Only after the first instinctive impulse, Orochimaru proved himself to be the elite of the shinobi world - he curbed his mania almost instantly and gave me a wary look.
- Everything in this world has its value, Ryo-san," the scientist frowned, changing to a more respectful tone that was no longer the patronizing tone he'd always had before, now he was speaking to his peer without the discount of age, "and more than anything else, knowledge is valuable, especially knowledge so important that I would never believe you would share your discovery with a competitor and a member of the opposing political camp.
- Naturally, Orochimaru-san, and I will ask for my price," I nodded affirmatively at him.
- Give up the Hokage's seat? - The jonin suggested almost indifferently.
It was obvious that such a stipulation was unlikely to elicit much opposition.
- I'm here on my own behalf, passing on personal knowledge that, frankly, no one but you can appreciate and use," he waved his hand negatively.
- I suppose that's true," he had to agree, "Tsunade-hime isn't in the village, and it's easier for the rest of us to use the prison inhabitants for organs.
The shinobi usually chose not the most advantageous path, but the one that would get them there quickly, metaphorically speaking.
The short life of a mercenary assassin is not conducive to the development of patience and the ability to plan for the long term, if only to survive the next mission.
- Unfortunately, being the second heir of a clan and a family man, along with the need for my own development, doesn't leave me much time for research," I sighed tiredly, "I need a partner, an ally, an equally enthusiastic researcher who will not only understand the promise of my ideas, but also be able to continue their development, perhaps in a slightly different direction.
- Simply put, Ryo-san, you're offering me a place as an ally and colleague," Orochimaru raised his eyebrows in surprise.
- 'Yes,' I nodded to him, 'and also, in honor of the establishment of our alliance of researchers and scientists, I am willing to invest fifty million ryo as an expense fund.
While that used to be a lot of money for me, now, with the ownership of the capital's casino and several other profitable businesses I'd squeezed from Danzo, I could afford to spend more.
- Koo-koo-koo, how interesting," the sannin grinned, "this is a very generous offer and I don't have to give quite certain results for it?
- Do I look like a Sarutobi? - I snorted derisively, hinting at the bargaining nature of this clan. - Simply familiarizing yourself with the research and results will be enough, naturally, I promise the same on my part.
- It looks like it will be a much more pleasant cooperation than one might expect," Orochimaru's smile was more genuine now, "for the pursuit of knowledge and new discoveries.
- Here's to the search for knowledge and new discoveries," I agreed with him, shaking his outstretched hand firmly.
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