Orochimaru's Technology

Sage Mode requires talent.

Even with heaven-defying talent and the sensory capabilities of Sage Mode Chakra, without Kage-level Chakra reserves and corresponding control, one would likely be assimilated into stone, trees, or other natural elements by the backlash of Sage Mode Chakra.

As for becoming a Jinchuriki, setting aside whether a normal ninja's physique can withstand the erosion of Tailed Beast Chakra, the sealing jutsu alone would be a major hurdle.

When even elemental ninjutsu is so monopolized in the Ninja World, the difficulty of acquiring the even rarer and more precious sealing jutsu can be imagined.

Even the giants among the Five Great Ninja Villages do not possess all the sealing jutsu capable of sealing a Tailed Beast. The Uzumaki Clan controlled the most powerful sealing jutsu in the Ninja World, and their downfall was likely due to possessing such a treasure.

Therefore, to acquire advanced sealing jutsu, one must have at least Jonin-level strength; it's not even worth thinking about unless you're reborn into the Uzumaki Clan.

"It seems Orochimaru's core technology is the true path for ordinary people."

Umino Sasuke couldn't help but sigh. In a Ninja World ruled by bloodlines, Orochimaru was truly the one who, as a mortal, rivaled the gods.

By emulating Orochimaru and utilizing the various miraculous effects of Chakra, even if he could only create scraps of what Orochimaru considered insignificant, it should be enough to escape his current predicament. At the very least, becoming a Jonin shouldn't be difficult.

As for developing a second elemental Chakra, after returning to the Ninja Army base and resuming his duties, he'd see if he could exchange mission merit points for relevant information. The immediate priority, however, was to build the laboratory.

However, Umino Sasuke didn't immediately unseal the Sealing Scrolls and begin perfecting the underground laboratory. Instead, he first returned to his sentry patrol post.

With Aburame Shibi's Kikaichū guarding the perimeter, Tejudo and the other two hadn't encountered any accidents. They were only complaining that the Soldier Pills were hard to swallow and that they missed his cooking.

Upon seeing Umino Sasuke return, they greeted him joyfully and immediately began preparing a meal, with even Inuzuka Ryo shedding his reserve and joining in.

"Captain, you should go fishing quickly. I've got things handled here."

Tejudo urged Umino Sasuke to go fishing, not because Tejudo himself couldn't catch fish, but because the Golden Drumfish, unique to the Land of Rivers, was a prized species with an extremely delicious taste, nearly fished to extinction.

Umino Sasuke, on the other hand, could almost always catch this valuable species, while if he went himself, he'd only catch ordinary freshwater fish, and often small ones at that.

"You're the only one not doing anything, just barking orders."

Umino Sasuke feigned kicking Tejudo's behind, feeling helpless about his subordinate's constant workplace bullying of the two newcomers in his capacity as vice-captain.

Inuzuka Ryo was better off, being from a Ninja Clan, Tejudo didn't dare go too far. Xiao Xiao, who admired him like a younger sister, was completely subjected to the vice-captain's bureaucratic demeanor.

After this ambush on the Sand Ninja, Tejudo had become insufferably arrogant after showcasing his Tool Manipulation, to the point where even Inuzuka Ryo seemed to follow his lead.

Tejudo, this guy, was naturally gifted with the skills of a scheming leader.

However, Umino Sasuke didn't interfere too much. The strong prey on the weak, and the weak prey on the even weaker. As long as he, the big fish, could keep Tejudo, the small fish, in check, and as long as this small fish didn't mess things up, he'd turn a blind eye.

As for today's orders directed at him, the captain, he'd consider it indulging the kid's vanity, especially since he'd used millions of Ryo worth of Tools this morning.

Once this period passed, he'd let him know what the sacred and inviolable authority of a captain meant.

Dada dada...

Chakra flowed to his feet as he stepped onto the river's surface, and Umino Sasuke activated the Sonic Radar Technique.

"Without the assistance of the Water Bat summoning beast, this sensory range has decreased by more than tenfold."

Umino Sasuke probed downwards into the river, but could only sense less than ten meters below the surface.

With the assistance of the Water Bat summoning beast, as long as its path wasn't blocked by a living creature with Chakra, it could generally penetrate.

Mediums like river water would cause significant loss of sonic wave energy during penetration, reducing the sensory range far below the three kilometers achievable in air, but it could still reach nearly a hundred meters.

Originally, he had planned to re-contract a Water Bat in the laboratory earlier. However, considering that Aburame Shibi might release Kikaichū into the perimeter, if any traces were found, it could lead them to the Water Bat's nest and into his laboratory through this Water Bat.

Although Water Bats were natural enemies of Kikaichū, and Aburame Shibi was unlikely to expend significant effort for Kikaichū to explore a Water Bat nest out of mere curiosity, it was better to be safe and avoid giving Aburame Shibi any ideas, just in case.

Currently, with Kikaichū guarding the perimeter, there was little chance of danger. Once Aburame Shibi stopped sending Kikaichū, it would be time to contract another one.

"Captain, why are you so slow today? You usually finish in a flash."

Tejudo had finished his preparations but hadn't seen any Golden Drumfish yet, so he started urging again. Furthermore, feeling pleased with himself today, he became even more audacious, his words even carrying a hint of complaint. Truly, a child who isn't disciplined will climb the roof, completely forgetting the fear of the captain's past dominance, a burden too heavy for his young age to bear.

Umino Sasuke said nothing more and continued searching for fish. Unfortunately, Golden Drumfish usually lived in deep water, and with his current sensory depth, it would take a lot more time to find one.

To avoid arousing suspicion from Tejudo and the other two, and to save time, Umino Sasuke had to speed up. He quickly formed hand seals: "Water Release: Water Prison Technique!"

He placed his hands directly into the river water, continuing to channel Chakra.

"Spin!"

"Revolving Water Prison!"

Instantly.

A vortex appeared in the river, growing larger and larger, churning a large amount of river water and shattering the tranquility beneath the surface.

"Found you."

After some sensing, he finally locked onto the familiar figure.

Umino Sasuke immediately drew a Kunai and threw it.

It directly pierced through the Golden Drumfish.

Soon, a golden fish as thick as a barrel surfaced.

Umino Sasuke picked up the Golden Drumfish and ran swiftly towards the shore. Clearly, he hadn't eaten all day and was hungry.

Field cooking and dining were not new experiences, and everyone was experienced. After a flurry of activity, they finally enjoyed a delicious meal.

Perhaps it was the aftermath of the battle, or perhaps they were genuinely hungry, and coupled with the fact that today's Golden Drumfish was exceptionally large, all four ate to their heart's content. It would have been even more enjoyable with some drinks, though.

However, with the Ninja Regulations in place, dining was acceptable, but drinking was a clear violation. For ordinary ninjas without connections, the punishment was severe.

As for the children of Ninja Clans, as long as it didn't affect their missions, a little secret drinking was usually fine, and they would typically receive only a verbal reprimand if caught.