Orochimaru is wearing a loose white kimono, with his hands in his sleeves and his iconic smile on his face, looking relaxed and comfortable.
Hiruko wore a black tight-fitting combat uniform, which showed her slender figure at a glance.
Her expression was a little nervous, but also with a hint of expectation - she also wanted to see how far her current strength had reached.
"Start."
Uchiha Jun's voice echoed in the training ground.
As soon as he finished speaking, Hiruko's figure disappeared instantly!
"So fast, Swift Release!"
Orochimaru's pupils shrank suddenly, and almost at the same time, he felt a dangerous breath coming from the side!
"Bang--!"
Orochimaru's body was hit by a huge force and flew directly out, making a big hole in the wall.
Debris flew and smoke filled the air.
"The combined use of Swift Release and Steel Release..."
Orochimaru stood up from the gravel, patted the dust on his body, and showed an even more excited smile on his face.
Thanks to the transformation of his physical body, Orochimaru has an extremely high tolerance to this kind of 'blunt' attack.
A powerful and heavy fist, unless the force is terrifying enough to blow Orochimaru into a blood mist, then 10% of the force can be applied to Orochimaru and 30% is considered a good output.
"First use the high-speed movement of Swift Release to approach the target, and then use Steel Release to strengthen the destructive power of the fist... Interesting, really interesting."
He twisted his neck and made a clicking sound.
"That's what makes it interesting."
He pressed his hands Hand Seals violently on the ground.
"Summoning Technique!"
With a bang, a huge puff of white smoke rose, and a huge brown snake rushed out of the smoke, opened its bloody mouth, and bit Hiruko!
The body of the big snake was as thick as a bucket and dozens of meters long. It was covered with brown scales and glowed coldly under the light.
At the same time, a purple poisonous mist erupted from its mouth, carrying a pungent smell, and shrouded Hiruko.
It is the snake Summoning Animal specially cultivated by Orochimaru!
The poisonous mist sprayed is not purely composed of substances, but is mixed with Senjutsu Chakra unique to Ryūchi Cave!
Of course, Senjutsu Chakra of this magnitude cannot be called 'Senjutsu', it can only be said to enhance the 'toxicity'.
Hiruko's eyes were fixed, and he stretched out a hand without moving away.
"Dark Release."
She shouted in a low voice, and a layer of black light appeared on her palms.
The purple poisonous mist sprayed on her palm, but was completely absorbed by Dark Release without causing any harm.
Even the fangs bitten by the big snake shrank and shriveled up quickly as if they were swallowed by something the moment they touched the black light.
"What?...Dark Release can even absorb Senjutsu Chakra?"
Orochimaru was slightly startled.
Dark Release--Kekkei Genkai, which can absorb all ninjutsu and chakra attacks and convert them into its own chakra.
In the face of this ability, any ninjutsu attack will be restrained.
But he didn't expect that even Senjutsu could be absorbed?
"Oi, Orochimaru, I added some strength to Dark Release's genetic template. Now Dark Release can absorb Senjutsu, but the strength is a little weaker than it can absorb ordinary chakra!"
In this stunned moment, Hiruko appeared in front of him and punched out!
"Swift Release·Steel Release·Punch!"
Hiruko's fist was covered with a layer of metallic luster, and with a sound of breaking through the air, it hit Orochimaru's face!
With the blessing of Swift Release, the power is even more terrifying!
"Bang--"
Facing the sudden move, Orochimaru did not resist, but chose to take it hard.
What he was betting on was that Hiruko's punch was not strong enough to blow out his modulated brain!
Outside the experimental base, on a piece of scorched earth that had been plowed countless times by ninjutsu, two figures were colliding fiercely at a speed that could not be caught by the naked eye.
Hiruko's figure pulled out afterimages in the air, his arms had completely transformed into beasts, covered with pitch-black scales, and his fingertips shone with a faint blue light, dangerous and deadly.
--That is the materialized chakra produced by fusing Dark Release and Storm Release.
Obviously, the Kekkei Genkai clone, which was carefully modulated by Uchiha Jun and Orochimaru, is far less powerful than in the original work. Hiruko can be said to be comparable to the ninjas who pieced it together!
"Orochimaru, you have regressed!"
Hiruko smiled ferociously, and his right arm bit out like a poisonous snake, going straight to Orochimaru's throat.
However, at the moment when the fingertips that could pierce steel were about to touch the skin, Orochimaru's body was twisted and folded at an absolutely anti-human angle as if it had no bones, narrowly avoiding the blow.
After several fights, Hiruko's mastery of the body has also skyrocketed. Originally, he could only use simple Kekkei Genkai to strengthen his fists to attack.
