Chapter 16: Orochimaru Again
Late Night, Orochimaru's Laboratory
Alone in his private research facility, Orochimaru meticulously organized recent experimental data by candlelight.
"The legendary power of the First Hokage that quelled the chaos of the Warring States period... it's becoming more intriguing by the day."
Despite still making zero progress on replicating the Wood Release bloodline limit, the failed experiments had only intensified his fascination. "Just these residual cells possess such astonishing vitality and regenerative properties... I cannot even begin to imagine how truly terrifying the First Hokage was at his peak."
Setting down his research notes, Orochimaru settled into his chair, intending to close his eyes and rest briefly.
Just as drowsiness began to creep over him, a sudden buzzing sensation filled his mind like static electricity.
Immediately afterward, that now-familiar hazy black mist surged toward him like an incoming tide. Having experienced this once before, although still somewhat tense, he didn't panic.
However, this time felt different—it didn't seem to be a full "gathering."
Deep within the surging black mist, a figure suddenly materialized—seemingly formed from pure radiance itself. Six luminous wings spread from its back, radiating an ancient, overwhelming aura. Its deep, star-like eyes silently observed his spirit with divine indifference.
Not a gathering?
Orochimaru was genuinely surprised. He'd expected to be dragged into the Cathedral of Bones again, just like last time.
He wasn't stupid. After a moment's contemplation, he deduced the reason for this different manifestation.
"This is truly an unexpected honor, Father Adam." Orochimaru's tone carried careful respect mixed with curiosity. "I never anticipated you would appear before me directly like this. May I ask what task you have for me?"
"I've come to deliver some excellent news, Orochimaru."
Using ritual magic to manifest in dream form, Kazuki spoke with a voice that resonated like distant thunder.
"Oh?" Orochimaru's eyes lit up instantly, curiosity burning bright.
Kazuki didn't keep him in suspense, stating directly: "News concerning immortality."
Immortality?
Orochimaru's pupils dilated sharply. His throat constricted as if physically blocked, his mouth moving but unable to produce sound.
It wasn't that he doubted Adam's claim—after all, he'd personally witnessed the entity's impossible abilities. Rather, the news was so shocking that he simply couldn't process it immediately.
A moment later, Orochimaru realized his impropriety and quickly apologized. "Forgive me, Lord Adam. I've been researching immortality for many years without any meaningful progress. Hearing this news so suddenly is... quite overwhelming. I hope you can understand."
"I understand completely." Kazuki's tone remained calm and measured.
"May I ask, Lord Adam—what price must I pay for this information?"
Orochimaru's eyes flickered as he forcefully suppressed his inner elation, desperately trying to maintain composure.
Everything has a price. I learned that truth long ago.
But this is IMMORTALITY!
The dream I've pursued for so long is finally within reach!
No matter the cost, I MUST obtain it!
"I'll inform you of the price... later."
Kazuki's tone turned deliberately mysterious before he provided the crucial information. "Five kilometers due east of Konoha's main gate. There, you'll find the answer you seek—a creature that has existed since thousands of years ago, originating from the mythical age itself. Presumably, that should satisfy your request quite nicely."
That's right—the immortal being he was directing Orochimaru toward was none other than Black Zetsu.
Hmph. You offended me, and you think you can just run away?
That bastard Black Zetsu actually thinks this is some kind of inn where he can come and go as he pleases?!
Let's see exactly how many lives he has, daring to spy on me like that.
"The Mythical Age? Living for thousands of years?"
If Orochimaru had been merely surprised before, now his mind was in absolute turmoil.
The sheer volume of information contained in that single sentence was so vast it nearly caused his brain to short-circuit.
Does Adam mean that the myths and legends circulating throughout the shinobi world... could actually be TRUE?
Orochimaru didn't dare pursue that line of thinking further. A chill ran down his spine, his thoughts becoming a chaotic jumble.
"If you don't move quickly, he'll escape." Kazuki's tone carried a hint of amusement. "After all, your... friend doesn't seem particularly reliable. He probably won't be able to contain the target for very long."
His friend?
Orochimaru paused, then understanding dawned. "You mean... Jiraiya?"
In the entire Hidden Leaf Village, there were basically only two people he could genuinely call friends, and the only unreliable one was definitely Jiraiya.
"Go. Now."
With that final command, the dazzling god-like figure vanished into the black mist like dispersing smoke.
Back in physical reality, Orochimaru's eyes snapped open. Fierce killing intent flashed deep within his golden vertical pupils.
