Discussion

After Orochimaru extracted Kimimaro's spinal fluid, he confirmed Natsuki's earlier hypothesis about the immortal marrow.

Indeed, Kimimaro possessed a natural atavism related to bone marrow. As Kimimaro aged and his bone marrow developed, his blood gradually transformed into sulfuric acid.

While his bones could withstand this change, his delicate organs could not.

This revelation shed light on why Orochimaru had been unable to cure Kimimaro in his previous life; Kimimaro would undoubtedly perish if left unchecked in his current condition.

Kimimaro's ongoing battles with his kekkei genkai had accelerated the development of his bones, explaining his towering stature compared to Haku.

The immediate priority was to intervene pharmacologically to stop Kimimaro's bone development.

However, this approach only addressed the symptoms, not the root cause. Orochimaru realized they needed to explore alternative solutions.

Although Orochimaru suggested using Hashirama's cells, the experiments with Hashirama's cells were still in their infancy.

The separation of cellular will was a theoretical concept that could take months or even years to realize.

Relying solely on this approach would be equivalent to resigning oneself to fate.

Determined not to repeat the mistakes of his past life, Natsuki knew they couldn't afford to wait idly by.

Natsuki's determination to save Kimimaro was unwavering, and he was already formulating a comprehensive plan in his mind.

"What are the side effects of the drugs that prevent Kimimaro's growth?" Natsuki asked as he focused on finding a solution.

Orochimaru pondered for a moment before responding, "The main side effect is that the medication's effectiveness diminishes after two to three years, and the decline is sudden rather than gradual."

"But if the medication fails to suppress Kimimaro's condition, his development could become explosive. The onset of his blood disease may occur suddenly and worsen rapidly."

"The safety window is limited to two years. Once this period elapses, the medication will no longer be effective."

'Two years should provide ample time for me to devise a solution,' Natsuki thought optimistically.

"Would Tsunade's Byakugō be effective?" Natsuki asked, already considering Tsunade's expertise.

After all, if Orochimaru aimed to become Hokage, he would inevitably need to engage with Tsunade.

Orochimaru considered for a moment before responding, "The Byakugō could indeed prevent Kimimaro from succumbing to his illness even if it were to suddenly worsen."

"But that technique is unique to Tsunade."

Natsuki shook his head resolutely, "I'll negotiate with Tsunade myself."

Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of intrigue as he remarked, "Currently, the Byakugō is exclusive to women. If you wish to adapt it for use by men, it may require some effort."

Natsuki responded with a smile, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Well, you never know until you try, right?"

Orochimaru looks at Natsuki with a deep gaze, sensing his will.

Natsuki nodded firmly, already strategizing how to approach Tsunade for this technique.

After all, they'll need to seek out Tsunade regardless. Creating a version of the Byakugō for men shouldn't be too difficult.

But how can he persuade Tsunade to teach him this technique?

Ah, Tsunade is known to be a gambler. Money shouldn't be an issue now.

Natsuki clenched his fist, feeling empowered by his decision.

Once Natsuki had made up his mind, he began to inquire about the difficulties of the Byakugō from Orochimaru.

Their knowledge of the technique aligned closely. To perform the Byakugō, one must release the chakra stored within the Yin Seal.

Without sufficient chakra, the Byakugō cannot be activated.

Natsuki realized the importance of having a large amount of chakra reserves, especially considering Kimimaro's fragile health.

He immediately began brainstorming alternative methods to quickly replenish chakra, mindful of potential side effects.

With Kimimaro's well-being at stake, Natsuki was determined to explore all possible options.

...

After several days of discussion with Orochimaru, Natsuki concluded that the research on Hashirama's cells was inevitable.

However, conducting research at the cellular level was a costly effort, requiring sophisticated equipment and expensive materials.

Each experiment came with a hefty price tag, often costing tens of millions.

Failure meant wasting resources, while success might yield little more than a forest of trees, making it an expensive gamble.

The experiment to extract Hashirama's cells and isolate the pure Yang Release Chakra was particularly costly.

As resources dwindled, Natsuki faced a dilemma: the land area of Land of Sound was limited, and although food and resources were abundant, they lacked the necessary facilities for advanced research.

While initially hesitant to expand their operations into the Land of Fire, fearing leaks of their production methods, the situation now called for a change in strategy.

News from Fugaku hinted at plans within Konoha Village, prompting Natsuki to consider using the situation to benefit Orochimaru.

It seemed that Orochimaru's return to Konoha might be on the horizon, and Natsuki pondered how he could facilitate the process.