Now we have been able to develop ninjutsu specifically for Orochimaru!
"Hehehe... Mr. Hiruko, have you had some... misunderstandings about your own strength?"
Orochimaru's snake eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his mouth raised a meaningful arc.
Of course he can see that Hiruko's strength is indeed different from what it used to be.
A few months ago, this guy was just an ordinary ninja who couldn't even touch the threshold of Elite Jonin. He couldn't even survive a round in front of him, and he would be kicked to death by him like a wild dog on the roadside.
But now--
The five kinds of Kekkei Genkai brought by Chimera Technique allowed Hiruko to increase the combat power to a point where it was enough to compete with itself!
Orochimaru dodged again, and at the same time, five giant pythons popped out of his right hand. The python's mouth opened wide, and it spit out five extremely sharp swords and stabbed Hiruko's ribs.
--Hidden Shadow Many Snakes Hands!
Hiruko reacted very quickly, and a layer of dark green Chakra Armor--Steel Release appeared on his body instantly!
Ding ding ding ding!
The five swords stabbed Steel Release, making a series of harsh metal clashing sounds, leaving only a few shallow white marks on the surface of the armor.
"It's useless! It's useless! It's useless!!"
Hiruko roared and punched Orochimaru in the face with his backhand.
Orochimaru's body once again flew backwards as if it had no bones, easily dodging the punch.
But his eyes became sharper.
Three contacts is enough.
Orochimaru was calculating silently in his heart.
His fighting style has never relied on brute force to crush his opponents, but on analysis, observation, finding flaws, and then killing him with one blow.
Hiruko's Chimera Technique did bring him five kinds of Kekkei Genkai--Dark Release, Steel Release, Storm Release, Swift Release, Wood Release.
Each one is a very practical blood inheritance.
But the problem is--
Hiruko's use of these five powers is too rough.
It's like a child holding a magic weapon who only knows how to swing it around but doesn't know how to maximize its power.
"Hiruko-kun," Orochimaru suddenly spoke, with a hint of joking in his voice, "Your Chimera Technique has indeed given you great power, but have you noticed..."
His figure suddenly disappeared from where he was.
The next second, he had appeared behind Hiruko. With the five fingers of his right hand together, he stabbed at the back of Hiruko's neck like a snake's kiss.
"There are obvious 'breaks' between your movements."
Hiruko's pupils shrank and she wanted to turn around and fight back, but the so-called "break" was like an invisible shackle, slowing her movements by half a beat.
It was this half-beat time difference that allowed Orochimaru's attack to accurately hit the back of her neck.
However, Hiruko was protected by Steel Release, so this blow did not cause substantial damage.
However--
Orochimaru's attacks are never purely for harm.
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
Countless venomous snakes poured out from Orochimaru's cuffs and instantly wrapped around Hiruko's body, binding her tightly.
"For this level of restraint, I only need to use Storm Release-"
Hiruko's expression suddenly changed before he finished speaking.
Because she discovered that the chakra flow in her body had become chaotic.
"Found it?" Orochimaru smiled and took a few steps back, calmly looking at Hiruko who was entangled by the snakes.
"This is your biggest shortcoming - you are currently unable to perfectly adapt to the five Kekkei Genkais in your body."
"When you switch abilities, there will be a short delay and confusion in the flow of chakra."
"Although this time is very short, only a few tenths of a second, in the eyes of a truly strong person, this is enough."
Orochimaru stretched out two fingers and shook them slightly.
"The three times I fought you just now were just to confirm this conclusion."
"As long as we seize this window period..."
A cold light flashed in Orochimaru's snake eyes.
"You are just a... target with relatively high defense."
After the words fell, Orochimaru held up his hands Hand Seals.
"Ninpo·Mandara Formation!"
The ground suddenly cracked open, and countless venomous snakes poured out of the cracks like a tide, drowning Hiruko in an instant.
Hiruko wanted to struggle, but the chaotic chakra in her body made it impossible for her to effectively mobilize Steel Release's power.
Storm Release's light flickered a few times among the snakes, then went out completely.
After a while, the snakes dispersed.
Hiruko was lying on the ground covered in injuries, breathing heavily.
Her eyes were full of unwillingness and shock.
Even though he has gained such powerful power, why can't he defeat Orochimaru?
"Your strength has reached the level of 'High Kage Level'."
Orochimaru looked at him condescendingly, with a hint of recognition in his tone, "But the battle between Kage Level is never simply about who has more chakra or whose ninjutsu is more powerful."
"The gap in experience, the level of combat intelligence, and the timing... these are the keys to victory or defeat."
