Naruto Birdcage

Orochimaru's research lab had been completed;

It was far larger than before and appeared much more formal and professional.

However, it remained a top-secret location.

Without Orochimaru's permission, no one could enter.

The only ones allowed free access were Anko and Makoto.

Orochimaru brought out a cage containing a small white mouse.

"This is the latest progress—this is a surviving test subject," Orochimaru said.

"You transplanted Hashirama's cells into it?" Makoto asked in surprise.

"Not just that."

Orochimaru explained, "Hashirama's cells are incredibly active, capable of infinite division and proliferation, granting remarkable regenerative abilities. However, the prerequisite is being able to suppress them. Recklessly transplanting them into another organism would only destroy the host's original cellular structure."

As Makoto listened to Orochimaru's explanation, he thought these cells sounded somewhat like cancer cells.

Makoto asked, "How do you suppress them?"

Orochimaru took out a vial of reagent and handed it over.

"These are White Zetsu cells. They're somewhat similar to Hashirama's cells and can completely contain them."

He continued, "I have many hypotheses that need to be verified, so I'm preparing to experiment with Hashirama's cells on human subjects."

Makoto's heart stirred slightly. "Adults?"

Orochimaru, however, dismissed the idea.

"The physical development of adults has already ceased, so the observations wouldn't hold much significance. They might be useful in the later stages of experimentation."

Makoto fell silent, and Orochimaru said no more, simply watching him.

The lab fell into a long silence before Makoto slowly spoke.

"Lord Hokage, are you aware of your position?"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly and countered,

"Makoto, do you know why I took this position?"

"..."

"The village orphanage has taken in quite a number of children again this year, hasn't it? Losing a few wouldn't be too difficult to cover up, would it?"

Makoto calmly responded, "Those children represent the future backbone of the village. I think it would be better for you, Lord Hokage, to seek other alternatives."

Orochimaru smiled faintly. "Then I'll leave this matter in your hands, Makoto."

Makoto lowered his eyelids and did not refuse.

Orochimaru continued, "Makoto, I've only now realized how fortunate I am to have someone trustworthy by my side. You can make decisions on anything concerning the village, and if you encounter any difficulties, feel free to come to me."

He reached out and gently patted Makoto on the shoulder.

"Makoto, don't let me down in the trust I've placed in you."

When Makoto walked out of the research lab, he felt a hint of chill in the air.

Orochimaru was about to begin human experimentation.

With Orochimaru's current power and status, this was an inevitable development, and Makoto had no choice but to be involved.

This was also Orochimaru's way of warning him.

Everything Makoto had done might have been noticed by Orochimaru, but it had all been tacitly allowed.

Orochimaru believed he understood Makoto completely, knowing that all of Makoto's power depended on him, the Hokage.

Without Orochimaru, Makoto would be nothing.

If not for Orochimaru, would Hyuga Hizashi be so obedient to a child like him?

Would he have been able to securely take the position of Hyuga clan leader?

Makoto understood as well: ultimately, it was because he was too weak—both in personal strength and in influence.

Becoming stronger required a process, as did building his own power base.

Until he became powerful enough, he could only be Orochimaru's most loyal subordinate, doing all the dirty and thankless tasks for him.

In the afternoon.

While Kakashi was on duty, Makoto called him into the office.

"The Uchiha came to you because of the Sharingan, didn't they?" Makoto got straight to the point.

Kakashi nodded silently.

"You're thinking about returning the eye to Obito?"

Kakashi continued to nod.

"Obito doesn't know about this, does he?"

"..."

"Why don't you tell Obito? Are you afraid he'll refuse?"

Every word Makoto said mirrored Kakashi's thoughts.

Kakashi's Sharingan had originally been a gift from Obito.

Kakashi had intended to carry on Obito's will by keeping it.

But now that Obito was still alive, and with the Uchiha clan presenting compelling reasons, Kakashi felt it was only right to return the eye.

However, if Obito were to find out, that fool would undoubtedly argue and refuse.

If it caused a conflict between Obito and his family, it wouldn't be worth it.

Makoto asked again, "Why do you think Obito would refuse?"

Kakashi was silent for a moment before replying,

"This kind of decision... is my freedom, isn't it?"

He thought Makoto was trying to persuade him, but Kakashi had already made up his mind.

Makoto nodded and said, "Then let Obito persuade you."

Kakashi immediately frowned.

He felt Makoto was meddling in something that was between him and Obito.

Why was Makoto involving himself in this matter?

Makoto continued, "I can make the Uchiha clan abandon the idea of reclaiming your Sharingan."

Kakashi deliberated for a long time before asking, "Why would you do that?"

Because you don't know what your eye's true ability is.

If Obito ever awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, and the power of two Kamui were combined, who in this world would be able to stop him?

Makoto thought this in his heart, but outwardly, he said,

"You're my subordinate. Naturally, I want you to be stronger."

The reasoning felt weak, and Kakashi replied,

"Even without the Sharingan, I won't become weaker."

At times, Kakashi even felt that the Sharingan was more of a burden on his abilities.

Makoto asked, "Without the Sharingan, can you still use Chidori?"

Kakashi: "..."

How does he even know the properties of Chidori…?

Makoto continued, "I believe that, deep down, Obito also hopes you can make good use of this eye."

Kakashi remained silent for a while before finally saying,

"If the Uchiha clan insists on reclaiming this Sharingan, I won't refuse."

Makoto nodded and then dismissed him.

That night, before heading home, Makoto made a stop at Yakushi Nono's place to check on how the children were adjusting.

Fortunately, there hadn't been any major issues.

When he got home, Ayano had already prepared dinner and was waiting for him.

Her cooking skills had noticeably improved—her dishes were now edible.

It was clear she had been putting effort into learning.

During dinner, Ayano brought up Ayari, mentioning that Ayari had come to chat with her earlier that day and spent much of the conversation talking about Lord Makoto.

While she didn't explicitly say anything, her words were full of hints that Ayari seemed to care deeply about Makoto.

Makoto gave no response to this.

The evening was a bit chilly.

After dinner, Makoto took a hot bath, and when he returned to his bedroom, he saw Ayano lying in his bed, warming it for him.

When she saw him enter, she got up from the bed and left the room.

Makoto couldn't help but reflect on how indulgent his life had become.

But he enjoyed it nonetheless.

Ayano seemed to have sprayed on some perfume—the bed was filled with her scent, though thankfully it wasn't overwhelming.

Lying alone in the warm bed, Makoto's mind wandered to Ayari's image.

What is that woman still holding back for…?

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