Chapter 365: Manipulating Orochimaru
Chapter 365: Manipulating Orochimaru
"How are you feeling, Kakashi?" Haneda asked the moment he noticed Kakashi open his eyes, concern evident in his voice.
"A little tired… and very hungry," Kakashi replied weakly.
The process of integrating White Zetsu cells had drained a significant amount of Kakashi's physical energy. On top of that, he had forced himself to stay alert throughout the procedure, leaving him utterly exhausted.
The transplant wasn't the end of it. Kakashi would still need time for the cells to fully integrate and harmonize with his Mangekyō Sharingan, which would gradually restore his vision and ocular powers.
This was a prolonged process of resistance and fusion.
Unlike Uchiha Itachi or Shisui, who had the Uchiha bloodline, Kakashi couldn't immediately regain full function after the procedure.
Orochimaru had anticipated this outcome. He brought over a prepared nutrient solution and carefully fed it to Kakashi, ensuring he replenished some energy.
Afterward, Orochimaru conducted a thorough examination of Kakashi's body, confirming that everything was stable before allowing him to drift into sleep.
Once Kakashi had fallen asleep, Haneda and Orochimaru quietly left the lab, closing the door behind them.
As the door shut, Haneda finally spoke:
"How long will this state last, Orochimaru?"
"Three to five days, I'd estimate," Orochimaru replied. "Think of it like a viral infection. The immune system is battling an invading entity, except in this case, the 'virus' is the transplanted cells."
"It's a prolonged struggle between the body and the foreign cells—much like organ transplants."
Haneda nodded slightly, recalling his own experience with the First Hokage's cells. He understood the rejection and eventual fusion process all too well.
If not for his use of Shinra Banshō to forcibly integrate the First Hokage's cells, Haneda doubted he would have succeeded, given the cells' overwhelming vitality.
"How long will the full integration take?" Haneda asked again.
"One to two years, though it's impossible to pinpoint exactly. The data on transplants like this is still limited, and every individual's constitution is different," Orochimaru replied indifferently.
His enthusiasm for this field had waned significantly since mastering the intricacies of the First Hokage's cells.
Orochimaru was more interested in the pursuit of eternal life and infinite knowledge. While the First Hokage's cells granted vigorous life energy, they offered no path to immortality.
Compared to cellular studies, Orochimaru found greater intrigue in senjutsu.
Ever since his first visit to Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru had developed a deep fascination with senjutsu.
After all, the White Snake Sage was said to be from the same era as the Sage of Six Paths, possibly living for over a thousand years.
Senjutsu wasn't just an unexplored field for Orochimaru—it also held the potential for unlocking the secrets to eternal life.
Orochimaru's gaze lingered on the glowing circular mark on Haneda's forehead. Smiling slyly, he said:
"Everything you've asked of me, I've done to the best of my ability—whether it's hybrid rice, the train power system, or greenhouse farming."
"According to the principle of equivalent exchange, it's time for you to fulfill your promise."
"You mean senjutsu, don't you?" Haneda replied calmly. "I can teach you and let you experience it—but not yet."
Orochimaru frowned slightly. "Why not?"
"There are special circumstances involved—classified matters," Haneda explained. "However, I can provide you with an alternative form of senjutsu that uses sealing techniques to absorb natural energy, combine it with chakra, and enable senjutsu."
To maintain Orochimaru's enthusiasm for his work, Haneda didn't outright refuse.
Instead, he dangled a bait—his Dragon Seal.
This technique was developed during Haneda's research on the Ryūmyaku chakra and while refining his Yang Seal.
Compared to Orochimaru's original cursed seals in the canon, the Dragon Seal included a basic Sage Mode with significantly reduced side effects.
It allowed the user to merge their chakra with senjutsu chakra, activating Sage Mode and unleashing senjutsu.
Its only drawback was its short duration—lasting only a minute.
If the user employed senjutsu techniques, even that minute could be cut short.
Still, it was more than enough to pique Orochimaru's interest.
Haneda pulled out a scroll he had prepared in advance and handed it to Orochimaru.
Unrolling it, Orochimaru quickly scanned the contents, his eyes flashing with surprise.
He examined it more closely, silently marveling at Haneda's ingenious concepts.
What surprised him most was how much of the Dragon Seal delved into areas Orochimaru had never explored.
Of course, this wasn't something Haneda had entirely invented on his own.
It was a product of his familiarity with Ryūmyaku chakra and his ability to adapt concepts from the Star—a chakra-enhancing artifact.
"This technique is quite novel," Orochimaru remarked. "There's plenty of room for improvement, particularly in expanding the chakra capacity through the sealing structure."
"That would extend the duration of Sage Mode."
Carefully rolling up the scroll, Orochimaru summoned a snake to swallow it for safekeeping.
"You can study it during your free time," Haneda said. "Once I've dealt with some pressing issues, I'll personally guide you in senjutsu training."
To ensure Orochimaru remained motivated, Haneda added, "You've heard from Jiraiya about the risks of training in Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku, haven't you? My methods are far safer."
"Even Kakashi has mastered Ryūchi Cave's senjutsu. You should know that."
"By the way, how are the hydroelectric, wind, and solar power generators I asked about?"
Having just received the scroll, Orochimaru responded without hesitation, "I'll have them completed within a week."
"Good. I'll check in then," Haneda replied, satisfied as he watched Orochimaru leave.
Once Orochimaru was out of sight, Haneda used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to Kakashi's lab.
He first observed Kakashi to confirm he was truly asleep.
Satisfied, Haneda activated his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and used Shinra Banshō to further accelerate Kakashi's integration with the White Zetsu cells.
After about two and a half minutes, Haneda felt blood tears running down his face.
Wiping the blood from his eyes, he murmured to himself, "The Rinnegan is about to awaken… but I can still spare this much ocular power."
Glancing at the system panel, Haneda noted the progress bar for his Rinnegan awakening: 89%.
"The Fourth Great Ninja War is getting closer."
"Once the Rinnegan awakens, the Tenseigan fusion will likely accelerate as well."
"I need to finalize the designs for hydroelectric plants along the rivers. Construction can wait until after the war—no point in building them now just to have them destroyed."
"Coastal areas with strong winds can rely on wind turbines, and solar power will help win over and stabilize the Land of Wind…"
"With these plans, I can lower domestic electricity costs and promote the widespread use of electrical devices."
"Refrigerators, computers—everything I promised before should be feasible now."
Haneda looked at Kakashi, whose expression had relaxed as the pain subsided.
His thoughts drifted to Obito.
"I'll bring the happiness I promised—not just for us, but for countless families as well."
...
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