"Your current situation is like a nouveau riche who suddenly has huge wealth. You only know how to squander it, but don't know how to use it."
Orochimaru turned around and walked towards Uchiha Jun who was recording data in the distance.
"Recuperate well. When you truly master this power, maybe... you will be a good opponent."
Hiruko looked at Orochimaru's back and clenched his fists tightly.
But she had to admit that Orochimaru was right.
He is indeed just a "reckless man with empty power" now, and there is still a long way to go before he can truly master these powers.
"Pah, pah, pah -"
At this moment, Uchiha Jun, who had been silently recording combat data, came over.
Uchiha Jun held a thick stack of recording paper in his hand, which was densely filled with various data analysis.
"Hiruko Brother, I also watched your battle."
Uchiha Jun threw one of the recording papers in front of Hiruko expressionlessly, "This is the problem you exposed in this battle."
Hiruko struggled to sit up, took the recording paper, glanced at the contents on it, and his face became a little ugly.
It contains a dense record of her various mistakes in the battle--
Improper timing of chakra switching leads to gaps in ability connection;
Over-relying on Steel Release's defense and ignoring positioning and anticipation of attacks;
The way of using Storm Release is too simple, it only attacks in a straight line and lacks variety...
Every line of words is like a needle piercing Hiruko's heart.
"However," Uchiha Jun changed the topic, "Just by completing the fusion of Chimera Ritual, he has upgraded himself from an ordinary Jonin to a level where he can fight Orochimaru and escape freely. It is already quite good."
"Of course, your current strength is far from enough."
"High Kage Level? That's just compared to ordinary ninjas."
"In front of the real top experts, your level of strength is far from enough."
Uchiha Jun's words were merciless, but Hiruko couldn't refute a single word.
Because she knows that what Uchiha Jun said is the truth.
"However, your potential has not been fully explored yet." Uchiha Jun continued, "Chimera Technique's five kinds of Kekkei Genkai, each has more possibilities waiting for you to develop."
"I'll give you a task - go back to the laboratory, deduce your own combat system, and find out the combat method that suits you best."
"Don't blindly imitate others, and don't integrate more Kekkei Genkai just to be temporarily powerful."
"First thoroughly understand the five Kekkei Genkais you have now and make them your own."
Hiruko was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"I understand, thank you, Master Chun. If it weren't for you, I would never have achieved what I have today. From now on, I will be driven by whatever you want!"
Uchiha Jun Looking at her asking for everything, the corners of her mouth curved slightly.
"By the way, there is one more thing."
"Your monthly salary was five million taels before. Starting from today, it will be raised to ten million taels."
"Your current strength is worth the price."
"In addition, Chimera Technique has come to an end for the time being. Go back and think about your research project. If the project is good, more scientific research funds will be allocated to you by then."
Hiruko was stunned.
Her eyes widened and she looked at Uchiha Jun in disbelief.
Ten million taels!
That's ten million taels!
It's doubled!
When I was working at Konoha, I worked so hard for a year that the money I could earn was barely enough.
But now, my monthly salary is the same as my previous income for several years or even more than ten years!
"What, it's too little? Add three hundred more?"
Uchiha Jun raised his eyebrows.
"No, not too little!" Hiruko shook his head quickly, with a look of excitement on his face, "Thank you, sir! I will not let you down!"
Hiruko After thanking him profusely, he turned around and walked towards the direction of the laboratory.
After sending Hiruko away, Uchiha Jun brought Orochimaru to the Sharingan research laboratory.
This laboratory is located on the third underground floor of the base and is the most heavily defended place in the entire base.
The walls of the laboratory are inlaid with dozens of sealed crystals, each emitting a faint blue light, illuminating the entire space like daylight.
In the center of the laboratory, there are dozens of sophisticated instruments connected to various pipes and lines, which look like the vascular system of some huge creature.
"Jun Jun, what you just said to Hiruko, I'm afraid you weren't just talking to him, right?"
Orochimaru suddenly said, a trace of amusement flashed in the snake's eyes.
Uchiha Jun turned around, glanced at Orochimaru, and raised the corners of his mouth slightly.
"I really can't hide it from you."
"Yes, I'm reminding you too."
"Orochimaru, although you are very strong, you should also know that in your current state, you are still far from reaching a higher level."
Orochimaru was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"You are right."
"My current body, although it has been transformed many times, still has many flaws."
"Especially in terms of soul..."
Orochimaru raised his head and looked at Uchiha Jun, with a hint of solemnity in his eyes.
"Jun Jun, I have a plan here that may allow you to... take a step further."
Uchiha Jun raised his eyebrows, showing a hint of interest.
