Mastermind of the Akatsuki

After Byakuya agreed to Orochimaru's condition, Orochimaru joined the Akatsuki without hesitation. He was already intrigued by the organization, and members like Kakuzu and Sasori of the Red Sand presented excellent research subjects.

Besides, refusing the offer would likely mean he wouldn't leave this forest alive. Until his Reanimation Jutsu was perfected, Byakuya could kill him completely, denying even the chance of resurrection.

Once the deal was made, Orochimaru eyed Byakuya curiously and asked, "Leader, aren't you a member of the Uzumaki Clan? How did you suddenly master the First Hokage's Wood Release?"

Byakuya glanced at Orochimaru and replied nonchalantly, "There's a history of intermarriage between the Uzumaki and Senju Clans. While the probability of awakening Wood Release is extremely low, it's not entirely impossible. Well, Orochimaru-senpai, are you annoyed that Wood Release didn't appear in Konoha?"

Orochimaru held back a sigh at Byakuya's dismissive response. He knew full well that there had been frequent marriages between the Uzumaki and Senju, but even the First Hokage's descendants hadn't awakened Wood Release. Not even Tobirama, whom he admired, could solve that puzzle. If it were so easy to awaken, the Senju Clan wouldn't have been forced to disband.

Orochimaru thought back to his first disciple, Nawaki, Tsunade's younger brother and the First Hokage's grandson. If Nawaki had inherited Wood Release, he might not have died in battle from an explosive tag.

Byakuya then continued, "Konoha's Wood Release research has always been flawed. By transplanting Hashirama's cells, it's true that ninjas can gain Wood Release, but the average shinobi can't withstand the backlash from those cells."

Hearing Byakuya bring up the topic of Wood Release experiments, Orochimaru's interest was instantly piqued. While he wasn't sure where Byakuya had acquired the data, he knew Byakuya, as a genuine Wood Release user, understood it better than anyone.

"Backlash from Hashirama's cells is indeed a major problem. The village has tried raising young test subjects to adapt to the cells' violent nature, but the success rate remains very low. So, do you have any reliable solutions?"

Byakuya gave him a sidelong glance and replied, "Of course I do, but why would I share it with you? You haven't done anything for the organization yet, and you're already asking for top-level secrets. Why should I trust you?"

Orochimaru was momentarily taken aback; Byakuya had a point. He hadn't earned Byakuya's trust yet. But the thought of an unknown, more efficient method for transplanting Wood Release gnawed at him like an itch he couldn't scratch.

Byakuya, noticing his eagerness, offered, "If you're willing to owe me three favors, I'll tell you the solution."

"Three favors?" Orochimaru hesitated briefly, then nodded in agreement.

Byakuya, no longer hiding his knowledge, explained the method discovered later by Orochimaru and Danzo:

"Wood Release is a Kekkei Genkai formed by combining Earth and Water Release, but I believe it actually verges on a three-element fusion. The third element is Yang Release. This strong life force in Yang Release invades the body of the transplantee, overwhelming them with rampant energy, often resulting in death.

The solution is simple: having enough Yin Release chakra to counterbalance it."

"Yin Release chakra?" Orochimaru nodded, half-understanding. However, the sheer potency of the Yang element in Wood Release posed a problem; there were hardly any shinobi in the world capable of standing up to it.

Byakuya continued, his tone calm and detached: "Don't even bother trying. Only the Sharingan can neutralize the wild force of Hashirama's cells—and only if it's at least at the three-tomoe or Mangekyo level."

"Three-tomoe Sharingan… quite the strict requirement."

Hearing this, Orochimaru was struck with a realization. Ironically, the best candidates for Hashirama's cells were none other than the Senju's historical rivals, the Uchiha. No wonder Konoha's experiments had stalled—Uchiha members, the ideal candidates, never had the chance to participate.

It made sense. The elders and Danzo would never risk involving the Uchiha in the Wood Release experiments. If an Uchiha perished during testing, that would be one thing. But if a three-tomoe Uchiha managed to successfully wield Wood Release, Konoha could soon become Uchiha territory.

Of course, just because the village elders wouldn't act didn't mean he couldn't. Should he encounter a suitable Uchiha in the future, he would capture them to see firsthand the success rate of Uchiha with Wood Release transplants.

Seeing Orochimaru's scheming expression, Byakuya interjected: "Don't bother targeting the Uchiha. They'll eventually join our side. Some in their clan are already extremely powerful—beyond your current ability to handle."

Byakuya's words contained a wealth of information that made Orochimaru's eyes gleam.

First, Byakuya had intentions for the Uchiha Clan, planning to bring them into the Akatsuki. This explained his cooperation with Shisui to take down the Two-Tails. Byakuya possessed the means for Wood Release transplants, and the Uchiha were ideal candidates. If Uchiha shinobi with three-tomoe Sharingan gained Wood Release, their power would skyrocket.

Second, there were Uchiha outside of Konoha. Finally, the Akatsuki's increasing allies and expanding influence hinted at a grand design for reshaping the entire shinobi world—though the details were unclear.

Clearing his thoughts, Orochimaru took a deep breath and asked, "Thank you, Leader Byakuya, for sharing this knowledge. But there's one thing I still don't understand: what is the ultimate goal of the Akatsuki?"

Without hesitation, Byakuya answered, "Akatsuki is dedicated to love and peace, uniting villages and nations in harmony. Our goal is to end all wars and usher in a long-lasting era of peace in the shinobi world."

Orochimaru looked at him skeptically, clearly doubtful. He had heard similar idealistic lines countless times before; such rhetoric had no effect on him.

Seeing Orochimaru's suspicion, Byakuya shrugged and said with a bit of exasperation, "Why is it so hard for you all to trust the organization's ideals? I've never deceived any of you."

"Alright, perhaps I left out a few words. Akatsuki is dedicated to love and peace. Our goal is to unite every village and nation under the Akatsuki banner, achieving a world without war—a long-lasting era of peace."

This time, Orochimaru understood Byakuya's true ambitions and intentions. Byakuya intended to swallow up the Five Great Shinobi Villages and become the ruler of the shinobi world.