chapter 18: Preparing to Run

Being exposed by Orochimaru about his secret, it would be a lie to say that Baishi felt calm inside. However, he couldn't show it.

Therefore, he could only remain silent, just as before.

"Hehe~"

Seeing that he didn't admit it, Orochimaru chuckled softly and continued, "According to the examination just now, your mental energy far exceeds that of your peers, almost reaching the level of a Jonin.

Of course, this is not surprising, considering how much chakra you have; your mental energy wouldn't naturally be low.

But—"

Baishi perked up, wanting to know how Orochimaru had discovered that he hadn't been brainwashed.

"But the level of activity of your mental energy is completely unlike those 'tools' can compare to.

Don't think about denying it; I know the mental states of those individuals better than you do.

Moreover, the curse marks used by Danzo to suppress emotions and restrain thoughts were mostly researched by me. If I'm not mistaken, you haven't been affected by any related curse marks, right?"

At this point, Orochimaru fixed his gaze on Baishi and clicked his tongue in surprise. "Truly astonishing. Although those curse marks aren't particularly profound, you actually managed to break free from their influence. Did you self-study related ninjutsu or forcibly break through the curse marks' restrictions?"

After saying this, Orochimaru fell silent, merely watching Baishi, waiting for his response.

However, Baishi still had no intention of speaking, only maintaining a neutral expression as he looked back at Orochimaru.

The two locked eyes, and the laboratory was enveloped in silence.

Though he admired Orochimaru's sharp wit, having his secret guessed and admitting it were two entirely different matters. Once he opened his mouth, he'd inevitably leave behind evidence.

Even if Danzo would not care whether there was evidence after knowing this, Baishi could not be careless in the slightest. He must do everything possible to avoid being in danger.

Moreover, he did not believe Orochimaru would say such things without a purpose; he must be after something.

It was now a waiting game to see what the other party intended to do. If the situation became irreparable, he would have no choice but to take the plunge.

Fortunately, Orochimaru had not yet learned any forbidden techniques and was not as strong as in the later stages. With his current strength, if he went all out, he would still have a chance to escape for a distance.

At that point, as long as he used Wood Release in the village, with Sarutobi Hiruzen's character, he would surely protect him.

Upon realizing this, Baishi felt somewhat reassured and continued to maintain his silence.

Seeing that Baishi remained quiet, Orochimaru frowned slightly, but it seemed he thought of something and shook his head, saying, "Forget it. You don't have to speak."

He then changed the subject and asked, "Do you know why Danzo would have you cooperate with my experiment?"

Without waiting for Baishi to respond, Orochimaru continued, "Do you know? Your physique is quite special; your cells have a remarkably strong adaptability.

In the past few years, I've collected the cells of various bloodline users and discovered that the vast majority of their cells can be devoured and merged by your cells.

In other words, your cells serve as the best medium for fusing bloodlines.

However, because of this, ordinary people find it difficult to carry your cells. But once we solve this problem, bloodlines will no longer be a privilege of those clans.

Anyone, with just a little catalyst, can inherit the corresponding bloodline, and the ninja world will change because of it."

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Baishi was stunned, momentarily at a loss for words.

'Wait a minute, eternal life? Isn't your pursuit supposed to be eternal life? How did it suddenly shift to everyone becoming a dragon?'

Seemingly catching Baishi's thoughts, Orochimaru circled back to the topic, speaking with fervor, "Currently, you've only fused the initial phase of Wood Release, but your potential goes beyond that.

Five years ago, at the beginning of the experiment, you almost got consumed by the first generation's cells, but as time passed, your body's cells became stronger and ultimately even consumed the first generation's cells.

Afterwards, your cells lost that growth capacity. I hypothesize this was an emergency response; if you find yourself in a similar dangerous situation again, your cells will likely reactivate that growth ability.

Then, you will be able to fuse even more excellent bloodlines.

As this process advances, your overall qualities will continue to improve until you become a 'complete person' and thus completely freed from the binds of age and sickness."

Listening to Orochimaru's so-called 'complete person' plan, Baishi truly felt like running away.

This guy has indeed understood his proactive evolution and [cell adaptability], but merging bloodlines to become a 'complete person'?

That was clearly an overshot. From the history of the ninja world, this would ultimately only result in a version of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.

With the aid of the 'system', he had no need for such a pursuit. After all, no matter how strong Kaguya Ōtsutsuki was, she was ultimately sealed away in the end.

Seeing Baishi's obvious urge to flee, Orochimaru waved his hand and said, "Don't be nervous; this plan isn't urgent. There are still some things I haven't figured out. Let's talk about Danzo's aim first!"

Hearing this, Baishi let out a long sigh of relief in his heart; he thought the experiment Danzo referred to was this.

'It makes sense. This plan, whether or not Orochimaru has shared it with Danzo, would probably still be met with hesitation from Danzo.'

After all, compared to Orochimaru's pursuit of immortality, Danzo cared more about power.

And Baishi was the sharpest sword in his hands. Until his goals were achieved, there was no way the other would easily abandon him.

'So what exactly is the experiment they are talking about?'

Just as Baishi pondered, Orochimaru unveiled the answer.

"You may not know, but five years ago, there was another person who survived the experiment besides you.

However, his initial cell fusion with the first generation wasn't very potent, so his Wood Release capabilities were far inferior to yours, and he originally had no chance of changing that.

But in recent years, by studying your cells, I've had a few new ideas.

If all goes well, I should be able to enhance his potential once more.

And this process will require your cooperation, which is why Danzo sent you here."

'Yamato? Looks like his fate is going to change again.'

Just as he was silently reflecting, Baishi suddenly seemed to grasp something, focusing entirely on Orochimaru.

What met him was the latter's golden vertical pupils.

"Hehe~"

Orochimaru chuckled twice, speaking with significant undertones, "From now on, you will no longer be the only one."

After saying this, he walked towards the laboratory's exit.

Watching Orochimaru's retreating figure, Baishi's expression shifted multiple times. He didn't know if this was intentional by Orochimaru or a suggestion from Danzo.

But no matter which it was, it was bad news for him.

After all, with choices now available, his importance would greatly decline.

At that time, his situation would become even more difficult.

'No, I've got to run!'

Almost without thinking, Baishi made up his mind.

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