Konoha
"Kaien, do you know what Kinoe's appearance represents?" Orochimaru, with a rare unsettling smile, responded directly to Kaien's question after completing all the checks. "Wood Release?"
"No! You're wrong!" Orochimaru immediately corrected his disciple, his eyes fixed on the precious data in his hands, filled with enthusiasm. "This represents kekkei genkai! From nothing to something, even ordinary people can cultivate kekkei genkai."
Looking at Orochimaru in front of him, Kaien couldn't help but show astonishment. Scientists truly have peculiar thought processes. He initially thought Orochimaru wanted to cultivate a group of ninja with Wood Release, even if weaker than the First Hokage's. But who would have thought Orochimaru had gone beyond that and was now thinking about cultivating various kekkei genkai?
If Wood Release could be cultivated, what about other kekkei genkai?
Kekkei genkai have long been the ninja world's most mysterious and coveted powers. During the Warring States period, the kekkei genkai clans represented the highest echelon of power, followed by the secret‑arts clans.
If this problem could be overcome—if kekkei genkai could be cultivated on a large scale—it would send shockwaves through the entire ninja world.
"Orochimaru‑sensei, are you saying…?" Kaien seemed to have realized something.
Orochimaru nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Although Kinoe's Wood Release is inferior to the First Hokage's, once we overcome this cultivation challenge, I will be able to create a kekkei genkai clan with my own hands."
Kaien couldn't help but silently curse in his heart. Orochimaru's thought process was truly unpredictable. He'd assumed Orochimaru wanted to cultivate all kekkei genkai, but instead he aimed to found entirely new clans of them. On the surface, Kaien pretended excitement. "If you can cultivate even a few Wood Release ninja, it will cement your position as Fifth Hokage."
That remark made Orochimaru, who was already excited, feel a chill. A hint of frustration flashed in his snake‑like eyes. How could Kaien think so small? Just a few Wood Release ninja won't suffice—Orochimaru dreamed of something far greater, of creating entire clans and reshaping the world.
Orochimaru's hoarse voice broke the tension. "Kaien, keep Kinoe here for now, and remember: this must remain secret."
It seemed Orochimaru had arranged for Kinoe to come from Danzo. Although Wood Release was rare, Kinoe's was a weakened version. Danzo must have agreed to loan him to Orochimaru—or perhaps they were collaborating to revive the Wood Release project together, to see if they could produce more Wood Release users. After all, there's never a shortage of kekkei genkai.
"Orochimaru‑sama!"
At that moment, a figure entered the research room, bowing to Orochimaru. Kaien recognized the Root uniform. The newcomer wore a cat‑mask patterned in green and red. Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with greed as he spoke.
"Hehe, Kinoe, you've come at the right time. Lie down on the bed."
Kinoe, though pale and unsteady after the examinations, obeyed. Kaien watched, astonished, as Orochimaru stared at the boy like a predator eyeing prey.
Seemingly amused by Kaien's reaction, Orochimaru chuckled. "Kaien‑kun, this is the unexpectedly successful Wood Release subject, Kinoe. Assist me in recording the data."
"Yes," Kaien replied, nodding respectfully. He admired Orochimaru's single‑minded dedication—when one offered one's life for science, one must accept the consequences.
As Orochimaru set to work—drawing blood, taking samples—Kaien quietly recorded every detail, aware that he was witnessing a breakthrough that could change the shinobi world forever.
Later, Kaien returned to the Police Department's office, exhaustion weighing on him. He sat at his desk, and a few leaves drifted from his palm—electric‑charged leaves formed during his recent experiments. Each one crackled with faint lightning.
Kaien smiled, clutching a leaf. His enhanced constitution and Sharingan had accelerated his training beyond his wildest expectations. Chakra control that once took a month now took ten days. He truly was a genius in the making.
"Orochimaru‑sensei has tailored my training perfectly," Kaien muttered. Under Orochimaru's guidance, he focused on lightning nature transformation and rigorous physical conditioning—three months of relentless improvement lay ahead.
A knock sounded at the door. "Come in."
His cousin, Uchiha Shisui, entered with a young female ninja carrying a stack of dossiers. Shisui offered a tired smile to Kaien. "Kaien‑niisan, we've recruited all the personnel for the Seventh Division. These are their profiles."
He set the thick dossier on the desk. Alongside was Uzuki Yugao, the new records officer—chosen specifically to lighten Kaien's workload. Kaien nodded gratefully, already planning how best to integrate his new team into Orochimaru's clandestine research network.
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