochimaru's lips curved into a sly smile, "Being ensnared by this technique is proof of my own inadequacy. But don't forget, Naruto-kun, I, too, have been researching Ninjutsu all these years. I'm confident I'll find a way to break this contract myself. So instead of worrying about me, why not focus on your own research into immortality?"

Naruto nodded thoughtfully and said seriously, "Orochimaru, just based on those words, you've earned my respect. Then, I won't hold back. During our exchange, I noticed a few issues."

"What issues?" Orochimaru asked nervously.

Naruto said, "Your body isn't in sync with your mind. It's clear this body isn't your original one. You've made impressive progress with immortality, developing a way to switch bodies, which deserves praise. But your mind is plagued by foreign thoughts and resentment, likely side effects from this body transfer. You should watch out for that."

Orochimaru's eyes flashed with admiration, "For Naruto-kun to observe so much in a single encounter... I thought my technique was flawless. Truly, you live up to your reputation."

With so many problems were discovered after just one fight, Orochimaru believed that Naruto has made some progress in his research on immortality.

He couldn't help but bowed slightly in respect, "Since you're able to identify the problem, might you also have a solution, Naruto-kun?"

"There is no solution yet, but I am currently researching ways to improve mental strength."

Naruto said, "Though I'm sure you know such research isn't something that yields results overnight. How about this, you don't need to call me master. Just go ahead with your research as you wish, I won't restrain you. Once I find a solution, I'll inform you."

Hearing this, Orochimaru nodded and said, "This is an uncharted path. I thought I would have to walk it alone, but now, with a genius like you by my side, Naruto-kun, I'm sure this extraordinary Ninjutsu will succeed. I'll await your good news, and when the time comes, I'll share my findings with you as well!"

"I'm looking forward to that day!"

Naruto laughed in his heart. He had no idea how to improve mental strength, but with the system, he knew it wouldn't be difficult to find a way to improve mental strength.

Besides, his real goal was simply to keep Orochimaru engaged in his research, and seeing Orochimaru motivated was all he needed.

"Alright, it's getting late. I'll return to my main body first. Until next time."

With his objective achieved, Naruto had no further concerns. After forming a hand seal, his figure suddenly turned into a puff of white smoke and disappeared.

Seeing Naruto disappear, Orochimaru couldn't calm down for a long time. After a long time, he clenched his fist and said, "Naruto-kun, meeting a soulmate like you is indeed a blessing... though it will be your misfortune. After all, I will certainly be the first to uncover the secrets of immortality!"

At this moment, Orochimaru was filled with a competitive drive, as if he had returned to the days when he first learned Ninjutsu.

Little did he know, he'd been completely outwitted by Naruto and was enthusiastically counting money on Naruto's behalf without realizing he'd been sold out...