"...Do summoning beasts also need physical examinations?" Ryujin Kenichi was a little shocked. It was the first time he had heard that summoning beasts needed physical exams.
And speaking of the teacher's teacher, wouldn't that be the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi? And Hiruzen Sarutobi's summoning beast should be Enma, Ryujin Kenichi remembered. Enma was a powerful beast who could transform into a staff, a weapon that could be incredibly useful in battle.
However, it was rare to see a summoning beast like Enma; in later years, the summoning beasts from the Three Great Sage Lands—such as the Toads of Mount Myoboku, the Snakes of Ryuchi Cave, and the Slugs of Shikkotsu Forest—became the most common.
"Why not? Sarutobi-sensei's summoning beast enjoys Jonin-level treatment, with two physical examinations every year." Orochimaru chuckled. A summoning beast with Jonin treatment—when it came to making money, Sarutobi's summon certainly lived up to its reputation.
Ryujin Kenichi's mouth twitched. Frankly, he hadn't imagined summoning beasts would be treated like high-ranking shinobi these days. If this were his previous life, it would be like a formal job with certain benefits.
In fact, in his previous world, even low-ranking jobs had benefits, so why not this world?
"However, if it's the summoning beast of the former Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, then the possibility of it suffering from cancer is quite high," Ryujin Kenichi said, tapping his chin thoughtfully.
"Oh? Didn't you say that smoking is currently the most likely cause of lung cancer?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his disciple's sudden shift to medical talk. He hadn't delved deeply into the latest medical theories, and certainly, he hadn't heard much about cancer in this world.
"Yes, but if the former Hokage smokes often and does so around others, the risk of lung cancer increases for those who are exposed to secondhand smoke over time," Ryujin Kenichi explained, shrugging casually. "Secondhand smoke can be more dangerous than firsthand smoke. It's one of the reasons families in my previous life found their children developing lung cancer. It wasn't because the kids were smoking; it was from constant exposure to secondhand smoke."
"Is there such a thing?" Orochimaru's interest piqued further. If what his disciple said was true, it made sense—those elders in the Konoha Council, including Danzo, who frequently surrounded Sarutobi and were exposed to his smoke, might be at risk of cancer.
"Yes, because even though the filter on a cigarette can block some harmful substances, some of the toxins still make their way into the body. Then, a portion of those toxins becomes airborne and is inhaled by others. That can contribute to cancer as well." Ryujin Kenichi gestured as if explaining a simple fact. "This has been proven many times over in my previous life, which is why many public spaces ban smoking. It may inconvenience smokers, but it's to protect the health of others."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "I see, this could be useful. If those old fools in the council are truly suffering from secondhand smoke exposure, then it's only a matter of time before they succumb to it."
Ryujin Kenichi smiled inwardly but said nothing more on the subject. He had no intention of explaining further to Orochimaru. What was more interesting was that Orochimaru wasn't focused on the welfare of others, but rather on the possible outcomes of such exposure. He saw potential for experimentation, as usual.
Orochimaru's mind began to wander. His teacher, Sarutobi, smoked incessantly during council meetings—those old geezers likely spent more time in close proximity to the Hokage's smoke than anyone else. If what his disciple said was true, then lung cancer might be an inevitable result for those who suffered prolonged exposure.
However, Orochimaru was not concerned about the timing of their illnesses. He had his own plans—slowly planting seeds of influence within Konoha's higher-ups. If one of them succumbed to cancer, he would be ready. If not, it was still a useful experiment for later.
He had always taken a long-term view, making calculated moves and biding his time. The elders and Danzo were useful pawns for now, but Orochimaru wasn't about to rush things. When the moment came, he would be prepared to take full advantage.
"Let's go. We won't be going to the usual training spot today. I'll teach you a bit more. Your strength is still lacking." Orochimaru's mood had noticeably improved as he spoke to his disciple.
Ryujin Kenichi's scalp tingled slightly. His teacher was not one to show mercy during their training sessions, often leaving him with bruises and cuts, but they were always superficial injuries. According to Orochimaru, this was intentional—so that when Kenichi faced true danger, he'd be able to recognize and avoid fatal wounds.
"Understood, Sensei," Kenichi replied, showing no sign of hesitation. He knew his teacher was right. His strength was far from adequate. Only once he became a Jonin would he be considered a formidable ninja in the world.
During their training, Kenichi also took the opportunity to test out the practicality of the ninjutsu he had developed under Orochimaru's guidance. Initially, he had hesitated to do so, worried that if something went wrong, Orochimaru would hold him accountable. However, Orochimaru reassured him with his usual detached tone, stating that he had everything under control, which allowed Kenichi to focus without further worry.
"I assume your Impure World Reincarnation is almost ready for use, right? I wonder whose body you're preparing to use... If it's a cute girl..." Kenichi thought, lost in his own musings for a moment.
He remembered how his teacher had once used the body of a young woman in the future—her appearance wasn't bad, after all. But then, a thought crossed his mind: What if I end up feeling differently about him if he changes bodies?
Kenichi shook his head vigorously. "No, no, that's impossible! Sensei is still Sensei, no matter the body. The soul remains the same."
Suddenly, Orochimaru's cold voice pierced through his thoughts. "You're distracted during battle?!"
Before Kenichi could react, a sharp pain shot through his side, as if a blade had stabbed him. He gasped in shock and pain, the blow coming so fast he hadn't even seen it.
Taking a deep breath, Kenichi quickly refocused his attention, realizing that any further distractions would only lead to more pain. "Apologies, Sensei," he muttered under his breath as he rushed forward, determined not to lose focus again.
He charged, channeling wind chakra into his attack. He aimed a stream of specially prepared nicotine spray at Orochimaru's position, intending to disorient him.
Orochimaru, however, showed no signs of concern. He simply retreated, opening his mouth wide, and unleashed a Great Fireball Technique that surged towards Kenichi.
Kenichi narrowed his eyes. I should have expected this. His attack was immediately overwhelmed by the flames, the spray evaporating before it could even reach its target. This ninjutsu still needs some refinement. It's too easy to counter if the opponent stays at a distance.