Cellular Revitalization

"It's Orochimaru-sama, unexpectedly."

"Why is Orochimaru-sama here?"

In the sickroom, Orochimaru, one of the three legendary shinobis, had just appeared, shocking the medical shinobis nearby.

...

Orochimaru smiled faintly and said, "While I may not be as skilled in medical ninjutsu as Tsunade, I do have a certain proficiency. I believe I can be of assistance."

Anko, curious, stared at Orochimaru. This was one of the three legendary shinobis, Orochimaru? For some reason, when she first laid eyes on Orochimaru, she felt a strange surge of emotions.

"Orochimaru, why have you come here?"

On the hospital bed, Satoru's voice carried a hint of coldness. He harbored some reluctance towards Orochimaru.

What was more, his condition wasn't great at the moment. If Orochimaru had any ill intentions...

"I have come for Satoru, naturally. I believe I can be of assistance to him. If possible, I would like to spend some time alone with him. Would that be acceptable?"

Orochimaru's voice was sincere, and the attention of Shibi and the others focused on Satoru.

Satoru pondered for a moment. This era's Orochimaru hadn't yet reached the later stages of his madness, where he became obsessed with achieving immortality. Shibi was also outside, so there shouldn't be any issues.

Moreover, Orochimaru truly possessed something Satoru needed...

"Very well."

...

The door to the sickroom closed with a soft thud, leaving only Orochimaru and Satoru inside.

"Orochimaru, if it's just the two of us, there's no need to be overly cautious. What do you want?"

Satoru got straight to the point. He disliked beating around the bush, especially when dealing with someone as snake-like as Orochimaru.

"As expected of you, Satoru. You've sensed my intentions."

"A Seven Ninja Swordsmen member and a high-ranking member of the Kaguya clan. Faced with this lineup, even I would retreat. Yet, Satoru, you managed to survive. Impressive."

"Perhaps it's more than just surviving?"

A flicker of surprise appeared in Orochimaru's eyes, and he took a deep breath, his expression changing from playful to serious.

Satoru contemplated silently. It seemed that Anko had only informed them about the enemies he had encountered. They weren't aware of the full extent of the battle. However, thinking about it carefully, when Anko arrived, the enemies' bodies were already engulfed by the metallic forest.

That way, he could conceal his true strength.

But with Orochimaru, he needed to deliver a substantial blow. After all, if he didn't display enough leverage, dealing with this snake-like figure would be dangerous.

Orochimaru's surprise subsided as he carefully observed Satoru's body. The more he observed, the deeper his smile became, and he couldn't help but express admiration.

"Truly deserving of being the first shinobi in Hyuga history to be a dual kekkei genkai user. On top of that, you have an extraordinary constitution, an unparalleled vitality, and it seems there's a unique power healing your injuries..."

"Your eyes are sharp."

Satoru said coldly. His body had undergone three electromagnetic upgrades, making him far superior to an ordinary person. The self-regulation of his life's magnetic field was continuously repairing his injuries.

"However, if it remains like this, some residual effects are inevitable. After all, it seems you used some sort of high-cost forbidden jutsu. The damage extends down to the cellular level."

Orochimaru clicked his tongue a few times, and in just a few minutes, he arrived at a conclusion that was more accurate than the several hours spent by the medical shinobis.

Satoru fell into silence. Although the Tyrant Mode itself didn't damage his cells, the final technique he used, Metal Forest, drained him of an enormous amount of chakra, resulting in cellular damage.

"I came at the right time then. This is the 'Cellular Revitalization' training method, a secret technique I developed over three years. Not only can it repair your cellular damage, but it can also enhance your unique constitution."

"What do you want in return?" After a brief pause, Satoru asked.

Orochimaru chuckled and said, "Cells, fresh samples of your cells. Also, hair, and blood samples. You are the only dual kekkei genkai user in Hyuga history, and you possess this extremely unique constitution. I'm eager to explore it."

"Fine."

"You truly are ambitious, Satoru."

"Haha, you are an ambitious person, Satoru."

With a laugh, Orochimaru suddenly realized why Satoru wanted to cooperate with him. Was there something compelling Satoru to collaborate with him, or some external factor forcing him to?

A sudden thought emerged in his mind: 'The caged bird seal, indeed' Orochimaru was one of Konoha's most renowned research shinobis. To solve the problem of the seal, they'd have to find him as this was likely the only way to crack it.

For some reason, Orochimaru was beginning to look forward to their collaboration. An unrestrained Satoru would be a terrifying presence. Imagining this, he smiled, pushed open the door to the sickroom, and left.

"How's it going, Satoru?"

"Are you okay?"

Several people anxiously rushed into the room from outside.

"I'm fine." Satoru smiled at them and nodded.

"Well, since Satoru doesn't need me anymore, I'll be leaving."

Having obtained what he wanted, Orochimaru was eager to return to his laboratory.

"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama, for your assistance."

"Who would have thought that Orochimaru-sama would possess medical ninjutsu? Satoru's complexion seems much better."

The surrounding medical shinobis unconsciously flattered Orochimaru.

Orochimaru nodded and left the sickroom.

Beside the hospital bed, Anko clenched her hand unconsciously, her gaze struggling, as if making a difficult decision.

Soon, she took a deep breath, ran to the corridor, faced Orochimaru's retreating figure, bowed deeply, buried her head in her chest, and said loudly,

"Orochimaru-sama, please take me as your disciple!"