Discussing Wood Release, Departing for Sunagakure

He looked up at Orochimaru.

"I am ready, Teacher Orochimaru."

"Hahaha." Orochimaru looked at Lihuo, his eyes filled with approval. "Your attitude toward research is very much to my liking, little Lihuo."

With that, he turned and led Lihuo toward the laboratory door without looking back.

Lihuo could not help but feel puzzled. Could it be that Orochimaru already had other secret bases at this time?

Unexpectedly, just as they reached the entrance, Orochimaru stopped in front of a wall beside the door.

"Open!"

Following Orochimaru's soft shout, the solid wall slowly faded into a phantom, revealing a secret chamber within.

This sight made Lihuo's eyes widen. He could not fathom why he had never noticed anything despite passing by this wall so many times.

Seeing Lihuo's surprise, Orochimaru said with a hint of pride:

"This is not a genjutsu, but a sealing technique capable of completely isolating the aura inside. As your teacher, I certainly possess at least this much foundation."

Having said that, he walked straight into the secret chamber, and Lihuo quickly followed.

As soon as he entered the chamber, Lihuo felt an incredibly abundant amount of life energy, causing every cell in his body to become extremely active.

Ever since he had obtained Yang-style chakra, Lihuo's perception of life energy had greatly increased, yet he had never encountered such a rich concentration before.

"You have likely already sensed that this place is different from the outside world."

Orochimaru said indifferently.

"This place is filled with powerful life energy, and its source is right there."

Orochimaru raised his hand and pointed toward a corner of the secret chamber.

Lihuo followed Orochimaru's hand and looked over, only to see a piece of biological tissue soaking in a culture dish.

"Could this be..."

"That's right, the cells of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama."

Orochimaru had expected Lihuo to be frightened by his words; he had even envisioned a scenario where Lihuo would flee and report the matter to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

To his surprise, however, Lihuo's only reaction was curiosity, which undoubtedly elevated Lihuo's standing in Orochimaru's heart.

"You might be curious about how I obtained the Hashirama Cells."

Orochimaru said leisurely.

Lihuo: "I am not curious."

"Then you must be curious about why I built this secret chamber."

Lihuo: "I am not curious."

"Then you must, must be curious about what I intend to do with the Hashirama Cells."

Lihuo: "I am not curious."

Orochimaru: ( ̀⌄ ́)

"You must be curious!"

Sensing the faint killing intent in the air, Lihuo realized that his teacher's state of mind was a bit off.

Only then did he explain:

"I will not ask about the origin of the Hashirama Cells, because if Teacher does not tell me, it is naturally because it is something I should not know."

"The life energy here is too abundant; if it were not sealed, it would soon attract investigation from others."

"As for the last point, the First Hokage is famous throughout the world for the Wood Release that pacified the chaotic era. I assume that is why Teacher Orochimaru is researching it."

Clap, clap, clap!

After hearing Lihuo's deduction, Orochimaru's attitude shifted from anger to appreciation.

"I must say, little Lihuo, you are truly impressive."

Orochimaru said.

"This research has finally yielded results recently!"

Orochimaru led Lihuo toward a culture tank, inside of which was a boy of about four or five years old.

Orochimaru gently stroked the culture tank with his pale fingers.

"He is the only test subject who survived after being transplanted with Hashirama Cells."

"This means that..."

Lihuo cut him off.

"It means he will be able to use the power of Wood Release in the future."

Orochimaru nodded.

"That is correct."

"The risk of transplantation remains extremely high at the moment. Aside from the test subject before you, not a single one has successfully fused with the Hashirama Cells."

Orochimaru's tone carried a hint of disappointment.

Lihuo, however, spoke up. "Why not attempt a localized transplantation of the Hashirama Cells?"

Orochimaru replied, "Localized transplantation carries even greater risks. The Hashirama Cells would uncontrollably drain the subject's chakra, eventually causing them to grow into a giant tree."

"Then, could we weaken the activity of the Hashirama Cells to make them controllable?"

Orochimaru shook his head again. "Weakening the activity of the Hashirama Cells would only cause them to lose their original function."

Subsequently, Lihuo proposed suggestions to Orochimaru, using "Obito" and "Danzo" from the original work as hypothetical models.

This made Orochimaru's eyes light up. "Your proposal is very interesting; it sounds highly feasible!"

