Moreover, these thousands of years were just the conservatively estimated natural lifespan, not including other means.
Besides a long lifespan, this clan also mastered a technique, or technology, called "Karma" (Kāma).
This technique can digitize the data of an Otsutsuki member and implant it into a host called a "vessel." In essence, it is a compressed Otsutsuki data file that gradually decompresses over time or through combat. When the data is completely decompressed, the host's body will be completely replaced by the Otsutsuki to achieve resurrection.
During this period, the Otsutsuki's soul will always exist in the body of the "vessel."
If the Otsutsuki's soul dies, then this data belonging to the Otsutsuki will become the "vessel's" own power.
Minato hadn't watched much of Boruto, but he had seen some related plot points. The above was all the information he knew about "Karma."
The lineage on the moon obviously did not possess this ability.
Not only the lineage on the moon, but even the Sage of Six Paths brothers, who were parts of Kaguya Otsutsuki's divided power, seemed to have limits on their lifespans.
It might be because the bloodline was not pure enough, or it might be because this power must be learned to be mastered.
"How is it? Does Minato-kun have any ideas?"
Orochimaru asked, seeing Minato deep in thought.
"I think before exploring the essence of Bloodline Limits, perhaps we should determine their origins. This should save a lot of unnecessary detours."
Minato intentionally guided Orochimaru in the direction of the Otsutsuki. He was also curious about how far Orochimaru could research with a clear direction.
"Conventional elemental Bloodline Limits are not very meaningful. I think it's best to start with physical-type Bloodline Limits."
"The train of thought is very clear."
Orochimaru nodded slightly, agreeing with Minato's words. "But in this case, we can't bypass Minato-kun's Wood Style, because according to legends, in the current ninja world, both Senju and Uchiha are descendants of the Sage of Six Paths."
"Senior wants me to assist in the research?"
"Can I?"
Orochimaru tilted his head, looking like an obedient baby, but actually, he was already eager in his heart.
Although he wouldn't go so far as to slice Minato up, drawing a tube of blood or scraping a bit of skin felt acceptable to him.
"No."
Minato shook his head slightly. "At least not yet. But when I feel it's okay, I won't refuse."
He didn't mind assisting the other party's research. Compared to the power of the Otsutsuki, the power of "All Creation" wasn't anything rare.
It was just that half of it came from Uchiha's power. It was hard to guarantee that Orochimaru wouldn't notice something. Minato didn't plan to expose the trump card of the Sharingan for the time being.
It seems there are secrets...
Orochimaru felt some regret. "Alright, I respect Minato-kun's choice. Before you agree, I won't actively explore this secret."
He genuinely respected Minato's thoughts.
In the eyes of most people, researching forbidden jutsu was already rebellious behavior, let alone using a bunch of forbidden jutsu to explore a dream of eternal life that was simply fantasy in the eyes of ordinary people.
So even though Minato was just a child, Orochimaru really respected this existence who could understand him and had similar ideas.
He completely regarded Minato as a friend despite the age difference, or maybe he could be called a confidant.
"Then thank you for your understanding, Senior."
Minato suggested, "Although I can't assist in the research, maybe I can provide some ideas?"
Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "For example?"
"For example, Senju and Uchiha."
Minato said slowly, "I once heard a saying that children usually find it difficult to perfectly inherit their parents' talents. Is this also the case for the power of Senju and Uchiha?"
"Reasonable guess!"
As soon as the words fell, Orochimaru's vertical pupils became thinner, like an excited snake.
"Minato-kun! Although you may be tired of hearing this, I still want to say—you really are a genius!"
"It's just an unverified guess."
Minato laughed dumbly. What kind of genius was he?
He just read the script!
Having gone to school for so many years, although his grades were decent, his understanding of this aspect was actually limited to those few pea plants.
"Hehehe, although it's just a guess, it's not difficult to verify."
Orochimaru immediately set his sights on the Uchiha.
Poor Uchiha, just sent away their nemesis Danzo, and now they are targeted by Orochimaru.
"The village once conducted research on Wood Style, hoping to stimulate the awakening of Wood Style by transplanting the First Hokage's cells. When the experiment started, many people volunteered, including descendants of the Senju clan."
"Unfortunately, without exception, they all failed, and the experiment was urgently stopped. Danzo originally wanted to continue the experiment privately, but at this time you suddenly showed the ability of Wood Style."
"So thanks to you, there are still a lot of the First Hokage's cells left in the Root, saving me from re-cultivating them."
Orochimaru took Minato to the laboratory, which smelled of disinfectant.
He took out a syringe from the freezer. The syringe contained green liquid, which seemed to contain powerful vitality.
"In the previous experiments, indeed no Uchiha participated. After all, it's the power that has suppressed them since the Warring States period."
Orochimaru tossed the syringe, saying meaningfully, "It would be great if there was an Uchiha to cooperate with the experiment."
"Are there any injured Uchiha recently?" Minato asked.
"This requires investigation, but probably not."
Orochimaru sighed regretfully. "This clan has the blessing of the Sharingan. In battle, not only can they occupy a greater advantage, but they can also avoid injuries to the greatest extent. Nowadays, it is a peaceful period, so it is difficult to find a disabled Uchiha."
"But there is another relatively safe way, which is to let Senju and Uchiha combine physiologically..."
"It's just that the time cycle for this is relatively long, and the desired result may not necessarily be obtained. After all, as you said, children usually find it difficult to perfectly inherit their parents' talents."
Hearing this, Minato couldn't think of any way either. "Does Senior have any good ideas? It won't be assassination again, right?"
"Current Root doesn't do that kind of thing anymore. I don't want Minato-kun to be disgusted."
Orochimaru chuckled, his hoarse voice carrying a trace of gentleness. "Nowadays, the friction on the border of the Land of Rain is intensifying. War will break out sooner or later. It's just a matter of time. Don't worry about lacking people."
"Besides, the Uchiha clan grounds aren't the only place with Uchihas in Konoha."
"Where else?"
"Konoha Prison."
The corner of Orochimaru's mouth curled up slightly. "During the Second Hokage's era, the Uchiha clan launched a rebellion, which was later suppressed by the Second Hokage. Those people are still detained in prison. We just need to create a controllable riot."
"It just so happens that Konoha Prison is guarded by the Uchiha clan. We can also take this opportunity to do them a favor and strike at individual radicals. After all, eliminating potential threats is also the job of Root~"
Minato didn't speak.
He had already started mourning for the Uchiha in silence.