Chapter 77: A Pact with the Snake

Having decisively subdued Sasuke, Ren turned his back on his unconscious brother and strode toward Orochimaru. The Snake Sannin’s gaze was unsettling—a mixture of frenzied curiosity and predatory possessiveness that made Ren’s skin crawl.

This disgusting snake… already sizing me up as a potential vessel, Ren thought, frowning.

“Hehehe~~ Ren-kun, you are truly impressive,” Orochimaru rasped, his voice like sandpaper. “Sasuke has been training under me, improving at a remarkable rate. Yet you subdued him effortlessly. No wonder you defeated Kakashi of Konoha. Most impressive.”

Ren replied with false modesty, masking his vigilance. “Oh? To receive praise from one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru of the Sound, is truly an honor.”

“Hehe~ You are too modest…”

“Enough pleasantries,” Ren cut him off, his tone sharp and businesslike. “Why bring me here? Do you want me as a vessel, like Sasuke? You already have him. Isn’t that enough?”

Orochimaru’s smile twisted slyly. “From your tone, Ren-kun, you don’t seem to care for Sasuke. Perhaps you have no attachment to your brother at all?”

“I have no interest in that fool,” Ren replied coldly. “He sought you out for power. That is his business, not mine. If I truly wished to interfere, I would have slaughtered the four useless ninja you sent to Konoha the moment they appeared.”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Hmph. Do you doubt me?” Ren challenged, posture casual, yet every movement radiating lethal potential.

“No, no, no, you misunderstand, Ren-kun,” Orochimaru said, waving a hand. “I would never doubt someone capable of defeating Kakashi of Konoha.”

“I’m tired of circular talk. Get to the point. Why did you seek me out?” Ren feigned impatience.

“Don’t be hasty. As my guest in the Hidden Sound, it is proper I extend every courtesy. Letting you leave abruptly would suggest I am a poor host, and I couldn’t bear such embarrassment.”

“Humph. I don’t need your ‘courtesy.’ It seems you have nothing of interest. I’m leaving.” Ren moved toward the exit—but Kabuto blocked his path smoothly.

“Hehe. Planning to keep me here by force?” Ren asked, the edge in his voice sharp.

“My apologies, Ren-kun,” Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses. “Please allow us to host you for a few days.”

“You? A defeated lackey? Step aside!” Ren’s Sharingan flared, coiling for attack.

Orochimaru’s laugh echoed through the hall. “Hehehe~ No need for hostility. Kabuto is merely ensuring I do not fail in my duties as a host.”

Ren’s eyes narrowed. “Your face means nothing without demonstrated sincerity. I’ve seen none.”

“Then perhaps you can satisfy my curiosity. Why did you hide your power so completely? To endure humiliation… was it to deceive someone specific?” Orochimaru pressed.

“That is none of your concern,” Ren replied, unflinching. “I owe you no explanation.”

“Hehe, mere curiosity. If you won’t tell me, I won’t press. What I wish to discuss is this: you left Konoha to find Uchiha Itachi, yes? To exact revenge for your clan?”

“The thought crossed my mind.”

“I see. And you plan to confront him alone? Even if you find him, vengeance is not guaranteed. He is part of a powerful organization of S-Class missing-nin. Even I am wary. Do you intend to face them alone?”

Ren feigned ignorance, concealing the truth about Akatsuki. “A mysterious organization?”

“Indeed. Dangerous. If you insist on facing them alone, I have nothing more to say…”

“What are you proposing?”

“Hehehe~~ A partnership.”

“You and me? An alliance?”

“Precisely. Alone, it is impossible. We share disagreements with this organization. Pool our resources. Strike together. What do you say?”

“And what would you bring? And expect in return?” Ren asked, wary of hidden costs.

“I can make you stronger. Access to my ninjutsu, supplies, personal tutelage, and intelligence network. In return, reside in the Hidden Sound, hone your strength, and perform occasional tasks. When the time is right, we strike together. Hehehe~~”

He’s pulling out all the stops… exactly what I wanted, Ren thought, a cold smile playing across his face.

“I have two conditions,” Ren said.

“Name them. If reasonable, I will accommodate.”

“First: I remain your partner, an equal. Do not order me. Second: I want a sample of the First Hokage’s cells.”

Orochimaru’s smirk vanished; his eyes sharpened. After a tense moment, his unusual smile returned. “Hehehe~ The First Hokage’s cells? Where did you hear of this?”

“I discovered a dilapidated laboratory behind the Uchiha compound in Konoha. Enlightening information, as it were,” Ren lied smoothly. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on N0veI.Fiɾe.net

He found my old lab? How careless of me, Orochimaru thought, briefly alarmed.

“Very well,” Orochimaru conceded. “As a partner, you have full access to my resources and the First’s cells. Your first condition is acceptable. You will remain as my equal.”

“Excellent,” Ren said, formal yet satisfied. “I accept your proposal.”

The pact was struck. Ren would remain in the snake’s den, a wolf biding its time among the serpents.

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