Chapter 69: Orochimaru's Intentions (Part 2)

"Hold on, hold on, let me digest this for a moment."

After listening to Jinghang's rambling explanation, which mixed ancient ninja myths with high school biology, Orochimaru felt as though his brain had been stuffed with an entire pig leg, leaving him utterly choked and overwhelmed.

Jinghang shook his head helplessly, picked up a teapot, and spoke to an empty teacup.

"Let me use a metaphor. This teapot represents Hashirama Cells, and this teacup represents your test subject."

As Jinghang poured water into the cup, it quickly filled to the brim and overflowed.

"Do you understand now?"

Orochimaru suddenly had an epiphany.

"You're saying that because Hashirama was the reincarnation of Asura, his cells contain an overwhelming amount of life energy. Ordinary cells simply can't handle it, so they—"

"Exactly!"

Jinghang let go of the teacup, allowing it to fall freely to the ground, shattering into pieces.

"Wood Release Chakra is incredibly difficult to control. It voraciously devours the chakra energy of living cells until every last bit is drained. When there's no chakra left to consume, the Wood Release Chakra erupts uncontrollably, reverting to its original form—like this."

Jinghang pointed to a potted plant on the table.

"I see... then, does that mean Hashirama Cells are completely useless?" Orochimaru asked, disappointed.

Jinghang smirked inwardly. Orochimaru, your ambition knows no bounds. With your frail body, you can't even enter Ryuchi Cave to learn Sage Mode, yet you dream of using Hashirama Cells to transform yourself?

"However, that's not entirely true. There are ways to make it work," Jinghang said with a smile.

Orochimaru paused, intrigued. "Oh? How?"

Jinghang remained silent, his meaning clear: while their relationship was cordial, business was business. Even close allies needed to settle accounts clearly—if Orochimaru wanted answers, he had to offer something in return.

Orochimaru quickly understood. He pulled out a scroll from his robe.

"This is the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Technique developed by the Second Hokage, Tobirama."

Hmm, an A-rank forbidden jutsu designed for suicide attacks, often used in conjunction with Edo Tensei. Not bad. While it was originally intended for reanimated corpses, it could also enhance the defense of puppet formations like the "Copper Men Array."

Jinghang accepted the scroll without opening it, smiling. "Actually, I'm more interested in the whereabouts of Black Zetsu. Do you have any information?"

"Unfortunately, I don't. That creature is truly unique. I once tried to capture it for dissection and research, but its strength and elusiveness made it impossible. After our transaction, it vanished underground without a trace."

"What a pity," Jinghang sighed. Indeed, if even Orochimaru couldn't catch Black Zetsu, it must be a real challenge.

He silently tucked the scroll into his robe.

"If you encounter it again, try to seal it. Its research value far surpasses that of Hashirama Cells," Jinghang suggested, subtly setting a trap for Black Zetsu.

"Now, as for utilizing Hashirama Cells, I have two potential solutions for you."

Jinghang picked up the teapot and teacup again to illustrate his points.

In the original Naruto series, the only person to perfectly integrate Hashirama Cells was Madara Uchiha, thanks to the Uchiha clan's robust physical constitution and Madara's destiny as the reincarnation of Indra. Yamato was likely the result of weakened Hashirama Cells, allowing him to use Wood Release, though his abilities paled in comparison to Hashirama's. Nawaki seemed to be following a similar path.

Obito's half-body integration was more of a simple transplant—functional and sensory, but incapable of performing Wood Release jutsu.

As for Danzo, his experiments were outright reckless. Not only did he graft an arm made entirely of Hashirama Cells, but he also implanted ten Sharingan in it. It's a wonder he didn't drain himself to death. His survival was likely due to his strong life force and the fact that he kept the arm sealed most of the time. Otherwise, he would've turned into a tree long before being defeated by Sasuke.

"The first solution is to weaken Hashirama Cells. By gradually diluting the bloodline, the life energy will decrease to a level that the host can handle. Of course, the resulting life form will inherit less energy and be relatively weaker, but it will still be quite formidable."

Jinghang lifted the teapot, filling the teacup just to the brim without letting it overflow.

Orochimaru nodded. "I've considered this approach, like with Nawaki?"

"Exactly. And since he's Hashirama's grandson, his potential in this regard should be stronger," Jinghang replied.

"But how would one dilute the bloodline?" Orochimaru asked. After all, he only had a small piece of flesh, not a living person capable of reproduction.

"I have a solution for that, but let's discuss it later. First, let me explain the second approach," Jinghang said.

"The other solution is to replace the container."

Jinghang glanced around before picking up a large water bowl. He poured water from the teapot into the bowl, letting it flow freely.

"As long as the chosen life form has a sufficiently robust life force, it can withstand the overwhelming power of Hashirama Cells. Just like this water bowl—its capacity is large enough that no matter how much water I pour, it won't overflow."

"Where could one find such a powerful life form?" Orochimaru shook his head.

Jinghang chuckled. "Orochimaru, you're underestimating the world. The ninja world is vast and full of wonders. For example, the Uzumaki clan, known for their extraordinary vitality, was renowned for this very trait. Although their numbers have dwindled, who's to say there aren't other clans with similar abilities?"

Orochimaru's eyes lit up. "You're right! If I search diligently, I'm sure to find something!"

Jinghang's words had sparked Orochimaru's quest to gather "talents."

"Lord Kazekage, I knew seeking you out would yield results," Orochimaru said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Jinghang smiled. "Not at all. Collaboration leads to progress. By the way, have you heard of our Silver Sand Corporation in Sunagakure? We've recently developed a chakra suppressant called 'Retreat.' Would you like to see it? It might aid your research."

This suppressant, originally designed to counter powerful enemies, was Jinghang's proposed method for diluting bloodlines.

"Really? What's the price?"

"Oh, come now, Orochimaru. We're brothers—talking about money would ruin the mood. Consider it a gift. But if you come across any unique talents in the future, perhaps you could share them with me?"

"Of course! From now on, we can share information on such matters," Orochimaru promised confidently.

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