Ultimate Potential

Ultimate Potential

Contact with Orochimaru had truly been like dancing on a steel wire. There had been probing, hints, and even Illusion Techniques.

However, with Reincarnation Space's protection preventing the disclosure of information about the space, along with the boost from the "Plausibility" state, he had been able to deal perfectly even with unconventional methods like Illusion Techniques.

It was the occasional probing remarks woven into everyday conversation that required careful consideration.

Whenever possible, in order to gain trust without concealing anything, Xu Yue had told the truth. He might use an alias or codename before other Reincarnators, but before Orochimaru, he had openly given his real name.

For Xu Yue, who had worn masks his entire life, imitating Kabuto's way of doing things with the advantage of foreknowledge had posed no difficulty at all.

His displayed beliefs—disregarding life for the sake of power, casually conducting human experiments, and completely ignoring the Will of Fire and Konoha—had also left Orochimaru quite satisfied.

Young, malleable, talented, gifted, with a clean background. There was enough time to instill his own beliefs in him and let him grow into his right-hand man!

Even so, for the entire first month, Xu Yue had mostly only come into contact with ordinary experiments. Using his experience as a lead surgeon, he had displayed sufficient talent and conducted quite a few "tests" on enemy ninja prisoners.

The Second Ninja War had entered its later stages. With ample material on hand, Orochimaru had not yet turned his hand toward ninjas from his own village. In fact, it was possible that the Third Hokage had tacitly approved of what he was doing.

Only after Xu Yue had worked hard enough to demonstrate his value did it happen, one month after the two had begun associating, in that dim underground laboratory.

Accompanied by the drip-drip of water falling from a leaking pipe, Orochimaru wore a strange expression as he looked at Xu Yue, who was impassively handling a liver specimen.

"Xu Yue-kun, are you interested in becoming my disciple?"

The sudden invitation genuinely startled Xu Yue. His original goal had been to become Orochimaru's assistant, yet he had unexpectedly been invited to become his disciple directly!

Then again, it made sense. This body of his appeared so young, and with his beliefs and talent, he truly was the ideal candidate to inherit Orochimaru's will.

"I have been waiting for this for a long time, Lord Orochimaru. No—Teacher Orochimaru!"

Ding. Achievement unlocked: Disciple of the Sannin

Disciple of the Sannin (Hidden): A disciple of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha. After revealing your identity, you will gain a certain amount of reputation bonus in this world.

Ding. Special space mission triggered: Forbidden Research

Forbidden Research: Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, seems to be hiding an extraordinary secret and is preparing to share it with you. Mission reward: Unknown. Risk: Extremely high.

"Before I met you, I had been studying a unique kind of cell. But these cells are incredibly invasive, capable of turning every test subject into wood. They cannot be controlled at all. Yet after being inspired by your medicine, I made a new discovery..."

After leading Xu Yue step by step into the deepest laboratory, Orochimaru began explaining patiently.

As one of the Sannin, he could not vanish from public view for too long. But now, he finally had someone who could assist him with his research...

While all the other newcomers were working hard to complete their missions, Xu Yue was conducting experiment after experiment alongside the "ultimate behind-the-scenes BOSS" whom they all spoke of with fear.

More than half of the golden cultivation period granted by Reincarnation Space had been wasted outright.

In the original story, Orochimaru had eventually completed the fusion and proper research of the First Hokage's Cells.

Though it was not yet perfected now, with modern anti-rejection theory, their speed and progress had become even more astonishing.

In the blink of an eye, only half a month remained before the mission ended.

During the time Xu Yue had assisted him, one obstacle after another had been overcome. At last, they had reached the clinical testing stage!

"Are you sure you want to do it yourself?"

Orochimaru looked at the disciple before him, an indescribable emotion flashing through his eyes. With such courage, determination, and talent that even he found astonishing, he truly did not want the other party to undergo testing before everything was completely certain.

"Teacher Orochimaru, I believe in our results."

Xu Yue wore a confident expression. The notice from the space stating that Forbidden Research had been completed was his greatest source of confidence.

