Chapter 48

I eyed Orochimaru, he was wearing his usual attire and his hair was ungroomed.

He hadn't stopped staring at the map since I had arrived.

Though he seemingly didn't have a plan even after all the staring he had been doing.

I sighed and started making my way out of the building.

Orochimaru got annoyed when I stood around and sighed at him, so it was better I just make my way out and find something to occupy myself with.

Though I had an idea of what to do at the moment.

"Before I go, can I get your notes on reflex enhancement...?"

Orochimaru shot me an annoyed look.

A snake slithered out of his sleeve and regurgitated a scroll.

Orochimaru flung it at me and it landed in my hand with a wet slap.

I stared at it for a moment...

That was extremely disgusting.

"Thanks, Sensei!"

I gave Orochimaru a cheery wave and left the building.

...

Orochimaru's reflex enhancement seemingly had nothing to do with the nerves and instead to be all about the muscles...

I took my time browsing the scroll and enjoying his elegant handwriting.

'Type 1 or slow twitch.

Its mainly used for running, it is slow to contract, smaller in size and produces less force.

However, it also allows you to exert yourself for longer periods.

The muscle fiber is red, because of the higher oxygen content.'

So Red was slow muscle...

'Type 2a or superfast twitch.

These are anaerobic and rely on ATP and glycogen, this allows for more explosive force and speed, but also fatigues much more quickly.

This muscle fiber is also known as white muscle.'

White is fast muscle...

'Type 2b or moderate fast-twitch.

These are intermediary muscles, they are useful for shorter durations of more intensive exercise such as lifting weights or running. They are less energy-efficient than type 1 fiber but more fatigue-resistant than Type 2.

This is also known as pink muscle.'

Pink Muscle is in In-between...

I hummed...

There were some notes throughout the scroll.

You can't change your whole body to pink muscle because you need red muscle to stand up straight without collapsing...

I snickered at the image of Orochimaru trying to remain stoic while he stumbled around like a baby deer.

I brought my eyes to the notes again.

Your abs held you upright all day and thus were made of mostly red muscle...

Fine motor control was done by Red muscle so you should be wary of extensive changes to your hands...

You needed a mix of all three muscle types to function effectively...

But there were different mixes optimal for different fighting styles...

I hummed and drummed my fingers along my desk.

Orochimaru went on to talk about different muscle fibers that our ancestors had that have become redundant DNA and that awakening these tremendously improve your reaction-time, strength, and stamina...

I browsed the scroll a little more before rolling it up and setting it at the corner of my desk.

I interlaced my fingers together.

This was quite the gift Orochimaru gave me...

Though he called it a reflex enhancement it was more of a muscle enhancement...

Didn't he know I used a different method from his own...?

I feel like I mentioned it...

Perhaps he forgot...?

He has been stressed lately...

I sighed and decided not to think too deeply into it.

At least I have a new direction for a little while...

Sensing and muscle composition...

...

"How have you been feeling lately?"

I side-eyed mom and continued with my seal work, I wasn't sure I wanted this exchange.

"What do you mean?"

I arced an eyebrow and withdrew my brush from the paper.

"You seem down lately."

I raised an eyebrow and stayed silent.

"...If you want to talk about anything... I'm always available..."

I relaxed my eyebrow and smiled.

"Thanks mom, that means a lot."

She sent me a brilliant smile.

"Anytime Shiro."

Mom stood up and started towards the door.

I grimaced slightly.

I apricate the concern.

But that was a weird moment...

...

Duy was well out of Genin-hood and was doing alright.

He was average Taijutsu-wise but had amazing strength, speed, and stamina.

When I had taken him from the Genin corps I had hoped to take him up to Jonin level with extensive body modifications.

But that seemed like it wouldn't happen...

I had hoped that maybe Duy would see the horrors of war and decide that he desperately needed strength but so far, no such thing has happened.

All in all, the whole Duy thing seemed like a bust.

But I guess Duy earning more money and dropping the title of Eternal Genin could be considered a win of some sort...

I sighed, leaned back, and crossed my arms.

Fuck...

My plan to make a 'Super Duy' was not panning out...

Perhaps I used all my luck when awakening the Shikotsumyaku.

The bloodline with the longest name...

I sunk further into my seat.

I think it's time I start on the muscles...

I couldn't go full-body pink muscle, but perhaps I'd max it out...

My stamina was crazy anyway...

Perhaps messing with my muscles would change that though...

I'll just have to find the golden ratio then...

Sigh...

I stared at the ceiling and smiled.

I still haven't finished with stem cells or DNA...

So, there was still more to explore...

...

My minion was out of the field hospital and opted to stay in Frost.

Which was good as I need someone to boss around...

"Aomi, we're doing some body-enhancements."

She nodded silently.

"Alrighty... Get some prisoners, three should do..."

She nodded hesitantly and started making her way to the door.

