"Yoru-kun, do you understand what Kinoe's existence truly represents?"
After completing the final set of tests, Orochimaru allowed himself an unusually unguarded smile. It was sharp, unrestrained, almost feverish.
"Wood Release?" Yoru answered cautiously.
"No," Orochimaru cut in at once. "That answer is wrong."
He didn't even look at Yoru. His attention was fixed on the data in his hands, golden eyes gleaming with obsessive intensity.
"This represents the creation of a bloodline. From nothing. A kekkei genkai born in an ordinary body."
Yoru froze.
So that was it.
He had assumed Orochimaru's goal was mass-producing weakened Wood Release users. Even an inferior version would still be terrifying. But Orochimaru had already stepped beyond that.
If Wood Release could be artificially cultivated, then what about others?
The concept of kekkei genkai had shaped the shinobi world since the Warring States era. Bloodline clans stood at the pinnacle of power, followed by secret technique families. If that barrier collapsed, the balance of the entire world would shift.
"Orochimaru-sensei… you mean—"
"Yes," Orochimaru said eagerly. "Kinoe's Wood Release may be incomplete, but once the method is refined, I could create a bloodline clan with my own hands."
Yoru swore internally.
So it came back to this.
For a moment, he had thought Orochimaru would aim for breadth. Instead, the man's ambition had narrowed into something far more terrifying. Creation itself.
Outwardly, Yoru let excitement show. "If you can produce multiple Wood Release users, sensei, your position as Fifth Hokage would be unassailable."
The reaction was immediate.
Orochimaru's enthusiasm dimmed, irritation flickering in his eyes.
"So small," he muttered. "You're thinking far too small."
A handful of Wood Release shinobi securing political power? Meaningless. The true achievement was proving that bloodlines were not sacred, not inherited fate, but systems that could be dismantled and rebuilt.
Two minds. Two ambitions. Completely misaligned.
After a brief pause, Orochimaru waved a hand dismissively. "Kinoe stays here. This information does not leave this room."
"Yes, sensei."
Kinoe, pale and unsteady from blood loss, rose from the bed and bowed stiffly.
"I await your orders, Orochimaru-sama."
He spoke without emotion. Root conditioning had stripped him of hesitation, of doubt, even of self-interest.
Once he was dismissed, Yoru's gaze lingered on him for a moment. A human reduced to a tool.
And yet, Orochimaru saw treasure.
────────────────────────Back at the Military Police headquarters, Yoru sank into his chair, exhaustion finally catching up to him.
Leaves slipped from his palm onto the floor.
They twitched faintly, thin arcs of lightning crawling across their veins.
Yoru picked one up, curling his fingers around it, a quiet smile forming.
His progress was undeniable.
Before awakening his Sharingan, he had been talented but unremarkable. Once the bloodline activated, everything changed. Chakra control sharpened. Capacity increased. Growth accelerated.
What once took a month now took days.
And lightning affinity responded especially well.
"I've crossed into true prodigy territory," he murmured.
Power was the only currency that mattered in the shinobi world. Titles without strength were empty. Until he reached the level of legends who could dominate a village alone, he would continue moving within the system.
Orochimaru had already adjusted his training plan. Focus on lightning nature transformation. Reinforce taijutsu to exploit the Sharingan's predictive edge.
The knock came suddenly.
"Come in."
The door opened to Uchiha Shisui, followed by a young kunoichi carrying a thick stack of documents.
"Yoru-niisan," Shisui said, smiling faintly. "The Seventh Division recruitment is complete. These are the finalized files."
The stack hit the desk with a heavy thud. Every profile detailed background, academy records, instructors, and mission evaluations.
Then Shisui gestured to the woman behind him.
"This is Uzuki Yugao. She's efficient, meticulous, and well-suited for administrative coordination."
Yoru looked up.
Young, composed, eyes sharp despite her quiet demeanor.
Exactly what he needed.