Chapter 105 : Mastering Chidori

"Lightning Release: Chidori!"

In the vacant training ground, Orochimaru's lowered hand surged with a dazzling bolt of lightning, his other hand firmly gripping his wrist to maintain a steady chakra output.

In this moment, Orochimaru was drenched in sweat, while his four teammates gazed intently at him.

The once bustling training ground now stood deserted, with only these five individuals utilizing it, creating a desolate atmosphere.

Perched on a tree in the distance, Instructor Horse (Arima) observed Orochimaru silently. Even after a month had passed, he still found himself astonished by the technique that Orochimaru had "developed."

"What immense Lightning chakra! To maintain such condensed power within one's hand takes an extraordinary level of control. Once perfected, its potential for devastation will be unparalleled!"

Orochimaru's Snake-like gaze was fierce, his Snake Eye locked onto the lightning sphere within his hand, relentlessly channelling his chakra.

"Not enough yet. The cohesion needs to reach a higher level for a complete qualitative transformation."

Orochimaru clenched his teeth, his hand now in significant pain.

The blinding thunder gradually compressed, its cold blue-white brilliance illuminating the surroundings. Tiger and the others retreated in the face of this immense pressure.

In truth, with Orochimaru's control over Raiton, altering its nature wasn't particularly challenging. He had managed it during the battle against the Instructor Yaksha.

The challenge lay in achieving simultaneous qualitative transformations of all the chakras. If the control wasn't precise enough, some chakras would transform prematurely, making it nearly impossible to control the remainder, greatly diminishing the technique's power. This was why Orochimaru's version of "Chidori" had been subpar.

Success with Chidori required almost simultaneous qualitative transformations of all the chakras.

Even with near-perfect harmony, Chidori had the potential to evolve even further.

"Damn it! I need to break through!"

Orochimaru's hand grew increasingly agonizing. Continuing down this path would turn his entire hand into carbon, but he felt he was close.

"Captain! Dispel the ninjutsu quickly, or your hand will be ruined!"

Despite being aware of Orochimaru's regeneration ability, concern lingered among the group.

"Black Snake!"

Instructor Horse leapt from the tree, barking out a serious command.

"Damn it, I underestimated the complexity of developing a ninjutsu. I was too arrogant."

Orochimaru's crimson Snake Eye remained fixed on the chakra sphere in his hand, a hint of bloodthirsty determination gleaming within.

His hand lost all sensation, yet Orochimaru shouted, "I can't stop now! Give it everything!"

"Halt!"

Allowing such potent chakra to run wild would surely spell disaster. Instructor Horse charged forward to intervene.

"It's a thrust—!!"

Just then, a blinding bolt of lightning finally flashed before everyone's eyes, much to Orochimaru's ecstatic delight.

"Zap, zap—!"

The blue electric cocoon grew more intense, chakras seemingly reaching a critical point. Remarkable changes unfolded simultaneously.

"What... is this?!"

Instructor Horse abruptly halted, gazing at the electric radiance within Orochimaru's hand. For the first time, a flicker of dread crossed his eyes.

"Squeak, squeak—!"

Bird-like chirping resonated from Orochimaru's hand, the most melodious sound he'd ever heard.

One bird, three birds, ten birds, a hundred birds—thousands of avian-like calls merged into one, as the azure chakra within Orochimaru's hand transformed entirely into dazzling lightning, emitting a harmonious chorus.

"Whoa, whoa—"

Innumerable birds took flight amidst the thunderous clamour, a magnificent spectacle that attracted countless nearby ninjas. Other ANBU operatives swiftly closed in.

Witnessing this unprecedented form of chakra, Instructor Horse activated his own three tomoe sharingan.

"What... is this?!"

"This is the result of my month-long effort—the qualitative transformation of chakra!"

"Brush, brush—"

Several ANBU appeared atop surrounding trees, others converging upon the training ground.

"Let's begin."

Orochimaru regarded the Instructor Horse and nodded.

"Earth Style, Earth Formation Wall!"

Instructor Horse bellowed, his chakra hastened to create three successive earthen walls.

"Lightning Release: Chidori!"

Due to the target's size, Orochimaru abstained from utilizing his "Sharingan." He immediately accelerated forward, the ferocious lightning light piercing through the robust wall.

