Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru

Chapter 224: Rashomon

Danzo unconditionally supported Orochimaru's re

The days that followed were consumed by experiments.

Orochimaru spent most of his time shuttling between Konoha and his laboratory, focusing on refining his genetic modification techniques.

His approach was straightforward: use diluted genetic enhancement fluid to improve the children's physiques gradually.

Genetic modification was distinct from genetic fusion. The goal wasn't to create a perfect transformation, but rather to establish a strong foundational physique.

A single dose of the primary enhancement fluid, when diluted, could strengthen nearly ten subjects. It was an efficient and relatively low-cost method, though Danzo bore the financial burden entirely.

Unbeknownst to Danzo, Orochimaru was using his proprietary strengthening fluid for the experiments.

Danzo provided three groups of children in total, each consisting of about eight individuals. Orochimaru divided them into separate batches for transformation, ensuring he could closely monitor their progress.

For half a year, Orochimaru remained grounded, unable to venture far due to the need for daily observations and meticulous record-keeping.

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Six months later, on a remote mountaintop several miles from Konoha, the ground was littered with craters and debris.

Two figures a man and a woman faced off in the clearing.

"Take this!" Tsunade shouted, her fist slamming into the earth with a thunderous impact.

The ground trembled under the force, splitting into wide fissures as the shockwave spread.

Orochimaru nimbly leapt backward, avoiding the brunt of the attack. "Tsunade, your punches are powerful, I'll give you that," he said with a smirk. "But your speed leaves much to be desired."

"Stop running your mouth and fight me properly!" Tsunade retorted, pushing off the ground with her toes and launching herself high into the air.

With a resounding cry, she came crashing down like a meteor, her fist smashing into the ground and leaving a massive crater nearly 100 meters wide. The shockwave sent rocks and debris flying in all directions.

Standing amidst the chaos, Tsunade flexed her fingers. "Ever since I awakened my sage body, my strength's grown exponentially. You know what'll happen if I land a clean hit on you, don't you, Orochimaru?"

"Don't worry," Orochimaru replied smoothly, dodging the attack with ease. "I won't give you that chance."

Before Tsunade could respond, she noticed something unusual.

The dust began to clear, revealing countless glimmering blades hovering in midair.

"What… are those?" Tsunade murmured, her eyes widening as she recognized the iconic shape. "Kusanagi blades? So many?"

With a confident smile, Orochimaru gestured toward the floating swords. "Do you know what I call this move?"

"What?"

"I call it Ten Thousand Swords Formation."

With a flick of his wrist, the swarm of Kusanagi swords descended toward Tsunade in an unrelenting wave, their sharp edges glinting menacingly.

The sheer scale of the attack left no room for escape.

The sound of blades slicing through the air filled the clearing as the ground, already battered, was further torn apart by the onslaught.

"Don't expect me to hold back just because we're married," Orochimaru called out, his voice laced with playful mockery.

"Ha! You think you can beat me with a cheap trick like this?" Tsunade's voice rang out defiantly from within the smoke and debris.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, intrigued by her confidence.

As the dust settled, his curiosity turned into genuine surprise.

Standing amidst the wreckage was a massive, otherworldly gate, its design both imposing and ominous.

"This… Rashomon?!" Orochimaru exclaimed. "When did you learn that technique?"