Teach Yamato the Breathing Technique?
Orochimaru thought it over, stuck Yamato with two needles, then kept working through the night and managed to make another bottle of Perfect Genetic Serum.
Genie was busy updating the system and couldn't forcibly seize control of his body, so what he'd said could wait.
The priority was to use the Yamato Cells he'd just acquired to strengthen his vitality and obtain Wood Release.
Orochimaru shook the pale green serum, brought the clear test tube to his lips, and downed it in one gulp.
The cool, viscous liquid passed through his throat and entered his esophagus. Starting from his stomach, it spread throughout his body, reaching every cell.
Orochimaru closed his eyes, his breathing settling into a steady, fixed rhythm.
A map of capillaries and neural networks slowly unfolded in his consciousness.
With this map, he could easily track the serum's movement and observe its effects.
A moment later, Orochimaru opened his eyes, a flicker of delight crossing his brow.
Genie wasn't much use, but the Breathing Technique he'd taught him worked better than expected, with plenty of untapped potential.
Unfortunately, whether due to drug resistance or the passive skill Genie had mentioned, he still felt nothing this time.
He couldn't even tell whether he'd gained a passive skill at all.
It seemed unlikely that strengthening himself with Yamato Cells alone would let him obtain Wood Release.
Orochimaru's thoughts raced, and soon he found another approach.
He mixed Yamato Cells with First Hokage Cells, controlling their proportions so the Yamato Cells could neutralize and suppress the First Hokage Cells' vigorous vitality.
The two had similar properties, so this step didn't take long. Orochimaru successfully obtained a mixture of the two.
But the second step of the experiment ran into trouble. As soon as he supplied the First Hokage Cells with enough nutrient solution, they multiplied rapidly, suppressing the Yamato Cells in turn and even assimilating them.
The experiment had hit another dead end.
Supporting his chin with one hand, Orochimaru pondered.
Making Genetic Serum from First Hokage Cells seemed impossible for now. Their vitality was the core problem, and so far he had no way to resolve it.
Directly transplanting cells could also strengthen the body, but according to the experimental records Danzo had provided, Yamato Cells were less effective than Genetic Serum.
Directly transplanting First Hokage Cells, on the other hand, was far too risky.
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Actually, I could help Yamato develop his First Hokage Cells further, then use him to make Genetic Serum."
This was the least risky approach, but also the most time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Orochimaru thought for a while, then settled on a plan.
He would combine the Yamato-brand Genetic Serum approach with direct transplantation of First Hokage Cells.
A day later, in the Konoha forest.
Two figures leapt out one after the other from between the tree trunks and landed in the middle of the training ground.
Kakashi and Guy, who had been sparring there, quickly stopped and bowed to the man in front. "Lord Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru looked the two of them up and down as they caught their breath, then nodded to himself.
He had come to fulfill his earlier promise and teach them the Breathing Technique.
One was the son of Konoha's White Fang, with talent that went without saying. The other had made progress in training with the Eight Inner Gates and had a promising future. Both were excellent prospects, perfect for testing his improved Breathing Technique.
"Good. You came as promised."
Orochimaru got straight to the point. "This is Yamato. He'll be learning ninjutsu alongside you from now on..."
"Wait, Lord Orochimaru."
Kakashi suddenly interrupted him.
Orochimaru's smile remained, but his gaze darkened.
"Kakashi, what is it?"
"Lord Orochimaru, we've heard the rumors going around the village lately."
Kakashi met Orochimaru's gaze without backing down. "They say your injuries came from fighting the mastermind behind the Nine-Tails Incident."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "That's true. Is there a problem?"
Kakashi's expression was serious. "Lord Orochimaru, what are you really trying to do? Unless you tell us your intentions, we won't accept your attempt to silence us."
In truth, Kakashi didn't care what Orochimaru was trying to do. But the recent public discourse in the village displeased him, especially the comparisons between the Fourth Hokage and the Sannin.
His teacher had sacrificed himself to protect the village. He shouldn't be disparaged because of a lie.
Guy chimed in as well. "That's right, Lord Orochimaru. You need to explain what happened."
Orochimaru glanced at Kakashi's earnest expression and roughly understood what he meant. He chuckled. "That was the Third Hokage's idea. He wanted to boost morale. If you don't believe me, you can ask him to his face."
Genie had already told him he could pin the blame on the Third Hokage. After all, he really had done it.
"This..."
Kakashi and Guy were at a loss for words. How could they possibly question the Hokage?
"There's no need to dwell on political matters."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Let's get back to learning ninjutsu."
Kakashi and Guy exchanged a helpless glance, but soon their attention was drawn to the remarkable Taijutsu being explained beside them.
Orochimaru was pleased with their focus and continued his lecture.
When Genie demonstrated Water Breathing, it had seemed like nothing more than a skill.
Orochimaru saw it differently. It should be divided into three parts: a Breathing Technique that improved physical fitness, a complete sword style, and a Demon Slayer Mark that allowed one to commune with nature.
The swordsmanship wasn't very useful. Ninja fought with a variety of methods, including ninjutsu, throwing techniques, and Taijutsu. They weren't suited to a fighting style that relied on "overwhelming everything with sheer strength."
The Demon Slayer Mark was similar to the Eight Inner Gates. Once activated, it offered only a single strike before nature eroded the user's consciousness.
The Breathing Technique was what truly held value.
It improved physical fitness from within. After reaching Total Concentration Constant, one could even absorb Natural Energy unconsciously, further strengthening the body.
Though inefficient, it was safe and stable.
Orochimaru's gaze swept over the three people on the training ground, pausing briefly on Kakashi.
Kakashi had the best natural talent, but when it came to mastering the Breathing Technique, Orochimaru had more faith in the other two.
Guy trained in the Eight Inner Gates, and Strong Fist Style tempered the body from the outside in. The Breathing Technique would make up for his weak internal organs, giving him a powerful advantage.
Yamato had First Hokage Cells, and the "God of Shinobi" had also been a sage who could use Natural Energy.
Orochimaru felt that the method Genie had described for absorbing Natural Energy in one's normal state might ultimately depend on Yamato.
For now, though, Kakashi was a useful test subject.
He was the most perceptive and grasped theoretical concepts the fastest. With him as the brains, Orochimaru could save himself a lot of effort.
Orochimaru led the three through one cycle of the Breathing Technique, then said, "Next, you'll need to practice over and over. Until you can maintain the Breathing Technique constantly, the three of you should look out for one another."
"Yes!"
Guy, Yamato, and Kakashi looked at one another and nodded.
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