Chapter 30: Preparations Complete

Orochimaru's research base.

Jin tossed the three attackers from the Death Forest onto a large operating table.

"Jin-kun, why did you bring these people back?" Orochimaru asked with a curious expression, watching Jin closely.

"If you plan to use them as experimental subjects, Danzo won't let this go easily," he added.

Although Root had already become quite established, the fact that Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo were not universally accepted by all the clans still had lingering effects. Hiruzen had cultivated his inner circle of trusted individuals, slowly gaining control over the various clans, while Danzo's Root remained composed mostly of commoner ninjas or those from families with less talented members. 

The three individuals now lying unconscious on the operating table were considered some of Root's elites. Danzo wouldn't tolerate their loss.

Orochimaru touched his chin, contemplating the situation. Sending three Tokubetsu Jonin after a Genin like Jin showed just how cautious Danzo truly was. Orochimaru had once considered joining Root himself, but after attaining greater strength, he found the idea less appealing. Looking at Root's so-called "elite" ninjas now, he felt even more certain of his decision. They were weaklings who could be crushed with ease.

Jin glanced at Orochimaru, wondering what was on his mind. Did Orochimaru really think Jin was reckless?

"I've developed a jutsu that allows me to absorb others' chakra," Jin explained, "but I couldn't absorb any from these three. I brought them back to investigate why."

He had already attempted to use his chakra-absorbing techniques on the orange-haired man and the Aburame clan member, Min. But the results were the same—his techniques had no effect on them, rendering even his "Celestial Thief" jutsu and other abilities mostly useless.

Orochimaru looked at Jin with surprise, as if confused by Jin's ignorance. Jin was curious but focused more on discovering what was happening inside the bodies of these individuals.

As the information from their bodies was gathered and recorded on a scroll, Jin's eyes widened in realization.

"So that's how it is," he muttered.

He now understood why Orochimaru had given him such a strange look earlier.

These three individuals had two seals within their bodies. The first was the "Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal," a technique that prevented the sealed individual from revealing any secrets about the caster. However, this seal didn't interfere with the absorption of chakra.

The second seal was what caused the issue.

All three had practiced Jin's "Foundation Training," and they were still in the first stage. At that stage, it was impossible to expel chakra from the body, which explained why Jin couldn't absorb their chakra. But by the same logic, they shouldn't have been able to use ninjutsu either. Yet these three had been able to perform complex jutsu without any apparent limitations.

Now that Jin examined the scroll, he understood what had happened.

"They engraved the jutsu into their body's surface, so when they form hand seals, the chakra is absorbed and forcibly converted into ninjutsu," Jin read aloud from the scroll.

This was the same principle used to create ninja tools that could store and release jutsu.

"Unbelievable," Jin muttered.

While this method did allow them to use ninjutsu, it came with a significant drawback. Each time they used ninjutsu, it damaged their bodies. Many ninja tools failed during use due to poor quality materials—using a human body as the medium was even worse. Frequent use would inevitably result in permanent damage.

"A cruel method," Jin remarked. Sacrificing one's future to gain temporary access to ninjutsu was something he would never do.

Orochimaru seemed to read Jin's thoughts. "Those hidden beneath Konoha have no future to speak of," he said.

Future? Jin scoffed at the idea. The so-called "root of Konoha," as Danzo liked to call his organization, was more like a parasite, gnawing away at the very heart of the village.

To Jin's description, Orochimaru did not entirely agree. "Root has contributed significantly to the village's development," he countered.

After all, Root was composed of emotionless tools, completing many of Konoha's most dangerous missions. The information they gathered, even though it was first given to Danzo, had often prevented serious threats to Konoha. And Orochimaru knew that much of Hiruzen Sarutobi's shining public image was due to Root carrying out all the dirty work. Even the controversial experiments involving Hashirama's cells, though formally initiated by Hiruzen, had been carried out entirely by Root.

The village believed it was all Danzo's doing—nothing could be further from the truth.

"Perhaps," Jin replied, unwilling to discuss the matter further. He injected a sedative into the three unconscious individuals, ensuring they remained out cold.

"How should we handle these people, Orochimaru-sama?" Jin asked, flashing a sweet, innocent smile.

Orochimaru couldn't help but chuckle at Jin's pragmatism. Whenever something serious arose, Jin would address him respectfully as "Orochimaru-sama." But whenever Jin was throwing a tantrum, it was just "Orochimaru." The boy was realistic, and Orochimaru liked that.

Smiling warmly, Orochimaru said, "From now on, call me 'Orochimaru-sensei.' I plan to train you strictly, at least enough so you can survive on the battlefield."

