Discussing Life with Orochimaru

Chapter 41: Discussing Life with Orochimaru [Seeking Recommendation Tickets]

Toneri's short blade danced up and down in his hand. The python was enormous, but it was too massive to catch the now extremely fast Toneri.

Slashes of blood splattered across its body.

When Toneri's final blow landed, the python, unable to withstand the assault, vanished from the laboratory with a "poof."

Ending his attack, Toneri slowly sheathed his short blade.

He felt like he was looking pretty cool right now...

That kind of swordsman feeling.

However, as the Two-Tails' Chakra receded and Toneri returned to his normal state, he collapsed onto the ground.

The saying "cool for only three seconds" probably described his current situation perfectly.

But regardless, Toneri had likely passed Orochimaru's test this time.

This meant Toneri could cooperate with the Two-Tails; their combined efforts allowed him to possess strength far exceeding his own in a short period. Otherwise, anyone else would have become the python's meal.

Keep in mind that Toneri had only been exposed to ninjutsu for a little over two weeks. Having this level of Taijutsu was already quite special.

Don't underestimate these large pythons; their powerful bodies meant they wouldn't necessarily be at a disadvantage against an average Chunin.

Even Naruto, who would participate in the Chunin Exams in the future, could only barely block Orochimaru's summoned snake after using the Nine-Tails' Chakra.

"Clap, clap, clap, clap—"

Orochimaru's soft applause echoed through the laboratory, startlingly abrupt.

"Toneri-kun, you are very good."

Toneri, lying on the ground, felt like crying but had no tears upon hearing Orochimaru's praise.

Seriously, save your compliments for your Sasuke.

"Originally, the old man asked me to take you as a disciple, and I planned to just go through the motions. I didn't expect you to give me so many surprises," Orochimaru licked his lips, not hiding his praise for Toneri.

Toneri pushed himself up slowly from the ground, resting his hands on his knees. His eyes, looking at Orochimaru, were filled with awe. Just a "normal" summoned beast had pushed him to his limits.

Strength, it was the gap in strength that was too vast.

After witnessing Orochimaru's unrivaled power, Toneri's fear suddenly vanished.

Such a gap in strength shouldn't evoke fear. There was no power to retaliate, so resistance or not made no difference.

At this moment, Toneri felt he understood Sasuke's future feelings.

In the face of improving strength, all fear could be ignored.

Orochimaru possessed such charisma.

"Teacher Orochimaru," Toneri called out respectfully.

Orochimaru glanced at the respectful Toneri with a knowing look and began tidying up the somewhat damaged laboratory, along with some vessels and reagents.

Toneri, being very perceptive, immediately joined Orochimaru's efforts despite his exhaustion, helping him organize the laboratory.

Orochimaru had initially intended to stop him.

Although there were no particularly important experimental subjects in this laboratory, it didn't mean anyone could touch them. Many reagents could produce unwanted byproducts or even explode if they came into contact.

But soon, surprise flashed through Orochimaru's eyes again.

In fact, compared to before, seeing Toneri, knowing he was the Two-Tails Jinchuriki and witnessing him unleash some of the Two-Tails' power, the combined surprise was even greater.

As the saying goes, amateurs watch the excitement, while professionals see the skill.

Orochimaru watched Toneri tidy up for a bit and realized Toneri's methods were so skilled that it was obvious he had spent time in a laboratory.

While there was still a gap compared to himself, in this world, in this era, how many people, aside from those specifically engaged in research, would expend energy fiddling with this?

Noticing Orochimaru's gaze fixed on him, Toneri remained unfazed, pretending not to notice, and silently counted in his mind.

One... two... three... turn around.

"Teacher Orochimaru?"

Looking at his gaze, his expression, his natural demeanor, Toneri wanted to ask, Who else?! I'm definitely winning the Ninja Oscars!

Orochimaru gave him a deep look, then turned back to continue organizing his things.

Toneri: "???"

The script seemed a bit off. Did he grab the wrong script, or did Orochimaru grab the wrong script?

A silent atmosphere permeated the space between the master and disciple, who had just met that day. Apart from the occasional clinking of glass or metal, no other sounds emerged from the laboratory.

After a long while, a peculiar atmosphere seemed to develop between the odd pair of master and disciple.

"Toneri-kun, you say that since human life is so fragile, why do so many people charge forward even when they know they're no match?" Orochimaru's voice, slightly low, broke the silence.

It was hoarse yet carried an undeniable magnetism.

Hearing this, Toneri fell silent.

If there was anyone in this world who understood Orochimaru best, then Toneri, with his foreknowledge, could rank among the top three.

Orochimaru lost his parents at a young age and, in the just-concluded Second Shinobi World War, lost his first disciple, who was also the younger brother of his close friend.

He deeply detested the fragility of life.

Toneri pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, "The fragility of life is undeniable, which is why various different types of professions have emerged. From the warriors of the past to the ninja of today, and even earlier, there has always been one or more paths that lead humanity to become stronger.

I believe it is precisely because of life's fragility that we are constantly driven to become stronger."

Orochimaru's question was difficult to answer, and precisely because he knew his thoughts, it was even harder to answer.

"So that's why you choose to constantly become stronger?" Orochimaru's slightly unfocused eyes gradually narrowed.

He was now one of the renowned Sannin, the cold lord Orochimaru, no longer the lost youth he once was.

Since human life is so fragile, then he would make it stronger!

Strong enough to break through the barriers of racial limitations!

"Toneri, you also understand some experimental knowledge, don't you?" Orochimaru asked again, this time staring at Toneri without any pretense, as if he had found a rare treasure.

Toneri's hands froze, but he still nodded obediently, "I've had some simple contact with it before."

"If that's the case, then you will be my assistant from now on. You help me with my work, and I will teach you ninjutsu." Licking his lips, Orochimaru felt this proposal suited him well, fitting his personality.

Selfless devotion was not his style.

"Okay!" Toneri immediately nodded.

Who would be foolish enough to refuse? I just want to learn something from Orochimaru.

This hurdle had at least been cleared without major incident.

Moreover, the closer he got to Orochimaru, the more he could understand the changes in his mindset and know his research projects, allowing him to prepare accordingly.

Besides, Kabuto, who would later become his assistant, stayed by Orochimaru's side and wasn't harmed. He even learned forbidden techniques that were like cheat codes and even obtained Sage Mode from Ryūchi Cave.

To be honest, Toneri was quite interested in Orochimaru's research.

"Have your chakra natures been tested?"

"I used chakra paper. They are Fire, Earth, and Water."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru took out three scrolls from his bosom and threw them to him. "Three natures, your talent is quite good. These are ninjutsu scrolls for the three natures. Go back and try to learn them. I can answer three of your questions each day.

Alright, you can go back now."

He would officially start working tomorrow!

Toneri had the Shadow Clone Technique, so the impact shouldn't be too significant.

The three scrolls given by Orochimaru were Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Water Release: Water Prison Technique, and Earth Release: Earth Style Wall, all C-rank ninjutsu.

Teacher, your generosity is a bit stingy...

It feels like it's been a while since I've asked for gifts. I'm placing a small request here, please shower me with them. I'll cleanse myself and be as pure as can be!

Yesterday, I discovered that my manager had unblocked me. That's good, they're quite on the ball.

Thank you to Wei Shang Liu Shao Tou for the five grand rewards, and thank you to book friends 20200306085155030, 20200306085155030, Fei Niang from Africa, 20200306085155030, EMEI, and many other esteemed patrons for your donations. I love you all (づ￣ 3￣)づ