"It's a thrust—!"

Under the awe-filled gaze of onlookers, Chidori effortlessly punctured the first earthen barrier, as if piercing through paper.

The momentum of the thunderous radiance continued, penetrating the second barrier just as easily, and then the third.

In what felt like an instant, Orochimaru had shattered the seemingly impregnable defense, leaving the Instructor Horse in disbelief. At this point, the Chidori in Orochimaru's hand had yet to dissipate.

"Boom!"

The earthen wall crumbled, and the Instructor Horse observed Orochimaru's departure with a mixture of emotions.

"...Is this what you refer to as the power of a qualitative transformation in Raiton chakra?"

"Yes, I call this technique Chidori!"

All present were awestruck by the might of Chidori.

In general, defensive ninjutsu could resist attacking techniques of the same level. The Instructor Horse's three walls undoubtedly possessed an A-rank defensive strength, yet Orochimaru breezed through them. Although this seemed a minor breakthrough, the ninjutsu was at least of A-rank calibre!

Furthermore, Orochimaru's innovation in chakra's qualitative transformation had set a precedent, providing invaluable inspiration for future ninjutsu development.

"Captain is astounding!"

"The boss is incredible!"

After a momentary silence, Orochimaru's team members congratulated him. Nearby ANBU operatives began conversing as well.

Orochimaru looked at his numbed hand, smiling wryly.

........

"Your ninjutsu is exceptional. It's bound to have a profound impact on Rock Ninjas who rely on Earth Style defense."

Within Hokage's office, Tobirama analytically assessed Orochimaru's ninjutsu. Orochimaru appeared modest, while a prideful Sarutobi Hiruzen stood by his side.

"Given its direct assault approach, this ninjutsu seems well-suited to counter techniques often touted as 'unbreakable defense.'"

Tobirama's smile was knowing, hinting at something more.

He likely referred to the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist technique. Breaking through defences was indeed the weakness of such methods, and many of Tobirama's own Suiton (Water Release) techniques followed a similar concept. As a master of ninjutsu, he held genuine interest in Orochimaru's work.

Speaking of chakra's qualitative transformation, Orochimaru believed that even the invincible Tobirama, renowned for his Suiton mastery, might have made advancements, though not as profound as Chidori's due to Suiton's emphasis on quantity.

But Orochimaru's insights might just inspire Tobirama to further refine his techniques.

"...Genius Thunderbolt Ninjutsu!"

Upon receiving news of Chidori, Tobirama perceived its potential value. As a ninjutsu savant, he promptly summoned Orochimaru.

Tobirama delved into Chidori's many advantages, his gaze fixed intently on Orochimaru, brimming with fervour. Orochimaru was taken aback but promptly elaborated, "This technique does possess shortcomings."

"Indeed? Do tell."

Tobirama was eager for Orochimaru to share the ninjutsu. As Tobirama's disciple's pupil, Orochimaru had little room to refuse, yet he remained unfazed.

"Chidori requires acceleration for maximum impact. Its short attack range demands precise dynamic visual coordination, lest opponents exploit openings, making it challenging for average users."

The Uchiha Clan were the ideal candidates, but would Tobirama permit them such an advantage?

"I can manage it due to my strong mental prowess."

Orochimaru presented a reasonable explanation.

"...Is that so? What a pity!"

Tobirama felt a pang of regret. Though Orochimaru eventually submitted the basic Chidori variant, the danger posed by a technique that couldn't be harnessed posed limitations to its utilization, rendering it inaccessible to many or those unqualified.

This wasn't Orochimaru's first "invention" of ninjutsu. While Chidori might not find widespread use, Orochimaru's future innovations remained a tantalizing prospect. Given his youth and potential, Tobirama held an optimistic view.

Upon returning from the mission, Orochimaru devoted two months to mastering Raiton's chakra transformation, stunning all and sparking suspicions among some.

Yet, to enhance his capability against unforeseen threats in Ryūchi Cave, Orochimaru believed it necessary to master Chidori.

In the ensuing month, Orochimaru gained a firsthand appreciation for the difficulty of ninjutsu development. While he had previously explored the Mystical Palm Technique and possessed a foundation in medical ninjutsu, Orochimaru acknowledged the genius of Kakashi, a true inventor of ninjutsu.

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