Chapter 3: Scientific Evolution

"Basic Gene Enhancement Serum? Does this mean it can strengthen the body?" Orochimaru smirked. "Haha, in other words, this stuff can increase a ninja's chakra reserves?"

"Judging from the host's current situation, that's indeed the case!" the system confirmed.

Orochimaru nodded in understanding.

He knew that in the world of Naruto, a ninja's power came from chakra an energy formed by the perfect fusion of life energy and spiritual energy.

Let's set spiritual energy aside for now. First, let's talk about life energy!

Life energy generally referred to a person's physical constitution. The stronger a person's body, the more chakra they could generate, and the faster they could recover after using techniques both of which were massive advantages in combat.

Take, for example, the Senju and Uzumaki clans in this world! Due to their naturally robust bodies, even children from these clans had more chakra than the average ninja. This meant they could spam powerful techniques in battle without worrying about running out of chakra. How could an ordinary ninja ever compete with that?

So, after seeing the instructions for using the Basic Gene Enhancement Serum, Orochimaru quickly understood its function, and he found himself growing a bit more interested in the system.

In this world, for ordinary ninjas, there were very few ways to drastically increase their chakra reserves. Aside from becoming a Jinchuuriki, the only viable option was to transplant cells from the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. But this system could accomplish something similar enhancing a ninja's chakra reserves with just a vial of the Basic Genetic Enhancement Serum. That was nothing short of miraculous.

After a brief period of reflection, Orochimaru had more or less figured it out.

"So, I get it now. Besides the free newbie gift pack, I'll have to research future technological products on my own, right?" Orochimaru asked, already familiar with the standard process of systems from the countless novels he'd read.

"Yes, host!" the system replied dutifully.

"For some reason, I still think it'd be more convenient if you just gave me the body of an immortal," Orochimaru muttered, still a bit skeptical about the path laid before him. "After all, scientific research is too labor-intensive. It would be much easier to wield power with the body of an immortal than relying on these external tools and methods you mentioned."

The system paused for a moment before responding.

"Science can also make the host stronger than all other ninjas. Please have faith in this system!"

"Well, just the fact that I got a second chance at life is a jackpot already," Orochimaru muttered to himself, starting to come to terms with his situation. "Alright… let's take a look at my status panel first."

The system responded immediately, and the status panel appeared before him.

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Host: Orochimaru

Mastered Technology: None

Unlockable Technology: Basic Gene Enhancement Serum Production Program

Next Unlockable Stage: Gene Extraction

---

The extremely simple system interface allowed Orochimaru to quickly grasp the details.

The system's research was divided into two major categories: Genes and Weapons.

Genes, of course, pertained to the various genetic enhancements and modifications a person could make to their body cells, bloodlines, physical constitution, and overall genetic makeup.

Weapons, on the other hand, referred to modern offensive technologies that could be used in battle.

For example, the system hinted at advanced creations like Mecha-Naruto or the small rockets and heat-seeking missiles that Pain had used during his assault on Konoha.

For now, only these categories were visible. Many other technologies remained locked, but they would be revealed as Orochimaru completed his research. Once the first scientific research project was completed, the next project would unlock automatically.

Interestingly, based on Orochimaru's thought process, the system had automatically prioritized genetic research projects first. Once three genetic experiments were successfully completed, the system would unlock the next stage weapon research.

Additionally, the system featured a mall, filled with various auxiliary technological products like invisible flies, genetic analyzers, mineral detectors, smart mining machines, and more. These products could be obtained using technology points, which were earned by completing scientific research projects.

For example, successfully completing the basic Gene Enhancement Serum experiment would grant 5,000 technology points, while a smart mining machine only cost 1,000 technology points.

"Haha, so other people travel to the Naruto world and awaken powerful bloodline abilities like the Sharingan or the Byakugan," Orochimaru chuckled to himself. "But I get to be a scientist?"

He sighed and resigned himself to the situation. "Alright, let's unlock the Basic Genetic Enhancement Serum production program!"

"Ding! Basic Gene Enhancement Serum production program has been successfully unlocked!"

"Congratulations to the host for acquiring the Basic Gene Enhancement Serum production process!"

"Congratulations to the host for obtaining the right to use raw materials for the Basic Gene Enhancement Serum!"

"Congratulations to the host for acquiring the main experimental equipment for the Basic Gene Enhancement Serum!"

Note: Completing a successful scientific research project will automatically unlock the next research project: Gene Extraction!

Gene Extraction: Extract genes from any species through scientific methods!

---

Suddenly, countless experimental techniques and methods flooded Orochimaru's mind. The system had embedded the knowledge directly into his brain. He now knew everything he needed to create the Basic Gene Enhancement Serum, step by step.

Meanwhile, his system warehouse was stocked with several key pieces of experimental equipment, including microscopes, DNA extraction machines, and DNA quality control machines.

Next to the warehouse, there was also a button to receive a free set of raw materials.

Orochimaru wasn't in a rush to claim them just yet, but he noted that the materials included various plants and herbs some of which he recognized from this world, while others seemed completely foreign to him.

His status panel had also been updated.

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Mastered Technology: Basic Gene Enhancement Serum.

Unlockable Technology: None

Next Unlockable Stage: Gene Extraction

---

Seeing all this new information, Orochimaru quickly dived into planning his research.

According to the system, each time he unlocked a new scientific research skill, he would receive a corresponding set of raw materials and experimental equipment for free. However, there was a catch there was only one set of equipment and raw materials per project, so he needed to be precise and careful with his experiments.

If he failed, he would have to earn technology points by completing smaller tasks to purchase more materials. And if he succeeded, he would move on to even more advanced projects.

They just pour the theory into your brain and expect you to practice on your own? Haha, this is going to be interesting! Orochimaru thought, his initial reluctance fading as his natural curiosity and ambition took over.

He was starting to see the potential in this path.

Even though he had originally hoped for something more straightforward like a god-tier bloodline ability this scientific approach might allow him to surpass even those with the most coveted kekkei genkai.