A Weighty Gift

Death Forest, underground laboratory.

Orochimaru and Fuma were discussing some experimental data.

From their relaxed and friendly demeanor, it was evident they had been getting along quite well recently.

A month ago, Fuma had found Orochimaru and lent him the "Star" for research, rapidly advancing their friendship.

Although Fuma wasn't a professional scientist, his deep understanding of the Naruto world allowed his insights to often surprise Orochimaru, making him a valuable participant in the research.

The "Star," a remnant of the Ten-Tails, possessed a high level of chakra that was highly effective in causing biological mutations. It also helped Orochimaru in his genetic research and his quest for immortality.

One time, Orochimaru invited Fuma to see the wood release experiments he and Danzo had been conducting.

Seeing Fuma's calm demeanor and keen interest in the experiment's details, Orochimaru silently acknowledged Fuma as a "friend."

However, Orochimaru's demeanor had softened considerably since Nawaki's presence added a touch of humanity to him. He occasionally even showed a slightly sunny smile, far removed from his colder future self.

Currently, he was conducting experiments strictly according to the Third Hokage's standards, never crossing the line despite Danzo's repeated hints.

Fuma carefully examined Orochimaru's experimental data. Since the First Hokage's death, Konoha's research on Wood Release had never ceased.

Wood Release was not only a symbol of Konoha but also highly effective in controlling tailed beasts, making it crucial for Konoha.

Closing the scroll, Fuma recalled the origins of Wood Release.

Since both Asura and Hashirama could use Wood Release, it implied that Wood Release was an Asura lineage power that could be obtained through transplantation, meaning Asura's chakra wasn't a necessary condition.

Fuma had a sudden inspiration and spoke slowly:

"Nearly a hundred volunteer ninjas have died pursuing Wood Release. Continuing like this is not worth the cost."

"As a bloodline limit, there's no reason Wood Release should have such a low inheritance probability, indicating a problem with the research direction."

Orochimaru nodded lightly. In reality, this method was merely a hypothesis of the Second Hokage.

The Third Hokage and Danzo had forced Orochimaru to follow this path based on a few words from the Second Hokage.

And for a researcher, the most frustrating thing is being led by non-experts.

Orochimaru chuckled and said, "I originally hypothesized that Wood Release causes a bloodline rejection. Even if it's a bloodline limit, it requires the awakener to have enough Yang chakra to adapt."

"But since Sarutobi-sensei wanted to use this crude method, I didn't mind. I happily accepted the remaining funds."

Orochimaru snorted coldly, clearly displeased with the Third Hokage's interference.

Fuma, inwardly sighing at Orochimaru's strong resentment, changed the subject.

"How's the research on the 'Star' going? Is it progressing smoothly?"

Mentioning this, Orochimaru became excited and led Fuma to a hidden door to showcase the results.

"This stone has a chakra aura very similar to tailed beasts, but its ferocity far exceeds them, even affecting biological genes."

"Crucially, its biological nature leans more toward plants than animals."

"This might be the origin of tailed beasts, possibly their mother. According to my guess, these so-called tailed beasts are likely artificially catalyzed products!"

"Historically, tailed beasts have only existed for a thousand years, which isn't enough time for plants to evolve into animals. This is impossible!"

"A major event must have occurred in the Ninja World over a thousand years ago. Even the Sage of Six Paths might have truly existed!"

At this moment, Orochimaru's eyes shone with the light of knowledge, showing a touch of madness.

Fuma was genuinely shocked.

Despite some flaws in Orochimaru's hypothesis, he had nearly uncovered a millennium-old secret of the Ninja World with just a fragment.

This is a friend, Fuma must keep at all costs!

Seeing Fuma's stunned expression, Orochimaru thought he was shocked by his conjecture and chuckled.

"For current purposes, the Aburame clan's insects are the best subjects for mutation experiments. Their parasitic insects have unstable genes and reproduce quickly, greatly increasing mutation probability."

"After several generations of screening and breeding, producing stronger insects is inevitable."

"This project can win over the Aburame clan, even making them your staunch supporters."

Orochimaru spoke candidly to Fuma, showing his regard for him as a friend.

This war was bound to produce heroes, and Fuma was already ahead of everyone.

The Third Hokage was getting old, and it was likely that the Uchiha clan would push Fuma to compete for the Hokage position.

Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a bit sentimental, understanding that even those from prestigious clans had their burdens.

Unexpectedly, Fuma waved his hand indifferently.

"There's no need for that. In the Anbu, there's a kid named Aburame Shikuro who's quite interesting. You should handle it and negotiate with the Aburame clan to bring him under your command."

Aburame Shikuro, the father of Aburame Torune, both had the ability to control nano-sized poisonous insects, with great potential for development.

Unfortunately, in Danzo's hands, they never reached their full potential.

Orochimaru looked at Fuma in surprise, realizing Fuma wasn't restricted by the Uchiha clan and had no desire to compete for the Hokage position.

Orochimaru had only recently become close to Fuma and wasn't familiar with his past.

In the Uchiha clan, almost everyone of certain status had probably been beaten by Fuma. The clan leader had it the worst, being both beaten and scolded.

Seeing Fuma's carefree demeanor, Orochimaru's mood improved as well.

He patted Fuma and handed him a peculiar explosive tag.

"This is a product of my research with Nawaki on the Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags. He asked me to give you one."

Fuma was astonished, not expecting such talent from the kid, almost as if he had the genius of the Second Hokage!

Orochimaru explained with a helpless expression:

"The reason no one has succeeded in mastering the Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags over the years is that no one can sense the explosive tag space within the technique. Nawaki summoned the explosive tags on his first try."

"In reality, this technique isn't difficult. I suspect it was something the First Hokage decided to include on his own."

"The so-called explosive tag space is just a large number of explosive tags stored by the Second Hokage."

"With special Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags, one can control this technique, a task even a chunin could complete."

Fuma suddenly understood, picturing a conversation between the First and Second Hokage.

"Brother, I've invented a useful jutsu."

"Is it a Water Release jutsu?"

"No."

"Oh, then it's forbidden."

Orochimaru, looking serious, emphasized to Fuma:

"Nawaki divided all the explosive tags in the space into three parts, creating three Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags, giving one to you and me, and keeping one for himself."

"These are the last three opportunities to use the Mutual Multiplying Explosive Tags."

"I estimated the power of this jutsu, and it could easily level half of Konoha. Even with your extraordinary body, use it cautiously."

Fuma solemnly accepted it, understanding it wasn't just a powerful ninja tool but also carried Nawaki's heartfelt intentions.

He then curiously asked, "He kept one for himself, gave us each one, but didn't give one to Tsunade?"

Orochimaru's face lit up with a bright smile as he said, "No, he didn't, and Tsunade beat him up for it."

As soon as he finished speaking, the underground lab was filled with hearty laughter.

"What a refreshing atmosphere."

Watching Fuma laugh heartily, Orochimaru's smile grew even brighter.

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