"Although I have not undergone systematic training, my physical condition does surpass that of others my age. Moreover, there is no cultivated Chakra in my body to interfere with it, making me the most suitable specimen. Combined with those eyes that should theoretically suppress it, there is no reason to fail."

Xu Yue's resolute manner earned a trace of Orochimaru's approval.

"Very well. Then I shall grant your wish."

"If you die..."

"Don't blame me..."

Endless darkness descended.

Within the hazy consciousness of that darkness, Xu Yue received only several consecutive notifications.

Forbidden Research reward claimed.

Obtained Sharingan (Single Tomoe)

Obtained Sage Body (Beginner)

Orochimaru favorability +10

Obtained Master-and-Disciple Bond (Beginner)

Master and Disciple (Beginner): You may spend Reincarnation Points and Plot Points to seek instruction from your master and learn certain skills. Favorability may be used as a substitute payment. Current favorability: 30/30

When he awoke again and saw the light once more, three days had already passed.

He had to marvel at just how strangely skewed the technological development in the Naruto World was. He had recovered so quickly.

The moment he opened his eyes, he discovered that the world before him had become much clearer. If he concentrated, it could even produce a sort of slow-motion effect and zoom in.

The Sharingan, huh...

He calmed himself and contacted Reincarnation Space for an appraisal.

Sharingan (Single Tomoe): A pair of ominous eyes. When activated, they can improve dynamic vision to a certain extent and grant some ability to see through Illusion Techniques. Without the Uchiha Clan physique or a Sage Body, they cannot be deactivated and will consume Chakra at a greatly increased rate.

Sage Body (Beginner): Increases total Chakra to a certain extent, increases Chakra recovery speed to a certain extent, increases Chakra extraction speed to a certain extent, increases physical stamina recovery speed to a certain extent, and increases injury recovery speed to a certain extent. Allows preliminary use of Wood Style, and can nourish the Sharingan to reduce eye fatigue.

The abilities in Reincarnation Space were not data-based abilities, but more like abilities that truly belonged to oneself. Just like in normal society, an expert who let down his guard could still be killed by a weakling.

The descriptions of all kinds of abilities were merely broad outlines. He would need to master and develop them himself.

Furthermore, the final mutual connection between the Sharingan and Sage Body seemed to have activated only after he possessed both abilities. Even the "font" displayed in his mind was different.

There was also a benefit he found quite satisfying. Originally, when someone outside the Uchiha Clan transplanted these eyes, they would remain activated at all times. Yet for some reason, perhaps due to suppression by the Beginner Sage Body, they had become controllable.

As for why researching the First Hokage's Cells had also brought him a Sharingan, that had naturally been something Xu Yue had "accidentally" discovered. As one of the Sannin who had commanded forces during the Second Ninja War, with Orochimaru's research-oriented nature, it was impossible for him not to have Sharingan on hand for research.

He had both Two Tomoe and Three Tomoe versions, but due to the space's rules, Xu Yue could only start with a Single Tomoe. Even if the foundation was poor, the two potential stocks could only begin at the beginner level. He had not even specifically extracted Chakra yet, but the potential Xu Yue now possessed was absolutely among the very best in the Naruto World.

With the combined factors of his current child's body, the space status bonus, and the fact that he had never extracted his own Chakra, this was also the time when his malleability was at its strongest.

Even Orochimaru himself could not complete this fusion yet.

"Xu Yue-kun, how do your new body and eyes feel?"

Orochimaru's familiar hoarse yet magnetic voice sounded out. He looked at Xu Yue with the gaze of someone admiring a beautiful work of art, his eyes filled with fascination.

Well, naturally, he was fascinated by the results of his own work.

"I have never felt better."

"Hehe, with this body, your future potential will be limitless."

"I will have to rely on Teacher Orochimaru for much guidance."

His greatest objective had already been achieved, and little time remained for the mission. Xu Yue had to squeeze out as much else as he possibly could...

Note: The abilities the protagonist obtained can only be considered potential; they have not yet been turned into actual strength. Think of it as a combination of the talents First Hokage and Madara possessed at the age of six or seven, limited to talent alone.

The First Hokage and Madara also relied on their talents and ten to twenty years of hard work to climb to the pinnacle of the ninja world...

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