Jin's display of taijutsu prowess had been impressive, but in future situations, he wouldn't always have the opportunity to use such skills.

"As for them, I'll take care of it," Orochimaru said, glancing at the three captives. He had plans for Jin too.

---

Four months passed in the blink of an eye.

Snow had formed sheets of ice on the ground, becoming a playground for children, though many also slipped and fell on the slick surface. As the weather warmed, the ice melted, turning roads into muddy tracks. Trees began to bud, heralding the arrival of spring.

A young boy stood in the middle of the forest, dressed in black casual clothing. His half-length hair covered most of his forehead protector, and a long sword was strapped to his waist. This boy, of course, was Uchiha Jin.

With a serious expression, Jin closed his eyes and placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword.

Suddenly, dozens of shuriken flew out from hidden corners of the forest, whistling through the air.

Clang! Clang! Clang! The shuriken collided mid-air, changing direction and hurtling toward Jin from all angles.

Jin leaped into the air, maneuvering between the gaps. However, the shuriken collided again, changing direction once more and aiming straight at him.

While still airborne, Jin swiftly drew his sword, and a net of sword light deflected all the shuriken.

As he descended, kunai flew at him from all directions, each with a burning strip of paper attached.

Jin recognized the subtle crackling of the burning paper. Explosive tags, he thought, his face twitching in frustration. Orochimaru really has too much money.

He quickly formed hand seals, inhaled deeply, and exhaled forcefully. 

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

A powerful gust of wind blew most of the kunai away, followed by a series of explosions, Boom! Boom! Boom! But two kunai with particularly tricky trajectories slipped through and were heading straight for Jin.

Swish!

In an instant, Jin's sword flashed, cutting the explosive tags off the kunai just before they detonated.

Only then did Jin land safely on the ground, his eyes still closed.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Orochimaru emerged from the forest, applauding. "Jin-kun, you've become quite remarkable. You're nearly at the level of a Tokubetsu Jonin."

Jin finally opened his eyes. "But not quite a Jonin yet?"

In the ninja world, a ninja's rank typically indicated their strength. A Tokubetsu Jonin could hold their own against a Jonin but had little chance of winning.

"Jin-kun, you underestimate Jonin," Orochimaru said, smiling and shaking his head. "Every Jonin has been through countless battles and has a signature jutsu. If you know your opponent's techniques, you might have a chance to win. But when facing a Jonin whose abilities are unknown, never underestimate the danger they pose."

Jin's abilities were impressive, especially in taijutsu and ninjutsu. But his lack of experience would leave him vulnerable against a seasoned Jonin.

"It seems I still have a long way to go," Jin sighed, sheathing his sword.

Jin still couldn't understand why this world referred to swords as "katanas." What he held was definitely a sword, yet everyone insisted on calling it a katana.

His current sword was Orochimaru's Kusanagi.

Jin quickly formed hand seals and slammed his hands onto the ground.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

*Bang!*

A snow-white snake, dull-eyed and rather dim-witted looking, appeared before Jin, wagging its tail as it crawled over to him.

You're a cold-blooded animal! Stop acting like a dog! Jin thought, watching the snake in exasperation.

Even Orochimaru was speechless. He had arranged for Jin to sign a contract with Ryuchi Cave, but for some reason, Jin had chosen the least useful white snake. Though Jin could summon other snakes,

 Orochimaru had never seen him summon anything but this one.

"Little White, give me the scroll," Jin said, holding out his hand.

The snake tilted its head before resting it in Jin's hand.

A vein visibly bulged on Jin's forehead.

"I meant the thing in your stomach!" he snapped.

The snake finally understood and opened its mouth, spitting out a large scroll.

Orochimaru, watching this ridiculous scene, couldn't help but offer some advice. "Jin-kun, why don't you summon a different snake?"

"It's fine," Jin replied with an awkward smile. "I'll train it myself."

In truth, he simply couldn't stand how ugly the other snakes looked.

"Here, Orochimaru-sensei, this is a gift for you," Jin said, handing the scroll to Orochimaru.

"Thank you for your guidance these past few months."

"My, Jin-kun, how considerate," Orochimaru replied, a rare warmth flickering in his smile.

"I just don't want to feel guilty when I come back to get my revenge someday," Jin said, smiling back.

The last four months of torment? He would definitely repay that debt!

Orochimaru chuckled, his smile widening to his eyes. Jin really was an amusing person.

"I'll be looking forward to it," Orochimaru said, turning his attention to the scroll.

"The Immortality Sealing Technique…" he muttered.