Bab 118: Chapter 118 : Reborn Orochimaru
"Oh, I'll go, all of them are like uncles."
In a cave in the Land of the Moon, Orochimaru and Takeshi emerged together, and Takeshi continued to complain.
"But I really don't understand what these giant toads from Mount Myoboku eat. They're carnivorous, right? Did they grow up munching on insects?!"
Ever since Takeshi's personality separated from Orochimaru's, he seemed to have fully "unleashed himself" and wasn't constrained when interacting with Orochimaru's avatar.
"By the way, aren't Sages supposed to meditate without eating?"
Takeshi paused and looked at Orochimaru.
At this moment, Takeshi was still clad in the black robe of the Horcrux, while Orochimaru had donned a new white kimono, giving them a harmonious appearance as they walked together.
Orochimaru's pale skin, dark golden eyes, and icy demeanour certainly made him an attractive figure.
Takeshi's current appearance bore a striking resemblance to Orochimaru. The purple eye markings on his ears matched his slightly shorter hair. He stood about a centimeter taller than Orochimaru, like an older brother.
The only difference was that Orochimaru appeared somewhat enigmatic to outsiders at this age, while Takeshi carried a touch of cynicism.
"My dear avatar, you're conversing, do you think I'm too verbose?"
Undoubtedly, Takeshi was deeply intrigued by his self-aware clone, though it was not suitable to delve too deeply into it within the Ryūchi Cave.
Orochimaru stood still, an eyeshadow of Senjutsu appeared in the corner of his eye, unexpectedly activating his Sage Mode.
"No, in a way, you're just conversing with yourself."
Orochimaru immediately retorted as soon as Takeshi opened his mouth.
"The White Snake Sage extolled the numerous merits of true essence cultivation, but in reality, Chakra holds great value." Orochimaru declared suddenly.
"Uh, what do you mean?"
Powerful energy surged from Orochimaru's body, even surpassing Takeshi's.
"Compatibility! Chakra's compatibility far outstrips that of true essence. This is why ninjas can forcibly absorb natural energy to access Sage Mode. However, only those without chakra can refine true essence."
While Orochimaru's demeanour remained cool, a hint of uncontrollable excitement gleamed in his eyes.
"This is due to the source of each power. True essence is individually refined, varying for each person, but chakra stems from the awakening of bloodline limit abilities.
Uchiha siblings can interchange their Sharingan, and even members of other clans can adapt to it. Moreover, there are methods to temporarily lend chakra to others."
"What!"
Takeshi was taken aback. Orochimaru seemed to possess a wealth of knowledge about the world's secrets and was capable of formulating his own analyses and judgments.
One could only wonder, was this truly Orochimaru?
"This trait's advantage is rapid advancement. Most ninjas reach their peak chakra levels between ages twenty and twenty-five. At that point, they typically begin delving into jutsu and techniques."
Orochimaru fixed a gaze on Takeshi and smirked. "So, in the early stages, my chakra should surpass yours. Add to that the Sage Mode and the power of the bloodline limit you bestowed upon me, and I might temporarily exceed your strength."
"And what if you do? You're still my clone." Takeshi inquired nonchalantly.
"..." Orochimaru shrugged, resuming his aloofness.
"Alright, let's discuss our future plans. There are now two of us." Takeshi suggested.
"Two paths. One is to remain anonymous and distant from Konoha. With your strength, you can take on most challenges in the ninja world, collecting bloodline limits and the crimson energy from fallen foes to facilitate rapid growth."
Orochimaru stated directly, implying that he had given it some thought.
"But the risks are greater. If you perish, it's curtains for me."
"Anything else?"
"You could assume the role of my long-lost brother. We could serendipitously encounter one another during an outing, and you could be taken under my wing. This approach is more secure."
Orochimaru shared this alternative, acknowledging that such opportunities were fewer, and their combined efforts might not necessarily expedite their research.
Orochimaru stared at Takeshi with a blank expression, an air of disdain seeping through his cool facade.
"Humph! Let's wait until we've located that energy source first!"
Takeshi scoffed coldly, deciding not to engage with his "other self."
"Return to Konoha for now, make a presence, and stabilize the situation. I'll commence my investigation!"
In truth, Takeshi had been confined within the Ryūchi Cave for a week. He was somewhat concerned about attracting attention from Konoha. Simultaneously, he harboured a deep curiosity about the energy source imparted by the White Snake Sage.
After spending so long indoors, Takeshi yearned for a change of scenery and an opportunity to test his mastery of the Sage arts. Thus, he resolved to leave the housekeeping duties to Orochimaru.
"...Isn't going solo a risky proposition? If you die, I die with you. If I die, your losses will be substantial."
Orochimaru voiced his concerns.
"It's alright, I can channel you in case of danger."
Takeshi's delivery was a tad awkward. He was fully aware that the Naruto series had a plot hole concerning summoning jutsu's inability to summon people—apart from reanimated corpses as seen in the Reanimation Jutsu.
Now a humanoid beast, Takeshi's avatar possessed a slew of enigmatic abilities. Upon mastering them, he surpassed the Six Paths Puppets, skillfully sidestepping this narrative quandary.
