Inside Konoha Hospital's research lab
Orochimaru leaned intently over a table. An injured carp lay on it.
A soft emerald-green glow surrounded his hands as he carefully covered the fish's wound. It was the light of Yang Release Chakra.
Under the influence of this power, the wound's ragged edges slowly began to writhe and heal at a speed beyond nature.
It had been fifteen days since the end of the C-rank mission to clear out the bandits.
Impressed by the adaptability and curiosity about the unknown he had shown during the mission, Orochimaru had seized the opportunity to ask Hiruzen Sarutobi to teach him Medical Ninjutsu.
Medical Ninjutsu differed greatly from the combat-oriented ninjutsu system. Even the Third, known as the "Professor of Ninjutsu," only had a basic grasp of its principles.
So Hiruzen Sarutobi had introduced him to the dean of Konoha Hospital...
The middle-aged man standing nearby in a white coat, with a kindly face, was said to be a member of the Senju Clan.
He watched Orochimaru's work, undisguised amazement shining in his eyes.
He had never seen anyone learn Medical Ninjutsu so quickly.
Unlike ordinary ninjutsu, Medical Ninjutsu had a much higher barrier to entry.
It required not only a deep understanding of biological subjects such as human anatomy and cellular activity, but also chakra control precise enough to handle a needle and thread.
The theory alone took a great deal of time to study. Chakra control, meanwhile, demanded both talent and extensive practice. Ordinary ninjas would never spend their time on something like this.
But the boy recommended by the Third had passed every theoretical examination with astonishing results after just one week.
Then, in just one more week, he had mastered the basic healing technique of using Yang Release Chakra to stimulate cell regeneration. He could even apply it skillfully to living creatures.
As the last wisp of green light sank into the fish, the wound vanished completely, leaving behind only a faint patch of new pink skin.
"Dean, what do you think?"
Orochimaru straightened up, lightly shaking his hands. Then he turned to the dean and asked.
"Perfect. Absolutely perfect!"
"Orochimaru, you're the most talented student I've ever seen in the field of Medical Ninjutsu!
"Such precise chakra control, such incredible speed of learning... It's hard to believe!"
The dean didn't hold back his praise. Few ninjas were interested in Medical Ninjutsu to begin with, let alone a genius like Orochimaru.
Nearby, Tsunade folded her arms, her small face clouded with complicated emotions.
She bit her lower lip, looking from the fish, now healed as if it had never been injured, to Orochimaru's calm expression. She felt a tangle of emotions.
When she had first studied Medical Ninjutsu, it had taken her several months just to achieve what Orochimaru had done moments ago. She had failed countless times and wasted who knew how many experimental materials along the way.
But this guy... had done it in just two short weeks!
Could someone really be that talented?
"Heh."
Orochimaru caught the mixture of frustration and resentment on Tsunade's face and couldn't help smiling.
He owed his success to the wealth of biological knowledge Harry Os had provided from the Marvel World.
As for his improved chakra control, that came from Quiet Meditation and cultivation methods from The Outcast.
That was the difference between the two worlds he had mentioned before. When it came to training the body and mind, the cultivation methods of The Outcast were far ahead of the curve.
"What's wrong, Tsunade? You look troubled."
Orochimaru walked over to Tsunade, lowered his voice, and asked quietly.
Taken aback by his sudden closeness, Tsunade gave a huff and turned her head away.
"Actually, I have a special way of learning.
"If you want to learn, I can teach you~"
Orochimaru's voice grew softer, almost a whisper.
"A special... way?"
Tsunade's heart gave a sudden leap at his words.
All sorts of strange, far-fetched ideas flashed through her mind. This guy was always so mysterious. What could his "special way" be? Could it be...
She stole a glance at Orochimaru's calm, golden, slit-pupiled eyes, and her heart inexplicably began to race.
In the end, she couldn't resist her intense curiosity and competitive streak. She nodded.
"Dean, about the suppliers for experimental equipment I asked you about earlier..."
Seeing Tsunade agree, Orochimaru's smile deepened, but he didn't say anything more. Instead, he turned back to the dean.
"Oh, that.
"I've already contacted a few reputable suppliers. I can give you their catalogs later.
"Orochimaru, your willingness to study Medical Ninjutsu in depth is a great thing for Konoha. Our hospital will support you in every way we can.
"If you need to set up your own independent laboratory, I can put you in touch with the best construction team in the village. I can also offer advice on where to build it."
The dean's smile grew warmer. He was naturally happy to offer a few conveniences to a genius willing to devote himself to Medical Ninjutsu research. He paused, then added:
"However, as you know, the hospital's budget is strictly allocated. You'll probably have to cover the costs of building and equipping the lab yourself..."
The dean's tone shifted, carrying a note of apology.
"That's more than enough, Dean!
"Don't worry about the money. I'll find a way."
A flicker of excitement crossed Orochimaru's eyes as he quickly thanked him.
Getting help with finding suppliers was all he needed. As for the money, he could always bring "Akagi Shigeru" out of retirement.
He had enough capital now to make a big move...
"Good. Once you've chosen a location for the lab, come see me anytime."
The dean nodded with satisfaction.
After settling the matter of the lab, Orochimaru said goodbye to the dean.
Tsunade followed behind Orochimaru, still mulling over his so-called "special way of learning."
Soon, the two of them returned to the residence where Orochimaru was staying.
Tsunade looked around curiously, expecting Orochimaru to produce some miraculous scroll or secret training tool.
Instead, Orochimaru calmly went inside. A moment later, he came back out carrying a thick stack of papers.
As Tsunade stared at him in confusion and disbelief, Orochimaru set the stack down in front of her.
Tsunade leaned in to look. At the top of the first page, the heading read: "High School (crossed out) Biology (Required Course 1): Molecules and Cells." Further down were "Fundamentals of Immunology," "Human Anatomy and Physiology," "Biochemistry," and "Principles of Genetics"...
"This... What is all this...?"
Tsunade was completely dumbfounded. She pointed at the mountain of tests and materials, at a loss for words.
"This is the special way of learning I told you about..."
Looking at her stunned expression, Orochimaru finally couldn't hold back a quiet laugh.
This so-called special way of learning was the sea of practice questions every child in another world had endured, along with that world's systematic body of knowledge.
For the past few days at Konoha Hospital, he had been checking one thing: which of that knowledge could be put to use.
And this was what he had compiled over those days...
Scientific research had never been a matter of working alone behind closed doors. It required countless minds to collide and countless ideas to clash. Only through constant trial and verification could one find the path to Truth.
So he didn't mind sharing his knowledge...
Before you continue