The Potential of the Breathing Technique

Teach Yamato the Breathing Technique?

Orochimaru pondered for a moment, pricked Yamato with two needles, and continued his all-nighter, grinding out another bottle of Perfect Genetic Serum.

The Genie was currently busy updating the system and couldn't forcibly seize control of his body, so whatever he had to say could be put on the back burner.

Using the newly acquired Yamato cells to strengthen his physical vitality and thereby obtain Wood Release was the priority.

Orochimaru shook the pale green serum, brought the transparent test tube to his lips, and downed it in one gulp.

The cool, viscous liquid slid down his throat, entered his esophagus, and began spreading from his stomach to the cells throughout his entire body.

Orochimaru closed his eyes, his breathing steadying into a fixed rhythm.

A map composed of capillaries and neural networks slowly unfolded within his consciousness.

Using this map, he could easily track the flow of the serum and observe the effects it produced.

A moment later, Orochimaru opened his eyes, a flash of joy crossing his brow.

The Genie might be a mediocre entity, but the Breathing Technique he imparted was far more effective than imagined, and it still held a great deal of untapped potential.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to drug resistance or perhaps the passive skill the Genie mentioned, he still felt nothing this time.

It was even difficult to judge whether he had gained a passive skill at all.

Relying solely on Yamato cells to strengthen himself to the point of possessing Wood Release seemed unlikely.

Thoughts raced through Orochimaru's mind, and he soon found another method.

He mixed the Yamato cells with First Hokage Cells, controlling the ratio of the two to use the Yamato cells to neutralize and suppress the overwhelming vitality of the First Hokage Cells.

Since the power attributes of the two were similar, this step didn't take much time, and Orochimaru successfully obtained a mixed solution.

But the second step of the experiment hit a snag; once the First Hokage Cells were supplied with enough culture medium, they would proliferate rapidly, in turn suppressing the Yamato cells and even assimilating them.

The experiment fell into a deadlock once again.

Supporting his chin with one hand, Orochimaru fell into deep thought.

Creating a genetic serum from First Hokage Cells seemed impossible for now; the vitality of the First Hokage Cells was the core of the problem, and there was no way to resolve it yet.

Beyond that, direct cell transplantation could also provide a strengthening effect, but according to the experimental records provided by Danzo, the effect of Yamato cells was not as good as the genetic serum.

And direct transplantation of First Hokage Cells carried too high a risk.

Orochimaru licked his lips, "Actually, I could enhance Yamato's development of the First Hokage Cells and then use him to produce the genetic serum."

This was the lowest-risk method, but also the most time-consuming and laborious.

Orochimaru pondered for a while, a plan forming in his mind.

He intended to find a middle ground between the Yamato-brand genetic serum and direct transplantation of First Hokage Cells.

One day later, Konoha forest.

Two figures leaped out from between the tree trunks one after another, landing in the center of the training ground.

Kakashi and Guy, who had been sparring on the training ground, quickly stopped their movements and bowed to the person in the lead, "Lord Orochimaru!"

Looking the two over as they caught their breath, Orochimaru nodded to himself.

He had come here to fulfill his previous promise: to teach the Breathing Technique.

These two were excellent prospects—one was the son of the White Fang of Konoha, whose talent went without saying, and the other had achieved success in practicing the Eight Inner Gates and held great promise for the future. They were perfect for testing his improved Breathing Technique.

"Very good, you have arrived as promised."

Orochimaru got straight to the point, "This is Yamato, he will be learning ninjutsu with you from now on..."

"Wait a moment, Lord Orochimaru."

Kakashi suddenly spoke up, interrupting Orochimaru's introduction.

The smile on Orochimaru's face remained, but his eyes turned cold.

"Kakashi, is there something wrong?"

"Lord Orochimaru, we have heard the rumors circulating in the village recently."

Kakashi met Orochimaru's gaze directly, not backing down, "They say the injuries you sustained were caused by fighting the mastermind behind the Nine-Tails Incident."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, "That is indeed the case, is there a problem with that?"

Kakashi looked solemn, "Lord Orochimaru, what exactly are you trying to do? If you don't state your purpose, we will not accept your silence."

In truth, Kakashi didn't care what Orochimaru was trying to do, but the recent public opinion in the village displeased him, especially the comparisons between the Fourth Hokage and the Sannin.

His teacher had sacrificed himself to protect the village and should not be belittled because of a deception.

Guy chimed in as well, "Yes, Master Orochimaru, you need to explain this clearly."

Orochimaru glanced at Kakashi's earnest expression, roughly understanding his intent, and chuckled, "This was the Third's idea; he wanted to use it to boost morale. If you don't believe me, you can question him to his face."

The Genie had told him earlier that he could pin this blame on the Third; after all, it was indeed his doing.

"This..."

Kakashi and Guy were speechless, questioning the Hokage on how they were supposed to go about such a thing.

"These political matters are not worth mentioning."

Orochimaru licked his lips. "Let us continue learning ninjutsu."

Kakashi and Guy exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat helpless, but their attention was quickly captured by the miraculous taijutsu described in their ears.

Orochimaru was satisfied with their focus and continued his explanation.

Under the demonstration of the Genie, Water Breathing seemed to be nothing more than a skill.

However, Orochimaru held a different view; it should be divided into three parts: a Breathing Technique to improve physical fitness, a complete set of swordsmanship, and the Demon Slayer Mark that could commune with nature.

Among these, the swordsmanship was of little use, as ninjas relied on a variety of methods such as ninjutsu, shurikenjutsu, and taijutsu to face enemies, making them ill-suited for a combat style based on "breaking all techniques with a single force."

The Demon Slayer Mark was the same; much like the Eight Inner Gates, once opened, one only had the power for a single strike before their consciousness was extinguished by nature.

What was truly valuable was the Breathing Technique.

By improving physical fitness from the inside out and reaching the state of Total Concentration Constant, one could even absorb Natural Energy unconsciously, further strengthening the body.

Although the efficiency was low, it had the advantage of being safe and stable.

Orochimaru's gaze swept across the three people on the training ground, pausing slightly when it landed on Kakashi.

Kakashi had the best aptitude, but when it came to achievements in the Breathing Technique, Orochimaru actually valued the other two more.

Guy practiced the Eight Inner Gates, and his Strong Fist Style tempered the body from the outside in; gaining the Breathing Technique compensated for the weakness of his internal organs, which could be described as adding wings to a tiger.

Yamato possessed First Hokage Cells, and the "God of Shinobi" was also a sage capable of using Natural Energy.

Orochimaru felt that the method of absorbing Natural Energy in a normal state, as mentioned by the Genie, might ultimately fall upon Yamato.

However, at this moment, Kakashi was a decent tool.

His comprehension was the best, and he grasped the necessary theories the fastest; having him as the brain of the group would save quite a bit of effort.

Orochimaru led the three through the Breathing Technique once, then spoke, "Next, it is time for repetitive practice. Until you reach the point where the Breathing Technique becomes a constant state, the three of you shall look after one another."

"Yes!"

Guy, Yamato, and Kakashi looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

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