Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Orochimaru glanced around the room, noting the layers of protection and sealing barriers. He felt relieved; initially, he had considered holding their discussion in Ryūchi Cave, but being summoned to Kain's room under such precautions was acceptable.

The barriers reassured Orochimaru that their conversation would remain private. However, he couldn't help but be surprised at Kain's apparent closeness to Kushina and his proficiency in sealing techniques.

"Becoming propaganda minister was purely accidental," Kain replied with a faint smile. "The relationship between the daimyo and Konoha isn't as harmonious as it appears."

"In exchange for my newspaper's support, the daimyo granted me this title. It's just a fancy name to please the nobles in the Land of Fire—nothing more, and certainly no real power."

After serving Orochimaru a cup of tea, Kain sat across from him.

"Since the daimyo initially rejected the guardian ninjas sent by Konoha, Mr. Sarutobi has clearly seen through his intentions. However, it's not easy for the daimyo to recruit qualified guardian ninjas on his own. In the end, he had no choice but to accept the six guardians assigned by Konoha," Orochimaru said with a sly smile. The daimyo might have his own ideas, but ultimately, Konoha held the upper hand.

Kain decided to skip any pleasantries and asked directly, "Orochimaru, are you planning to become Hokage?"

"Hokage?" Orochimaru repeated, pausing to consider the question. He had entertained the idea, though not with much passion. For Orochimaru, Hokage wasn't an ultimate goal; it was merely a stepping stone—a position he could use to achieve his true ambitions. 

Unlike Nawaki and others who aspired to the title with idealistic fervor, Orochimaru saw it as a means to an end.

Kain leaned forward and spoke frankly. "Orochimaru, the Third Hokage is an obstacle for me, as are the other senior advisors. Without them, my cooperation with Konoha would be much smoother. We wouldn't have to operate so covertly—like with this super-soldier serum."

As he spoke, Kain retrieved a set of documents detailing Dr. Erskine's super-soldier serum and handed them to Orochimaru. 

The data described a serum that could significantly enhance a person's physical abilities, doubling or even tripling their potential. It also claimed to increase brain function dramatically.

"If this serum were applied to a ninja," Kain explained, "the results could be even more extraordinary. For an average person, it can create a body comparable to that of a Chūnin. Imagine what it could do for someone already trained as a ninja."

Orochimaru scanned the data, his mind racing with possibilities. "An incredible serum," he murmured. "If produced on a large scale, Konoha's number of Chūnin and Jōnin could double.

For ninjas stuck at Chūnin level, it could provide the breakthrough they've been seeking—perhaps even elevating them to Jōnin or special Jōnin status."

Kain nodded and continued. "That's not all. I also have this—comprehensive research on biological cells." He placed another document on the table, this one a detailed compendium of cellular biology.

 "This is a gift for you, Orochimaru. Your research into the human body is impressive, but your methods are… let's say, 'unrefined.' Your medical knowledge lacks the precision of someone like Tsunade. This information will help fill that gap and make your experiments more efficient."

Orochimaru stared at the documents but didn't immediately take them. His golden, slit-pupil eyes narrowed as he fixed Kain with an intense gaze. "Kain, what is it you truly want? Are you trying to use me, Hokage, or even Konoha to achieve something?"

Kain met Orochimaru's gaze without flinching. "What I want is simple: benefits. Anything ranging from wealth—gold, silver, copper, and iron—to eternal life and unparalleled power. The ninja world is full of untapped resources, opportunities worth pursuing and developing. I want a partner—someone who can work with me, much like Ryūchi Cave works with you."

"Hokage, alongside the daimyo?" Orochimaru said with a smile, picking up the book on the table and leafing through it. The similarities in their goals struck him—no wonder he and Kain shared so much common ground.

If the daimyo of the Land of Fire and the Hokage could set aside their mutual distrust and work together, they would have the greatest potential to unify the ninja world.

Unfortunately, since the establishment of Konoha, that hope had gradually faded. Orochimaru saw this clearly. To him, the ninja world was trapped in a stagnant cycle—a windmill that never truly turned. 

It spun endlessly, yet nothing changed. People spoke of peace, like Jiraiya, but instead of real solutions, they placed their hopes on the next generation.

"I don't particularly like the title of 'daimyo,' but the position itself is useful," Kain said. "Gaining the position wouldn't be difficult for me; the only obstacle is Konoha. That's why I need your help. But first, you must become the Fourth Hokage, Orochimaru."

Kain had numerous tools at his disposal to deal with ordinary people, but handling ninjas required far greater caution. Ninja techniques, secrets, and abilities—such as mind-reading jutsu or even the Impure World Reincarnation—were as dangerous and formidable as his magic.

While taking the daimyo's position might be straightforward, the real challenge was preventing the Konoha shinobi from rebelling due to such a drastic change. 

Without Konoha's military might and the loyalty of the ninja guarding the daimyo, someone like Kakuzu could easily hire a few bounty hunters to assassinate the daimyo.

Without support or allies within the ninja ranks, Kain's plans would become precarious, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.

….

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