A Sage's Pursuit of Power

When Aoba revealed this answer, Orochimaru's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected that the secret of the Rinnegan would be right before him.

"I assume there must be some special condition for this? After all, despite the Uchiha clan's long history, no one has ever had a pair of Rinnegan. Wait, Sharingan, Uchiha. Are you implying that the true leader of Akatsuki is an Uchiha?"

"No, I don't know. I can only say that, theoretically, it's possible."

"Interesting. I'm starting to feel that the ninja world is much more fascinating than I imagined. Aoba-kun, I must thank you for this information. So, what do you want in exchange for this news?"

Aoba pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"I need a sample of the First Hokage's cells. And a set of equipment—human experimentation equipment."

The First Hokage's cells were like a game-breaking cheat in the world of ninjas. However, very few could handle such a cheat.

Konoha had experimented for many years, and only Yamato had succeeded. Danzo needed ten Sharingan just to suppress one. These all indicated that the First Hokage's cells were extremely dangerous.

Orochimaru had once been obsessed with the First Hokage's cells but eventually turned to the Sharingan when he found he couldn't handle it. Aoba's request made him think deeply.

"Aoba-kun, have you found a safe way to transplant the First Hokage's cells?"

"If that were the case, I wouldn't need to trade with you, Orochimaru. Konoha is currently conducting such experiments as well."

"Do you know what it means to transplant the First Hokage's cells?"

"Of course. But, Lord Orochimaru, haven't you forgotten something?"

"What?"

"I'm just a civilian ninja. I don't have the Hokage as a teacher, no family secrets, no bloodline limit. In this world, no matter how hard I work, my potential is limited.

Over the years, I've never stopped training and extracting chakra. Yet, my total chakra is less than one-tenth of yours. This is the tragedy of us civilian ninjas.

I came across this information by chance. Now, what I need to do is turn this information into my strength."

"I see. So, Aoba-kun, you're also a person who seeks power. I'm starting to believe that you should come to me. Aoba-kun, this is where you can truly develop."

"Thank you for your recognition, Lord Orochimaru. I will seriously consider this option."

"Good. I have high hopes for you, Aoba."

"Since that's the case, let's end this transaction, Lord Orochimaru. You can't stay here for too long. There may be ANBU monitoring around my house."

"Hehe, the Third Hokage is still the same. Well then, I'll send you what you need shortly."

With that, Orochimaru's entire form transformed into a pile of mud. The white snake also vanished in a puff of smoke.

Aoba let out a slight sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Every transaction with Orochimaru was a mental challenge. He knew that if he showed even a slight crack, Orochimaru would exploit it to the fullest.

In each transaction, he revealed substantial, useful information but always kept it incomplete. This was to prevent Orochimaru from defaulting on his end of the deal and to keep his own information valuable.

Orochimaru was well aware that Aoba hadn't revealed everything. However, each time, there was enough substantial gain to make him refrain from taking action against Aoba.

But this peaceful exchange couldn't last forever. Aoba needed too many things, and Orochimaru's appetite would only grow. Eventually, Orochimaru would turn against him, wanting all the information in his mind in one go.

Before that day came, he needed to ensure that he grew strong enough to negotiate peacefully with Orochimaru or even suppress him.

To this end, he had devised a series of plans for himself.

Firstly, training in Sage Jutsu was a top priority. His affinity for natural energy had reached a very high level. Absorbing a certain amount of natural energy felt almost seamless now.

At this rate, he estimated that in another two months, he could preliminarily attempt to complete his Sage Mode training.

Once he completed Sage Mode, his strength would immediately reach a new level—at least between elite jōnin and kage level.

The reason he couldn't reach kage level was due to his limited chakra. Sage Mode doesn't use natural energy directly but rather a mixture of natural energy, chakra, and mental energy, at least in the early stages.

Adding natural energy increases the chakra amount and enhances jutsu power, but if the total chakra is too low, the increase is still limited.

This is a classic example of the barrel theory. Chakra is the shortest plank in Aoba's barrel. As long as this issue isn't resolved, his potential will remain limited.

His solution to this problem was to transplant Hashirama's cells. However, specific operations and extensive experiments were needed.

Another weakness was that, as a civilian ninja, his reserves in ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu were very limited.

He had crossed over during ninja school. As is well known, Konoha's ninja school only teaches the Three Body Jutsu. Despite his diligent learning and excellent theoretical results, it was of little practical use.

Apart from the Three Body Jutsu, he inherited a D-rank ninjutsu called Wind Release: Wind Scythe from his deceased parents.

Yes, besides the Three Body Jutsu, that was the only ninjutsu he knew. Based on this Wind Release ninjutsu, he developed the Void Slash technique.

After three years of hard fighting along the border with Kumogakure, he gradually developed other supplementary taijutsu techniques, including the electromagnetic cannon as a finishing move.

But that was it. He knew some medical ninjutsu learned while serving as an experimental assistant under Orochimaru. Including Sage Jutsu, these were all the combat techniques he possessed.

In contrast, characters like Kakashi in the original work knew thousands of techniques. Jiraiya, Itachi, and others had all sorts of strange jutsu and weapons. These represent a ninja's depth and potential.

He had none of these. Therefore, his first goal was to increase his total chakra amount.

His second goal was to build up his reserves and capabilities.