Chapter 78: Evolution

5 chapters because I felt like, do drop stones for more bonus chapters, thanks

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In the 21st year of Konoha, Orochimaru successfully completed cell transplantation.

In the 22nd year, he achieved cell division.

By the 23rd year, Orochimaru developed the biological genetic evolution fluid.

In just three years, Orochimaru had made breakthroughs in three cutting-edge technologies, all while completing missions that took him to various countries surrounding the Land of Fire. Although he hadn't explored every detail about these smaller nations, his travels gave him enough insight to understand their general structure and resources.

During this period, Konoha was relatively peaceful. Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya Konoha's rising stars had little to occupy them beyond the occasional mission. When they weren't out on assignments, they each focused on their respective areas of interest.

For Orochimaru, it was scientific research. Tsunade immersed herself in medical ninjutsu, while Jiraiya delved into the mysteries of senjutsu.

Occasionally, the three would get together to share a meal, chat, and relax. Tsunade, in particular, seemed to see these gatherings as something more a chance to deepen her budding romance with Orochimaru. At least, in her mind, that's what it was. Whether Orochimaru shared that sentiment remained an open question.

As for Orochimaru's research? Cell transplantation and cell division weren't particularly groundbreaking abilities. In the original timeline, Orochimaru had long since mastered these skills. Cell transplantation was self-explanatory, allowing him to transfer cells between different subjects. Cell division, however, was more critical to his future ambitions.

In simple terms, cell division is the process by which a single cell divides into two, with the mother cell passing genetic material to the daughter cells. This principle laid the foundation for cloning technology, which would ultimately allow Orochimaru to extend his lifespan and even achieve resurrection. By splitting his own cells, injecting them with chakra, and sealing them into other people's bodies through a curse mark, he ensured that his essence could continue to live on, even after death.

However, while cell division was a key step, it alone was insufficient for full cloning or resurrection. Orochimaru still needed additional technological advancements to bring these ideas to fruition. Fortunately, thanks to his system, he didn't need to reinvent the wheel he could focus his efforts on more pressing experiments.

His primary project now was the development of the biological genetic evolution fluid. This substance had similarities to gene fusion fluids but was far more advanced. In addition to enhancing a creature's basic abilities, it could also fuse special genes into its makeup, allowing for new, powerful evolutionary traits. Each dose of the fluid required a year to take full effect, meaning patience was crucial. Orochimaru had already injected himself with several doses, but now, it was time to test it on his summoned creatures.

Standing on the open space atop the Hokage Rock, Orochimaru contemplated which of his summon beasts to evolve. Although he hadn't yet visited Ryūchi Cave to learn senjutsu or meet the White Snake Sage, he knew that evolving his current snake summon would be a worthwhile endeavor.

"Manda might be the obvious choice," Orochimaru mused to himself, "but I haven't summoned him yet. I'll hold off on that evolution."

Instead, he decided to focus on a smaller, more familiar snake. "I'll start with this one and see where it leads."

With that, Orochimaru made his decision. He pulled out a test tube filled with a light red fluid and began the summoning ritual.

Bang!

A puff of white smoke revealed a large flower python, as thick as an adult's calf, coiling before him.

"Master!" the snake hissed, recognizing its summoner immediately.

"Yes." Orochimaru nodded. He lifted the test tube. "Open your mouth."

The flower patterned python, having limited intelligence, obediently followed the command and opened wide. This particular snake had been with Orochimaru since childhood. His parents had raised it as a guardian of sorts, and it had once protected him from danger. Now, as a reward for its loyalty, Orochimaru decided it would be the first to receive the evolutionary fluid.

He poured the entire contents of the test tube into the snake's mouth, ensuring not a drop was wasted. Within moments, the potion's effects began to spread through its body.

"Let the evolution begin," Orochimaru whispered.

The python let out a cry of pain as the evolutionary fluid worked its way through its system. It thrashed wildly, slithering across the ground as if in a frenzy. Orochimaru watched calmly, knowing that this violent reaction was part of the process.

After a while, the snake finally calmed down and coiled itself at Orochimaru's feet, quietly awaiting further changes.

"It seems it has adapted to the fluid. Now, it's just a matter of time before the transformation is complete," Orochimaru said, satisfied with the initial results.

"Orochimaru! Orochimaru!"

A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a young woman running toward him. It was Tsunade, now thirteen years old. Though her body had started to show signs of development, the progress was... slow, to say the least. Even the smallest bra struggled to fit her figure, much to her frustration.

Tsunade had asked Orochimaru many times whether he minded her underwhelming growth. Each time, he patiently reassured her that it didn't bother him in the slightest. He knew that once Tsunade's development completed, she would grow into a woman whose beauty could captivate any man.

Hearing his reassurances, Tsunade had long since decided that Orochimaru was the perfect boyfriend handsome, powerful, and, most importantly, extremely talented. In her eyes, no one in Konoha could compare to him.

"Orochimaru, the teacher is looking for you!" Tsunade said as she finally reached him, slightly out of breath.

"Do you know why?" Orochimaru asked, his tone as calm as ever.

"It's something about the recovery potion, but I don't know the specifics," she replied.

"I see."

Orochimaru glanced at the python, still in the midst of its transformation. "I'll let it evolve slowly."

Bang!

With a poof of white smoke, the snake disappeared, dismissed back to its realm. Tsunade happily took Orochimaru's arm, and the two of them began walking back toward the village.

However, Tsunade's happiness quickly evaporated.

As they approached the Hokage Rock and prepared to jump down, they noticed something disturbing below. From this angle, they could see several corpses laid out on the roof of the Hokage Building. Around the bodies, a group of Konoha Jonin stood, speaking in hushed tones to the Third Hokage, who looked somber.

But what truly froze Tsunade in place was the appearance of the corpses.

She couldn't believe her eyes. Her hand slipped from Orochimaru's arm as she broke into a run, sprinting toward the Hokage Building.

"Tsunade!" Orochimaru called after her, but she didn't stop.

As Tsunade reached the rooftop, her worst fears were confirmed. The corpses before her were those of her family members.

Seeing Tsunade's pained expression, the Third Hokage hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice filled with guilt.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade…"