I decided that I'll teach her as I go...

Maybe she could be my Kabuto...

Or my Sasuke...

I wasn't stealing any bodies or being overly evil so there shouldn't be any betrayal...

Hopefully...

Trust but verify as they say...

I'll keep an eye on her I suppose...

...

Test subject four was doing alright...

He was currently under a Genjutsu and fighting an imaginary enemy in another room under the watchful eye of my minion.

The first three were half failures.

Too much white muscle and one had explosive strength and power but little to no stamina...

Too much red muscle and one had little to no explosive strength or power...

To much pink muscle and one's muscles collapsed after extensive exercise...

So, all I'd done was confirm Orochimaru's notes...

I sighed...

I had hoped that some sort of chakra shenanigans would let me convert the body's muscle completely into pink muscle.

But it seemed that it wouldn't happen...

No major loss...

It only meant that more testing was needed...

I'd find the optimal muscle composition eventually...

...

I stared at Orochimaru and he stared at me.

"Yes, Sensei?"

Orochimaru continued staring.

"How would one attack Kumo..." His voice was dull and flat. "...Without earning the ire of the Raikage...?"

I wasn't sure...

He apparently fought ten-thousand people for some days before dying in canon...

How would one kill the old monster...?

"Fuinjutsu?" I intentionally spoke aloud throwing my thoughts into the air.

Orochimaru hummed and stared over my shoulder vacantly.

"A-hem..." I cleared my throat.

I sent Orochimaru a wink.

"The Raikage can't be mad about an attack if he's dead."

I sent him two more winks.

"And one wouldn't need to attack Kumo if they were without a Kage."

I sent him another wink.

"...Perhaps the Raikage could be restrained..." Orochimaru nodded looking proud of 'his' plan.

I shook my head.

"Perhaps the Raikage can be sealed and starved to death."

I sent two more winks at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru nodded finally seeming to get it.

"Excellent idea, kekeke..." Orochimaru threw his head back and laughed.

I eyed the creep for a moment wondering if giving Orochimaru ideas was the wrong move...

"Leave! I have planning to do..." Orochimaru waved me away.

I stood there staring at him for a moment before eventually shrugging and leaving.

Whatever...

Orochimaru could be a creepy old man by himself...

...

Things had been boring as of late, with Shimo and Kumo taking a bit of a break we weren't harassed as often as we once were.

And even though we were still attacked now and then it didn't matter much.

We had a few Hyuga and Uchiha watching the perimeter so most surprise attacks weren't surprises...

I narrowed my eyes at a passing ninja.

Blond hair and brown skin...

He didn't belong...

I pointed at his knees with my index and middle fingers.

Senbon launched from my fingertips.

I ignored the jumpy ninja around me and pointed at the now immobile ninja who was struggling to stand.

"Interrogation for him..."

The man's fate was sealed by my words, he was subdued and dragged off and I was left staring at the spot he occupied in thought...

Hopefully, he was a spy and not someone with ancestry from Kumo...

I put it out of my mind for a moment.

It was weird to have people jump to obey my command...

It was probably weird for them as well...

I dragged my eyes from the spot the ninja occupied and looked at the sky.

It was almost November so it was getting a tad cold and it was snowing as of late...

It was also almost my birthday...

Something I had nearly forgotten about.

I stared at the sky for a moment longer before continuing on my way.

I briefly wondered if I was getting a little jumpy and overreacting...

I normally don't attack people for looking suspicious...

Or in this case, people who look Kumo-y...

I sighed.

Whatever...

...

I stood and stared at my mom as she chatted with Aomi while braiding her hair.

When I say chatted with, I mean chattered at...

I looked over at Duy who was doing one-legged squats in the corner and Kenji who watched while drinking what I assume was some sort of alcohol.

When did my lab become the hang-out spot...?

I shook my head.

"What do I need to do to become Jonin?"

I directed my question vaguely into the room, I didn't care who answered just that someone answered.

"You need Jonin-level skill in almost everything and a recommendation."

It was Kenji who answered.

I hummed and stayed silent.

That was something I didn't know or didn't remember...

But who did I need to recommend me and why haven't I been recommended...?

"Kenji join me in fanning the flames of Youth!"

I shook my head and focused on Duy who was weirding out Kenji.

Duy was staring into Kenji's eyes while doing squats...

I was feeling weirded-out even though I wasn't the subject of Duy's attention...

I turned away from whatever was happening over there.

I didn't need that in my life...

...

My body leaned more towards red muscle fiber...

I hummed and ran the diagnostic jutsu down my arm.

Biceps were mainly pink and white though...

I ran my hand down my side and to my leg.

Abs are mainly red while the leg muscles are a mix of the three with red being dominant.

According to his notes, Orochimaru had changed his muscles to mainly white and pink for an explosive speed increase...

Though he probably had garbage stamina, unless he figured out some way to overcome that with chakra...

