Orochimaru’s Technology

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"Sir, your body…"

Even though Yamanosatsu wasn't a sensory ninja, he could still sense the chaos in Muzan's chakra and noticed a pool of blood forming on the ground.

If something went seriously wrong with Muzan, his subordinate, Yamanosatsu, would be implicated as well. He had no choice but to express concern.

"It's nothing to worry about. This is an indispensable part of evolution. One day, when your body reaches a certain stage of development, you'll undergo the same process."

Yamanosatsu wasn't yet capable of self-evolution.

Muzan calmly pulled out a black robe, slipped it on, and gradually stabilized the chaotic chakra within him. The turmoil was inevitable, but the increase in power was undeniable.

The two exited the tent, unaware that a group of ninja had been reassigned to other fronts. Muzan held a set of documents Orochimaru had given him, scanning through them.

"The Kumo ninja are retreating in an orderly fashion?"

Muzan pondered the situation. Could the Raikage be withdrawing his forces back to the Land of Lightning? If so, they'd need to pass through the Land of Earth. Before the war, this could have provided an excuse for an invasion, but now, with the war ongoing, neither side would allow Kumo forces to enter the Land of Earth in large numbers.

"He didn't retreat because he had no better option," Muzan reasoned.

The Land of Fire lies between them. With Kumo now at war with Konoha, crossing through the Land of Fire would be impossible. The smaller countries along the way, especially the Rain Village, pose too many unpredictable variables.

"The Rain Village… Hanzo, the so-called 'Demi-God of the Shinobi World,' is not one to negotiate with easily. The Raikage might risk passing through the Land of Earth."

The two should establish a cooperative relationship to minimize the risks.

Meanwhile, with the withdrawal of Kumo forces, the pressure on the Land of Wind's front had eased considerably. The Kumo army must regroup with their forces in the Land of Lightning, and either they'll find a secure route or settle into a defensive retreat. Kumogakure is built in the mountains, easy to defend, and hard to attack.

"As long as they fortify their position, even a furious Konoha wouldn't dare attack directly," Muzan mused. "But if they descend from their stronghold to fight head-on, they'll suffer greater losses."

"I'm not sure what their plan is, but that Tsuchikage… he's not exactly known for his mercy."

With the shifting situation on the battlefield, Orochimaru would likely have more resources to support various fronts.

"Let's go see Orochimaru-Sensei," Muzan suggested.

This was only speculation based on the information he had. If he wanted more precise details, he needed to speak with Orochimaru. After all, Orochimaru was the real commander, and all information passed through him.

At that moment, Orochimaru was already in a strategy meeting, discussing whether to pursue the retreating Kumo forces or focus on crushing Sunagakure's remaining forces.

Footsteps echoed outside the tent. Orochimaru looked up as two shadows appeared at the entrance.

"Let them in."

Muzan's status in the army wasn't insignificant. Many regarded him as a spiritual pillar.

"The situation has shifted," Orochimaru began, his voice calm but sharp. "But it's far from optimistic. Iwagakure has put Konoha at a temporary disadvantage."

Muzan remained silent for a moment before offering his perspective.

"My belief is simple—an eye for an eye."

Orochimaru listened intently as Muzan continued.

"Additionally, Ichibi's Jinchūriki is nearing the end of his lifespan. This is when the tailed beasts are at their least controlled. If we release him now, it'll create havoc for Sunagakure."

Orochimaru didn't doubt Muzan's information. He knew of Muzan's ties to Sunagakure through Pakura. This was confidential knowledge known only to Sunagakure's highest-ranking officials.

"If the plan succeeds, Sunagakure will be crippled for a while," Muzan added.

Under normal circumstances, Sunagakure's forces could suppress a tailed beast, but now, amidst war, there were few strong enough to control such a powerful entity.

"The plan is feasible," Orochimaru concluded. "But the location of the Jinchūriki will be heavily guarded."

It would be a challenging mission. Only those with incredible speed or stealth could succeed. In this case, Minato Namikaze was their best option.

"Minato, I'm entrusting this mission to you. With your Flying Thunder God Technique, no one in Sunagakure will be able to stop you. But be cautious—Ichibi's rage is not to be underestimated."

"Understood," Minato replied calmly.

The group discussed their strategies until the evening, formulating a plan for their next move. Once everyone had left, Orochimaru turned to Muzan, who lingered behind.

"Is there something else?"

"I need methods to stimulate cellular activity."

Muzan's request was straightforward. Orochimaru's expertise in genetics and his notes on forbidden techniques were invaluable to Muzan, but many secrets hadn't been shared with him.

Orochimaru's eyes glinted with amusement.

"As expected of my student."

Despite his cold demeanor, even Orochimaru acknowledged Muzan's potential. His talents were remarkable, exceeding those of many renowned shinobi—even Minato in some aspects.

"But these techniques are not so easily given, even to a disciple," Orochimaru reminded, his tone sharp.

He smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"In exchange, I need samples of your cells. And if possible, return to Konoha to observe and record your transformation process in detail."

Orochimaru's obsession with immortality was growing. His experiments had already led him to exploit his position, using his subordinates to conduct human experiments in secret.

"Your physical prowess is even greater than the First Hokage's in certain aspects."

"Of course," Muzan replied confidently, though his eyes darkened as Orochimaru's gaze grew more twisted.

Muzan feared that after the war, Orochimaru would become a rogue ninja, betraying Konoha for the sake of his experiments. If that happened, Muzan would be implicated in Orochimaru's actions and possibly arrested for aiding in human experimentation.

Danzo wouldn't hesitate to seize such an opportunity.

If Muzan remained in Konoha, two paths awaited him: either he would be forced into Root, controlled by Danzo, or imprisoned.

"Konoha is rotten," Muzan thought grimly. "The so-called higher-ups have only ever hindered my growth."

Orochimaru noticed the shift in Muzan's eyes and smirked.

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