Their experiments involved far more than simple cell transplants.
They were fusing cells, activating corresponding genes in the human body, and repairing the cells themselves. Orochimaru relished the work. For more than three years, he had rarely gone out, conducting research almost day and night. He had gone a long time without training, or even taking missions.
But that did not mean Orochimaru had grown weaker. Infusions of Hashirama Senju's Cells had markedly improved his Chakra and physique. The fusion was painful, and he was not a descendant of the Sage of Six Paths, but the benefits were enormous all the same.
Orochimaru was confident that even without a Sage Body or the Sage of Six Paths' bloodline, he could remake himself into a new deity.
He had no interest in stealing someone else's body. He wanted to cultivate the finest possible vessel.
And if his own body failed, wasn't there still White Zetsu?
Orochimaru had considered taking over White Zetsu's body with his soul. White Zetsu's ability to accommodate nearly any set of genes made his body the perfect material. Most importantly, White Zetsu had no soul. Once Orochimaru's soul entered that body, it would be his.
Taking someone else's body was another matter. Even if it were possible, the original owner's soul would remain a serious risk. Such a vessel would never truly suit him.
If he could, Orochimaru wanted to study the Chakra of the Tailed Beasts as well.
If the Orochimaru from the original story knew how well this Orochimaru had it, he would probably weep with envy. Just look at the conditions under which that Orochimaru usually conducted his experiments.
He had too little support, too little funding, no White Zetsu, and no like-minded partner in Tobirama Senju. He had to uncover the truth of