Still, it felt rather awkward.
"Very well, be cautious."
Orochimaru accepted the proposition, summoning a snake and employing the Body Flicker Technique to return to Konoha.
"I can hardly stand this."
Takeshi sighed, embarking on the path dictated by the White Snake Sage .
Truthfully, Takeshi initially contemplated fusing his clones. This practice purportedly held the potential to significantly amplify his power. Yet, the White Snake Sage cautioned that this technique imposed limitations on one's strength.
To ensure his efficacy during crucial moments and acknowledge Konoha's need for caretakers, Takeshi relinquished this tantalising prospect.
"This direction leads to... a forest. Reportedly, it's in a nation secluded from the outside world. Recent conflict has erupted there. I wonder how they harnessed this mystical energy?"
Donning his hood, Takeshi concealed his presence using true essence, stealthily traversing through the bushes...
Simultaneously:
"Bam—!"
Within a secret laboratory deep within Konoha Hospital, secured by Takeshi's fuinjutsu barrier, Orochimaru emerged. In fact, it was Orochimaru's clone imbued with Orochimaru's personality that entered.
"Who would've thought I'd be back here."
Orochimaru surveyed the scientific apparatus and experimental components. Inhaling deeply, he shut his eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.
"Though I'm merely a clone, the experience of vanishing into nothingness was dreadful. I refuse to be ensnared by that helplessness again."
Orochimaru retained his original memories, with Takeshi's influence further reinforcing his determination to master Senjutsu.
"Soul Transmigration, Soul Splitting—these concepts aren't enough."
Orochimaru studied Takeshi's records on transforming the human body and the secret arts of splitting the soul. After all, Takeshi had documented these personally.
"A method must be devised to enable the soul's rebirth even after complete dissolution. Only then will I possess the prerequisites to become the ultimate being and traverse all eras."
Orochimaru lost himself in contemplation. "Tangible substance ultimately decays, including the soul. But perhaps the will can be tied to chakra, ensuring its continuity...
If the body is merely a vessel for the soul, then perhaps the soul merely serves as a vessel for one's will!"
Suddenly, as if an epiphany struck, Orochimaru broke into an excited grin.
"Dong dong dong!"
The laboratory door was abruptly knocked upon. A flash of murderous intent flickered across Orochimaru's eyes, momentarily interrupting his musings.
"Orochimaru, are you in there?"
"You've secluded yourself for a whole week!"
The voice belonged to Senyu and Gudu, Orochimaru's two assistants, who stood outside knocking on the door.
Orochimaru furrowed his brow. Hadn't he explicitly instructed these two imbeciles not to disturb him?
With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a pair of timid-looking assistants. To them, Orochimaru was an imposing figure. Thus, their intent was to avoid any trouble by checking up on him. They were just being practical, as they saw it—better safe than sorry.
"Humph!"
Orochimaru remained silent, manifesting the Sharingan in his eyes.
"What?! What's this..."
Startled, the two assistants were swiftly ensnared in an illusion created by the Sharingan, only to find themselves in a daze moments later.
Orochimaru no longer paid them any mind, his gaze focused on the research devices and materials around him. Time and patience were scarce resources in his world.
"Carry on."
"Understood, Lord Orochimaru!"
These two were going to become Orochimaru's trusty aides, thanks to Takeshi's influence and the simple seal that Orochimaru had placed on them. This imprint ensured their loyalty and cooperation.
"It appears that my Ryūchi Cave cultivation stint took too long. Perhaps it's time for a change of scenery."
Orochimaru exited the laboratory, casting a nonchalant glance at the bustling Konoha streets.
"Captain, you seem different today!"
Within an ANBU training ground, Orochimaru sparred with his teammates, including Falcon and others who appeared to be on the receiving end of the battle.
"Why so serious, Captain?"
Orochimaru mused, then departed without a word.
"Captain Black Snake seems a bit off today, don't you think?"
Nightingale observed keenly, detecting nuances that others might miss.
"Really? Maybe the captain's experiments hit a snag, putting him in a foul mood."
Kazuki offered his take, while the others remained oblivious.
"The main body knows his priorities. It's situated quite close to Konoha Hospital, amassing all those resources. When will a breakthrough occur in my research?"
Orochimaru strolled the streets, muttering to himself—a true scientist covets resources above all else.
"After all these years, there've been too few casualties..."
"Hey! Orochimaru!"
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind. Orochimaru recognized it instantly and felt at ease as an arm draped over his shoulder.
"Jiraiya!"
Orochimaru's lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Orochimaru, you're not blind, are you? Can't you see this stunning beauty right here?"
A graceful hand patted his head, ruffling his hair, before resting on his other shoulder.
"...Tsunade."
"What's the matter? Feeling shy today?"
Tsunade scrutinized Orochimaru, eyes sharp and unrelenting.
The trio of Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade traversed the street together, their camaraderie palpable. Orochimaru maintained his usual aloof demeanour, while Jiraiya and Tsunade gleefully recounted recent events.
"Hey, why so serious, Orochimaru?"
Orochimaru sighed inwardly, reflecting on how Takeshi communicated with them...
"How can I change their impression of me now?!"
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Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone