### Chapter 186

The Third Hokage didn't react at all to the fact that his appointee had been removed from command. Clearly, he recognized just how incompetent the person he had chosen had been. As a result, Orochimaru had seamlessly stepped into the role, managing the camp's affairs and issuing orders without resistance.

---

When Shinki entered the command center, he planned to compare the setups of the River Country camp and the Rain Country camp. However, as he stepped in, he froze mid-thought. 

At the desk sat *two* Orochimaru, both busy with paperwork. 

"...What the...?" Shinki muttered, unable to stop a colorful expletive from slipping out. 

Apparently, Orochimaru had a unique system in place: he used a shadow clone as a tool to handle part of the workload, freeing himself for other tasks—including experiments and research. 

The most surprising part? Nobody seemed to mind. 

Shinki gave a thumbs up. "You're something else." 

Without disturbing the shadow clone, Shinki sat next to Orochimaru. Kicking his feet up on the table, he leaned back in his chair and gave Orochimaru a once-over. 

"Did you... do something to yourself?" 

Orochimaru smiled faintly, unbothered by the question. "I've made a small attempt." 

There was no point in hiding it—his vertical pupils, resembling those of cold-blooded reptiles, were a glaringly obvious change. Plenty of people had already noticed. 

"Well, as long as it makes you happy," Shinki remarked. "But maybe be careful. I'd rather not have our camp commander turn into a giant white snake and scare the soldiers." 

---

Shinki knew Orochimaru had likely conducted some experimental procedures on himself, evidenced by his snake-like pupils. This behavior was earlier than anticipated; according to the original timeline, these experiments wouldn't have started until after the Third Ninja War. Something had clearly pushed Orochimaru to accelerate his plans. 

"Experimenting on myself doesn't violate the village's bans," Orochimaru said, his voice calm. "Ordinary lives are far too fragile for this kind of research." 

He leaned forward, his tone turning thoughtful. "I've found that natural energy is truly extraordinary. The sacred objects of the three great holy places can perfectly merge chakra with natural energy, granting them long lifespans and incredible vitality." 

Orochimaru had avoided practicing the Senjutsu of Ryuchi Cave due to its high risk, but this hadn't stopped him from delving into natural energy research. 

---

"The chakra of the Samsara Eye and natural energy share intriguing similarities," Orochimaru explained excitedly. 

Shinki listened attentively. 

The connections were undeniable. The Ten-Tails—essentially the sacred tree—had absorbed natural energy from the ninja world to produce chakra fruits. Kaguya Otsutsuki consumed one, becoming the progenitor of chakra itself. 

All of it tied back to this root. 

Orochimaru's research was on the right track, but further breakthroughs would eventually intersect with the mysteries of the Otsutsuki clan. 

"I plan to visit the three holy places after the war," Orochimaru continued. "Perhaps I can uncover their secrets." 

Shinki yawned, unimpressed. "You're dreaming if you think this war will end anytime soon. By the way, why not practice Ryuchi Cave's Senjutsu?" 

"It's too dangerous," Orochimaru replied, his voice even. "I visited Ryuchi Cave and met the White Snake Sage. While their Senjutsu is powerful, its drawbacks make it too risky. I've seen its flaws firsthand." 

Unlike the methods of Myoboku Mountain or Shikkotsu Forest, Ryuchi Cave's Senjutsu came with a steep cost. Most who attempted it perished or mutated into mindless beasts. 

"That's a shame," Shinki said, sitting upright. "Senjutsu can significantly enhance a ninja's strength. If you keep stalling, Jiraiya will leave you in the dust." 

It wasn't a joke. Both Jiraiya and Orochimaru had reached a point where further growth required extraordinary means. For Jiraiya, Senjutsu offered a path forward. 

If Orochimaru refused to pursue it, the gap between him and Jiraiya would only widen. 

---

Orochimaru's face darkened at the mention of Jiraiya. It wasn't Shinki who angered him but the prospect of being surpassed by his long-time rival. 

Orochimaru had always prided himself on staying ahead of Jiraiya. The idea of falling behind was unbearable. 

"Shinki," Orochimaru said after a moment, his voice calm again, "I'd like your assistance with a research project." 

Shinki raised an eyebrow, immediately wary. "What kind of research?" 

>>>>>

200 Chapters ahead available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)

Gimme power stonesssss

Also, leave a review please and check out my new story

[Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki]

---