bookrebus Chapter 730 Regret
Chapter 730 Regret
Zhang Hai also sighed, feigning remorse: "Yes, I have also had regrets. However, it seems that it's not too late to cooperate. Our ideas align, our abilities complement each other, and by jointly studying those forbidden subjects, we can surely create an unprecedented situation."
A cold smile flickered in his heart. Back then, if he hadn't met his mentor, he might have truly become Orochimaru's student. After all, Orochimaru's mastery of ninjutsu and his pursuit of "truth" held a fatal attraction for him. But if Orochimaru were to one day become like that "Snake Aunt," he would most likely choose to "kill his teacher" without hesitation. He wouldn't allow anything to hinder his path of revenge, and he certainly didn't want to see his teacher become such a hideous figure.
"It's a pleasure to cooperate, Zhang Hai-kun." Orochimaru extended his slender fingers and lightly tapped Zhang Hai's body a few times. Instantly, an invisible force dissipated from Zhang Hai's body; it was a chakra seal specifically used by Konoha Prison to bind powerful ninjas.
“Come on, I’ll show you around my ‘laboratory.’ This is just one of my many secret bases, conveniently located underground in Konoha Prison, so I can keep an eye on you at any time.” Orochimaru said, and then took the lead into the depths of the cave.
Zhang Hai followed, observing his surroundings discreetly. He knew this prison break wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Long before killing Hei Ye, he had already contacted Orochimaru through special channels, seeking his help. The appearance of Danzo and Hei Ye at that time, and even Hei Ye's eventual tragic death at Orochimaru's hands, were all the result of Orochimaru's covert machinations.
"The death of Hei Ye and the appearance of Danzo, were both your doing, weren't they?" Zhang Hai's tone was calm, but the profound meaning behind it was self-evident.
Orochimaru didn't turn around, but simply said casually, "Oh? You mean that line, 'The power of the Mangekyou Sharingan is not something ordinary people can control'? I only gave it a slight hint, and that old fox Danzo immediately sensed the threat of the Sharingan. He's the kind of person who always likes to eliminate problems completely. As for the Night... his appearance just happened to be at that crucial moment."
Zhang Hai's heart skipped a beat. Orochimaru, with just a casual remark, had precisely grasped Danzo's suspicious nature, making him deeply wary of Zhang Hai's Mangekyou Sharingan and thus determined to completely eliminate this potential threat. As for himself, in order to gain Orochimaru's help and his freedom after the prison break, he had also sacrificed several years of his "youth"—for the next three years, he would have to stay by Orochimaru's side, conducting those forbidden experiments together. However, given Orochimaru's vast knowledge and experimental resources, these years of cooperation were not entirely a loss for him.
Since awakening his Mangekyou Sharingan, Zhang Hai's strength has increased dramatically. He no longer needs to proceed cautiously and cautiously when facing strong opponents. Now, he can even fight against Kage-level powerhouses. He can clearly feel the power within him surging like a tidal wave, ready to erupt at any moment.
The interior of the research institute was not as clean and tidy as he had imagined. On the cold stone beds lay mutilated human bodies. Some had been disemboweled, their internal organs clearly visible; others had been dismembered into pieces, scattered on trays; still others were covered with various complex tubes and instruments, their pale skin revealing bulging veins. The entire space reeked of formaldehyde and blood, and dark red stains stained the walls and floor. Even a ruthless man like Zhang Hai couldn't help but frown at this horrifying sight.
"This is my 'work of art'." Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of morbid excitement as he pointed to a corpse with its chest ripped open and its heart exposed, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism. "The human body is the most wondrous structure in the world, containing infinite possibilities. And a ninja is someone who can bring out these possibilities to their fullest potential."
He slowly walked to the other body and continued, "I have always believed that one day I will learn all the ninjutsu in the world, grasp all the truths of the world, and thus become the 'ultimate individual' who transcends life and death and transcends everything. Whether it is Wood Release, Bloodline Limit, or various forbidden techniques, they will all become part of my power. At that time, I will touch the mystery of eternity!"
Zhang Hai listened to Orochimaru's almost insane declaration, but remained unconvinced. He glanced at the cold, lifeless corpses and said calmly, "Mastering all ninjutsu? That's wishful thinking. A person's energy is ultimately limited; you can't possibly master all ninjutsu. Trying to do too much at once will only result in mastering nothing well."
Surprisingly, Orochimaru wasn't angered by Zhang Hai's rebuttal; instead, he smiled with pleasure. He turned around, his snake-like eyes fixed on Zhang Hai with a strange intensity: "Exactly! What I need are thoughtful helpers, not subordinates who blindly follow orders. Your insight and independent thinking are truly invaluable."
He leaned closer to Zhang Hai, his voice becoming deep and magnetic: "Physical life is short and impermanent; no matter how strong, it will eventually decay. However, intangible power can be eternal. For example, your soul, Zhang Hai. That profound and powerful resentment, that extreme thirst for power, truly excites me!"
While conducting those obscure and dangerous research projects with Orochimaru, Zhang Hai would occasionally learn about the outside world through Orochimaru's special information channels. One piece of news, in particular, left him both touched and somewhat amused—his close friend Haku was attempting to break him out of prison.
“That fool…” Zhang Hai sighed softly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes. He knew Bai’s personality; once he made up his mind, he would do it without hesitation. If he hadn’t planned ahead and secretly conveyed the message that “everything is fine, do not act rashly,” Bai would probably have already walked headlong into Konoha’s most heavily guarded prison, getting himself imprisoned as well. Thinking of this, a warm feeling rose in Zhang Hai’s heart. Even though he had seen through the coldness of the world, Bai’s pure affection still warmed his heart.
"The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, seems to have intended to groom you as the next Hokage after White Fang's death," Zhang Hai suddenly spoke, breaking the silence in the laboratory. His gaze fell on Orochimaru, who was undergoing some kind of live dissection.