Defense

Though the two were quite similar at their source, the paths they took in development diverged dramatically.

Orochimaru placed greater value on the Eight Branches Technique's combat power and life-preserving capabilities, while Mizuki cared more about Dreamplay's spiritual connection properties. That was the fundamental reason the two ultimately went their separate ways.

"Come to think of it, we've nearly forgotten why we developed Dreamplay in the first place!"

Mizuki pondered for a while before speaking somewhat uncertainly.

"An overly violent and unrestricted Sage Mode caused the mind to suffer extremely severe erosion from natural energy! Still, reaching this stage was indeed unexpected..."

It had only later been added to the agenda as a trump card for turning the tide after defeat.

Mizuki, who instinctively rejected becoming something inhuman, actually hated the idea of becoming like Orochimaru—losing himself in the unchecked expansion of his self-awareness. What he feared most was becoming a "god" or "demon" stripped of all humanity.

This irreversible spiritual mutation was even harder for Mizuki to accept than physical modification.

The latter could be resolved as long as Mizuki created a suitable body through biotechnology and then used Living Corpse Reincarnation or some other reincarnation technique. Only a permanent mutation of the spirit could not be undone.

In truth, calling it irreversible was not entirely accurate. Mizuki could not even guarantee that, by the time he noticed the change, he would still be able to hold on to his original thoughts. That was what was truly terrifying.

He absolutely could not accept having the intentions in his heart silently twisted by changes brought about through outside interference.

Using Dreamplay as an intermediary to link all physical clones and the other sub-personalities captured by genjutsu gave Mizuki's main body enough of a buffer to resist interference with itself.

The