Is human life fragile? That depends on who you compare it to... Compared to mayflies and ants, human life is undoubtedly not fragile. Even compared to wild beasts, humans can earn the title of terrifying upright apes, ranking near the top of the food chain. But compared to human ideals and desires, it appears fragile and fleeting.
This was also the reason why Minato intended to cooperate with Orochimaru. While he wasn't as obsessed with immortality as Orochimaru, he was by no means satisfied with a lifespan of only a few decades or a century. Given Minato's own conditions, achieving longevity wasn't actually difficult. Once the power of All Creation fused completely and he awakened the Rinnegan.
He wouldn't even need to collect the Tailed Beasts; as long as he could gather the Chakra of the nine Tailed Beasts, harvest the Gedo Statue's vital organs, create a small Ten-Tails, and seal it within himself. Then, theoretically, he would be an existence on the level of Kaguya—at least his life essence would be the same. Whether he could be immortal like Kaguya was hard to say, but living for a very long time shouldn't be much of a problem. But setting aside the potential drawbacks of such a method, immortality for one person was meaningless to Minato.
You know, Minato-kun... Orochimaru set down his cup, his tone much more serious than before, a look of reminiscence flashing in his eyes. The two of us are very similar. Both orphaned at a young age, both possessing outstanding talent, heh heh... Though it's nothing compared to you, Minato-kun, I was once called a once-in-a-decade Genius by Sarutobi-sensei. Back then, I often stood before my parents' graves and wondered: since everyone must die, what is the meaning of life?
As he spoke, Orochimaru looked at Minato, seemingly hoping to hear his perspective.
Well... Minato smiled faintly. Senior Orochimaru, food eaten into the stomach will eventually be digested into feces, but would you eat feces directly?
Heh heh heh... That is indeed the logic. Orochimaru let out a low laugh, looked down at the roasted meat on the table, and suddenly felt his appetite wane significantly.
You see, you are actually aware that the meaning of life lies not in its result, but in its process. I think this is how most people view life, Minato said gently.
Is it Minato-kun's view as well? Orochimaru asked.
If there is no other choice, then... yes, Minato replied without a moment's hesitation.
And if there were a choice? Orochimaru pressed.
Then wouldn't that be even better? Who would complain about living too long? Minato answered as if it were a matter of course. He wasn't just humoring Orochimaru; it was truly what he thought.
Then... what if that choice inevitably touches upon moral issues? Orochimaru stared intently into Minato's eyes; this was the point he cared about most. He wanted to know what choice Minato would make if it were him. At this moment, he was only $19$ years old, not yet the cold-blooded S-rank rogue ninja of the future.
For example?
For example... Human Experimentation?
That would depend on your moral standards, Senior. While they were talking, the roasted meat was mostly done. Minato picked up a piece of meat and placed it on a plate, saying calmly, While I don't care about the lives of strangers, I cannot bring myself to slaughter the innocent for selfish desires. However, if someone like Danzo could be recycled for use, I wouldn't have any psychological burden. In contrast, I believe the key to this question lies in whether one can hold onto their bottom line in the face of desire.
Orochimaru fell silent. Minato was right, and this was the fact he dared not face. Lately, he had more than once harbored dark thoughts—many of which were even directed at Minato. Upon regaining his senses, he couldn't help but feel guilty about his own ideas. But the desire for immortality was like forbidden fruit, constantly teasing his nerves.
Human Experimentation was actually quite common—testing cold medicine could be considered Human Experimentation, and the development of medicine is inseparable from anatomy. It wasn't something inherently unspeakable. The problem was that Orochimaru had a guilty conscience. Deep in his heart, he had already unconsciously breached his own bottom line. At this point, all it would take was a catalyst—such as the death of someone important—and he would descend into darkness at an extreme speed.
Outside the window, the sky grew dark. The heat from the charcoal embers brushed against their faces as Orochimaru remained deeply silent. Seeing Orochimaru's contemplative state, Minato suddenly chuckled softly. However... I think this shouldn't be a problem for you, Senior Orochimaru.
Hmm? Orochimaru was slightly startled. He looked up from his silence and stared at Minato in surprise. What makes you say that, Minato-kun?
The very reason you lament the fragility of life stems from your own cherishing of it, doesn't it? Minato spoke gently; he didn't want the other man to follow the path of the original story. You are a trusted teammate of my teacher and the elder brother Nawaki admires. Although I don't know you well, being trusted by them proves that you are at least not a shallow person who looks down on everyone like Danzo.
I am very happy to be evaluated so highly by Minato-kun. Orochimaru gave a light laugh; he was truly happy. After all, he also had people he cherished. Jiraiya, Tsunade, Nawaki, Sarutobi-sensei... these were all emotions he was unwilling to let go of, the anchors of his otherwise indifferent humanity.
If he discarded these emotions, then no matter how long he lived, what would be the meaning of such a life? Even if he learned every Ninjutsu in the world, with whom could he share the satisfaction of seeing his ideals realized? At that point, what kind of existence would he be? Human? Or a monster that only looked like a human, but was actually empty inside, only following its instincts to flee?
Minato-kun, you really are perceptive. Orochimaru's tone was full of emotion. The other had clearly perceived his thoughts and thus offered advice in advance. To be honest, he was quite grateful to him. From Danzo's experience, it wasn't hard to see that Minato wasn't the type of person to leave hidden dangers for himself. Therefore, this advice was especially precious!
If I said I found the possibility of another choice, would Minato-kun be willing to lend me a hand? Looking at the five-year-old blonde boy before him, Orochimaru extended a sincere invitation, not showing the slightest contempt due to Minato's age. I thirst for truth, yet I always linger outside the gates of truth, unable to enter. If I could have a fellow traveler like Minato-kun, perhaps we really could find another possibility.
Sure, I agree. Minato nodded without any hesitation.
His ready attitude made Orochimaru pause for a moment. He opened his mouth, and for some reason, he suddenly felt as if he had been played. But he couldn't figure out where the problem was. After all, he was the one who had taken the initiative to invite the other to join his team.
Then, for the days to come, I'll be in your care, Minato-kun.
This guy's way of speaking is so ambiguous... Minato thought, though he knew the alliance with the future Sannin would be a 100% efficient way to accelerate his own growth.
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