章 170: Chapter 170: Land of Demons
Orochimaru was astounded.
After over four months of working together, it wasn't until Naruto pointed it out that Orochimaru noticed the unique nature of Naruto's existence—a life form completely different from a "normal person." Naruto had abandoned his physical body, existing only as a soul.
"The soul is truly fascinating," Orochimaru muttered, circling the blond figure several times before stopping. Unable to resist, he reached out to touch him, only to be swiftly struck away by the scabbard. "To abandon the body and still live."
"I thought... after death, the soul would either dissipate or, like that old man, be captured by some strange death god."
Naruto's tone remained calm: "I've said it many times. The decay of the body does not equate to death; it is merely the beginning of another phase of life."
Orochimaru shook his head: "Even with you as an example before me, I wouldn't dare to attempt something like that so easily."
Naruto turned to look at Sasuke, who was standing beside them, holding his new sword: "Sasuke can master this power too."
He walked over and drew Nine-Tails. After returning to the Soul Society, Naruto had learned the technique to separate a soul from its body. It was a simple technique, which he had inscribed on the end of his sword's hilt.
Sasuke didn't evade, though he couldn't help but feel nervous, his body stiffening. Naruto held Nine-Tails in a reverse grip, and with a flick of the hilt, he struck Sasuke on the forehead. Sasuke's physical body immediately went limp and collapsed to the ground. But another "Sasuke" remained standing—it was his soul.
Similar to the souls Naruto had seen before, like his father's and the First Hokage's, Sasuke's soul was a blend of chakra and spirit. However, unlike them, Sasuke already possessed a faint trace of "Shinigami power." He hadn't become a Shinigami yet, but this was because "Indra" had been forged into an "Asauchi," which shared the same source as his soul.
However, his attire remained the same as the kimono he was wearing, rather than the "Shihakushō" (the standard uniform of a Shinigami). This was understandable. The "Shihakushō" is a garment made specifically for members upon joining, and while it becomes part of the "Shinigami power" when worn, it is no different from ordinary clothing before being donned.
Should I figure out how to make a "Shihakushō" too?
Underground, as the newly formed soul appeared, the Sage of Six Paths' power immediately surged. This time, it was cautious. Sensing Naruto's presence, "it" hesitated, not acting immediately. It seemed to recognize the special nature of "Sasuke," especially after detecting the aura of the sword in his hand. After a moment of hesitation, it coiled underground, waiting for the right moment to observe. It sought to confirm Sasuke's "life or death" status.
Naruto frowned. It seemed there was no avoiding the Sage of Six Paths. He waved his hand, and golden chains flew out, lifting Sasuke's body. Naruto gave a gentle push. Sasuke was instantly returned to his body. The "Sage of Six Paths' power" quickly retreated.
This strange occurrence left Sasuke touching his body, both amazed and puzzled.
"Is it because of that sword?" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with interest as he studied the phenomenon. "Even after abandoning the body, one can continue living. Do they retain the same lifespan as an ordinary human? Or perhaps..."
Naruto spoke softly: "The degradation of the soul and the body are governed by different rules. With your potential, you would likely live much longer than ordinary people."
Orochimaru's eyes grew even more fervent. He longed for "immortality." Otherwise, he wouldn't have developed a technique like "Living Corpse Reincarnation." Though the idea of abandoning the body felt strange, if Naruto could walk the world as a soul, indistinguishable from ordinary people... why couldn't he?
Sasuke was still a bit confused, having had the most direct experience: "So the world after death really does exist. Then can I see my parents again?"
"You will," Naruto nodded, cutting him off.
"Then I'll join," Sasuke said firmly, his gaze becoming clear.
Orochimaru licked his lips: "Can I obtain such a sword too?"
"Don't you already know how to forge one?" Naruto gave him a curious look. The two of them had conducted the experiment together. Although Naruto had led the process initially, by the end, Orochimaru could have continued on his own, even without Naruto's guidance. His talent was no less than that of Mayuri Kurotsuchi. And equally as mad.
"Knowing and doing are two different things," Orochimaru shook his head, candidly admitting, "My control over the 'power of the soul' isn't on the same level as yours, Naruto-kun."
"Moreover, the materials needed to forge such a sword are rare in the ninja world. Only the Tailed Beasts, or perhaps the Dragon Vein (Source of the Ryūmyaku) and that rumored entity in the Land of Demons."
"My hands are still in your possession, Naruto-kun, and without enough strength to 'hunt' them down. And Sasuke probably won't listen to me now."
Naruto seemed to ponder this: "What are the Dragon Vein and the rumors from the Land of Demons?"
"They are quite interesting stories," Orochimaru licked his lips and leaned forward. "Would you like to make a deal? I have a very intriguing idea..."