"A being from the mythical era thousands of years ago? Heh..." A cold smile curved his lips. "This is becoming more and more fascinating. I never imagined the shinobi world still held so many secrets I didn't know about."
His tongue flicked across his lips unconsciously.
"Time to hunt."
Forest Outside Konoha, Same Moment
Black Zetsu, trapped in the woods just beyond the village walls, was being brutally beaten.
If Fugaku Uchiha had been merely troublesome, then the legendary Sannin Jiraiya was making Black Zetsu genuinely wish for death.
The Toad Sage could execute countless techniques with ridiculous ease. Worse still, his Earth Release and Fire Release specializations were perfect counters to Black Zetsu's phasing abilities.
However, what made Black Zetsu even more desperate was Jiraiya's connection.
He was a summoner contracted with Mount Myōboku—that damned toad who had corrupted Hagoromo and Hamura, convincing those ungrateful sons to betray and seal away Mother Kaguya!
"No! I can't stay here any longer!"
Black Zetsu decided to use his emergency escape technique, fragmenting his body to scatter in all directions. "That stinking toad of Mount Myōboku possesses prophetic abilities! If I remain near Jiraiya too long, I might be completely exposed!"
SPLASH!
Black Zetsu's form exploded like a water balloon, transforming into countless black droplets that flew in every direction simultaneously.
"Trying to escape? Not happening!"
Jiraiya dropped into a low stance, his long, wild white hair standing completely on end like a lion's mane. "Ninja Art: Needle Jizō!"
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH—
His soft hair instantly hardened into steel-sharp needles, whistling through the air like a torrential rain of senbon as it pursued the scattered droplets.
Many black droplets were pierced, emitting inhuman screams. But a few—perhaps a dozen—still managed to slip through the barrage and escape into the forest.
"Ninjutsu I've never encountered before!"
Realizing he couldn't catch the remaining fragments, Jiraiya stopped his pursuit. He frowned thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "I have a strange feeling about that creature. Not only was its technique completely unfamiliar, but its very body structure seemed... wrong. Inhuman. I should make time to visit Mount Myōboku and consult with the Great Toad Sage about this."
The price Black Zetsu paid to escape was undeniably catastrophic.
Although he wasn't technically a living being in the traditional sense—merely a mass of Yin-attribute chakra separated from Kaguya's original body—the series of disasters tonight had caused Black Zetsu to suffer devastating losses.
He'd lost a full two-thirds of his accumulated energy reserves. It would take at least six months of careful recovery to return to full strength.
"Damn that Uchiha Kazuki! I'll remember this humiliation!"
Black Zetsu seethed with absolute hatred. His current miserable state was entirely that Uchiha brat's fault. "Mark my words, Uchiha Kazuki. When I return to Lord Madara, I will make you experience the most exquisite suffering imaginable. I'll make you lose everything you hold dear and endure endless torment!"
Hiss hiss hiss...
Suddenly, the bushes beside him rustled ominously. Several serpents emerged from the undergrowth with sinuous movements.
The venomous snakes, acting with unnatural intelligence, raised their upper bodies and fixed him with blood-red vertical pupils. Their forked tongues flicked rhythmically, producing deeply unsettling sounds.
"Mere beasts dare to frighten me?!"
Black Zetsu was initially startled, but upon realizing they were just snakes, fury exploded within him. He lashed out, tearing the serpents to bloody shreds.
But then, a terrible realization struck him.
"Wait... why are there snakes here? In this specific location?"
"Kehehehe..."
A sinister, bone-chilling laugh echoed through the darkness.
Black Zetsu felt his metaphorical blood run cold.
No... it can't be...
I couldn't possibly be THIS unlucky... could I?
Moving with stiff, mechanical motions, Black Zetsu slowly turned his head toward the source of that terrifying laugh.
Bathed in bright moonlight, a man dressed in an immaculate white kimono approached with crossed arms. Long black hair framed a pale face with narrow, calculating eyes. His entire presence radiated a cold, predatory aura.
A wicked smile played across his lips.
Damn it all—it's OROCHIMARU!
Black Zetsu was now absolutely convinced he'd somehow mortally offended the god of fortune itself.
Otherwise, what could possibly explain encountering two of the legendary Sannin in a single gods-damned night?!
Author's Note: Black Zetsu's terrible day somehow keeps getting WORSE. From Kazuki to Fugaku to Jiraiya to Orochimaru—someone give this ancient evil entity a break! (Just kidding, he deserves all of this.) Thanks for reading!
[End of Chapter 16]
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