I am the man hunting destiny

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Although the Wood Clone Technique is a clone jutsu, it functions more similarly to the Shadow Clone Technique, as it possesses independent thought.

The principle is simple.

In the original series, Yamato once recalled his Wood Clone and turned it back into a seed.

In other words, this seed can synchronize chakra with the main body, producing the same effect as the Shadow Clone Technique.

Orochimaru's courtyard was eerily dark beneath the night sky.

Natsume stood warily, scanning his surroundings, but no one was visible.

Suspicion growing, he pushed open the door to the main hall.

Meanwhile, in the underground laboratory...

Orochimaru held a scalpel, dissecting a lifeless body on the operating table.

Suddenly, a white snake slithered toward him, flicking its tongue and hissing.

"Someone has arrived uninvited. A peculiar ninja with an even stranger scent," the snake reported.

Orochimaru, fluent in the serpent's language, grew intrigued. He glanced at the body, then discarded the scalpel.

The corpse before him belonged to a ninja with a Kekkei Genkai.

Since the death of his apprentice Nawaki, Orochimaru had become painfully aware of his limitations. While he delved into the mastery of the Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique to achieve immortality, he was also fixated on the secrets of Kekkei Genkai, hoping to overcome their inherent constraints.

Both pursuits, however, were daunting, and to date, Orochimaru had seen little success.

But he wasn't in a rush. The unexpected visitor upstairs now piqued his interest.

Orochimaru left the lab and ascended to the hall.

Upon spotting Natsume, his yellow, snake-like eyes narrowed.

There was something unusual about the boy.

He couldn't quite place it.

Orochimaru licked his lips, then raised his hand. Several venomous snakes shot out from his sleeve, coiling tightly around Natsume.

When something intrigued Orochimaru, he wouldn't let it slip away. Polite conversation wasn't his style. He preferred capturing his prey—dissecting it piece by piece to satisfy his curiosity.

But, to Orochimaru's surprise, Natsume dissolved into a cluster of wooden branches that coiled around the serpents, creating a strange dance between the vines and snakes.

Orochimaru froze for a moment.

His sharp mind, driven by his obsession with learning every jutsu, immediately recognized the technique.

Wood Clone Technique.

Orochimaru had previously collaborated with Danzo on the Wood Release experiments, transplanting the cells of Senju Hashirama into test subjects, hoping to replicate the First Hokage's legendary abilities.

However, the severe rejection of Hashirama's cells had led to the death of every test subject.

Frustrated, Orochimaru and Danzo had temporarily shelved the experiments.

But now, a ninja capable of using Wood Release stood before him.

Naturally, Orochimaru was both surprised and intrigued.

"Is this how one of the legendary Sannin greets his guests?" a voice called out.

Another Natsume stepped through the door, his tone tinged with mild disappointment. "If so, I must say, it's rather underwhelming."

Orochimaru's expression darkened, but he remained still.

He could sense that this Natsume carried the same chakra signature as the previous one—another Wood Clone.

"Let me guess what you're thinking," Natsume said casually as he pulled out a chair and sat down as if he were in his own home.

Orochimaru noticed something peculiar. Unlike other shinobi who usually trembled in fear before him, Natsume's gaze was calm, indifferent even. There wasn't a trace of fear or respect.

Confidence radiated from him.

"You're wondering how someone could use Wood Release when all your experiments to replicate it have failed, right?" Natsume asked, a small smile forming on his lips.

Orochimaru was startled.

Natsume had guessed correctly.

But only a few people knew about the Wood Release experiments.

He hadn't leaked anything. Could it have been Danzo?

"Who are you?" Orochimaru asked, his eyes gleaming dangerously. The lack of control over the situation irritated him. He didn't like this feeling.

"It doesn't matter who I am," Natsume replied, leaning back. "What matters is that I can offer you something of value."

Natsume picked up a nearby teacup, sipping from it slowly. "For instance, I can make your greatest wish come true."

"My wish?" Orochimaru scoffed. "Do you even know what my wish is? How bold of you to claim you can fulfill it."

"Immortality... and omniscience," Natsume said with a knowing grin. "I know many secrets."

Orochimaru's composed façade faltered.

Impossible.

No one should know his deepest desires but him. How could this boy possibly have such knowledge?

"Who are you?" Orochimaru repeated, his voice now laced with uncertainty. A stranger knowing his every secret was truly unsettling.

Natsume chuckled softly. "This is the advantage of knowledge gaps."

Then, with a cryptic tone, he added, "I am fate. I lurk within it, hunting those bound to it. Do you understand?"

Orochimaru tilted his head slightly. "What nonsense is this?"

Natsume ignored Orochimaru's confusion, speaking cryptically but truthfully. He wielded the Holy Ring of Fate and intended to hunt those tied to destiny.

"It seems you don't quite grasp it," Natsume said, a note of disappointment in his voice.

Orochimaru's patience was wearing thin.

"Enough games," Natsume said, leaning forward. "Let's get to the real reason I'm here."

He raised two fingers. "I want Hashirama's cells. In exchange, I'll give you two secrets."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.

The boy was a mystery, but mystery alone didn't equate to power. Orochimaru could sense that Natsume had vulnerabilities.

The Sannin licked the corner of his lips in excitement—a habit of his when his curiosity was aroused.

"Hashirama's cells? You should know their worth. How do I know your so-called secrets are worth that price?"

Natsume nodded, already expecting such a question. "I'll give you a small secret now. Once our deal is complete, I'll share the bigger one. I believe we can form a long-term partnership."

Orochimaru frowned. He didn't enjoy working with those who knew more about him than he did about them. But Natsume knew too much. Investigating him through cooperation seemed like the best option.

"That depends on the value of your first secret. If it's worthwhile, then we can talk further."

Natsume smiled. "There was a survivor of the Wood Release experiment you and Danzo conducted. The subject successfully awakened Wood Release."

"What?" Orochimaru's calm demeanor shattered.

Danzo... you lied to me?!

"The survivor's codename is 'Tenzo.' He's currently working for the Root."

Natsume, of course, referred to Yamato, whose fate was to eventually join the Anbu under Hiruzen's command. But with Natsume meddling, things were about to change.

Curious, Natsume wondered what would happen to Yamato if he remained under Orochimaru's influence.

Most time travelers wouldn't want to disrupt the story, but Natsume's unique abilities made changing the plot inevitable. After all, if you're strong enough, the plot doesn't matter.

Orochimaru took a deep breath. "I will confirm what you've said. If it proves true, our deal is made."

"Pleasure doing business with you," Natsume said, rising to his feet. He dispelled the Wood Clone in front of Orochimaru.

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