He paused, a meaningful look in his eyes: "Naruto-kun, your body should still be in your possession, right? How about we use that—"
Before he could finish speaking, a slender golden chain flew out, striking him hard in the face. It wasn't Naruto's "Adamantine Sealing Chains." It came from Karin.
"You lecherous old man, stop thinking about Naruto's body!" she snapped, gritting her teeth in anger. "There's no way he would give it to you."
Naruto shrugged: "Exactly."
"Karin, you've grown," Orochimaru grinned despite the blood trickling from his face. "If that's off the table, then how about when Naruto-kun forges a sword for Karin, he also makes one for me?"
Naruto tilted his head: "Then join Seireitei."
"Is that necessary?" Orochimaru whispered, "I'm not fond of being restrained. How about we negotiate different terms?"
"You are necessary." Naruto nodded firmly, "I've already decided where to place you—as the captain of the Technological Development Bureau."
Orochimaru clicked his tongue. He was now regretting the curiosity he had felt toward Naruto during the "Konoha Crush" plan. If he hadn't been curious, he wouldn't have ended up in this "situation." But... there was no turning back now. Naruto had his eyes fixed on him.
"Let me tell you about those two things," Orochimaru changed the subject, tilting his head.
"The Dragon Vein is a very peculiar entity. It's said to represent infinite chakra. It also seems to have the power to affect 'space-time.'"
Naruto repeated his last words: "Space-time?"
Orochimaru nodded with a grin: "But no one has ever seen it with their own eyes, and it was sealed by your father, the Fourth Hokage. Ordinary people won't be able to break that seal."
Naruto acknowledged this.
Orochimaru tilted his head again, his tone becoming more somber as he continued: "Though there are many rumors about the Dragon Vein, at least it truly exists. But the rumor from the Land of Demons... it dates back to before the time of the Sage of Six Paths. Legend has it that there was a demon in this world, and a group of people nearly destroyed the world by using its power. Later, this demon was sealed by an unknown hero in the Land of Demons."
Karin raised an eyebrow, surprised: "Before the Sage of Six Paths? That would be during the era of deities and monsters that used natural energy."
Orochimaru's gaze shifted past Naruto to Karin, a hint of incredulity in his eyes: "It seems you know more than I do?"
"I don't know if that rumor is true. But the reason I believe it might be... is that a few decades ago, there was a group of 'immortal ninjas' in the Land of Demons. According to the priestess of that land, someone used the demon's power to achieve that."
He paused, licking his lips: "Conveniently, these are two distinct powers. They could be used to forge two swords. One for Karin, and the other for me. How about it?"
Naruto didn't immediately agree but gave him a gentle smile. A very warm smile, but it sent a shiver down Orochimaru's spine, triggering a primal sense of dread. He couldn't shake the feeling that... this blond boy was plotting something.
After the sword was forged, Naruto stayed at Orochimaru's base for another month, during which they exchanged knowledge about "natural energy." In this area, Orochimaru's research was extensive. Aside from his studies of Ryūchi Cave itself, he had also discovered a boy named "Jūgo."
The White Snake Sage had claimed that Orochimaru's "Cursed Seal" was developed from a venom she injected. However, according to Orochimaru himself, the inspiration and implementation of the "Cursed Seal" came from this boy.
Jūgo was a being born with the ability to "Sage Transform." However, unlike those who learned "Sage Mode" through training, Jūgo couldn't control this "innate ability" well. Whenever he was in an area rich in "natural energy," he would involuntarily enter "Sage Transformation" and then "lose control" and "go berserk."
Why was this?
Orochimaru had already figured it out. "Natural energy" is a relatively violent force that alters "weaker substances," including the human body. When the body is affected, it disrupts hormone secretion, naturally impacting emotions.
The training for "Sage Mode" involves merging one's chakra with "natural energy." The purpose is simple: to use the consciousness within chakra to suppress the chaos of "natural energy," keeping "natural energy" in a state where it can be controlled. This is why those who train in "Sage Mode" need to have a substantial amount of chakra.
During this month, Sasuke formed a bond with his Asauchi. He could vaguely hear some sounds in his ears, but they were unclear. The exact reason for this... Naruto wasn't entirely sure either. There were many reasons why one might not achieve "Shikai." Not being able to confront one's inner self, insufficient strength, and so on could all be factors.
Moreover, this Asauchi was somewhat unique. Naruto wasn't certain if, when Sasuke did achieve Shikai, the power released would be his own, or... "Indra's."
But he didn't have time to wait. After gaining some understanding of "Sage Mode," Naruto left the Sound Village with Karin, heading toward the countries that housed two great powers.
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