Enchantment Basics

Satoru was very satisfied with this transformation spell known as "Form Transformation."

This was the kind of style the Guardian lineage ought to have.

Medivh had made it sound easy, but judging from the spell structure, without the Guardian lineage's secret arcane knowledge, successfully casting it would truly be impossible.

If there was an exception...

It would be the Guardian Dragons. As Titanforged, they too could use similar spells. However, they usually just fixed a single humanoid form and left it at that. Other creatures were not worth a mighty dragon transforming into.

That was right—by fixing a form, one gained the ability to cast it instantly, with no time limit and no restrictions on movement. It was practically equivalent to the druids' Deformation Technique.

Only, the principles were different, and so were the effects.

"Hmm... at the beginning, I can only choose one fixed form..."

As Satoru analyzed the spell, he nodded in understanding.

If he only had one fixed form, it obviously had to be something that could fly. No wonder Medivh had chosen a raven.

In the Shinobi World, crows, which resembled ravens, were also beloved by many shinobi.

They were inconspicuous when flying at night, widely distributed, and it was normal to see them anywhere.

As birds that occasionally fed on carrion, their appearance on a battlefield would not seem out of place... on the contrary, people might even believe they brought good luck.

Though Satoru really wanted to complain about the differing attitudes toward crows, that was simply how the Shinobi World was. There was nothing he could do about it.

A raven might not be a crow, but it was only a size larger. Close enough.

"Tsk. An owl would have been nice, but unfortunately, they're colorblind."

Satoru muttered for a while before ultimately choosing the raven as his first fixed form.

"Acting in raven form will work for scouting, hiding, and long-distance travel."

Analyzing and practicing the spell would probably take about a week. During that time, Satoru also needed to figure out how to deal with Orochimaru.

If he did not throw out something to keep Orochimaru in check—or rather, to whet his appetite—Satoru did not believe Orochimaru would have much patience.

How could he possibly have so much time to research with Orochimaru? That would greatly slow his progress in becoming stronger.

"Therefore, it's best to give him some theoretical foundations and let Orochimaru research them himself..."

Satoru sank into deep thought.

Arcane Power absolutely could not be leaked to Orochimaru.

It was the foundation of Satoru's survival. Only after he reached the realm of an Archmage in the future could he consider truly displaying it in the Shinobi World.

"Tomorrow, Nawaki's physical changes definitely won't escape Orochimaru's notice. But to save Nawaki's life, this has to be done."

"In other words, Orochimaru will very likely discover the existence of the Enchanting Body Tempering Technique, so..."

Satoru pondered for a long time before finally making up his mind.

"Then, I'll give Orochimaru the basic knowledge related to the Enchantment School—the safest school of magic and the one least likely to cause problems!"

"Of course, it'll be a ninjutsu version... As for applying special effects to objects, that happens to be something ninjutsu isn't good at."

"That way, I can also use this as an excuse to borrow Orochimaru's strength and accomplish something that would be nearly impossible for me to complete alone..."

"Arcane Constructs!"

Arcane radiance flickered in Satoru's eyes. Among Arcane Constructs, the most famous was probably the librarian in Karazhan—the Curator.

"The Menagerie is for guests only!"

There were many more powerful Arcane Constructs, after all. The Curator had not been made for combat.

They were artificial intelligence robots created through arcane magic, and the techniques used to create them were advanced Enchantment School techniques.

With the various applications of the Evocation School added in, it was even possible to create all kinds of Elemental Constructs.

But the advanced techniques of the Enchantment School were incredibly obscure. Satoru had studied arcane knowledge for far too short a time. Things like this were generally only created by renowned Archmages after ten or even several decades.

Even with the help of The Book of Medivh, Satoru simply did not have enough time to research them himself—because there was still a war.

Then perhaps Orochimaru's help really was a good idea.

The mysterious connection between Chakra and Arcane Power meant that Orochimaru could not use what Satoru developed, but Satoru would definitely be able to use whatever Orochimaru researched!

"Very good. It's settled, then..."

Satoru took out a new notebook and began recording the foundational knowledge of the Enchantment School, along with the portions adapted into ninjutsu.

Early the next morning, just after he and his father had gotten their stories straight, Orochimaru arrived early as promised.

Naturally, Mitokado Homura solemnly instructed Orochimaru to ensure Satoru's safety before "reluctantly agreeing" to the matter.

Then, Mitokado Homura took out a thick notebook, unconsciously flexed his wrist, and handed it to Orochimaru.

"Enchantment Basics."

"Orochimaru, since you are Satoru's teacher, and since we have reached this cooperation agreement, there are things you must know."

Satoru had finished writing this notebook last night and given it to his father to copy.

The version Satoru had written himself was naturally for his father to study.

As for where the notes had come from, Satoru only said that he had researched them himself. Whether his father believed it or not, he had no choice but to accept it.

Of course, the strange techniques Satoru had developed had already served as a precautionary warning for Homura.

"This was recorded on an ancient stone tablet I encountered during a mission long ago. At the time, I merely found the writing on it mysterious, so I copied it down."

With a grave expression, Mitokado Homura recited the script Satoru had taught him as though it were all true.

"The stone tablet was destroyed in battle. I spent a great deal of effort barely deciphering these words, and they are all here."

Homura adjusted his glasses, looking every bit like an intellectual for whom deciphering writing was simply routine.

"This is what Satoru and I have studied for a long time. Of course, it is only the foundation."

A faint smile curled at his lips as Homura looked at Orochimaru, who seemed to have found a priceless treasure, and said softly,

"You were right. I'm getting older, and now that I serve as an advisor, I have countless affairs to handle. I'm finding research increasingly beyond my strength."

"Satoru has liked keeping a low profile since he was young, but I believe that is precisely the mindset a shinobi should have—and although he enjoys research, this sort of thing is not suitable for public disclosure yet."

"I see..." After roughly reading through the beginning, Orochimaru nodded solemnly, his expression serious. "Until something like this is thoroughly understood, it truly cannot be made public. Otherwise, if it falls into the hands of ambitious people, the consequences for the world would be entirely unknown."

Homura stroked his beard and nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Therefore, I shall entrust this arduous task to you and Satoru... This is a secret commission issued to you not only as Satoru's father, but also as a senior advisor of Konoha!"

"I will report this to the Hokage. I believe your efforts will be of immense help to the village's future!"

Orochimaru's vertical pupils widened slightly, and he was immensely stirred—he had not expected much at first, but who would have thought that such a treasure lay hidden behind Satoru!

As expected of his teacher's comrade-in-arms and a senior advisor of Konoha. He had hidden himself deeply indeed!

"Please rest assured, advisor... Leave it to us!"