Chapter 32: Plans for the Future

After dinner, everyone returned to the inn to rest. Exhausted from the day’s events, they fell into a deep sleep shortly after lying down.

Uchiha Touhuan, however, sat at a small table by the window, brewing a pot of clear tea and sipping it slowly.

Late into the night, a white snake slithered through the moonlight and into his room.

"I have kept you waiting, Lord Touhuan." As the white snake entered, it vanished in a puff of smoke, transforming into the human form of Orochimaru.

"Sit." Uchiha Touhuan gestured to the seat across from him and poured a cup of tea for his guest.

"You have done well. To fabricate such convincing evidence in such a short time—you have worked hard," Touhuan said.

"It is my honor to serve you," Orochimaru replied, lowering his gaze.

Looking at the obedient Orochimaru before him, Uchiha Touhuan could not help but marvel at the terrifying power of the Mangekyo Sharingan Shisui had awakened. The true horror of Kotoamatsukami did not lie in direct mind control, but in the implantation of a "thought seal" deep within the victim's subconscious. To the victim, everything that followed seemed entirely natural and logical. This was precisely why the left eye’s Kotoamatsukami had a ten-year cooldown; by comparison, the short-term forced control of the right eye felt rather lackluster.

Of course, Uchiha Touhuan did not let his guard down completely. In the original timeline, even the more terrifying "Omnipotence" could be scrutinized by high-intelligence individuals like Shikamaru, who detected discrepancies in the details. It was likely only a matter of time before Orochimaru realized he had been compromised.

After all, one might question Orochimaru’s morality, or even his strength, but one should never underestimate his intellect.

However, Touhuan had never intended to use a single ocular technique to enslave Orochimaru indefinitely. Using Kotoamatsukami was merely a way to secure a top-tier research talent who would be 100% loyal for a specific period without needing to expend further effort. His future growth in power relied heavily on Orochimaru’s technical expertise and connections.

Touhuan had assessed his current capabilities. Excluding his Mangekyo abilities, his Susanoo, combined with his Lightning Release and swordsmanship, placed him in the upper-middle tier of the Kage level. His right eye’s ability was a powerful counter to ninja who relied on genjutsu, while his left eye’s "Suryu" allowed him the potential to fight above his weight class against superior opponents or multiple foes of equal rank, though it would likely leave him blind afterward.

To achieve his goals, Jiraiya was an obstacle he could not bypass. Jiraiya’s strength, especially in Sage Mode with the support of the two Toad Sages, was likely superior to his own.

More importantly, Uchiha Touhuan had no surviving blood relatives; there was no second pair of eyes to evolve his Mangekyo into the Eternal Mangekyo. He had reached the end of the traditional path for an Uchiha to increase his power. In this world of extraordinary beings, his current strength was insufficient to carry out a coup and withstand the subsequent aftermath.

To grow stronger, only two paths lay before him: transplanting Hashirama’s cells or mastering Sage Mode. Orochimaru was the optimal choice for both. This was why Touhuan had volunteered for this mission and why he had unleashed large-scale ninjutsu without regard for chakra consumption during their confrontation—it was all part of the plan.

As for the use of Kotoamatsukami? In his coup, it served only as a deterrent. As long as no one witnessed him using it, it was as if he hadn't used it at all.

Touhuan glanced at Orochimaru. "Did you bring the summoning contract for Ryuchi Cave?"

Orochimaru nodded. After forming a seal, a small snake appeared on the table, opening its mouth to spit out a scroll. Orochimaru picked up the slime-covered scroll, wiped it clean with meticulous care, and offered it with both hands.

Touhuan opened it, signed his name, and instructed, "Inform Ryuchi Cave for me; I will pay them a visit in a few days."

"Understood, Lord Touhuan. Are there any other orders?" Orochimaru asked.

"Help me cultivate a sample of Hashirama’s cells. Also, keep an eye on the Akatsuki organization. If they make any unusual moves, report them to me immediately."

"Yes." Orochimaru nodded and vanished into a mist of white smoke.

...

The next day, anxious to report back to the village, the group did not travel at a leisurely pace. They moved at full speed, covering what should have been a two-day journey in just one, returning to the village by dusk.

They went straight to the Hokage’s office to submit their report.

"Did Orochimaru escape?" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the report submitted by Kakashi, his expression a complex mix of relief and regret.

"Never mind. Regardless, you have all worked hard," Hiruzen said, shaking his head.

"Lord Hokage, during the mission, Kakashi and I uncovered some classified intelligence. We ask for permission to report it to you privately," Touhuan stated.

"Is that so?" Hiruzen, assuming they had found leads on Orochimaru’s whereabouts, gestured to the others. The rest of the team tactfully exited the office.

Once only the three of them remained, Touhuan and Kakashi exchanged a look and handed their respective documents to Hiruzen.

"This..." As Hiruzen took the files, his expression darkened after a single glance. He quickly read through them page by page.

After finishing, the Third Hokage sat in silence, then produced his pipe, filled it with tobacco, and lit it. The room fell into a heavy silence, filled only with swirling smoke.

After finishing the bowl, Hiruzen looked up. "How do you think we should handle this matter? I would like to hear your opinions."

Kakashi lowered his head, but Uchiha Touhuan stepped forward.

"My opinion is simple," Touhuan said firmly. "Give the order, Lord Hokage. Let the Military Police and the Anbu conduct a joint operation. Arrest the 93 individuals from the three involved clans as quickly as possible. Konoha, under the light of the Will of Fire, should not tolerate such wanton slaughter of comrades! We must strike hard and excise this malignant tumor!"

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen began to pack another bowl of tobacco.

Just then, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the Hokage’s office.