Hashirama's Cells

Oil Transformation Technique!

Hōzuki Mangetsu froze for a moment, looking at Orochimaru with confusion.

He knew that Orochimaru had once robbed the grave of the Second Mizukage, Hozuki Gengetsu; otherwise, it would have been impossible to summon him.

However, he had not expected that Orochimaru had also researched Hozuki Gengetsu's Oil Transformation Technique.

The Oil Transformation Technique was a Kekkei Genkai, and since Hozuki Gengetsu, no one in the Hozuki Clan had inherited it.

Orochimaru licked the corner of his mouth and said unhurriedly, "The Second Mizukage was of the Hozuki Clan, and one could say he was the strongest in Kirigakure. His Oil Transformation Technique and Steaming Danger Tyranny are truly formidable!"

Hōzuki Mangetsu froze again, looking at Orochimaru with bewilderment; why did he feel like a little rabbit being lured by a big bad wolf?

He immediately realized where the problem lay.

Orochimaru had been forced to agree to give him benefits, so he should have been impatient, not this excited.

Wrong!

Orochimaru's offer to modify his body was a lie; collecting experimental data was the truth.

The bodies of the Hozuki Clan were unique, and even if Orochimaru had obtained the Second Mizukage's tissue cells, transplanting them into someone else was no simple matter.

For a science fanatic like Orochimaru, he would naturally never let such an opportunity slip by, making Hōzuki Mangetsu the perfect test subject.

Looking at Orochimaru's playful gaze, Hōzuki Mangetsu couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

That was close!

If not for his silver tongue back then, he would have long since become one of Orochimaru's test subjects.

No!

Hōzuki Mangetsu hurriedly shook his head.

Why?

Orochimaru looked at Hōzuki Mangetsu in surprise; Hozuki Gengetsu's Oil Transformation Technique was extremely rare, and it was impossible for the Hozuki Clan not to care about it.

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled faintly and said, "Compared to the abilities of the Hozuki Clan, I actually prefer the abilities of the First Hokage, Hashirama."

What?

A cold glint flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.

After a long while, he laughed heartily and said, "So you brat are also an ambitious one. Not bad. The First Hokage, Hashirama, was a man who stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world. His Wood Release is truly one of a kind."

Orochimaru then muttered to himself, "Though it can't exactly be called one of a kind. In the eyes of Orochimaru, there is no such thing as a unique ability."

Ten years ago, Orochimaru had secretly conducted experiments with Danzo, transplanting the First Hokage Hashirama's cells into the bodies of others.

In the end, only one of the forty children survived, whom Danzo kept for himself—the one who would later become the Wood Release user, Yamato.

Of course, his Wood Release ninjutsu was like a drop in the ocean compared to the First's.

Now that Danzo also possessed the First's chakra, in the eyes of Orochimaru, who pursued perfection, he was merely a defective product.

To successfully fuse the perfect First Hokage cells, there was still a long road ahead.

Learning all the ninjutsu in the world and exploring the secrets of ninjas—this was the path Orochimaru wanted to walk.

"I have Hashirama's cells, but it's a pity your body might not be able to withstand them!"

Orochimaru said casually.

Over the years, he had conducted experiments more than once, all of which had failed without exception, with the obvious exception of Yamato.

Hōzuki Mangetsu smiled easily and said, "I know you have a super-strong test subject in your base who possesses the ability to fuse with any cells. Fusing me with the First's cells shouldn't put too much pressure on me, right?"

Orochimaru's face immediately turned gloomy.

He did indeed possess an excellent test subject, one capable of transplanting anyone's cells without rejection.

Danzo's right arm had been crafted using a clone of this person.

It was a pity that while this test subject could perfectly fuse with the First's cells, he could not fully unleash the power of Wood Release.

Orochimaru was constantly making improvements, hoping to achieve the best results.

However, this was a top-secret matter between the two of them; how did this child in front of him know about it?

Thinking of this, Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.

He suddenly realized that Hōzuki Mangetsu seemed to know many things that he himself did not.

"Brat, it seems you know quite a lot of things?"

Orochimaru asked, his expression shifting unpredictably.

Hōzuki Mangetsu shrugged.

"I am a member of the Hozuki Clan, and I have my own channels, so naturally, I know many things others don't."

Little brat!

Orochimaru said sinisterly, "Don't be too greedy; the First's cells are not so easily digested."

Hōzuki Mangetsu knew that Orochimaru would not easily give him the First's cells, so he said, "Actually, besides Shisui, the Uchiha Clan has another pair of Mangekyo..."

As the words fell, Orochimaru transformed into a long serpent once more, swiftly coiling around and binding Hōzuki Mangetsu tightly.

Splash!

Hōzuki Mangetsu's figure vanished in an instant, reappearing shortly after in another location.

Mist Body Flicker, is it?

Orochimaru let out a cold sneer and said, "Kid, it's only been a few days, and you've improved quite a bit!"

He realized that every time they met, this fellow's abilities had progressed further.

When they first met, Orochimaru still had the confidence to keep him there, but by the second and third meetings, Orochimaru found it increasingly difficult to hold the boy back.

This stirred a trace of vigilance in Orochimaru's heart.

Hearing Orochimaru say this, a smile appeared on Hōzuki Mangetsu's face as well.

His hard work during this period had certainly not been in vain.

Even if he were to face Orochimaru now, he had plenty of methods to cope.

"In front of one of the legendary Sannin, I naturally have to think of ways to keep my own life."

Hōzuki Mangetsu reached out his hand with a grin.

Hashirama's cells!

This was his shortcut to obtaining a Sage Body; with Shisui's research and Hashirama's cells, he had the potential to unlock the Rinnegan and become the new generation's Sage of Six Paths.

However, he also knew that Orochimaru would not give in so easily.

Orochimaru let out a huff and slowly returned to his original form, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

His plan to seize Uchiha Shisui had failed.

But having witnessed the Mangekyo of the Uchiha Clan, Orochimaru had lost interest in any other vessels in the world.

After considering it for a long time, Orochimaru finally gave a slow nod of agreement.

Since he could collaborate with Danzo to create Sharingan and arms, one more person like Hōzuki Mangetsu wouldn't make a difference.

Besides, he didn't place much value on such defective products anyway.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have cooperated with Danzo in the first place.

"I agree to give you the fused Hashirama cells, but you must first tell me who that person is."

Impossible?

Hōzuki Mangetsu shook his head with a smile.

He wasn't a newcomer to this world; such empty promises were useless on him.

This guy was also the type who wouldn't release the hawk until he saw the rabbit.

Orochimaru seemed somewhat helpless, and after a moment, he said slowly, "Follow me to a place."

With that, he turned and left.

Seeing this, a smile finally touched the corners of Hōzuki Mangetsu's mouth.

Hashirama's cells were the key focus of his plan; only by obtaining them could he awaken Uchiha Shisui's eyes and successfully become the Sage of Six Paths.

Only by uniting the Uchiha and the Senju could one obtain the power of the Six Paths.