Orochimaru was proving to be a bit difficult.
Even with his chakra completely sealed and Shirou's hand practically on his throat, a confident, evil little smile remained plastered on his face.
This, understandably, made the Akatsuki members nervous. Orochimaru was all too willing to trade dirt on Danzo for his life, but the consensus in the room was that executing him was the safer bet.
"He's too dangerous," Sasori stated flatly.
"Indeed," Tendo Pain's voice was cold. "If we let him go, we'll never catch him again."
"This needs careful consideration," Kakuzu grumbled in agreement. "If Orochimaru leaks that Lord Emiya is in control of Akatsuki..."
"Better to just kill him," a murderous glint appeared in Konan's eyes.
"Yes," Nagato nodded.
"My, my," Orochimaru said, completely unbothered. "I didn't realize I was so disliked."
He seemed to have resigned himself to his fate, his gaze landing on Shirou. He knew who the real decision-maker was. Besides, it wasn't as if he could resist. If Shirou decided to execute him, he could only accept it.
He had a backup plan, after all, even if its success rate was... low.
But then, a green chakra extended from Shirou's palm, probing Orochimaru's body. His eyes narrowed.
"It doesn't matter," Shirou said, withdrawing his hand. "I just wanted information on Danzo, but now I see that whatever we do to him here will be useless."
Orochimaru's expression flickered. He knew Shirou must have found something. That ancient medical ninja was a master of souls; it was entirely possible he'd discovered the abnormality.
"His soul is fragile," Shirou announced, mercilessly exposing Orochimaru's secret. "He has tampered with it. Even if this body is destroyed, soul fragments elsewhere will be revived with chakra."
"No wonder you're not that afraid," Shirou continued, a hint of something like disappointment in his voice. "I thought you were betting on me being a soft-hearted medic who'd fall for any peaceful negotiation. But it seems your backup plan is the real source of your confidence."
The smile quickly returned to Orochimaru's face. "No, I'm still terrified of death. It's a blessing to be alive, after all. I just didn't expect my little trick to be so obvious to you, Lord Emiya."
He gave a look of fawning praise. "But it makes sense. You invented the Cursed Seal. I was merely building on your work. I never expected it to have such an... interesting side effect."
He had indeed left a backup plan: a highest-level Cursed Seal of Heaven on one of his disciples. If he died, he could be resurrected. The only problem was the instability of the method; it could take years. So, while he had a bargaining chip, he'd much prefer not to die.
"So, for us," Orochimaru said, the tables seemingly turned, "letting this body live and cooperating is an acceptable, if not ideal, option. You need intel on the Tailed Beasts; I have channels. And I can solve your Danzo problem."
"Is there a better choice?" Sasori asked, clearly unimpressed.
"Of course," Orochimaru's smile widened. "The best choice is for me to remain in Akatsuki and follow you, Lord Emiya. This whole misunderstanding was just caused by a little lie, after all."
The Akatsuki members collectively gave him the side-eye.
This guy... what a piece of work.
Even Shirou had to admit, the man was a talent—not just in emotional manipulation, but in research and development that even he had to respect.
Shirou himself had tried to use the Cursed Seal to store soul fragments in the ancient era, but his own power had grown so immense that tearing his soul apart became impossible.
"So it's really impossible to kill him completely?" Sasori's voice was laced with regret. He just wanted the snake-man gone.
Shirou shook his head.
"Then can you let me stay?" Orochimaru's smile faded, replaced by a look of manufactured sincerity. "I truly hope to learn from you, Lord Emiya."
He knew this was a rare opportunity. After his last resurrection, Shirou no longer trusted anyone easily. Staying in Akatsuki was the only way. Danzo, Akatsuki, the villages... none of it mattered.
He just wanted to absorb enough knowledge to perfect his own quest for immortality.
"And while this is partly for my own selfish reasons," Orochimaru pressed, "your desire to achieve true peace doesn't hinder the technological progress of medical ninjutsu, does it?"
Shirou actually seemed to consider it for a moment.
"You're just doing it for eternal life," Sasori cut in, seeing right through the act. He and Orochimaru had been teammates; he knew him well. "An ugly eternal life can never compare to eternal art."
The corner of Orochimaru's eye twitched. This former teammate... undermining me at a time like this!
"Orochimaru," Shirou's eyes finally lifted, seeming to have been swayed by Sasori's words. "Unfortunately, I cannot trust you. To you, betrayal and deception are matters of course. I cannot tolerate you staying in Akatsuki any longer. The will in your heart is not that of a ninja who will remain loyal."
A fine sweat broke out on Orochimaru's forehead.
This ancient figure... his gaze is too sharp!
For Orochimaru, even when outmatched, he was always looking for a way to turn the tables.
"No need to deny it," Shirou's cold voice echoed in the cave. "Under the gaze of these eyes, nothing about you can be hidden."
A hint of helplessness appeared on Orochimaru's face. "If you desire eternal life, then you will surely fear a short one. I will personally go to Konoha and find where that Cursed Seal is located."
Orochimaru's face turned ugly. Anyone else, it would take years to find it. But for Shirou, the creator of the Cursed Seal, it was entirely too possible.
"During this time, you will act under Sasori's supervision," Shirou continued calmly, watching Orochimaru's expression sour. "I believe the power of a Cursed Seal carrying a soul fragment is not something an ordinary ninja can bear. There can't be many. My judgment tells me there is only one. I will bring back that Cursed Seal, and it will serve as your collateral to be a spy for Akatsuki."
Orochimaru clenched his fists. The smile returned to his lips, and his long tongue darted out to lick them. "Do I have the option to refuse?"
"No," Shirou said, his attitude suddenly gentle, a hint of warmth beneath the cold exterior. "Don't worry. I know the bearer of that Cursed Seal must be someone very important to you. I will not rashly harm that person's life."