Why Dawn Was Born

Orochimaru shook his head.

"Shinji, there hasn't been enough time. I need to replicate Tora's... Tenzo's case at least once more across enough test subjects before I can move on."

"Otherwise, it would show a disregard for your life, Shinji."

Shinji smiled and shook his head. "Tsk, that's you all right. So meticulous. But... how is Tenzo doing?"

Orochimaru smiled. "Don't worry, Shinji. I won't kill him. Besides... his convictions are starting to waver. Perhaps one day, he'll join us."

"Join us?" Shinji smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

He shook his head and put the matter aside.

Shinji looked at Orochimaru. "How am I different from the Hashirama Cells?"

Orochimaru shook his head and considered it. "The only difference is the Wood Release bloodline trait. Wood Release comes from combining Water Release and Earth Release natures, but in fact..."

"The obvious result of combining Water Release and Earth Release is Lava Release."

"Lava Release?"

Orochimaru's answer was no surprise.

So the key to the Sage Body really was Asura Chakra?

Or... something from Asura's father, and his father's mother.

The God Tree?

Hmm...

Shinji thought hard for a while. "Never mind. Thank you for your hard work, Orochimaru-senpai. Now, let's pick up the pace. I appreciate your efforts."

Orochimaru nodded. "Understood."

"I'll be going, then."

Shinji waved to Orochimaru and vanished on the spot.

Orochimaru put his hands on his hips and shook his head. "Here and gone like the wind... Still, this meeting gave me a much fuller picture of Shinji."

"Heh heh..."

Rustle!

Shinji landed on a tree trunk and looked around, then glanced down at Shisui, who was staring up at him with an exasperated expression.

"Hey! When you show up, could you at least..."

Shisui stopped halfway and shook his head. "Forget it! There's