Looking at Lord Orochimaru with a hint of disappointment, Riku asked pitifully, "Lord Orochimaru, is there truly no other way?"
"No," Orochimaru replied calmly. "Your Caged Bird Seal is already considered a Forbidden Technique, and it incorporates highly advanced Sealing Jutsu. It's far too complex to break."
In the end, it all came down to a question of value. Spending countless hours attempting to unravel a Forbidden Technique that was of no personal use—just for an experimental subject—would be sheer foolishness.
Riku, unfortunately, held little significance to Orochimaru. Yet, the cunning snake had other ways to bend Riku to his will, ensuring cooperation in his experiments.
"Boy, judging by your expression, it seems you're displeased with me, aren't you?"
"Of course! Since you cannot grant my request, I will not cooperate easily!" Riku exclaimed.
"If you keep me locked up, then just let the Caged Bird Seal activate and watch me die!" Riku added, feigning defiance. Yet, beneath the bravado, he secretly exhaled in relief. Orochimaru's half-smile suggested he had other plans; the snake would not simply watch him perish.
Indeed, Orochimaru flicked his tongue and smiled. "Don't worry, excellent experimental subject. I wouldn't let you die so easily. After all, such material is rare."
"It's just the Caged Bird Seal," Orochimaru continued. "Even if I don't break it, I have other methods to make you cooperate. And for that, I only need a small trick—Snake Secret Technique: Bone-Devouring Poison!"
In a flash, Orochimaru shot out a black, venomous snake that bit Riku's waist. Pain and a foreign sensation spread through him instantly.
"Lord Orochimaru, what… what is the meaning of this?!" Riku gasped, both shocked and furious. Feeling that his life was no longer his own was unbearable.
Riku now regretted his carelessness, yet he knew the truth: even if he had been cautious, it might not have mattered. Against Orochimaru, he, a shinobi with at most Jonin-level combat skills, was hopelessly inferior.
"Nothing much," Orochimaru said casually. "Just a means to control you. That venom isn't a mere sleeping agent; it's potent enough to kill. And only I have the antidote."
Riku's mind raced. Orochimaru's calm confidence left no room for error. He understood the choice before him. After a tense silence, he lowered his head.
"Lord Orochimaru… I understand. I will cooperate fully."
"Hahaha! Truly a clever boy," Orochimaru said, his eyes gleaming. "From the moment you struck a deal with me to acquire Sealing Jutsu, I knew you were ambitious. You wouldn't surrender to death so easily."
"For the sake of freedom and life, what can't you trade?" Orochimaru added. "Your decision pleases me, so I can grant you a new opportunity. Cooperate fully with my experiment, and I will not destroy you. The power you gain will accompany you, eventually helping you break free from your cage. Trust me, the power I offer is beyond imagination. You will not regret today's choice!"
Riku forced a neutral smile. If this were any ordinary shinobi with elementary knowledge, Orochimaru's words might have brought tears of joy. But Riku's golden finger ensured that, as long as he played cautiously, his path to invincibility remained smooth. Overthrowing his clan, sweeping through Konoha, and reshaping the Ninja World would be trivial compared to other transmigrators' feats.
As for Orochimaru's experiments, which carried a high likelihood of death, Riku had no desire to participate. Though the exact nature of the 'new power' was unknown, anything Orochimaru pursued with such meticulous attention was undoubtedly dangerous.
Still, there was no alternative. Riku had no means to resist. He would have to endure whatever came next. For his survival, he asked honestly, "Lord Orochimaru… what experiment do you wish for me to participate in?"
Orochimaru untied Riku's restraints and pointed casually to rows of petri dishes filled with green liquid.
"See these? This is one of the strongest powers in the Ninja World! Have you heard of the First Hokage pacifying the warring states? Within that story lies the power of the First Hokage!"
Orochimaru's pride was palpable, almost reverent. His scientific genius was undeniable—he could selectively cultivate Hashirama cells, something considered dangerous even for experienced shinobi. With this ability, Orochimaru conducted repeated experiments on Hashirama cells, seeking unmatched power.
Riku's eyes widened. "The power to pacify the warring states… you mean Hashirama cells? Surely, I'm not meant to merge with such a monstrous thing!"
He knew exactly what he was facing. Hashirama cells were toxic, far more lethal than typical poisons. Without the Uchiha's abilities to harmonize such power, anyone who tried it would likely die. And he, Riku, a Hyuga, was no Uchiha. Even as a Sage descendant, he lacked the compatibility to survive such an experiment.
If it were Sage Body cells from another clan—like the Kaguya—Riku might consider it. But combining Senju and Hyuga? Who knew what would happen?
Looking at the green liquid in the dishes, he felt as if countless ants crawled over him. "Lord Orochimaru… perhaps we should reconsider. The power of the First Hokage is far beyond someone like me from the Hyuga branch!"
Orochimaru remained silent, studying Riku closely. Gradually, Riku's voice softened and faded entirely.
"I won't ask again, kid. Do you understand?" Orochimaru's chilling voice wrapped around Riku like a serpent, leaving no room for hesitation.
"I… I understand, Lord Orochimaru," Riku whispered, his fists clenched tightly.
At that moment, he felt the harsh law of survival in this world—the strong prey on the weak.
Skill Panel Update:
Ninjutsu: Clone Technique (E): lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)
Ninjutsu: Transformation Technique (E): lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)
Ninjutsu: Substitution Technique (E): lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)
Spirit Devour (B): lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (C): lv1 (362/400)
Wind Release: Great Breakthrough (C): lv1 (276/400)
Taijutsu: Hyuga Gentle Fist (C): lv9 (1486/3600)
Sealing Technique: Sealing Pulse Seal – Evil Break (B): MAX (Breakthrough possible)
Ninjutsu: Body Flicker Technique (C): lv8 (2691/3200)
Dōjutsu: Byakugan (A): lv4 (6047/12800)
Free Experience Points: 95,750
Evaluation: Chunin? No, your limits are extraordinary! Age no longer restricts growth.
Riku unclenched his fists, silently accepting reality. Chunin-level skills were too weak to grant him choice. Survival demanded compliance.
Riku's face was grim. Despite his inner fear, he had no alternative. For now, he would bite the bullet and navigate Orochimaru's experiments. After all, the strong dominated the weak, and in this world, only the patient and calculating could survive.
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