Reborn in Konoha; I Think I’m Cultivating Immortality

Madara officially began practicing the Eight Gates Sage Ascension Technique. The Sage Seal carved for him by Hui was the most powerful Sage Seal, on par with those of Tsunade and Tobirama.

After engraving the Sage Seal, Hui did not allow Madara to return to Konoha. After all, Madara's history with Konoha was far from pleasant, and his personality made it unlikely he would apologize or reconcile. Sending him back would only create more trouble.

For Madara, Hui suggested he explore two paths: either focusing on Sage Chakra or mastering Natural Energy. Hui instructed Madara to wait until his transformation was complete before seeking out Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.

Although Hui had previously severed Isshiki's arm, the remarkable regenerative abilities of the Ōtsutsuki clan meant that Isshiki could potentially restore his arm in a matter of days. 

However, Jigen's body, which Isshiki was currently inhabiting, was likely nearing its limit, forcing Isshiki to prepare for a swift reincarnation.

If Madara confronted Isshiki prematurely, he might risk being used as a vessel for Isshiki's reincarnation, which would be disastrous.

Hui's only directive for Madara was straightforward: cultivate, cultivate, and cultivate!

Hui hoped Madara would live up to his expectations and grow stronger quickly.

…

After addressing matters concerning Madara, Hui returned to the village and sought out Orochimaru.

"Hui-kun? What brings you here? Is there another project you need me to work on?" Orochimaru asked casually, unsurprised by Hui's arrival.

Hui had always taken an interest in Orochimaru's work. 

Over time, however, Hui had guided Orochimaru from technique development to biological research. Orochimaru had been diligently learning in this new field, while most ninjutsu development tasks were delegated to subordinates.

To be honest, the department Hui initially established for skill development wasn't designed with Orochimaru in mind. 

Restricting Orochimaru to ninjutsu development would have been a waste of his potential.

"This time, I have a very important research project. Follow me," Hui said with an air of seriousness that startled Orochimaru. 

It had been a long time since he'd seen Hui with such a solemn expression.

Hui led Orochimaru to the Senju Clan's secluded corner, where he manipulated Natural Energy to reveal the entrance to his secret laboratory.

"Let's go," Hui said.

As they entered the lab, Orochimaru's expression grew increasingly grave. 

His eyes turned cold as he surveyed the room. He saw numerous human organs and bodies. It was a laboratory for human experimentation.

"Hui-kun, using humans as experimental materials goes against the principles of valuing life that you've always upheld," Orochimaru said coldly. 

Since his previous conversation with Hui, Orochimaru had transformed into someone who cherished life and found joy in living. The sight of human experimentation stirred anger within him.

Yet, Orochimaru didn't lose his composure. He couldn't believe that Hui had become someone who casually conducted experiments on human beings.

Hui felt both amused and proud. The Orochimaru who had once been a mad scientist indifferent to life had, under his influence, become someone who treasured it.

"It's not what you think. The origins of every body here, and the experiments conducted on them, are meticulously documented. You can review them," Hui said, walking over to a shelf and handing Orochimaru a notebook.

The notebook detailed everything Hui had mentioned.

Orochimaru took the notebook and began to read it. Gradually, his icy demeanor softened.

"So these individuals... From my perspective, they are no longer human. Their existence caused immense harm to the ordinary people of this world," Hui explained.

Orochimaru fell silent. Knowing the crimes of these individuals filled him with righteous anger and the desire to kill them, but using their bodies for experiments was something he couldn't immediately accept.

Hui understood Orochimaru's hesitation. He walked over to the experiment table, took out the severed arm of Ōtsutsuki Isshiki from his sealed space, and placed it on the table.

"What I wanted you to see isn't just these human experiments. There's something far more important, something concerning the future of the ninja world," Hui said.

He intended to share everything he knew about the Ōtsutsuki clan with Orochimaru.

Konoha's current state of development was excellent, embodying true peace. Even if a war broke out in the future, the village's ninjas were confident in their inevitable victory.

But precisely because of this peace, many people have lost the sense of urgency and vigilance they once had. 

Some have started to grow complacent or have failed to dedicate themselves fully to their cultivation and training.

Orochimaru was no exception.

He had embraced life and begun to enjoy it. 

Compared to rigorous training, the current Orochimaru preferred to place a flower in a vase or feed the fish. Even when given research tasks by Hui, Orochimaru didn't pour his whole heart into them. 

His life had become leisurely.

But now, Hui was about to shatter Orochimaru's tranquility.

"Where should I begin? Let's start with the two beings who descended upon this planet over a thousand years ago."

Hui began his tale.

"Over a thousand years ago, two extraterrestrial beings arrived on this planet. One was called Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, and the other was called Ōtsutsuki Kaguya..."

The truth of the ninja world slowly unfolded from Hui's lips like a grand historical painting spreading out.

"...Although I severed one of Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's arms, he will inevitably make a comeback. Moreover, the Ōtsutsuki clan lurking in the depths of the cosmos will descend upon this world one day.

"When that mysterious clan arrives, Konoha and the entire ninja world will face an unprecedented crisis."

After Hui finished speaking, a heavy silence filled the lab.

Orochimaru's face had already undergone a significant change, and his mind was in turmoil. What Hui had just told him was almost impossible to believe. It completely upended his understanding of the world.

He had never imagined that beneath the peaceful and harmonious surface of Konoha, there lurked such a terrifying threat.

A long time passed before Orochimaru forced himself to accept this truth.

He knew that i Hui had no reason to lie to him, especially not about something like this.

With some difficulty, Orochimaru finally spoke:

"So... our goal is to study the Ōtsutsuki clan's bodies and gain insight into their biological structure?"

Realizing what he needed to do, Orochimaru turned his gaze to the severed arm on the experiment table. This arm was the undeniable proof of the terrifying truth Hui had revealed.

"Exactly. We don't know how many members of the Ōtsutsuki clan exist, but by studying their bodies, we can uncover vital information. Hopefully, we can find their weaknesses—and maybe even discover something from their biology that can make the ninja world stronger."

Hui nodded. If they could decode the genetic makeup of the Ōtsutsuki clan, it would be a monumental breakthrough for the ninja world.

"Understood."

Orochimaru approached the experiment table, picked up Isshiki's severed arm, and examined the wound. The cells at the severed end seemed to be writhing, undergoing a process of self-repair.

It was astonishing. Human cells were incapable of such rapid regeneration.

"Take some time here to familiarize yourself with the lab. Read through my previous experiment notes and insights, and study the material thoroughly. Over the next few days, others will arrive, and you'll all be working here for quite some time."

Hui summoned a shadow avatar he had from his body. The avatar would oversee the human experimentation. After all, Orochimaru and the others had never conducted such experiments before.

By dissolving the his shadow avatar he had send to search for the passage to the moon and redeploying it here, Hui was also making a statement: he had officially given up searching for the entrance to the moon's hidden pathway.

He no longer had the patience to search for it bit by bit.

Since he couldn't find it, he'd simply fly to the moon directly.

If he was discovered, so be it.

Right now, what Hui needed most were materials.