Ch. 21Orochimaru Attacks
Chapter Summary: “Orochimaru Attacks”
Plot Points and Events
- Doichi Hyuga and Kakashi travel to Rice Fields Country on an urgent medical mission to treat its unconscious daimyo.
- Using the Byakugan, Doichi diagnoses the daimyo with a cerebral infarction. He removes the blockage with the Delicate Illness Extraction Technique and restores the daimyo’s strength through acupuncture and chakra-based treatment.
- The daimyo awakens and begins recovering. Doichi gives his four sons strict instructions regarding the daimyo’s diet, medicine, and need for rest.
- At a follow-up visit the next day, the daimyo is already able to walk. Grateful for being saved, he increases the mission reward by ten million ryo.
- On the journey back to Konoha, Doichi detects enemies near the border: Orochimaru and the young Kaguya Kimimaro.
- Orochimaru attacks Kakashi and Doichi with snakes, using the Myriad Snake Array to separate them.
- Doichi fights Kimimaro, easily countering his bone-based attacks with the Byakugan and Gentle Fist techniques. He initially spares Kimimaro because of the distant relationship between the Kaguya/Takeori lineage and the Hyuga Clan.
- Kimimaro activates his first Curse Mark stage and continues fighting. Despite using increasingly powerful Shikotsumyaku techniques, he is defeated and knocked unconscious by Doichi’s Empty Palm attacks.
- The chapter closes with Doichi reflecting on the deadly cost of powerful ninja techniques, especially Kimimaro’s Shikotsumyaku and the Eight Gates.
Character Developments
- Doichi Hyuga demonstrates exceptional medical skill, successfully saving the daimyo from a life-threatening stroke. His ability to combine medical ninjutsu, Byakugan analysis, acupuncture, and chakra control is emphasized.
- Doichi also displays overwhelming combat ability. He remains calm and confident against Kimimaro, defeats him without difficulty, and chooses mercy rather than killing him.
- Kakashi remains vigilant and protective, immediately preparing to fight Orochimaru and offering to hold the enemies off so Doichi can escape. His Sharingan is revealed as he prepares for battle.
- Orochimaru is portrayed as sinister, predatory, and amused by the confrontation. His interest in Kakashi’s Sharingan and his use of snake techniques reinforce his obsession with powerful abilities.
- Kimimaro shows intense loyalty to Orochimaru and refuses to accept defeat, even after suffering serious injuries. His Curse Mark and Shikotsumyaku reveal his willingness to sacrifice his body and life in battle.
- The daimyo shifts from a critically ill ruler to a grateful survivor, rewarding Doichi lavishly for saving his life.
Significant Themes
- The cost of power: Doichi reflects on how ninja techniques consume the user’s life force. Shikotsumyaku, the Eight Gates, and other powerful abilities are presented as forms of “life-burning” strength.
- Mortality and physical decline: The daimyo’s illness highlights the vulnerability of even powerful political figures, while Kimimaro’s disease-prone clan represents the long-term consequences of inherited abilities.
- Medical skill versus destructive power: Doichi’s healing techniques save a life, while Orochimaru and Kimimaro use dangerous abilities designed for combat and experimentation.
- Loyalty and exploitation: Kimimaro’s devotion to Orochimaru contrasts with the implication that Orochimaru views him primarily as a useful tool.
- Hyuga identity and clan history: Doichi’s decision to spare Kimimaro reflects the importance of their distant clan connection, while his knowledge of the Takeori Clan’s history adds depth to the Hyuga’s awareness of other bloodlines.
- Wealth and political privilege: The daimyo’s extravagant reward provides a lighter contrast to the serious medical and combat events, while also emphasizing the excesses of the ruling class.
Character Interactions
- Doichi manages the daimyo’s four sons firmly, preventing them from overwhelming or endangering their recovering father.
- The daimyo expresses personal gratitude to Doichi and Kakashi, strengthening their relationship with the ruler of Rice Fields Country.
- Kakashi and Doichi work as a coordinated team during Orochimaru’s attack, though the snake technique forces them apart.
- Orochimaru taunts and observes Kakashi while initiating the attack, suggesting particular interest in the Sharingan.
- Doichi and Kimimaro’s battle combines mutual recognition and overwhelming hostility: Doichi acknowledges their distant kinship and offers mercy, but Kimimaro’s loyalty and pride drive him to attack again.
- Doichi’s final reflections show both respect for Kimimaro’s power and concern over the self-destructive nature of the ninja world.