บท 69: Chapter 69 : Research
The currency in the Naruto World holds equivalent value to the Japanese yen. As an ANBU member, Orochimaru enjoys better treatment compared to other ninjas of the same rank. Currently, Orochimaru is on a well-deserved paid vacation, bringing forth a sense of joy.
"Orochimaru, why haven't you been around lately?" Tsunade, donned in a blue jacket, a white shirt, and a red skirt, rushed to the hospital with a substantial stack of medical supplies. She coincidentally encountered Orochimaru along the way.
"We've been engaged in a rather mundane mission for over a week now," Orochimaru responded with a faint smile.
"It's you, Tsunade. What brings you to this kind of work? Isn't there anyone at the hospital? You're a medical ninja after all."
Tsunade let out a nervous chuckle, "Uh, well...hahaha, I was just practicing a ninjutsu, and I accidentally...hahaha~"
"Well, you're forgiven if it's you."
Orochimaru offered a comprehensive smile, "But not all those with a violent disposition possess adept medical skills. Have your medical skills improved?"
"Orochimaru—!"
Tsunade exclaimed, her voice echoing as she playfully chastised her former teammate. However, her exuberant wave sent the hefty medical supplies soaring into the air as if they weighed nothing.
"Oops!" they both exclaimed in unison.
"That's really something, Tsunade," Orochimaru swiftly entered a heightened state of perception. His hands moved gracefully and rapidly, creating afterimages reminiscent of an eight-legged spider deftly capturing its prey.
"Wow~ Orochimaru, you're still as—"
"Oh, my dear princess, why escape? You should return to your studies promptly, or Lord Tobirama might become displeased."
A woman cloaked in a white coat, exuding the aura of experienced medical ninja, Koharu appeared at this moment.
Turning to face her, Tsunade mustered a smile, though the sentiment within her words didn't carry the same friendliness.
She wished Tsunade wouldn't divert from her medical pursuits. Since Tsunade's presence was required here, she shouldn't stir up trouble elsewhere.
As for Orochimaru, dressed in a white coat, he was completely disregarded.
"Aunt Koharu."
"Miss Koharu."
Orochimaru gazed at Koharu with a touch of guilt.
"Oh, Orochimaru? An infrequent guest!"
Koharu's countenance shifted abruptly, taking on a more somber aspect. "Haven't you joined ANBU? What brings you back here?"
"Well, this... I'm—"
"Aunt Koharu, Grandfather Tobirama asked Orochimaru to come. Orochimaru's studies and research need to proceed."
In a crucial moment, Tsunade stood her ground, offering unwavering support for Orochimaru.
"Oh, is that so?" Koharu smiled half-heartedly, then turned and walked away. "A youngster who can't do things properly..."
Tsunade expressed her disdain. Some individuals simply don't care about your actions. They're simply predisposed to harbor animosity.
"Tsunade, let's go."
Orochimaru paid little heed to these tiresome antics. When one has a grand vision and pursues personal objectives, trivial interference hardly merits concern.
This time, however, Orochimaru found himself following behind Tsunade like a younger sibling accompanying an elder sister.
"But Orochimaru, why did you spend so much time coming to the hospital?"
Tsunade meticulously arranged the supplies and equipment, suddenly posing an inquiry.
"Tsunade, what is your take on science and technology, these apparatuses, medical ninjutsu, and the world we inhabit?" Orochimaru inquired unexpectedly.
"Uh, what?" Tsunade continued to tinker with the tools at hand. "Aren't these all tools we employ?"
"Yes, but they also serve as the rungs of our progression ladder." Orochimaru shook his head. It seemed only one scientist could truly fathom the musings of another.
Upon sealing the entrance to his modest laboratory, Orochimaru scrutinized it thoroughly, confirming nothing had been disturbed.
It remained in the early stages of minor disruptions, a matter that caused no concern. Afterward, Orochimaru extracted a scroll from his robe, unveiling several bundles of medicinal herbs within.
He extracted the precious body-strengthening fruit, which Orochimaru cautiously enshrouded in a transparent glass casing. Inert gas filled the enclosure, and he then inserted his hands into two circular apertures shielded by medical gloves. Employing a scalpel, he proceeded to dissect the fruit.
"No energy leakage detected."
Following a series of experiments, Orochimaru removed the glass cover, allowing a mouse to consume the fruit.
Orochimaru meticulously analyzed the constituents of the so-called body-strengthening fruit. More accurately, he examined the substance responsible for muscle tightening, tearing, repair, and enhancement.
"No chakra fluctuations whatsoever." Orochimaru utilized tweezers to extract a small fragment of pulp, which he placed upon an experimental table adorned with an array of self-modified instruments.
"Based on the recorded analysis, this plant likely predates the arrival of the Otsutsuki clan." Orochimaru contemplated deeply. "Perhaps it's intertwined with natural energy? The tests unveiled no distinct substances."
A sigh escaped Orochimaru's lips. "Or perhaps our current technological level is insufficient for such revelations."
After all, Konoha had only been established a little over a decade prior, with the Third Great Ninja War yet to transpire. Consequently, their technology lagged several decades behind the advancements depicted in the Shippuden storyline.
Whether the enigmatic natural energy played a role or not, it remained a mystery eluding ordinary individuals, likely accounting for the lack of attention it garnered.
Technological advancements proved arduous. Behind a seemingly commonplace modern blade stood an entire assembly line. Similarly, intricate steel-making technology underpinned the steel refinement process. Not to mention the more intricate equipment employed in scientific research.
Chakra, a versatile mystical energy, functioned as the core driving this world's technological progress. Initiating anew would prove unrealistic and, in Orochimaru's view, unnecessary.
"However, an easier route exists." Orochimaru summoned a diminutive snake, securing it upon the experimental table before offering a morsel of pulp.
The small snake responded instantaneously, its serpentine form expanding and contracting like a rhythmic dance.
Orochimaru hastened to dissect and examine the muscle tissue, ultimately discerning a critical element responsible for the muscle's reaction.
"Seems like a biological enzyme, an organic catalyst produced by the plant's cells."
Yet, what constituted the other reactant alongside the organism's muscle cells?
Extracting the substance posed a challenge, requiring an hour to amass a minute quantity.
"Let's see how this works!"
Though not well-versed in Sage Mode, Orochimaru sensed the natural essence encapsulated within the drop of purple liquid.
Summoning a snake once more, Orochimaru administered the substance.
"Hi!—Bang!"
"What?!" Orochimaru exclaimed, observing the snake's detonation.
"The total catalyst amount should be equivalent; the only discrepancy lies in concentration. But how does concentration influence outcomes?"
Orochimaru experienced bewilderment. The natural energy and chakra represented complex technologies that defied scientific explanation.
"Of course! At its core, it's the natural energy at play. These so-called biological enzymes serve merely as catalysts!"
A realization dawned upon Orochimaru. Natural energy indeed possessed incredible attributes. Regrettably, this omnipresent force, coursing within beings and the world itself, remained inaccessible to ordinary individuals throughout their lives.
Injecting a droplet of the extracted fluid into his own body, Orochimaru experienced a surge of searing agony that coursed through his form. Muscles seemed to tighten, strengthening incrementally.
"Insufficient quantity, hardly effective, but quantity is the key!" Orochimaru's excitement radiated through his smile.
Possessing a robust physique and Special Jonin-level strength, if the bodily fluid exerted an impact on him, mass production appeared promising.
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