The underground laboratory's lights cast a pallid glow.
Liuyu stood before the observation window, calmly looking down at the testing grounds below.
Thirty "test subjects" were restrained on specially made metal frames.
They had once been prisoners of war from the Land of Rain, or stubborn diehards among Hanzō's former followers.
Now, purple-black Cursed Seal runes marked the backs of their necks. Embedded in the center of each seal was a faintly glowing crystal the size of a grain of rice.
"A Reishi Core." Orochimaru stood beside Liuyu, explaining excitedly.
"I crystallized the reiatsu purified by the Reishi Tower and implanted it at the junction between their brains and spinal cords.
"Combined with the modified Cursed Seal of Heaven, it allows them, when needed, to..."
He snapped his fingers.
One of the test subjects abruptly opened his eyes.
Those eyes no longer looked human. They were pitch-black, with a glimmer of scarlet.
The Cursed Seal on his neck spread instantly. Purple-black patterns crawled across his cheeks, and white bone pierced through his skin, rapidly forming half an incomplete mask on the left side of his face.
"Visored Transformation." Orochimaru licked his lips.
The test subject let out a low growl that sounded nothing like a human voice.
The metal frame restraining him began to twist and crack.
He broke free. The instant he landed, spiderweb cracks spread across the floor beneath his feet.
"Strength, speed, reflexes-all increased more than fivefold." Fanatical excitement gleamed in Orochimaru's eyes.
"And with the Reishi Core supplying energy, they can use basic Water Release without forming hand seals, as well as..."
The test subject raised his hand. A spinning orb of reiatsu gathered in his palm.
"A rudimentary Cero."
Liuyu nodded. "Has it been tested in combat?"
"Not yet." Orochimaru grinned. "I was waiting for