Natsuki is thinking about how he can provide convenience for Orochimaru.

"This is the solution we've devised for the cells," 

Orochimaru's interruption prompted Natsuki to refocus his attention.

Natsuki arched an eyebrow in response to Orochimaru's question. "Hasn't the cellular will of Hashirama been completely eradicated yet?"

Orochimaru's hoarse voice conveyed his explanation: "The cellular will of Hashirama hasn't been completely eradicated. There's an 80% chance of transforming into a tree if we use this solution."

"However, I've instructed Shisui and Itachi to conduct an experiment. The power of their eyes can suppress the cellular consciousness to a certain extent and facilitate fusion."

"With eye abilities, there's a 40% chance of success."

Natsuki rolled his eyes skeptically. "I'm not desperate yet. Why should I take a risk with just a 40% chance?"

Orochimaru pressed the solution into Natsuki's hand. "This solution cost a whopping 200 million. Are you willing to waste it?"

Natsuki hesitated, gazing at the tube of crystal-clear solution. He was reluctant to part with it, knowing the significant investment it represented.

Ultimately, he decided to keep it for the time being.

Observing Natsuki's response, Orochimaru felt a sense of relief. For a scientific researcher, discarding such an expensive investment was indeed a difficult decision.

Subsequently, Orochimaru divulged his ambitious plan to Natsuki.

"I intend to fuse various excellent genes to create the perfect vessel for myself!"

Natsuki was so stunned by the revelation that he almost lost his balance. 

'But Orochimaru is currently planning to create artificial humans, and I'm also intrigued by it,' Natsuki chimed in.

"When Jūgo was brought back, I considered using the curse seal to achieve immortality," Orochimaru explained.

"But after reading your 'Negative Effects of Soul Splitting on Mentality,' I realized that after my soul splits a few times, I probably won't be myself anymore."

There was a sigh in Orochimaru's voice. When he fled from Konoha, he implanted a newly developed Cursed Seal of Heaven in Anko's place.

However, this seal did not enhance Anko in any way. Instead, it absorbed her body's nutrients and stored Orochimaru's soul fragments.

"Without your reminder, would I have continued splitting my soul and eventually become a fool?" Orochimaru questioned, grateful for Natsuki's insight.

"I'm planning to enhance the Fushi Tensei," Orochimaru continued. "Forcibly crushing the soul of the vessel generates impurities in my soul."

"Have you begun conducting in-depth research on your soul?" Natsuki asked, intrigued by Orochimaru's self-analysis.

"I asked Itachi to attack me with all his strength and found that I couldn't resist his genjutsu at all," Orochimaru revealed. "My resistance to genjutsu has significantly declined."

Acknowledging his weaknesses, Orochimaru remained composed. He was determined to fix any flaws in his research.

"It's good that you've realized this early on. I also want to remind you of it," Natsuki offered his support.

Curious about his future, Orochimaru questioned, "Did I encounter problems in the future due to the split of my soul?"

Natsuki nodded solemnly. "It's a significant issue. If I hadn't intervened, you would have initiated the Konoha Collapse Plan and killed the Third Hokage."

"Me? Kill the old man?" Orochimaru was taken aback.

"Yes, you first coveted the Akatsuki organization's Rinnegan and were defeated," Natsuki recounted. "Then you coveted Itachi's Sharingan and were defeated again."

"In the end, even though you went to Konoha and killed the Third Hokage, you were ultimately overthrown," Natsuki continued.

"Afterward, countless individuals came after you, leading to the fragmentation of your soul," Natsuki explained. "Although you were ultimately resurrected, you became..."

Natsuki paused, searching for the right words. He gestured with his hands, trying to convey Orochimaru's state during Naruto's wedding.

"Just that kind of lunatic who is not mentally stable," Natsuki concluded.

Orochimaru's expression darkened. He valued his intelligence and talent highly, and the thought of becoming mentally unstable filled him with dread.

He was very dissatisfied with the Third Hokage's choice of Minato as the Fourth Hokage. If Orochimaru became a madman, it would be easier to kill him.

Secretly, Orochimaru resolved to address his soul problem. Even if he died, he couldn't allow his soul to be divided in this life.

Observing Orochimaru's changing expression, Natsuki roughly understood his thoughts.

After all, Orochimaru in the early stages was completely different from his later self, with both his thoughts and personality deteriorating over time.

The root of the problem lay in the division of souls and reincarnation.

Natsuki hadn't realized that there was another nearby person who also enjoyed splitting souls, and what he ended up becoming.