Shinigami in the Ninja World

His life's goal was no longer to "learn all the jutsu in the world."

Given his current understanding of "ninjutsu," he only needed to grasp one principle to create his own techniques.

Moreover, he truly was being threatened at his weakest point. Trading information for the techniques he wanted was well worth it.

After all, in the eyes of others, he was already "dead."

Naruto formed seals and summoned a scroll.

He chose two destructive spells.

One was "Hadō #4. Byakurai (白雷, Pale Lightning)," and the other was "Hadō #1. Shō (衝, Thrust)."

He wrote down the training methods, usage instructions, and incantations, then handed them over to Kabuto.

Orochimaru tilted his head, glanced at them, confirmed that they weren't in some incomprehensible script, and judged that they were a complete system rather than a deceptive forgery. Satisfied, he nodded.

Orochimaru licked his lips and began to speak slowly, "The leader of the Akatsuki is a man with the Rinnegan."

Naruto frowned, "The Rinnegan?"

"That's the legendary eye of the Sage of Six Paths," Orochimaru explained. "It's said to be even more powerful than the Sharingan."

"I've fought him before."

At this point, Orochimaru paused slightly, "But my power was completely crushed by him."

"His strength even surpasses the limits of humanity."

"Just as he himself claimed, he is... a god!"

Naruto's expression didn't change.

He had encountered many people stronger than himself.

He wasn't surprised to learn of someone capable of overpowering Orochimaru.

Orochimaru glanced at Naruto, and seeing that he didn't interrupt, he continued, "Besides the leader, that organization has seven or eight other rogue ninjas on the same level as me."

"Their goal is to collect the Tailed Beasts and monopolize warfare."

Naruto narrowed his eyes.

Collect the Tailed Beasts? Monopolize warfare?

"They've been working towards this goal," Orochimaru said softly. "They've even attempted to target a few Jinchuriki, but they haven't yet progressed to attacking the ninja villages."

He extended his tongue, licking his lips.

His eyes, with their vertical pupils, flashed with a peculiar light, "I've been on the run from that organization for quite some time."

"Thanks to you, Naruto-kun,"

"For spreading the rumor that I was killed."

"They should temporarily stop hunting me."

He paused, took a breath, and said meaningfully, "But your situation, Naruto-kun, might be a bit dire."

"If Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki, takes action himself..."

"That would be truly dangerous."

Naruto didn't say much.

Karin took notes, the tip of her pen making a "swooshing" sound on the paper.

"Is there anything else you'd like to know, Naruto-kun?" Orochimaru glanced at the scroll in Kabuto's hand and asked proactively.

These two spell techniques that didn't require seals were the first things he wanted to obtain from Naruto.

And there were many more things he wanted to get.

"Do you know about the Pure Land?" Naruto asked.

Orochimaru was startled, "That legendary place where souls go after death?"

Naruto nodded.

"The only information I have is just that," Orochimaru shook his head, "That kind of place... I've tried looking for it, but found nothing."

Naruto asked him, "When I killed you that time, didn't you go to the Pure Land?"

"It wasn't you who killed me," Orochimaru emphasized, correcting the mistake in his words. "It was my choice to end it myself."

"And it wasn't the end of my life, just the end of using that body."

"I am not dead yet."

Naruto nodded. "What about the Edo Tensei?"

"I remember that back in Konoha, Naruto-kun wanted this technique." Orochimaru seized the opportunity, like a serpent suddenly striking, with a harsh bite, "But I wonder, how much are you willing to pay to take it from my hands?"

"Though the Scroll of Seals of Konoha does contain some records."

"But with Naruto-kun's current status, I doubt there's any hope of obtaining this jutsu from them."

Just like how Naruto had made an outrageous demand earlier, Orochimaru now bared his fangs.

"Does the Edo Tensei allow communication with the Pure Land?" Naruto ignored Orochimaru's price, simply asking a question.

Orochimaru frowned and shook his head.

He had used the Edo Tensei many times but had never really considered this question.

Upon reflection, he realized that he only selected a "vessel," cast the jutsu, and the soul would automatically emerge.

"If you have the research notes from when the Edo Tensei was developed, I'm willing to make a trade," Naruto continued.

Orochimaru's expression darkened.

This jutsu was something he had secretly learned while still in Konoha.

"It was developed by the Second Hokage," Orochimaru replied. "The research notes aren't in my possession."

"But the Edo Tensei can summon the Second Hokage."

"If you can persuade him, you can learn the secrets of this jutsu."

Naruto reminded him, "But the Second Hokage is currently sealed by the Reaper Death Seal."

"It seems we need to unravel the secrets of the Reaper Death Seal before we can continue this transaction," Orochimaru said, his tone tinged with a bit of disappointment. "Naruto-kun, you've gained a lot this time, exchanging so little for so much information."

Naruto stood up, giving him a look. "Orochimaru, you've gained a lot too."

He prepared to leave with Karin.

"Wait, Naruto-kun," Orochimaru called out, "I have one last request. Why not hear me out?"

Naruto turned back to look at him.

"Since you've already left Konoha, why not join the Sound Village?" Orochimaru suggested, his voice carrying a persuasive tone. "To outsiders, it appears I've been killed by you, so it's only natural for you to claim the spoils."

"Stay, and you'll be the leader."

"You could even call yourself the 'Otokage' without issue."

"You have the qualifications."

The title of "Kage" isn't something just any village leader or organization head can use; only the leaders of the Five Great Nations' ninja villages are entitled to be called "Kage."

It's a position determined by strength.

"Orochimaru," Naruto addressed him by name.

Orochimaru spoke softly, "What do you think? Won't you consider it?"

"I'm no longer a ninja," Naruto replied.

This statement left Orochimaru stunned.

"The identity of a ninja is far too boring," Naruto said as he walked towards the door, speaking softly. "Even if I became a so-called 'Kage,' what difference would it make?"

"What is it that a ninja is supposed to protect?"

"Is it just other people's missions?"

"Besides, I have my own life and goals."

"I find these are more worth pursuing than the identity of a 'ninja.'"

Naruto opened the door.

Sunlight poured in from outside.

It was bright and warm, scattering across his blond hair, making Orochimaru squint as he adjusted to the light.

"Even Konoha couldn't keep me."

"How could a village under your control ever hope to?"

Naruto walked out with Karin.

Orochimaru watched them leave, silently waving his hand.

Kabuto immediately understood, and with a push of the wheelchair, he turned back into the dark, gloomy passage.

~~~

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