Chapter 141
Orochimaru considered himself a scientist first and a shinobi second.
He believed that everything could be explained by science—even forbidden techniques had their own operating rules and traces to follow. This philosophy of rationality allowed him to perceive the world's essence and accomplish feats beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
When he initially cooperated with Zixu, it wasn't out of goodwill. His mentality was simple: I have the power to kill you, so why should I cooperate with you? You should be the one begging for an alliance to prove you're worthy of living.
That was Orochimaru's mindset during their first meeting, and it hadn't changed since.
However, after the Konoha Crush Plan, he realized that Zixu was incomprehensibly powerful—absurdly so. Zixu's growth speed defied all logic. No known ninjutsu could make someone so overwhelmingly strong in such a short period of time.
Unless... Orochimaru had a theory. If his assumption was correct, then Zixu's inexplicable strength would make sense.
Later, Zixu handed him one strange object after another for research. Orochimaru was fully aware that Zixu was trying to tie him down with science—an obvious ploy. Yet, despite knowing it was a trap, he willingly walked into it.
After all, he had already prepared his escape plan.
Why flee? The answer was simple: Zixu's movements were too audacious. The strength and resources he displayed were monstrous. When Zixu acted, he did so with the force of a thunderstorm, sweeping away all obstacles. If things continued at that pace, Konoha would inevitably suffer.
Orochimaru, as cold and ruthless as his namesake, was a heartless and ungrateful serpent. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, there was always a voice in his head telling him to protect Konoha.
He couldn't comprehend why. It was irrational.