Chapter 170 : Déjà vu

Orochimaru shed his white coat, donning a moon-white kimono. Having finished tidying up, he prepared to switch tasks with Takeshi and venture out.

"By the way, how's the progress on the research of Gelel's Stone?" Takeshi inquired while dissecting, as Hiruko gathered materials.

"We've made some headway."

Orochimaru powered down a device and retrieved a light blue crystal from it, which emanated chakra fluctuations. It was the Gelel Stone he had crafted!

"Attempting to store chakra within it would result in considerable loss—about half would dissipate. Furthermore, chakra tends to leak, and the core essence remains relatively unstable. There are numerous challenges to overcome."

"Not bad, considering the limited time we've had. Troy worked on his research for over a decade and even harnessed the power of the divine tree."

Takeshi observed the crystal in Orochimaru's palm with great enthusiasm.

The crystal that could store chakra served as the cornerstone for developing the technological weapons of the Asura Path. Coupled with puppetry techniques, it tackled the enduring issue of long-term chakra storage. This marked the beginning of the research into chakra-based mechanical weaponry!

Moreover, the concept of plug-in Chakra rechargeable armors had potential. Given sufficient resources, they could be developed further, proving to be formidable individual armaments.

Since it could house chakra and genuine essence, when the technology matured, storing tailed beast chakra might become feasible. Thus, the creation of legendary mechanical entities like the mechanical Naruto and the mechanical Nine-Tails might no longer be far-fetched!

Even future scientific ninja gear, though insignificant to the powerful, would serve as weapons of war.

Who could have anticipated that Troy possessed such remarkable genius ability? His untimely demise was truly regrettable.

Of course, death was merely the prologue...

Emerging from the laboratory, Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, relishing the warmth of the sun's rays. He seemed at ease, the rigidness in his veins melting in the sun's embrace.

Having spent considerable time in the laboratory researching Gelel's Stone production, his skin had paled significantly. Now, it was time to venture out and enjoy a stroll.

Taking a deep breath, Orochimaru headed towards the seventh-class training grounds. There was bound to be someone there.

"By the way, Hiruko, what fuels your intense desire for power?" Takeshi inquired as he and Hiruko conducted experiments.

"It's because..."

Hiruko's expression turned solemn. "Orochimaru—or rather, Takeshi—although I still struggle to distinguish between the two of you..."

Hiruko continued, "Takeshi, your resources appear rather limited, don't they?"

"Eh? Why the sudden concern?" Takeshi was caught off guard.

He had already invested the funds he obtained from Kubisaki Castle into the experiments. Research incurred substantial costs, and he hadn't consciously pursued money-making endeavors, even though various opportunities had presented themselves. For now, it seemed manageable.

"Yours truly possesses a substantial sum of money, which I'm more than willing to offer!"

Hiruko produced a scroll without hesitation. After providing his blood to unseal it, a multitude of silver bills spilled out, densely packed within the scroll.

"So much money! Where did you acquire such wealth?!" Takeshi exclaimed, taken aback. The wealth displayed dwarfed what Kubisaki had amassed. Could it be that Hiruko was a local tycoon?

"What good is excess money? My parents hailed from the Land of Fire's affluent class. Their riches rivalled that of a nation, yet they were easily slain."

Hiruko sighed, his countenance heavy. "Orochimaru—or rather, Takeshi—my apologies for not discerning between you..."

Hiruko continued, "Takeshi, your financial circumstances appear quite strained, correct?"

When he had fled, he brought a portion of his family's legacy to Konoha to survive. Donations to the village helped quell pursuers. What remained constituted his current wealth.

"Quite an unexpected revelation."

Takeshi recollected Hiruko's teenage years, when he embarked on human experimentation. This transpired before the Second Shinobi World War, and Orochimaru had lacked the resources to undertake such pursuits.

What baffled Takeshi even more was how someone with modest natural talent could rival those who had minimal potential, in terms of maniacal determination.

Evidently, Hiruko's driving force towards strength was rooted in hatred as well.

"In that case, I'll accept your offer with gratitude." Takeshi was sincere in his acceptance, acknowledging Hiruko's sponsorship.

This infusion of funds rendered Takeshi financially stable. Hiruko seemed to harbor a promising future.

