Chương 120: Chapter 120 : Gelel Vein
"It is said that long ago, a member of the royal family named Temujin, who led the mining of the ore veins, mastered the technology of extracting the ore veins of Gelel stones. He compiled the 'Gelel Chronicles,' and the crystals extracted from it came to be known as the Gelel Stones."
Under the influence of an illusion, Takahiro began to reveal the secrets he knew one by one: "Only those of royal blood in our nation can perfectly merge with the Gelel Stone. The people of Troy, on the other hand, are forcibly merged, resulting in them becoming different, monstrous beings!"
Orochimaru smirked disdainfully. This might be a result of the body absorbing the power of nature, akin to the curse mark, but the side effects would surely be more severe.
Nevertheless, the one who could flawlessly integrate with the Gelel Stone meant that they could easily absorb the natural energy without any rejection. This ability might be a rare bloodline limit.
Orochimaru's interest was piqued by this so-called royal bloodline. If he could merge with the natural energy, could he also merge with the Wood Release? Could he integrate the Mangekyou Sharingan? Or some other bloodline limit?
Were these the so-called Innate Ninjas?
And so, Orochimaru discreetly set his sights on the royal family, his potential benefactors...
Placing his hand on Takahiro's forehead, Orochimaru imposed a soul restriction. Takahiro entered a daze for a moment and then gradually woke up.
"Well... your name is Dragon, correct? Follow me."
Takahiro led Orochimaru to the palace, with the warrior guards not impeding their progress.
Orochimaru observed the palace's exterior decor, the vibrant paintings on the walls. Though small, the palace held a certain grandeur.
Indeed, a nation with its own mines would naturally possess wealth, but unfortunately, they lacked the strength to retain their riches.
Orochimaru noted various magical technologies in the palace: a massive crystal chandelier powered by natural energy, an elevator-like lifting device, automated machinery, even the food and fruits on trays contained a trace of energy. This likely accounted for their longevity.
However, once stripped of this magical power, these seemingly wondrous devices were merely heaps of scrap metal, mere "pseudo-technologies."
"Lord Takumi, Master!"
Takahiro respectfully bowed to the two figures seated on the throne. Orochimaru identified the one with the crown as Takumi, while next to him was an old man in a grey robe leaning on a large sword, seemingly in meditation. He must be Takahiro's mentor, Rudolph.
Orochimaru couldn't help but focus on Rudolph. A pure swordsman, his power was derived from constant self-inflicted physical training, a mastery of Kenjutsu. Likely, he was an elite jōnin in strength.
Rudolph seemed to sense Orochimaru's gaze. His eyes, marked by a long, narrow scar, opened, and a glint flickered within them, meeting Orochimaru's quiet scrutiny.
"This is the new samurai recruit I've brought in. He's reputed to be quite formidable. I believe he can be of assistance, my lord!" Takahiro introduced Orochimaru's identity directly.
"A new-style samurai? Hmph! Chakra is but a trick employed by ninjas, and these new-style samurai dare to call themselves samurai?"
Ichiro Ryusen, whom they'd encountered earlier, spoke up with disdain and suspicion as he approached Orochimaru. His eyes were filled with doubt and distrust.
"Takahiro, you just recruited this individual, correct? Can we trust him? Don't spoil the king's plan!"
"This..." Faced with the aggressive senior, Takahiro appeared overwhelmed, while Rudolph observed the interaction with interest. King Takumi, on the other hand, seemed indifferent.
"Regardless of their faction, strength takes precedence."
Orochimaru spoke with nonchalance. Though his Kenjutsu was indeed of a new school, as a ninja possessing supreme strength, he cared little for the battles among the samurai factions.
As a wise individual once said in another life, black could absolutely be white, and the one capable of unleashing Kaguya could be considered a fine son...
"Damn it! I'll see just how powerful you are, to avoid any embarrassment!"
Ichiro Ryusen displayed the stubbornness of a traditionalist warrior, drawing his sword in disagreement.
The king showed interest but did not intervene.
"Boring."
With deliberate slowness, Orochimaru drew Kusanagi from his cuff.
"Watch the blade!"
Ichiro Ryusen lunged forward suddenly, his speed astonishing. His sword's gleaming edge swept down, only to be met and blocked by Orochimaru's sword, causing Ichiro to stumble back with a "thud."
Ryusen Ichiro stabbed forward with his blade, employing various sword techniques—slashes, chops, thrusts—in an attempt to subdue Orochimaru.
Unwilling to reveal too much strength and arouse suspicion, Orochimaru remained predominantly on the defensive.
In truth, this individual's skill surpassed that of Falcon. His mastery of Kenjutsu was evident, yet he lacked proficiency in ninjutsu, thereby missing out on a multitude of transformations in his attacks.
