Overall, the Senju clan's attitude towards Orochimaru was rather indifferent.
"Feel free to browse through our records and information. If you figure something out, great. If not, well, that's on you."
It was pointless to ask for guidance. After the First Hokage, no one in the clan had ever been able to sense natural energy. In fact, most of them weren't even as knowledgeable on the subject as Orochimaru, who had thoroughly studied the available materials.
"This is truly difficult..."
As night fell, Orochimaru remained in the grand study, poring over the ancient texts. Frustration crept into his voice as he sighed.
"I have no clue where to even begin."
"Without Xu Ming, am I completely stuck?"
"Just how high is the mountain this guy Xu Ming is standing on?"
Despite his exasperation, a hint of satisfaction flickered in Orochimaru's expression. He spoke to himself quietly, "But this only proves that I was right to break away from Xu Ming's guidance. If I'm to make true progress, I must rely on my own understanding."
"Only when I set my own course and take my own steps can I achieve true independence."
"Otherwise, I will forever remain in Xu Ming's shadow."
Determined, Orochimaru took a deep breath and refocused on the documents before him, trying to draw inspiration from the historical records.
The Senju clan had indeed recorded a method for cultivating natural energy, but when he attempted it, he achieved nothing.
There wasn't even the faintest sensation of natural energy's existence.
"Wait a minute!"
A sudden inspiration struck Orochimaru. He quickly grabbed his notes from earlier that day and reviewed the insights he had jotted down.
—Natural energy is the vitality of nature, and living beings are also a manifestation of that same vitality. In essence, there is no difference.
Orochimaru's mind raced.
"Vitality fluctuates... perhaps I need to align myself with the ebb and flow of nature itself?"
He turned his gaze to the window, where heavy snow blanketed the sky in a thick, white veil.
[Strength enhancement feedback...]
[You have perfectly mastered an ancient and primitive method of cultivating natural energy—the Corpse-Like Meditation Technique! This method requires the practitioner to remain completely still, as if lifeless, allowing consciousness to merge with nature until the presence of natural energy is perceived.]
"?"
Xu Ming had been resting at home when the system notification popped up unexpectedly.
An influx of esoteric knowledge flooded his mind.
It was a meditation technique similar to Taoist practices from his previous life, but unlike visualization, controlled breathing, or active concentration methods like listening to music or incense, it involved complete stillness—akin to a corpse—merging into the natural rhythm of the world.
Most practitioners would see results within three months.
Upon reaching this state, they would begin to sense the omnipresent natural energy around them, then gradually attune to it, allowing it to integrate with their bodies.
This was the original, ancient method of cultivating natural energy.
Many later schools had evolved from this foundation, adapting it to various attributes and disciplines.
"Wait… how long has it even been?"
Xu Ming sat up in disbelief, staring at the system notification.
"By my calculations, it's only been a month since I told Orochimaru about Natural Energy and Sage Mode, right?"
"Even with the toad oil and other aids used in the Holy Lands, it takes years to develop basic perception!"
"There are no shortcuts when it comes to natural energy. Either you can sense it, or you can't. Even I don't know of any foolproof methods. So how in the world did Orochimaru figure something out?"
Xu Ming was utterly dumbfounded.
Without hesitation, he attempted the newly acquired Corpse-Like Meditation Technique.
Lying on his bed, he closed his eyes, relaxed his body, and stilled his mind. Entering a state of "presence," he abandoned all active perception, instead allowing his awareness to passively extend outward.
Suddenly, an immense, invisible force surrounded him.
It was everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
It existed in every corner of the world, yet was often ignored by those who could not perceive it. Only during certain moments—such as the transition between day and night, the changing of seasons, or celestial events—could people faintly sense its presence.
"I can feel it. The natural energy is real."
Xu Ming's eyes snapped open, yet his heightened perception remained. His awareness of natural energy did not fade upon waking. It was as though once he had acknowledged its existence, he could never unsee it.
Senju Clan Compound
"Orochimaru, what happened to you?!"
One day, an intense scent of blood filled the air.
After receiving reports from the servants, Tsunade rushed into the guest room alongside the clan elders. What she saw left her horrified—Orochimaru lay on the floor, his entire body covered in cracks, blood seeping from every inch of his skin.
"Bring me all medical supplies immediately!" Tsunade ordered, her voice urgent as she knelt beside him, examining his wounds.
The Senju clan members scattered—some who knew medical ninjutsu rushed forward to assist, while others ran to gather medical tools or inform Uzumaki Mito.
"Damn it, what were you trying to do?!"
Tsunade's expression darkened as she studied the injuries. "Your whole body seems to have been invaded by an external force… wait, these wounds..."
She suddenly froze, realization dawning on her.
This type of widespread internal damage had been documented in the Senju archives before.
It was the same kind of injury suffered by an ancestor who had once attempted to cultivate natural energy—but failed.
Tsunade's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Is this… what I think it is?"
Orochimaru, despite his severe condition, managed a weak chuckle. His voice was frail, but there was unmistakable triumph in his tone.
"I can feel it… the ever-present… natural energy."
Tsunade's breath hitched. Her heart pounded as she murmured in shock, "You actually did it?"
The surrounding Senju clan members exchanged stunned glances.
They had been aware of Orochimaru's obsession with natural energy and Sage Mode for the past month, but they all believed his efforts were futile.
After all, talent in this domain was absolute.
It wasn't a matter of intelligence, intuition, or even physical ability—those factors could be honed through training. But the ability to perceive natural energy was like a key granted by fate.
You either had it, or you didn't.
So, after seeing him struggle for an entire month, the Senju clan had assumed his efforts would lead to nothing.
Yet today, the impossible had happened.
Orochimaru had succeeded.
The weight of that realization hit them like a hammer, shattering their preconceptions entirely.