I guess I should lean more towards pink and red...?

I was a Taijutsu focused fighter, I needed stamina after-all...

"What do you think Aomi?"

Aomi of course remained silent but was pointing at my blond-haired test-subject strapped to the table.

"More tests then...?"

She nodded firmly and held five fingers up.

"Five more...?"

I was already comfortable with doing it to myself...

I wasn't sure I needed to waste more life on this endeavor.

"I guess it doesn't hurt to do more tests..."

Though Orochimaru might get annoyed at our rapid use of prisoners...

But perhaps that wouldn't be an issue, he has been busy as of late.

And we needed to do some stuff with DNA again...

So perhaps five more was ideal...

"How's your chakra control coming?"

I raised an eyebrow at my only minion.

She made a so-so gesture and looked slightly sad.

"No worries, it'll probably only take three or so more months."

I turned away from her and walked towards test-subject number seven.

"Alrighty don't dispose of this one, I have some more experiments to do afterward..."

And by experiments, I meant horrible invasive DNA manipulation...

Horrible but efficient...

...

Orochimaru paced around the room and gestured wildly while telling me his plan to take down the Third Raikage.

I eyed Orochimaru briefly but turned away when his eyes met mine.

He seemed a bit crazed and almost manic, I briefly wondered if he was taking some kind of stimulant...

Naruto-verse meth maybe?

"...So, you'll attack their camp and occupy them while I take out the Raikage!" He finished the sentence by throwing his arms up and smiling creepily.

"Sounds good Sensei." I nodded.

Orochimaru's smile stretched further.

I turned my back to him and cringed.

He had been acting unhinged lately, whether this was because he was experimenting with the cursed seal or he was just getting comfortable in my presence I didn't know.

"When do you want me to attack?"

I've been learning under him for nearly a year and only recently has he begun acting like this...

"Kekeke... A week from now is when we'll begin, you will take the army and attack their camp while I take out the Raikage!" Orochimaru finished his words with a creepy smile.

I pressed my lips together, something was wrong with him, he's never repeated words like that or been this smiley.

"Alright, I have some preparations to make." I nodded at him and turned toward the door.

Orochimaru went from old and creepy, to old, creepy and unhinged in a few months...

Whatever he did cause him to fall and fall fast...

I figured I'd have five more years with him but if whatever this was progressed further...

"Sigh..."

I doubt this was canon, so I must have somehow changed something...

There's no way he could get away with being like this for a few years...

I made my way out of Orochimaru's lab and made my way up the stairs.

Jiraiya was here a few days ago talking to Orochimaru, perhaps he noticed as well...

There was a good chance he did...

...

Orochimaru being creepy and potentially mentally damaged aside things seemed to be going well.

Our temporary respite was over and fighting was at an all-time high but we were winning most of the tiny engagements that we got into with Kumo.

Constant fights weren't ideal but it was acceptable if we were wining our engagements.

Or at least I thought so.

"So, what's the Raikage done this time...?"

Orochimaru was reading some sort of report with a picture of the Raikage's face in the top right corner.

"He's attacked Iwa and caused a big fuss." Orochimaru's voice was dull and without inflection.

Orochimaru had just eaten and was in a good mood, hence the lack of evil laughter and creepy smiles.

He seemed less unstable when he was full and not excited or stressed.

Orochimaru handed me the report and I gave it a quick skim, it was pretty much Kumo had a problem with Iwa, the Raikage went out and it became less of a problem...

"So, Iwa is mad and told us to stay out of the way while they kill the Raikage?"

I stared at the page in disbelief, Iwa claimed they were sending their best to annihilate the Raikage.

They further claimed that the fight was between Kumo and Iwa and that any interference would lead to 'total war'.

"Arrogant..." Orochimaru hissed the word.

That was indeed the best way to describe Iwa...

But this was a problem, Iwa was after the Raikage...

And the Raikage vs ten-thousand ninja thing could possibly happen.

But shouldn't the Raikage Vs ten-thousand ninja be an epic battle at the end of the war...

We were only a year into the war...

Orochimaru sighed and leaned back into his chair, I sighed a moment later feeling his pain.

I thought Orochimaru was going to kill the Raikage...

"Three days before we launch our attack and this happens..." I set the report in front of Orochimaru and went and took a seat in the corner of the room.

Iwa was fighting everyone they bordered with and even some they didn't share borders with.

And they were winning for the most part...

Though they were heavily using their Jinjuriki, so perhaps that was why...

As far as I knew most of the other villages used their Jinjuriki as little as possible, Iwa and Kumo were the exceptions as far as I knew...

I glanced at Orochimaru who was silent and seemed lost in thought.

He doesn't seem affected for the most part.

I released a heavy breath, at least there wouldn't be another bloodbath for a while...

Perhaps it was time to expand my reserves...

I had wanted to wait a little longer...

But perhaps now was the ideal time...

...