Orochimaru calmly parried the fierce onslaught, the resounding clatter of metal-on-metal resounding ceaselessly.
"So he's a master, after all."
A saying goes: laymen watch the spectacle, while experts watch the technique. Rudolph, a knowledgeable observer, recognized that Ryusen Ichiro had exerted nearly all his power, yet Orochimaru managed to withhold his full might.
It wouldn't be long before Ryusen Ichiro exhausted himself, leaving him not far from defeat.
"Enough, stop, Ichiro."
Rudolph's declaration brought the contest to a halt. Ryusen Ichiro snorted and retreated, but a gleam of respect shone in his eyes, directed at the gap in Orochimaru's Kenjutsu.
"Boy, you've got a couple of tricks!"
"What an outstanding samurai!"
Orochimaru's words remained indifferent. "I've come here as a warrior, not to learn Kenjutsu."
"Excellent, young man. If you assist in rehabilitating the traitor, you'll be rewarded as you wish!"
Takumi also expressed admiration for the abilities of the "wandering samurai."
Under the palace's collective gaze—some surprised, some impressed—Takahiro led Orochimaru away.
"Your Majesty, I suspect that this warrior, 'Dragon,' concealed something earlier. His origin is unclear. I fear..."
"Oh?" Takumi fell silent momentarily. "Once we regain control of the Gelel mine, our nation will possess sufficient power to ensure peace. There's no need to be overly concerned about an outsider!"
"Wisely said, Your Majesty."
...…..
"It seems that this place is quite secluded, but that's to my advantage—it'll make it easier for me to slip away."
Creating a shadow clone to remain behind, Orochimaru effortlessly left his residence, leaving the palace under the watchful eyes of guards and samurai.
"This country's population ranges from 20,000 to 30,000, with an army of only one to two thousand. It shouldn't pose a threat to me. Only Rudolph possesses the strength of an elite jōnin."
Orochimaru donned a samurai uniform and activated his Senjutsu power. His true essence enveloped his form, rendering his presence elusive. His figure wavered like a mirage even as he walked along the road.
With Orochimaru's concealment, even if he strode through the center of town, ordinary folk might overlook him.
"This must be the Gelel ore vein that Takahiro mentioned."
Orochimaru navigated the restricted areas, guarded by hundreds of fully-armed sentinels, to reach the immense mine below.
The mine extended deep into the earth, various strange contraptions and enormous elevators dotted the surroundings. Corpses and shattered weaponry were strewn about in corners. With his mental prowess, Orochimaru discerned numerous individuals within.
A pure aura of natural energy radiated from the mine's depths, confirming that the so-called Gelel mine lay beneath.
Unlike ordinary ore veins, mining these energy sources required delicate handling to prevent energy disturbances. The bottom of the mine resembled a base camp, stocked with supplies and likely boasting alternate exits—where Troy might be situated.
"According to Takahiro, three individuals here have successfully harnessed the power. If their strength isn't inferior to Rudolph's, they must be the three jōnin."
The bottom was no less crucial than the surface. Orochimaru needed to take action.
"Troy should belong to their royal family. He must be perfectly attuned to the Gelel Stone. Judging from his situation and his experiments on his underlings, it's likely he's also undergone transformation, possibly surpassing his subordinates!"
In the original story, beastified warriors possessed chūnin-level prowess. Following transformation, even ordinary children could compete with lower-level individuals. Orochimaru, however, lacked Naruto's invincibility—thus, he needed to be cautious.
"I need to find a way to infiltrate and gather information."
...
Deep within the Gelel ore vein, a massive machine continued refining the Gelel Stone. A regally-robed man donning a crown held a blue gemstone, deeply inhaling its essence, a look of ecstasy crossing his features.
"What wondrous power! With this energy and my transformation technology, our nation will grow stronger, destined to conquer the world!"
This man's left hand wore a golden glove adorned with a Garel Stone on its knuckles. The stone radiated a blue brilliance, infusing his body with strength as it embedded itself within his flesh and blood.
"Alas, my younger brother can only tend to farm and shine. Such a waste of potential!"
Closer inspection would reveal these stones fused with his very being, channelling power directly into his body. A potent stream of energy coursed through him, emanating an intimidating aura.
"Lord Troy, all our soldiers have undergone transformation, though only a hundred have survived."
A tall, finely-armoured figure knelt before him, delivering the report.
"Is that so? What a tragedy."
Troy's demeanour shifted from sorrow to determination and fervour.
"But these sacrifices—noble sacrifices—are made for the sake of a stronger nation and a happier populace. I shall remember their valour."
"Sir, I've returned."
A similarly-well-armoured female warrior descended with a resounding thud.
"Ninja from the Sand Village have accepted our contract. Support should arrive soon."
"Excellent work, Hela. This righteous battle shall be ours!"
**********
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