In the end, Riku still couldn't escape Orochimaru's clutches and was destined to participate in the Hashirama Cells fusion experiment.
Of course, not just yet. Orochimaru first needed to test whether Riku's bloodline had changed, then determine the appropriate concentration of Hashirama Cells for the procedure.
After many failed experiments, Orochimaru had grown far more cautious. Kekkei Genkai ninjas were rare to begin with; a unique one like Riku was practically priceless.
At first, after successfully fusing diluted Hashirama Cells with Riku's own, Orochimaru had approached Danzo and obtained numerous blood samples from Hyuga Clan members. Comparative testing revealed that the cell activity in these samples was far inferior to Riku's—barely stronger than ordinary ninja cells. After injecting Hashirama Cells, the original host cells were devoured almost immediately, surviving only slightly longer than normal.
It was then that Orochimaru realized how exceptional Riku truly was. Even within the Hyuga Clan, he was unparalleled.
Recalling the legend of a Celestial Ninja said to have appeared within the Hyuga lineage, Orochimaru couldn't help but wonder: could Riku possess the bloodline of this mythical figure?
Yet, such speculation mattered little to him. Whether the Hyuga had produced a Celestial Ninja was irrelevant compared to the success of his own experiments.
Had it been a year ago, Orochimaru might have hesitated or been more cautious. Now, however, he felt nothing but fearlessness.
Following Hiruzen Sarutobi's advice, he had withdrawn from the battlefield, forfeiting the chance to accumulate military merits and prestige. Later, again through Sarutobi's influence, Orochimaru had joined Root and worked alongside Danzo to study the First Hokage's cells, seeking to recreate Wood Release.
He had traveled too far down this dark path. Too many sins stained his hands. Anyone from Konoha—or any other village—could become a test subject. If his actions were discovered, competing with Minato for Hokage would be a fantasy, and even staying in Konoha would be impossible.
Lately, Orochimaru had sensed something unusual. With Minato's return, more eyes seemed to follow him, keenly observing his laboratory experiments. It was clear: someone was gathering evidence of his human experiments. Or perhaps, coveting the results.
"Is it my teacher, or Danzo?" he wondered. His instincts leaned toward the former.
"Sigh… it seems someone can't wait any longer. I heard the front-line battles are nearly over, and those 'great heroes' are returning. Yet, with so many casualties, Teacher should step down. But still, you refuse to let go? Konoha is truly rotten…"
Orochimaru's hands slowed, separating cells with deliberate precision. Despite his composure, he knew he had become a pawn. Whether Danzo or Sarutobi held the evidence, he would be controlled.
In a village built on the "Will of Fire," leaving no weakness was impossible. Remaining a Konoha ninja meant accepting manipulation.
"Teacher, is it really necessary?" Riku asked softly. "I am your disciple. Anything you desire—the position of Hokage, Wood Release power—I can offer. But freedom… the right to choose my own path… you cannot take that."
Orochimaru's pupils constricted, and a wave of killing intent radiated outward, freezing every ninja in the laboratory. Even those spies watching him felt the chill.
Riku, standing beside Orochimaru, paled. "Is this truly a Kage-level expert? One who has survived countless wars?"
The aura alone could render Chunin and lower-ranked ninja helpless. Riku's last rebellious thoughts vanished entirely.
"Lord Orochimaru, what's wrong?" he asked nervously.
Orochimaru noticed him and immediately reined in his energy, looking at the cyan cursed seal on Riku's forehead with a flash of pity.
"Compared to me, this little one is the truly pitiful soul, always deprived of freedom," Orochimaru murmured. "I cannot fail this experiment. It must be my final gift—to Sarutobi, to Konoha, and to him. Perhaps, even, a chance for him to break free from his cage."
"Caged Bird Seal… can it really suppress the power of the First Hokage?" Orochimaru's lips curved. A decision had already formed in his mind.
"This is nothing. I am fine. Better than ever," he said with a smile, chilling all who witnessed it. Even longtime subordinates had never seen him like this.
Unusual events always heralded danger. Some spies immediately began documenting everything to report back to their masters. Orochimaru, however, chose patience. Action would wait until the experiment concluded.
Outside, Konoha thrived in peace. Streets sparkled with neon lights, shops remained open late, and villagers celebrated. Few knew that deep underground, darkness stirred.
Two hours into testing, Orochimaru's expression turned from concentration to awe. The experimental data trembled in his hands.
"It's too perfect… even better than a year ago! Riku, are you truly a Hyuga? How has your bloodline evolved so flawlessly?"
Riku forced an awkward laugh, saying nothing. He couldn't exactly admit that he had cheated fate. A year ago, his Byakugan was level two; now, it had reached level four. The improvement was unprecedented.
Orochimaru muttered to himself, "A miraculous Kekkei Genkai… worthy of being among the three great Dōjutsu families. Over centuries, a rare anomaly like this may appear only once or twice."
"Riku, I am certain: your bloodline is likely the purest among current Hyuga members, perhaps rivaling the legendary Celestial Ninja. Were it not for that damned Caged Bird Seal, you might even reshape the Hyuga Clan."
Riku scoffed. Celestial Ninja? He was merely a Hyuga member reaching Kage-level strength.
Decades of Hyuga glorification had given him a reputation, but he knew his true potential. What was a Celestial Ninja, or even a Kage-level expert? With time, he could awaken Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo's Tenseigan.
Even if he didn't fully become a Six Paths Sage, he would ascend to super Kage-level power.
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