"Guess what—do you think your clansmen might participate in the experiments without telling you?"
Orochimaru grinned, malice dripping from his voice.
"Lord Orochimaru… are you trying to tempt them into volunteering for surgery?"
Fugaku's eyes narrowed, his tone darkening with hostility.
Until now, he had always maintained a respectful demeanor toward Orochimaru. The man had helped the Uchiha immensely, and even if there had been losses, they were calculated sacrifices—choices between two evils. He never blamed Orochimaru personally.
But if Orochimaru truly intended to manipulate his clansmen behind his back, then as the head of the Uchiha, Fugaku couldn't stand by and watch.
He didn't want to believe Orochimaru would turn against them now—but with someone as unpredictable and enigmatic as him, who could say?
"Of course I wouldn't do such a thing," Orochimaru said casually. "However…"
He twirled an empty teacup in his hands and smiled.
"I'm not the only one who can perform physical enhancement surgeries anymore."
Fugaku's eyes widened as realization dawned. He recalled the unrest from just over a week ago.
"The Third Hokage? No… you mean Danzo?!"
But why? Even if Danzo had acquired the surgical data, he could've just used it on himself. Why target the Uchiha?
"I told you before—the procedure isn't perfect," Orochimaru said smoothly. "Danzo's body is old, too frail for the process. So he'll look for ways to lower the requirements."
His voice dropped slightly.
"And the test subjects? He might pick the Uchiha. After all, your clan is the only one with a confirmed success."
Fugaku clenched his fists, fury rising. "Danzo dares… Even as an elder advisor—"
"Don't act like this has nothing to do with you," Orochimaru interrupted, voice sharp. "If you wanted, you could easily cover up any involvement. But the real question is—will your clansmen accept his offer if he promises them power?"
Fugaku fell silent.
He knew the answer.
The desire for strength ran deep in their blood. Even if Danzo was a loathsome figure, if he could offer real, tangible power… many Uchiha would be tempted.
Wasn't that how Orochimaru himself had gradually gained their trust?
The Uchiha were united, yes—but they were also a proud warrior clan, filled with ambition. In the past, external pressure from the village had forced them to stick together. But now, with the clan's rising status, divisions were inevitable.
Then, an idea struck him. Fugaku's eyes brightened.
"If only you, Lord Orochimaru, were the one to improve the procedure. The clan would trust you."
Orochimaru shot him a sharp glance, clearly unimpressed.
"How convenient for you."
He scoffed, his voice laced with sarcasm.
"Even if I wanted to perform surgeries again—which I don't—I couldn't possibly operate on every single Uchiha. Some would be left out. And what then? Would they just accept it quietly?"
He leaned forward, his tone suddenly colder.
"Besides, this isn't charity. Can your clan afford the price for every enhancement?"
Fugaku sighed. Orochimaru was right. It wasn't realistic.
Danzo only needed a few expendable roots. But Orochimaru? He had to think about the bigger picture.
In the end, it was more practical for Fugaku to manage the situation from within—keeping a close eye on his own people and stopping the temptation from spreading.
Fugaku's expression turned awkward. Ignoring the topic entirely, he changed the subject with a forced calm.
He frowned and asked seriously, "No surgeries recently? Lord Orochimaru, why is that?"
Since Uchiha Shinsuke awakened his Sharingan and displayed strength far beyond the average clan member, the number of jonin seeking out Fugaku had increased significantly—including many elite jonin. While waiting for Orochimaru's return, Fugaku had already confirmed candidates, secured funds, and made preparations for the next round of surgeries.
And now Orochimaru was saying the procedures were on hold? That was unacceptable.
Was it due to the Third Hokage's restrictions? Fugaku had never taken such bans seriously. Besides, he believed Orochimaru wouldn't be the type to obey them either.
"First," Orochimaru said, his voice laced with amusement, "I'm giving the old man some face…"
He glanced at Fugaku with a smirk, "Second, did you forget the original goal of this enhancement surgery? It was to restore Shisui's eyesight."
Fugaku blinked, puzzled. "But I thought that could only happen after the procedure was improved."
"I've made new discoveries during the recent experiments," Orochimaru said, his tone suddenly serious. "There may be a way to restore the power of a Mangekyō Sharingan—without relying on Shisui at all."
In truth, Orochimaru simply had other priorities for now and needed an excuse to pause the operations. But Fugaku wouldn't know that. And even if he suspected something, what could he say? Orochimaru was the expert. With all the knowledge and tech at his disposal, his word was final.
If Fugaku didn't understand? Well—he wasn't meant to understand.
After all, if anyone could comprehend the details so easily, why would they need Orochimaru?
All those sleepless nights immersed in research had to count for something.
"…"
Fugaku eyed Orochimaru, uncertain. He didn't fully buy the explanation, but he couldn't refute it either. After all, the whole reason they'd started the procedures was in recognition of Shisui's contribution.
"And speaking of that…" Orochimaru's grin deepened. "We know the evolved form of the Sharingan is the Mangekyō. But what comes after that? What is the true, stable form of the Mangekyō Sharingan? Aren't you curious, Clan Leader Fugaku?"
Fugaku's breath caught.
He was right. The Sharingan evolved into the Mangekyō—but what came next? What bloodline power could it unlock? How strong could it become?
Compared to that, arguing with the Third Hokage over surgeries and struggling to boost a few jonin felt trivial. Like trading a watermelon for a sesame seed.
With a single statement, Orochimaru had turned Fugaku's priorities upside down. In that instant, he was fully invested in Orochimaru's research.
If the time came and Orochimaru needed his help? Fugaku would agree.
Clenching his teacup, Fugaku looked at Orochimaru with new resolve. His eyes gleamed.
"Lord Orochimaru, if it's to restore Shisui's eyes—Uchiha will give you everything you need."
Orochimaru's smile widened.
Perfect. Funding for his spiritualization technique was finally secured.
All that talking had paid off.
---
Later that night — Underground Medical Room outside the Uchiha Guard Headquarters
After finishing his shift with the Anbu, Uchiha Shinsuke quietly arrived at the secret operating room at Orochimaru's summons.
In the dim light, his scarlet eyes glowed with intensity.
At Orochimaru's signal, Shinsuke laid himself down on the operating table without hesitation. A moment later, a sedative was injected into his neck—and he slipped into unconsciousness.
Orochimaru licked his lips.
Then, without delay, he carefully removed Shinsuke's Sharingan.
_____________________
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