"Teach Yamato the breathing technique?"
Orochimaru considered the suggestion for a moment. Without another word, he inserted two needles into Yamato's body and spent the entire night synthesizing a bottle of what he deemed perfect genetic medicine.
With Deng Shen currently preoccupied updating his "system" and unable to forcibly take control of the body, his earlier advice could be shelved—for now.
Right now, Orochimaru had one priority: using Yamato's cells to enhance his own vitality and finally awaken Wood Release.
He held up the light green potion, watching the viscous liquid swirl inside the transparent vial. Without hesitation, he brought it to his lips and drank it down in one gulp.
The cool, thick liquid slid down his throat, into his stomach, and from there, it spread outward—flowing like a wave into every cell of his body.
Closing his eyes, Orochimaru regulated his breathing into a steady, controlled rhythm. Within his consciousness, a complex map of capillaries and neural pathways began to unfold.
With this mental map, he could monitor the spread of the medicine and observe how it interacted with his body in real time.
Moments later, he opened his eyes—a glimmer of satisfaction flickering in them.
Deng Shen may have been an unpredictable and troublesome partner, but the breathing technique he had provided was surprisingly effective. Orochimaru could sense that it held untapped potential.
However, to his disappointment, he still hadn't felt any real sign of transformation. Perhaps it was drug resistance—or maybe this elusive "passive skill" Deng Shen had mentioned was at play.
Whatever the case, there was no clear indication that he had successfully acquired a new ability.
Simply strengthening himself with Yamato's cells wasn't enough to unlock Wood Release.
But Orochimaru wasn't deterred.
He quickly devised another approach: mixing Yamato's cells with those of the First Hokage. By carefully adjusting the ratio, he attempted to use Yamato's more stable cells to neutralize and regulate the overwhelming vitality of the original cells.
Theoretically, both cell types shared similar attributes, so combining them shouldn't be too difficult.
In the first stage, everything went smoothly—he successfully created a stable hybrid solution.
However, complications arose in the next step.
Once the First Hokage's cells received enough nutrients from the culture fluid, they began to multiply rapidly. Their aggression overwhelmed the Yamato cells, suppressing and even assimilating them.
The experiment had hit another dead end.
With a hand resting under his chin, Orochimaru fell into thought.
Using the First's cells to create a viable genetic potion seemed impossible for now. Their overwhelming vitality remained the core issue—and he still lacked a way to control it.
While direct cell transplantation was still an option and could strengthen the host, the data Danzo had provided indicated that Yamato's cells were far less effective than processed genetic serums.
And as for direct transplantation of the First Hokage's cells… the risks were simply too high.
Orochimaru licked his lips.
"Actually, enhancing Yamato's development of the First Hokage's cells and then using him to produce a genetic serum... that might be the best route."
It was the least risky approach—but also the most time-consuming and resource-intensive.
After some thought, Orochimaru made a decision.
He would combine the two methods: using Yamato's tailored genetic serum alongside direct implantation of First Hokage cells.
---
The Next Day – Konoha Forest
Two figures leapt from the trees, landing gracefully in the center of a training field.
Kakashi and Guy, who had been sparring earlier, paused their match and respectfully greeted the newcomer.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru's gaze swept over the two of them—still slightly out of breath, but sharp and alert. He nodded in approval.
He had come to fulfill his earlier promise—to teach the breathing technique.
Both of them were excellent candidates for his experiment:
Kakashi, the son of the White Fang, had unmatched potential.
Guy had already mastered the Eight Gates, and his future was bright. They'd serve well as test subjects for his modified breathing technique.
"Good. You're here, just as promised," Orochimaru said, getting straight to the point.
"This is Yamato. He'll be joining you in training, and—"
"Wait a moment, Lord Orochimaru," Kakashi interrupted suddenly.
Orochimaru's smile didn't falter, but his eyes darkened ever so slightly.
"Kakashi... is something the matter?"
Kakashi met his gaze, unflinching.
"We've heard rumors, sir—people in the village are saying your recent injury came from a clash with the hidden hand behind the Nine-Tails attack."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? And what of it?"
Kakashi's expression turned serious.
"With all due respect, Lord Orochimaru—what are you really planning? If you don't explain your true intentions, we won't just stand by in silence."
To be honest, Kakashi didn't truly care what Orochimaru was plotting. What bothered him was the way the village had started comparing Orochimaru and the Sannin to the Fourth Hokage.
His teacher had died protecting the village. He didn't deserve to be overshadowed by convenient propaganda.
Guy chimed in as well.
"That's right, Lord Orochimaru. We deserve a clear explanation."
Orochimaru glanced at Kakashi's stern expression and quickly understood the situation. He let out a soft laugh.
"That narrative came from the Third Hokage. He believes it'll boost morale. If you're doubtful... you're free to confront him directly."
Deng Shen had already advised him—let the Third take the blame. He had orchestrated it, after all.
"...I see," Kakashi muttered, falling silent.
He and Guy exchanged glances. Confronting the Hokage was out of the question.
"There's no point getting tangled in politics," Orochimaru said with a faint smirk. "Now, let's move on to the breathing technique."
The two hesitated, but their interest was soon piqued by what they heard next.
Orochimaru was pleased to see their attention shift. He continued his explanation.
To some, Water Breathing—as demonstrated by Deng Shen—might look like nothing more than a combat skill.
But Orochimaru saw it differently. He broke it down into three parts:
1. The breathing technique, which enhances physical capabilities from within.
2. A perfect sword style, focused on fluid motion and lethal strikes.
3. A pattern, a mysterious state that allows brief communion with nature itself.
The sword style was interesting but limited—ninjas primarily relied on ninjutsu, taijutsu, and projectiles.
The pattern was more advanced—similar to the Eight Gates. Once activated, it gave overwhelming power... but only for a single strike before the body gave out.
But the true value lay in the breathing method itself.
It systematically enhanced the body from the inside out. With enough practice, the user could even absorb traces of natural energy to further improve their physical strength.
Slow—but stable and safe.
Orochimaru's gaze swept across his students, pausing slightly on Kakashi.
While Kakashi had the highest natural talent, Orochimaru found the other two more suitable for this technique.
Guy's mastery of the Eight Gates and his Iron Fist style trained his body externally. The breathing method would strengthen his inner organs—covering his greatest weakness.
Yamato carried the cells of the First Hokage, who was said to be a Sage capable of using natural energy.
If Deng Shen's theory about normal absorption of nature energy was correct, it might very well work best on Yamato.
But for now, Kakashi would make the perfect interpreter.
His comprehension was unmatched. He could grasp theoretical knowledge in record time, making him the ideal "brain" of the group.
Orochimaru guided all three of them through the foundational breathing method. When they had finished, he gave his final instruction:
"Now comes the hard part—repetition. Until this technique becomes second nature, the three of you will support one another."
"Yes, sir!"
Kakashi, Guy, and Yamato exchanged determined nods.
________
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