"Such a generous boy. What knowledge could you possibly offer me?"

"That of an alien civilization, more advanced than ours. In biology, in chemistry, in physics, in engineering."

"A bold claim. What proof do you have?"

He takes out the computer Cam had made for this, turns it on - already open to a carefully chosen page, with illustrations that clearly indicate more knowledge of microbiology than they have.

"This. A gift, and a taste of what's in store." He flicks the computer off, then tosses it to Orochimaru.

He catches it easily, and fiddles with it enough to confirm he can turn it on, change the zoom and page, and that it doesn't run on chakra.

"Fascinating. You have the most interesting adventures, from putting Queens on their thrones to apparently now making first contact. Maybe you'll tell your dear old sensei about them someday."

"Maybe."

"I have access to the works of nineteen thousand civilizations. That computer includes a language primer for just one of them."

"And here I thought you were going to make me decipher it on my own. Your consideration for me is touching."

He gives Orochimaru an unimpressed look. 

"The rest I'll give you in trade, for, as you said, not getting in my way."

"Staying out of your way will be somewhat hard without details, Sasuke-kun."

"End your human experiments. Set your prisoners - all of them - free. Kill no one you do not absolutely have to, through direct action or through your forces." A pause. "I do, in fact, have more stipulations. You'll find them listed in the main directory, under 'Terms.'"

"A strange set of priorities. And I learn so much from my experiments. Do you really think you can balance that?"

"I've already surpassed you. Do you think I'm bluffing?"

"No, you're certainly not the type, Sasuke-kun. You're like I was at your age. Earnest, and full of entirely unwarranted hope. What do you plan to do, with your brave new world of freedom?"

"End death, and with it the entire shinobi system."

He laughs.

"Bold indeed. Will you burn the villages to their roots? There are wheels greater than you, and you will be crushed beneath them."

Mildly: "I think you're confused about the definition of 'peace.'"

"If I will die in this, then I will die, but what I have set in motion is greater than myself alone."

"I will say this one more time: Will you stand in my way?"

"I have one more question: what of when the years of this body grow thin? I won't die because you dreamed of morals."

"I'll provide you with a body, without even a mind to fight you."

"My question stands."

"Then I will not hinder you."

"You have your deal, Sasuke-kun. I will watch and wait, and see which way your wind moves the windmills of the world. And when you fail, I will be waiting still."

"This meeting is over, then. See you in the future."

And he turns and walks out.

(It isn't until they're a good distance away that he starts shaking, his heart thrumming in his ears, his breath coming in little gasps - )

Minato puts a hand on his and Tobirama's shoulders, and in a flash of yellow they're back at the base.

"- hey. How did it go. Have you also been made immune to, uh, anxiety drugs."

"Orochimaru agreed," Minato says. "We recorded it if you want to go over it later."

"Not immune," Sasuke mumbles. "Don't want any." He's still struggling to breathe regularly.

"If you say so. I'd like the recording, what's it called?"

Minato names it.

Cam conjures it up, looking concernedly at Sasuke.