Orochimaru's laboratory.
The boy floating in the large glass container had changed again since the last time Makoto saw him.
His originally pale hair had now turned a bright, vibrant red, as crimson as blood.
"This is the result of integrating the cells of the Uzumaki clan," Orochimaru explained from the side.
"I found in ancient texts that the Uzumaki clan and the Senju clan are distant relatives. After studying it carefully recently, I discovered that the Uzumaki clan's physique bears a strong resemblance to the First Hokage's cells."
"Life force?" Makoto asked.
"Life force is a very vague term," Orochimaru replied.
"Because of the Uzumaki clan's powerful physique, the energy contained within their bodies far exceeds that of ordinary people, and their chakra capacity is also much greater."
Makoto asked, "Can the First Hokage's cells and the Uzumaki cells merge perfectly?"
Orochimaru said, "I haven't tried them separately, but under the conditions of the White Zetsu body, they have merged quite well."
Makoto looked thoughtfully at the boy in the glass container.
Senju Hashirama, the Uzumaki clan, the Hyuga clan...
Could it be that Orochimaru is really trying to create a body like that of the Otsutsuki?
However, he suddenly noticed something wrong with the body.
Perhaps he hadn't paid attention to it the last time.
The boy didn't have the physical traits of a male.
"Is he... a boy?" Makoto couldn't help but ask.
Orochimaru said, "He can be either male or female. It's still in the experimental stage. In my opinion, sexual desire is a useless thing. How to eliminate it without affecting the body's functions is also something I am studying."
After saying this, he glanced at Makoto with interest: "Makoto, although you're young, you should also take care of your body. Having too many women will only become a burden."
Makoto: "..."
Why is he suddenly bringing me into this? I only have two women around me...
Makoto couldn't help but think to himself, then quickly changed the subject: "When does Lord Hokage plan to use this body?"
Orochimaru replied, "It's not finished yet, Makoto. Modifying others is different from modifying oneself. Once I enter this body, improving it afterward won't be an easy task."
The secret technique of soul reincarnation was already almost perfected, and the laboratory now had many successful test subjects.
Orochimaru called it Living Corpse Reincarnation ( Edo Tensei ), derived from the Spirit Transformation Technique.
By incorporating the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques and the forbidden technique Dead Demon Consuming Seal, he continuously refined it.
The process of transferring a person's soul into another physical vessel had become a simple task.
The White Zetsu in the laboratory were roughly divided into three categories.
The first category consisted of Intelligent White Zetsu, which Orochimaru had created, These were the most numerous. He used them for various tasks, including assisting in experiments and research. Additionally, they served as spies hidden throughout the village.
The second category was Reincarnated White Zetsu, the successful results of Orochimaru's soul reincarnation experiments. All of these were kept confined by Orochimaru, who regularly examined their physical conditions.
The third category was Hollow White Zetsu, whose consciousness Orochimaru had completely erased. These bodies were typically used for routine experiments. When experimental subjects were on the brink of death during live tests, Orochimaru would use these White Zetsu to repair and heal their bodies.
As for the boy's body, it could no longer be called a White Zetsu.
Orochimaru's advancements in biotechnology were progressing at an astonishing pace, constantly surprising Makoto.
The reason for his achievements surpassing those depicted in the original work was twofold:
First, the full support of the village.
Such logistical backing was far superior to what the small Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields could offer.
Second, the appearance of White Zetsu had provided Orochimaru with a qualitative leap forward.
Makoto asked Orochimaru, "What does Lord Orochimaru plan to do with Kushina?"
Orochimaru asked back, "Are you in a hurry?"
"...No."
"Shouldn't you be asking me what I plan to do with Minato instead?"
"..."
Uzumaki Kushina was currently confined in the adjacent room, and Makoto could clearly sense her chakra.
So Makoto asked, "What does the Hokage plan to do with Minato?"
Orochimaru curled his lips into a grin. "What, do you think he can still survive in this world?"
Makoto was not surprised and continued asking, "What about his allies?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
At this point, reconciliation between Orochimaru and Minato was already impossible.
Yet Orochimaru showed no intention of making a move.
Orochimaru asked, "Makoto, you seem to know me quite well."
Makoto lowered his head and said, "I wouldn't dare."
Silence.
After a long moment, Makoto quietly left the research lab.
Orochimaru stood alone in front of the glass container, staring absentmindedly at the boy inside.
He was still waiting—waiting for the Third Hokage's stance, for Jiraiya's stance, and to see whether they would side with Minato this time.
If they did, that would be ideal.
It would give him a justified reason to sever the last bit of attachment in his heart.
When that time came, he could abandon everything from the past, enter this new body, and embark on the pursuit of ninjutsu, life, and the world itself.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
A sudden call pulled him from his thoughts.
Anko came bounding in, skipping energetically.
"Lord Orochimaru, it's time to eat."
"Coming."
Anko cheerfully laid out the food she had brought on the table, including several skewers of dango that were her personal favorite.
"Today's meal is a new recipe I tried. It tastes pretty good; please give it a try."
"Alright." Orochimaru replied with a smile.
"I ran into Makoto on my way here."
"I had some matters to discuss with him."
Anko suddenly remembered something and said to Orochimaru, "Let me tell you, Lord Orochimaru, that Makoto guy is actually a big pervert."
"...Is that so?"
Anko spoke with conviction, "When I went to find him earlier, I saw him flirting with his secretary in the office!"
Orochimaru remarked, "Makoto is just an ordinary man."
Anko muttered under her breath, "He's a total creep!"
Makoto had once told Orochimaru that he hoped to stand by Orochimaru's side as he continued to advance into the future.
But Orochimaru hadn't taken those words seriously.
Makoto could never follow him forever.
On the contrary, Orochimaru knew full well that one day Makoto was more likely to stand against him.
Makoto was burdened with countless worldly attachments, while Orochimaru sought to abandon such things in pursuit of his ambitions.
"Anko." Orochimaru suddenly reached out and patted Anko's head.
Anko revealed a cute, contented expression.
"After we eat, I'll show you something."
"Eh? What is it?"
"You'll see soon enough."
The path he had chosen was one of utter solitude.
Even if someone could understand him and reach the same heights, that person would only be his enemy.
But having an enemy was better than having none.
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