Chapter 224: Orochimaru's Well-Intentioned Efforts
Kashin Koji possessed the advantage of genetic modification. Originally, Orochimaru had relied on genetic correction to create Mitsuki, a being capable of using Sage Mode in his stead.
So, was Orochimaru in the wrong now?
Not necessarily.
Genetic flaws, or rather, deficiencies in natural talent, are not fatal. The primary distinction between humans and animals lies in the use of tools to compensate for innate shortcomings. If it is cold in winter, one hunts animals and uses their fur to make clothes; one does not scramble to modify their genes to grow fur and risk ruining their natural cooling system.
This is especially true when a universal tool like "Chakra" is available. Previously, Orochimaru hadn't delved into this specific direction of research only because his energy and circumstances didn't allow for it. Now that both his body and mind were free, he was naturally letting his imagination run wild.
"That actually makes quite a bit of sense."
Tsunade nodded slightly as she listened to the explanation. Setting aside the specific methods used, the underlying logic was actually quite professional. However, the moment she thought about the actual execution...
"Honestly, Jiraiya would be completely justified in wanting to kill you."
Tsunade gave Orochimaru a helpless smile. By sealing 'that', Orochimaru was essentially taking Jiraiya's life. From now on, even the 'Icha Icha' series would have to stop publication. Jiraiya would no longer be qualified to go out "collecting material."
Even if he didn't go out for research and tried to write from pure imagination or past experiences, it would be impossible. The moment Jiraiya tried to create relevant words and images would inevitably flash through his mind. And as soon as those thoughts appeared, he wouldn't be able to control himself, triggering the restriction.
Indeed, it was terrifying.
At that moment, Naruto arrived, accompanied by medical ninjas from the Medical Department.
"H-Hokage-sama?"
The two medical ninjas froze when they saw Tsunade. If she was already here, what were they needed for?
"Just take Jiraiya to the Medical Department so he can lie down and rest. He hasn't sustained any real injuries," Tsunade ordered, adjusting her expression.
"Understood!"
The two medical ninjas felt a sense of relief. To them, "no injuries" clearly meant that the skilled Hokage had already finished the treatment. They brought out a stretcher, placed Jiraiya on it, and hurried back toward the village. Naruto followed closely behind.
"I need to go observe the follow-up situation."
Orochimaru followed as well. In the name of scientific rigor, he had to conduct "post-operative observations."
"I should go check it out too; I feel like those two might start fighting again."
Tsunade was about to follow when Shiromo placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned around, puzzled: "What's wrong?"
"Maybe, and I'm just saying 'maybe', there is an even more terrifying thing that quietly took place."
Shiromo momentarily cursed his overly active imagination. Why did he have to think of such things? It would have been much better to be like everyone else and remain blissfully ignorant. He finally understood why, in certain worlds, the more one knows and sees, the more one becomes tainted and corrupted.
"What is it? Just say it!"
Tsunade urged him, her face still a mask of innocent confusion. She had no idea what was coming.
"Think about how Orochimaru used to give people Cursed Seals."
"?"
At Shiromo's prompt, Tsunade searched her memory. She hadn't been entirely clear on how he applied the seals before, having only witnessed it twice back in the Amegakure Village. He would extend his neck and bite down on the other person's throat. It was extremely unhygienic.
Wait.
Hold on.
Disturbing images began to form in Tsunade's mind. What exactly had Orochimaru done to Jiraiya?
Orochimaru invites Jiraiya for a drink, waits for him to get drunk, or perhaps spikes the drink, and then, once Jiraiya is unconscious...
"Help me."
Tsunade hugged herself and shuddered. Just imagining it gave her goosebumps. And what if, while Orochimaru was delivering the seal, Jiraiya happened to wake up? The image of the two of them locking eyes...
"On second thought, maybe I won't go... Oh, right! You guys are about to start the Limited Tsukuyomi. It must be very dangerous and requires a medical ninja on standby for emergencies. I think I'll just follow you back to the Amegakure Village."
As she spoke, Tsunade started walking toward Senju Tobirama: "Let's go, Grand-uncle. We're heading back."
Senju Tobirama, who had been watching the entire ordeal with a cold gaze, finally reached his limit. His lip twitched: "Are you really planning to desert your post just like that?"
'It's just a bond between comrades, isn't it?'
Why make such a fuss? He had spent his life sandwiched between Uchiha Madara and his elder brother, Hashirama; he had seen plenty. To avoid the awkward "bonds" of her teammates, Tsunade was choosing to flee back to the Amegakure right after returning to Konoha. Was this the responsibility of a Hokage?
Tobirama remained unmoved.
"Sigh, fine."
Without Flying Thunder God to make a quick escape, how could Tsunade possibly outrun them? Left with no choice, she dejectedly trudged toward the village.
"Don't be so down. That was just a theory of mine. Maybe Orochimaru has improved his methods by now and doesn't use biting anymore?" Shiromo offered some consolation on the way back.
"If not biting, then what? His hands? That's also incredibly weird!" Tsunade grumbled weakly.
---
Konoha Hospital.
Jiraiya had already regained consciousness. His previous fainting spell had been caused purely by physical and emotional shock. At this moment, he wore an expression of total despair, staring blankly at the sky through the window.
Just as Orochimaru had said, the Cursed Seal was harmless. Even the pain wouldn't cause lasting damage to the body. After being re-examined by the head medical ninja, it was confirmed that Jiraiya was perfectly fine.
"Orochimaru... I swear I will f**king kill you."
Jiraiya spoke with an exhausted, lifeless voice.
"F**king Who? Jiraiya, have you been possessed by someone using Living Corpse Reincarnation?"
Hearing this, Orochimaru looked serious. He began weaving hand signs, looking as if he were about to bite Jiraiya again.
"I said I 'swear' to kill you!" Jiraiya wailed miserably.
"Oh, so that's what you meant. Why use such archaic phrasing for no reason?" Orochimaru relaxed and lowered his hands.
"Jiraiya, I did this for your own good, and for Naruto's as well. Of course, I won't deny that I had my own selfish motives too."
Orochimaru began to explain. This Cursed Seal killed several birds with one stone. It allowed Orochimaru to complete his experiment, forced Jiraiya to concentrate on mastering Sage Mode, and ensured Jiraiya wouldn't have any "distractions," allowing him to focus solely on teaching Naruto.
And why teach Naruto?
Because after the semi-renegade Sasuke arrived at Orochimaru's side, Orochimaru wanted to see the "wind rise." To make Sasuke's wind rise, the Rinnegan had to be activated. And to activate the Rinnegan, one had to "drink milk."
Orochimaru had Jiraiya train Naruto to increase Naruto's strength, all for the sake of improving the quality of the "milk."
It was perfectly logical.
(End of this chapter)