27

Nara Shintaku pulled out a document from a stack and handed it to Orochimaru. It was a record of a flesh and blood transplant experiment, involving various creatures, including those that flew in the sky or swam in the water. Most frequently, the subjects were snakes.

The document detailed the results after Jūgo's body fluids were transplanted. Without exception, all the creatures became violent, irrational, and uncontrollably aggressive, turning into savage beasts.

"Is there a problem?" Orochimaru asked, scanning the document. "My plan is well thought out and covers a variety of biological species."

"I collected detailed data from each organism post-transplant, and after the collection, I disposed of them to prevent any future risks."

Orochimaru's explanation seemed logical to him, but Nara Shintaku only stared, unimpressed.

"You actually think that's reasonable?" Nara Shintaku asked bluntly. "Using snakes as experimental subjects is understandable, but why include birds, poultry, fish, shrimp, crabs, and so on? What's the point?"

He continued, "Do these creatures share any relevant traits? Why not experiment on plants instead? What you should be focusing on is the changes Jūgo's flesh and blood can produce in land-based creatures."

Nara Shintaku's words hit like a thunderclap.

Orochimaru was taken aback, looking down at his experimental plan as if seeing it for the first time. His expression turned to one of dazed realization.

"You're right…" Orochimaru muttered. "Aquatic and flying creatures don't fit. Their body structures are entirely different. These subjects are redundant!"

"Useless!"

"A waste of time and resources!"

Orochimaru's eyes brightened with sudden clarity. "It was definitely the right decision to bring you here!" he exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

Nara Shintaku remained calm, his expression unchanged. His knowledge from his previous life, paired with the inspiration he drew from Kurotsuchi Mayuri, gave him a far deeper understanding of research than Orochimaru. What he had pointed out was just common sense, but in the research-starved world of Naruto, it sounded like groundbreaking wisdom to Orochimaru.

"Also," Nara Shintaku added, pulling out another document, "why don't you adjust the amount of Jūgo's body fluids according to the size of the subject?"

The report detailed the violent deaths of numerous creatures due to overdoses.

"Adjust the dosage?" Orochimaru asked, genuinely surprised.

"Of course!" Nara Shintaku replied, exasperated. "Even among the same species, like us humans, tolerance to foreign substances varies based on age, gender, and health. It's a basic principle. How could you overlook that?"

He gave Orochimaru a sharp look. "You need to be more rigorous."

Orochimaru smiled sheepishly, but instead of being offended, he admitted, "I've only recently started my research. Before this, I was focused solely on studying ninjutsu."

"I see." Nara Shintaku glanced at him thoughtfully.

At this point in time, Orochimaru was still relatively new to research and experimentation. It made sense. The death of Rope Tree had merely triggered Orochimaru's shift in priorities. His later disappointment with various events would drive him fully into the pursuit of immortality.

In short, Orochimaru was still a novice in the field of scientific research. It wasn't fair to expect too much from him.

"One last thing," Nara Shintaku said, softening his tone. "I don't see a fully developed concept in your plan."

"A concept?" Orochimaru repeated, clearly intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"What do you think is the true meaning behind Jūgo's existence?" Nara Shintaku asked, and without waiting for a response, he answered, "He's a filter."

"Jūgo is a living human filter that weakens the violent natural energy coursing through him."

"Does your research plan include any study of this crucial characteristic?"

Orochimaru felt as if he had been struck by lightning. It was as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes. His mind cleared, and new ideas flowed in like an opened floodgate.

"A filter… yes, a filter!" Orochimaru repeated, his voice gaining strength. "That's exactly it. Jūgo's significance is as a filter that reduces the violence of natural energy, making it manageable for research."

"This is the true essence of Jūgo's importance! Why didn't I see it before?"

His eyes gleamed with admiration as he looked at Nara Shintaku. "You truly are a genius, able to spot the flaws in my work so effortlessly."

"It's nothing special. Just the benefit of being a bystander," Nara Shintaku replied, brushing off the compliment.

"Haha, you're too modest," Orochimaru said, shaking his head.

But to him, Nara Shintaku's insights were invaluable.

"Alright, now that we've identified the issues, let's redesign the experiment." Nara Shintaku dismissed the praise, refocusing on the task at hand. "I'm also interested in meeting this child, Jūgo. Let's go."

"Of course." Orochimaru snapped back into focus, nodding in agreement.

For true researchers, flattery was meaningless. The thrill of discovery and experimentation was what truly mattered.

---

Outside the laboratory, the children who had been dismissed earlier were still fuming.

"That brat is so full of himself!"

"Why does Orochimaru think he's so special?"

"He's not even older than we are!"

"We've devoted ourselves to Lord Orochimaru. Who does he think he is?"

These children were orphans, taken in by Orochimaru and given shelter and purpose. Each of them was deeply loyal to him, grateful for the life he had provided them.