A Sage's Pursuit of Power

Aoba admired Orochimaru's mastery of snakes. The white snake on the ground was a clear sign of Orochimaru's trademark. He waved for Yumi to take Karin inside and then led the white snake to another room.

Once inside the room, the white snake, finding no one around, opened its mouth and spat out a scroll. Aoba unrolled the scroll, and with a puff of white smoke, Orochimaru appeared before him.

No, it couldn't be the real Orochimaru. Even with his audacity, he wouldn't dare enter so conspicuously.

It must be some special clone technique. Using the white snake and a pre-prepared reverse summoning jutsu, Orochimaru had appeared in front of Aoba.

This was quite a sophisticated and convenient technique. However, it wasn't completely uncounterable. If Konoha took notice, the barrier squad could seal such reverse summoning.

"Lord Orochimaru, long time no see."

"Hehe, Aoba-kun. I've missed you greatly. I'm eager to continue our next transaction."

Orochimaru's urgency surprised Aoba. He had anticipated that Orochimaru would contact him eventually, but he hadn't expected it to be in just about three months and using such a dangerous method.

This could only mean one thing: Orochimaru might have tested the information Aoba provided.

Though Itachi nearly countered Orochimaru completely, in ninja confrontations, intelligence was crucial. With proper preparation, Orochimaru might have been able to handle Itachi.

Of course, this also meant that both sides didn't go all out. If Itachi had used his full power, including the Susanoo and the Amaterasu, Orochimaru would have been finished.

However, Itachi probably wouldn't have fought Orochimaru to the death, as he wanted to preserve his eyes for Sasuke.

Thus, Orochimaru must have confirmed the accuracy of Aoba's information, which is why he was so eager to continue the transaction.

He thought for a moment and then said:

"Alright. What kind of information does Lord Orochimaru want?"

"Rinnegan. I want information on the Rinnegan."

"To be honest, this might be the most valuable information in the entire ninja world right now. Although I only know part of it, its value is immeasurable."

"Tsk, tsk, Aoba-kun. I'm growing more and more curious about you. Such secretive information, even I don't have a clue about. Yet, you seem to know.

Rest assured, I understand your requirements. I'm prepared for an equal exchange."

"Excellent. Let's begin then. First of all, the Rinnegan has various abilities, but I only know of those currently demonstrated by the leader of Akatsuki.

Additionally, there is something I must clarify beforehand. Lord Orochimaru, although I have not joined Akatsuki, the leader you've seen should not be the true leader."

"What do you mean?"

"This is one of the Rinnegan's abilities. The leader you've seen is likely a special puppet created using the Rinnegan. It's a more advanced form of puppet technique compared to conventional ones.

The leader of Akatsuki can perceive everything the puppet sees and hears as if he were present. Moreover, the puppet can also use the Rinnegan's unique abilities. There are a total of six such puppets."

The last statement caused Orochimaru's expression to change slightly. Although he had never fought the leader, he knew the strength of the Akatsuki members.

He knew that the leader they saw was always the same person, never anyone else. This meant that just one puppet could subdue those powerful rogue ninjas, and there were six of these puppets.

"The puppet you've seen is named Deva Path. It can use two of the Rinnegan's abilities: Shinra Tensei and Banshō Ten'in.

Shinra Tensei is a repulsive force that can push away all objects, ninjutsu, and even energy. When used, it becomes a perfect technique for both offense and defense.

Banshō Ten'in, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. It can attract people, objects, or ninjutsu towards itself. It's a technique for absolute control."

Having said this, Aoba didn't continue further. Though he knew the abilities of the other five Paths, revealing everything at once would be a bit excessive.

Moreover, if he revealed everything, Orochimaru might not have an equivalent trade item. After all, this information had been obtained through Jiraiya's life, so its value was evident.

"That's all I know about the Rinnegan's abilities. I can be certain that the Rinnegan has more abilities that haven't been demonstrated. Mainly because no one in the ninja world currently has the qualifications to make those abilities fully manifest."

"Tsk, tsk. I see. I acknowledge this information. Aoba-kun, tell me your request. What do you want?"

"Sealing Jutsu. I need data on sealing jutsu. From the basics to advanced techniques. I believe Lord Orochimaru's knowledge of sealing jutsu is profound, so this shouldn't be an issue."

"Sealing Jutsu?"

Aoba's requests always seemed to surprise Orochimaru. Apart from the first transaction where he asked for the Kusanagi Sword and the second where he requested Danzo's blood sample, this time Orochimaru was puzzled. He had expected Aoba to ask for forbidden techniques or perhaps another Kusanagi Sword, given how swordsmen are almost irresistible to such items.

Yet, he chose to request sealing jutsu information.

"No problem. I'll compile a set of sealing jutsu information for you shortly. Now, let's continue."

Clearly, the previous information wasn't enough to satisfy Orochimaru's appetite. He wanted more.

Aoba considered that the information on the Rinnegan might have been a bit dry. Mainly because Orochimaru likely couldn't test it against someone like Nagato.

To put it bluntly, if Orochimaru dared to seek trouble with Nagato at this point, he would probably end up in the curse mark reincarnation.

"Alright," Aoba agreed to continue the transaction.

"Good. Next, I want to know where the Rinnegan comes from."

Orochimaru's question was somewhat vague, but Aoba understood his intent. He hadn't expected Orochimaru to think of this.

"This is also something I am pursuing. I can only tell you what I know."

"Alright, I believe Aoba-kun won't disappoint me."

Aoba chose to reveal selectively. He needed to provide Orochimaru with substantial information while ensuring he didn't develop greed. Thus, careful consideration in his responses was required.

"My current conclusion is that the Rinnegan likely evolved from the Sharingan."

Since Orochimaru was obsessed with the Sharingan, it would be best for him to continue his focus on it.