"Oh? Tell me."
Orochimaru walked to the table aside, picked up a stack of information, and handed it to Uchiha Jun.
"This is the result of my recent research - Senjutsu Chakra about Three Great Sage Regions, and the possibility of fusion between them."
Uchiha Jun took the information and flipped through it quickly.
Orochimaru explained from the side.
"Three Great Sage Regions and Senjutsu each have their own characteristics."
"The biggest advantage of Ryūchi Cave and Senjutsu Chakra is the use and control of the environment."
"Ninjas who practice Ryūchi Cave Senjutsu can sense subtle changes in the surrounding environment, integrate Natural Energy into their own bodies, thereby undergoing a certain degree of physical transformation and growing targeted organs."
"For example, the iris that blocks sound and vision class Genjutsu."
"Even, after reaching a certain level, you can control the natural environment and put the enemy into an unfavorable combat situation."
"Mount Myōboku's Senjutsu Chakra focuses on strengthening one's own body."
"Ninjas who practice Mount Myōboku Senjutsu can greatly improve their physical fitness, including strength, speed, endurance, reaction speed, etc."
"At the same time, Senjutsu of Mount Myōboku can also enhance the user's Life Force, giving it a stronger endurance in battle."
"Shikkotsu Forest and Senjutsu Chakra focus on strengthening the spiritual level."
"Ninjas who practice Shikkotsu Forest Senjutsu can improve their mental power, thereby enhancing their resistance to Genjutsu and their ability to finely control chakra."
"At the same time, Senjutsu of Shikkotsu Forest can also repair mental damage, which is of extremely important significance for long-term use of Sharingan and Uchiha Clan."
Orochimaru said this, paused, and then looked at Uchiha Jun, his eyes full of expectation.
"If we can perfectly integrate Three Great Sage Regions and Senjutsu Chakra, we can combine the strengths of hundreds of schools..."
"Then, Chunjun, your strength will probably reach an unprecedented height."
"Even... touch the level of the legendary Sage of Six Paths."
Uchiha Jun After listening to Orochimaru's introduction, a thoughtful look flashed in his eyes.
Uchiha Jun lowered his head and carefully flipped through the information in his hand, thinking silently in his heart while reading.
This plan of Orochimaru is indeed very attractive.
Three Great Sage Regions and Senjutsu Chakra each have their own advantages. If you can fuse them together, you can indeed make a qualitative leap in your strength.
But the question is - is this plan really feasible?
"Your idea is very good." Uchiha Jun raised his head and looked at Orochimaru, "However, it may not be easy to implement this plan, right?"
"That's right." Orochimaru nodded, unabashedly acknowledging the difficulty.
"Three Great Sage Regions and Senjutsu Chakra are essentially different manifestations of Natural Energy. Although they have something in common, perfect integration requires not only talent, but also a deep understanding of Natural Energy."
"Moreover, the risk of integrating Senjutsu Chakra is extremely high."
"Once it fails, Senjutsu Chakra will bite back, or it will be directly petrified, and even the soul will dissipate."
"So, even you... are not absolutely sure."
Uchiha Jun was silent for a moment, then changed the topic and asked, "So how is the progress of your Eight Branches Technique transformation? When are you going to try Sage Transformation?"
Hearing Uchiha Jun's inquiry, Orochimaru shook his head, with a rare wry smile on his face.
"Jun Jun, you should know that the strength of my soul... is not enough to support Sage Transformation."
"Before, you injected your own Senjutsu Chakra into my body, allowing me to experience the pain of Sage Transformation transformation in advance. That feeling..."
Orochimaru's snake eyes flashed with fear.
"Even I can't bear that kind of pain."
"The tearing feeling at the soul level is ten thousand times more terrifying than the physical pain."
"So, I plan to do Chimera Technique first. After raising the body to a certain level, let the body feed back the soul, and then try Sage Transformation."
"Only in this way can success be possible."
Uchiha Jun After listening to Orochimaru's explanation, he nodded thoughtfully.
"What about the configuration arrangement of your Chimera Technique?"
Orochimaru walked to the experimental table aside and took out a plan.
"My plan is--Uchiha Clan, Collapse Release, Wood Release, Shadow Release, Uzumaki Clan."
"Kekkei Genkai from the Uchiha Clan can strengthen my mental power. Combined with Shadow Release, it can greatly improve my Genjutsu and mental attack capabilities."
"Collapse Release is used as an attack method to make up for my shortcomings in frontal combat."
"Wood Release and Uzumaki Clan's Kekkei Genkai are used to strengthen my body and increase my Life Force and chakra volume."