In the Land of Lightning's forthcoming operation, Orochimaru would assume the initial exploration role. In dire circumstances, he could always transfer himself to the escape.

Presently, Takeshi's focus lay on awakening his Wood Release. He awaited word from Nightingale.

"Hello, Sarutobi-sensei."

Orochimaru greeted Hiruzen Sarutobi respectfully, the future Hokage propped against a tree trunk. His attention shifted to the two individuals engaged in a heated argument nearby.

"Tsunade, Jiraiya, a reunion indeed."

Orochimaru's traditionally aloof countenance bore a trace of warmth and joy. Jiraiya's nonchalant wave persisted as he excitedly recounted tales of the mystical Mount Myōboku to anyone within earshot. Tsunade's perception, however, hinted at underlying unease.

"Hey, Orochimaru, it hasn't been long since our last meeting, yet you seem strangely off today."

"Yes, today, I am indeed Orochimaru."

Orochimaru's gaze settled on Tsunade, her youth and beauty undiminished by time, radiating vitality. Jiraiya, on the other hand, appeared notably more powerful than during their Chunin Exams. His moniker, the tail of the crane, no longer sufficed.

In many ways, the original Sannin reunion was a meeting of destiny. Yet, would fate unfurl as predicted by history?

"Orochimaru, congratulations on your appointment as Special Jōnin. This war is pivotal, and I may soon be absent. Care for these two in my stead."

Sarutobi patted Orochimaru's shoulder, his expression solemn as he regarded his most prized pupil.

Once upon a time, these three youngsters strived to snatch the bells from him. Now, they stood as grown individuals. Orochimaru's strength, especially, had carved a place for him in the shinobi world.

"Hey hey hey, when did I need his protection?"

Jiraiya interjected, his fists clenched, the air reeking of defiance.

"Jiraiya, your bravado is misplaced. Facing them, you'd likely be subdued in two moves." Orochimaru's cold smile was both charming and authoritative.

"That's enough, cut the bickering. Jiraiya, silence. Two moves would probably suffice." Tsunade's tone was dismissive.

"Tsunade, you're the puppeteer behind this? I've misjudged you!" Jiraiya feigned heartbreak, shattered by her decree.

"Orochimaru, whether you believe it or not, I've summoned Mr. Gamabunta. Our pending showdown isn't over!" Jiraiya declared, resolute.

"Indeed? I'm curious to witness a toad unafraid of serpents. This should be intriguing." Orochimaru's lips curled, his excitement evident.

"I..."

"Enough!"

Tsunade's iron fist struck Jiraiya, toppling him, a swelling lump emerging on his forehead.

"Woooooo~" Jiraiya succumbed once again!

"These youngsters are lively." Sarutobi observed with a content smile, casting his gaze upon the trio.

"Ah, almost forgot—Orochimaru, this is a specially-crafted dart, a promotion gift from me." Sarutobi produced a small box.

"Ah, thank you, sensei." Orochimaru expressed his gratitude, momentarily surprised.

"Oh, and I nearly overlooked this—Orochimaru, I've prepared a medical kit filled with love. Although I'm aware you possess healing capabilities, hehe."

Tsunade reacted swiftly, presenting a white package.

"...thank you!"

Orochimaru accepted their gifts, emotions swelling. Perhaps these exchanges reflected bonds?

Curiously, something about this scene appeared strikingly familiar...

Orochimaru furrowed his brow, pondering the intricate web of fate and prophecies interwoven within the Naruto universe. Takeshi's presence seemingly manipulated causality. Orochimaru and Jiraiya, bound as lifelong rivals, were integral to the story's fabric. With history momentarily back on its predetermined path, what lay ahead?

Shaking off the nostalgia, Orochimaru resolved to focus on the present.

With two gifts in hand, their collective attention shifted conspicuously to Jiraiya.

"Hey, isn't he just slightly senior to a Chunin? I deserve a gift too!"

Jiraiya protested, sensing the imbalance. After racking his brain, he suddenly exclaimed, "I've got it! I possess an array of captivating stories. How about I entertain you? They're enthralling, I assure you!"

Jiraiya's demeanor grew increasingly sly as his gaze shifted between Tsunade and Orochimaru.

"Jiraiya, confine your tales to your imagination. No need to unleash societal chaos!"