Mirai Uchiha opted not to kill Orochimaru.
Such a taboo-technique obsessive was too valuable to simply die here.
Besides, with all of Orochimaru's endless life-preservation methods, Mirai didn't believe for a second that the other could be killed so easily.
"My, my, Mirai-kun—you've truly surprised me."
Just as Mirai had expected, Orochimaru shed another layer of his snake-like skin and gasped heavily as he crawled out from his former body.
Although he looked somewhat disheveled, there were no visible injuries on his body.
However, although the Snake-Style Substitution Jutsu could block all incoming damage, it consumed enormous amounts of chakra.
Even Orochimaru felt slightly exhausted after using it twice consecutively.
Yet compared to this physical fatigue, what shocked him even more was Mirai Uchiha's performance today.
Not only did Mirai hold his own against him in taijutsu and kenjutsu combat, but he also mastered both the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Rasengan.
Orochimaru could understand Mirai using the Rasengan.
After all, everyone knew about his close relationship with Minato Namikaze.
But seeing Mirai use the Flying Thunder God Technique left Orochimaru completely baffled.
This was an advanced kinjutsu recorded within the Scroll of Seals—without the Hokage's permission, no ninja would ever be granted access to learn it.
What kind of deal had Mirai Uchiha made with Minato Namikaze that would convince the latter to risk being labeled a rogue ninja just to teach him the Flying Thunder God Technique?
Seeing the confusion in Orochimaru's eyes, Mirai naturally offered no explanations.
He sheathed his long katana, watching Orochimaru carefully before speaking, "Orochimaru, let's strike a bargain."
"What kind of bargain?"
Orochimaru asked, puzzled.
"Once I take control of the Hidden Leaf Village, you'll serve under me, and I will provide you with any resources you desire."
Upon hearing Mirai's words, Orochimaru was momentarily stunned. "Mirai-kun, do you even realize what you're saying?"
Mirai gave a light chuckle. "You don't believe me?"
Orochimaru remained silent.
The Uchiha clan really were all madmen.
He acknowledged Mirai's strength—but that was where it ended.
If he hadn't underestimated Mirai's mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, today's battle wouldn't have ended so easily for him.
And besides... no matter how strong one person might be, before the colossal force of an entire village, they would always seem small.
To control an entire village?
You've got to be kidding.
Even someone like himself, who bore the title of the Hokage's disciple and had worked deeply within Konoha for decades, would never dare utter such words.
And...
Orochimaru fixed his gaze on Mirai Uchiha. "Mirai Uchiha, have you forgotten that I will become the next Hokage?"
"Have you mistaken who you're making a deal with?"
Orochimaru reminded him.
Mirai Uchiha wanted to control the entire village, inevitably putting himself at odds with Orochimaru. How could the two possibly cooperate?
Hearing this, Mirai Uchiha couldn't help but laugh. "Orochimaru, you won't become the Hokage."
"Oh?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and once again radiated a dangerous aura. "Mirai Uchiha, what exactly do you mean by that?"
"Is there someone in the village more suitable than me for the position of Hokage?"
In response to Orochimaru's question, Mirai Uchiha calmly replied, "You should know about Danzo Shimura's ambitions, right?"
"He'll definitely spread rumors about all your activities during the Hokage succession process."
"Even just the accusation of secretly conducting human experiments could destroy you."
Orochimaru's pupils constricted, and the smile on his face became stiff. "Mirai Uchiha, I must admit I underestimated you. I never thought you'd know about such things."
"However," Orochimaru continued confidently, "even if Danzo resorts to covert sabotage, it won't affect the outcome."
He had always been careful, carrying out all his human experiments exclusively within Root's secret laboratory, leaving behind no evidence whatsoever.
Moreover, after accumulating prestige through the Second Great Ninja War and all these years, countless ninja supported him.
It wouldn't be easy for Danzo to destroy his reputation with mere rumors.
"Danzo alone wouldn't stand a chance, of course. But what if the Third Hokage is secretly helping him?"
At Mirai Uchiha's words, Orochimaru's expression finally darkened. "What are you trying to say?"
"Orochimaru," Mirai Uchiha said indifferently, "you think your current prestige and power will help you win the Hokage election, but actually, it's quite the opposite. It means you'll be uncontrollable."
"You've already lost everything that defines a true ninja. Hiruzen Sarutobi won't allow you to seize power."
"These eyes of mine have already seen your future."
Looking into those crimson Sharingan eyes, Orochimaru momentarily felt disoriented.
Having been one of Hiruzen's students and served under him for so many years, he understood his teacher all too well.
After thinking carefully, Orochimaru realized that perhaps what Mirai Uchiha said wasn't impossible.
"So then... will you accept my terms?"
After giving Orochimaru some time to think, Mirai Uchiha spoke again, "You don't need to do anything. You just have to make a promise to me."
Orochimaru suddenly smiled, "My, my, Mirai-kun. You've truly impressed me. I almost believed what you said."
Seeing Orochimaru's expression, Mirai Uchiha shrugged, "If you don't believe me, it doesn't matter. Time will tell."
"One day, you'll see me sitting on the throne."
As Mirai Uchiha spoke confidently, Orochimaru's smile faded. He stood up from the ground, his eyes filled with meaning, and asked, "Mirai-kun, aren't you afraid I might reveal what I know?"
"Fire Shadow is my teacher, after all."
Hearing this, Mirai Uchiha chuckled, "I know. That's gonna cost you."
"..."
"Just kidding. Since I'm telling you all this, naturally I'm not worried about you spreading rumors."
Mirai Uchiha waved his hand and walked toward the campsite, saying, "My offer remains unchanged. You can come find me anytime."
After he left, a strange emotion came over Orochimaru.
Since he could remember, he'd never encountered a situation like this before.
In front of Mirai Uchiha, it felt as if everything about him had been seen through.
Could it be... that things would indeed unfold as Mirai Uchiha predicted?
After a while, Orochimaru adjusted his mindset, and a smile reappeared on his face as he murmured softly, "Mirai-kun, since you're so confident, let's wait and see."
"I will uncover the secret you're hiding!"
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