Orochimaru's tone could not hide his excitement, as if he had already conceived the practical methods.

Following this, Orochimaru and Lihuo discussed the mysteries of natural energy.

As a veteran fan of the series who had watched the "Pain Invasion" arc ten times, Lihuo could have clearly explained the mechanics of natural energy to Orochimaru.

However, Lihuo chose not to do so, for he knew: "When the birds are gone, the bow is put away; when the cunning rabbits are dead, the hound is cooked."

Just as Sakumo had said, Orochimaru was a man who would not get up early without profit.

If he exhausted his trump cards too early, it would be extremely dangerous to be without overwhelming strength.

Therefore, Lihuo chose to trade his knowledge bit by bit, using it to extract more benefits from Orochimaru's hands.

Both of them knew clearly that in this master-student relationship, sentiment was secondary; profit was the primary factor.

While exploring science with Orochimaru, Lihuo also gained a vast amount of knowledge.

This was knowledge not taught at the Ninja Academy; it was true, cutting-edge science.

No wonder Kabuto became so strong just by inheriting Orochimaru's legacy, Lihuo couldn't help but sigh.

The two talked happily until evening. Sensing that it was getting late, Orochimaru said to Lihuo, "Do you remember the field exercise I mentioned before?"

Lihuo nodded in response.

"There is an A-rank mission to escort Sunagakure ninjas back to their village. I have accepted it, and we depart in three days."

After hearing Orochimaru's words, Lihuo asked, "Why do we need to escort Sunagakure ninjas back to their village?"

Orochimaru nodded. His previous words were actually a simple test for Lihuo.

It was a test of a ninja's analytical ability.

If one were to blindly accept a mission without carefully analyzing it, it could very well lead to a catastrophe.

"These ninjas are actually rogue ninjas. They stole a secret technique from Sunagakure and were eventually captured by Konoha."

"It is called an escort, but in reality, it is an extradition."

Upon hearing this, Lihuo finally understood the nature of the mission.

"So, we are guarding against those who covet this secret technique, right?"

"Exactly. Because this secret technique is extremely powerful, there are quite a few who covet it."

Seeing Lihuo's solemn expression, Orochimaru smiled dismissively.

"Well, don't be so serious. I will be going with you."

Lihuo nodded. Although he knew that with Orochimaru there to hold the line, there wouldn't be any major issues, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous about his first mission in life being an A-rank one.

"Alright, let's stop here for today. Use these three days to properly say goodbye to your friends; this trip will take at least half a month."

Orochimaru saw Lihuo out of the laboratory.

In the following days, Lihuo spent his time preparing for the mission. He not only readied all necessary supplies but also notified his friends and elders.

Obito, Lu Miao, Guy, and the others were still in school, and they all urged Lihuo to be careful on his journey.

Kakashi was preparing for the Chunin Exams; Lihuo estimated that by the time he returned, Kakashi would have been promoted to Chunin.

Among them, Sakumo's advice was particularly precious. Upon learning that Lihuo was heading to Sunagakure, he thought for a moment and then unhooked his own blade!

"Little Lihuo, this sword is called White Fang. I am lending it to you!"

"Uncle Sakumo... this..."

Feeling the cold touch in his hands, Lihuo looked at the sword, which was impeccably maintained by Sakumo, and vaguely sensed the sharp, piercing aura contained within the blade.

"Uncle Sakumo, you know that I don't use a blade."

Lihuo looked at Sakumo with a hint of confusion, unsure of his intention.

Sakumo smiled.

"This blade isn't for you to use, but for them to see."

"This blade is both a protective charm..."

Lihuo cut him off.

"...and a death warrant."

Sakumo nodded in approval.

"This blade tells the enemy that if they want to kill you, they must be prepared for the consequences of being hunted by the Konoha White Fang."

"It is also a means to attract those who harbor hatred for the Konoha White Fang!"

Lihuo suddenly understood.

"Uncle, you want to use this method to temper me."

Sakumo nodded.

"With Orochimaru guarding you, the worst-case scenario will be nothing more than a close call. Therefore, consider this blade an extra layer of insurance from me!"

Upon learning of Sakumo's painstaking efforts, Lihuo was deeply moved.

Three days passed in a flash, and Lihuo was fully prepared for his departure.

Little did he know that a massive conspiracy awaited him!