Xu Ming had unlocked a remarkable body modification technique that allowed him to adjust his physical form at will.
Tall, short, fat, thin...
He could make any changes he desired.
In essence, he could even alter his appearance to resemble another species. However, for the time being, only his external form could be modified. Internal enhancements—such as a snake's heat-sensing organs, an insect's compound vision, or a dog's heightened sense of smell—remained beyond his reach. His modifications were currently limited to basic flesh and bone restructuring.
"But this is already incredible!" Xu Ming murmured to himself in astonishment.
"If I keep refining this technique, it might truly reach the level of legendary transformations!"
It was no surprise that Orochimaru, in later generations, was feared for his eerie and ever-changing abilities. With a body modification technique like this, it was frighteningly easy to assume another identity.
"The most terrifying aspect is this Orochimaru-style Body Replacement Technique..."
Xu Ming reviewed his newly acquired knowledge and couldn't help but admire its ingenuity.
"At the moment of an attack, the outer layer of the body is shed, while fresh tissue is rapidly generated beneath, mimicking a snake shedding its skin."
Yet, he had his own preferences.
"Personally, I lean more towards apes."
He intended to modify his body to resemble an ape's.
As he voiced this thought, he instinctively touched his chin, puzzled.
Had he been influenced by the old white ape from the Yamanaka clan?
Regardless, it was merely a matter of preference. Xu Ming had no desire to abandon his humanity. If he ever did, he wouldn't stop at becoming an ape—he would pursue something even more extreme.
Two days later, within the Senju clan's territory, Xu Ming and Orochimaru paid a visit to Uzumaki Mito. They also invited Akamichi Takefū to a family gathering.
This banquet was Xu Ming's idea.
At the meeting, he eagerly shared his latest findings with Uzumaki Mito and Akamichi Takefū.
Pfft...
Takefū nearly choked on his tea, his eyes widening in shock. "You... You two actually developed something from the Expansion Jutsu?"
"How is that possible?" he exclaimed. "Many of our clansmen have already given up on it."
Uzumaki Mito, seated at the head of the table, also looked at Xu Ming with surprise.
In response, Xu Ming simply patted Orochimaru's shoulder.
"..."
Orochimaru let out a sigh, clearly exasperated, but stood up and formed a set of hand seals.
Boom!
A cloud of white smoke erupted around him. As it dissipated, his body had swelled—his muscles bulging, transforming him into a miniature giant with an imposing physique.
"This...!"
Takefū couldn't remain seated. He rushed forward, inspecting Orochimaru's transformed body with amazement.
"It really is... our Akamichi clan's Doubling Secret Technique!"
Though the technique's effect differed from their own, its essence remained the same.
The Akamichi clan's traditional Expansion Jutsu caused the body to inflate like rubber, maintaining elasticity. However, Orochimaru's version selectively expanded his muscles and bones, turning his previously slender form into a powerhouse.
This transformation was temporary—once the chakra fueling the technique was depleted, his body would revert to its original state.
"I underestimated you two..."
Uzumaki Mito, deeply impressed, spoke in amazement: "You took the Expansion Jutsu's research notes just a few days ago, and you've already mastered it? Even Tobirama couldn't do that so quickly!"
"Mito-sama, I only achieved this by building upon the Nidaime's notes," Orochimaru replied humbly.
"The Second Hokage started from scratch, making a breakthrough from nothing. I simply built upon his findings. The difficulty isn't the same."
"No, no, no." Takefū shook his head. "When the Second Hokage researched the Doubling Secret Technique, he was already a renowned master. You two are still at the beginning of your ninja careers. Comparing both efforts, I'd say they're about equal."
After a brief pause, Takefū's eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned to them eagerly.
"Orochimaru, Xu Ming, do you think the Akamichi clan's Doubling Secret Technique still has room for improvement?"
Orochimaru hesitated, seemingly unsure how to respond.
At that moment, Xu Ming stepped forward and spoke with confidence.
"Yes, there is potential for improvement. The Akamichi clan must move beyond the 'doubling' framework and instead focus on the essence of the technique—Yang Release. By exploring deeper body transformation techniques, they could mimic various animals, gaining their physical advantages. This could breathe new life into the Doubling Secret Technique."
Takefū frowned, a trace of hesitation crossing his face.
"That kind of research takes too long... We might never see results in our lifetime. We'd be better off refining ordinary Ninjutsu instead."
"Uncle, without destruction, there is no creation," Xu Ming said solemnly.
Takefū let out a heavy sigh. This wasn't a decision he could make lightly—it concerned the entire clan's future.
Before any real breakthroughs emerged, generations, perhaps dozens, might devote their lives to this research without guaranteed success. The Akamichi clan had already endured such struggles once before when perfecting the Expansion Jutsu.
They understood the hardship all too well.
With the establishment of Konoha, ninja life had stabilized, and many clansmen had grown complacent. Few still carried the drive to push boundaries.
"Takefū, if you believe in this path, pursue it. If not, don't force it," Uzumaki Mito said gently.
"For us elders, leaving the younger generation with possibilities to explore is enough. Not everyone can be like Hashirama."
Her words eased Takefū's burden, and his expression softened.
Xu Ming silently nodded in agreement.
There were only so many things one could achieve in a lifetime. Few could shape the future decades ahead.
Not everyone was a God of Shinobi.