Shang:...

Thoughts enter Shang’s mind when he hears Orochimaru’s question.

Shang’s thoughts: Where the hell did he get the idea that I destroyed my own clan? That clan doesn’t even exist in this world!

The book he pirated comes into the picture.

Shang’s thoughts: Don’t tell me you guys just theorize my background from the book!? How dumb are you guys? If I am really a mathematics genius, this world won’t be postmodern! I understand how dumb Danzou is when he jumps to conclusions but you too, Orochimaru!?

Shang then pauses in his thoughts for a while.

Shang’s thoughts: It doesn’t matter now since they theorized something like that. The real question is whether I should admit to destroying the clan which I came up with, feign pretense that I did not do that or come up with another truth about the clan destruction?

Seeing that Shang is unable to answer his question for the time being, Orochimaru speaks up first.

Orochimaru: Elder, if you need time to answer, you I can wait but your request will be on hold.

Orochimaru then turns to walk away.

Shang: Wait.

Orochimaru: Elder?

Orochimaru stops in his tracks and turns back.

Shang: I don’t mind telling you the answer. What benefit will it bring me?

Orochimaru:...Isn’t this request important to you?

Shang: I believe there is someone who love to take this request.

Orochimaru: Someone? Who would take such a… You don’t mean…

Needlessly to know, Shang’s smile answers Orochimaru’s question.

Orochimaru: Then why me? If the person you and I had in the mind is the same, this request can be completed in no time.

Shang: I just don’t like owning favors and having troubles. The more favors you owe, the more troubles you will have.

Orochimaru: For that kind of reason?

Shang: Yes, for that kind of reason.

Orochimaru:...

Shang:...

There was a short silence between the two of them.

Orochimaru: Elder, the personality of the protagonist who you wrote about doesn’t match you at all.

Shang’s thoughts: Of course, it doesn’t match. I was not writing about myself.

Shang: Well, people change over time.

Shang’s thoughts: Here’s a false hint, hehehehe

Orochimaru: Yes, they do.

Orochimaru looks up, reminiscing about something before looking back at Shang.

Orochimaru: Request accepted but my reward is your favor.

Shang: Hmm, why my favor? I thought you are more interested in the disappearance of my clan.

Orochimaru: Your favor is worth more than knowing the truth.

Shang: You can actually get both at the same time.

Orochimaru: Oh? How can I get them?

Shang: Because I have another request

Some time after Shang left the office, Orochimaru has an unexpected visit from Danzou.

Danzou: What did the Elder talk to you about?

It is no surprise to Orochimaru that Danzou would ask this question as his spies are unable to hear what both Shang and Orochimaru are discussing.

Orochimaru: Nothing of importance that will hurt our alliance.

Danzou: I know but I want details.

Orochimaru:...He asked whether if anything could improve male potency and I said I will find out for him.

Orochimaru had to lie to Danzou as he knows Danzou will pester him about it, so he throws out some random detail to chase him off.

Danzou: Is there any?

Orochimaru: Still in the process of finding one. You need one too?

Danzou: No, I don’t.

Danzou walks off after his questioning.

Orochimaru’s thoughts: Elder, you owe me another one for this.

Orochimaru thinks as he makes sure Danzou’s presence is gone.