Naruto: Reborn as Orochimaru

Chapter 249

The strength of a ninja resurrected through Edo Tensei depends largely on the quality of the sacrifices used.

Because of this, Orochimaru decided to upgrade his sacrifices.

Using clones as sacrifices might seem wasteful, especially given that his current facilities could only produce about 100 clones every six months.

But there weren't that many strong individuals who required clones as sacrifices, so Orochimaru didn't mind using them sparingly for this purpose.

The process for enhancing clones was straightforward. He would create an injection solution using cells from the First Hokage and then infuse the clones with it via specialized instruments.

This allowed him to strengthen a batch of clones in a single day—quick, efficient, and effective.

After strengthening the clones, Orochimaru implanted them with new memories and replaced the previous, weaker Edo Tensei sacrifices.

Much of his time in the Sound Village was spent refining this process.

---

"Lord Orochimaru, is Nagato… really going to be okay?"

In Orochimaru's office, Yahiko asked hesitantly, his expression filled with worry.

Beside him stood Konan, her purple hair adorned with her signature origami flower.

Nagato's sudden surge in power had left both of them uneasy.

It felt almost unreal, his strength had grown so quickly that they feared his body might not be able to handle it.

At the time, Orochimaru had been discussing the future of the Sound Village with Chana, one of his assistants. Hearing Yahiko's question, Orochimaru turned and smiled lightly.

"Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "As long as he doesn't experience any extreme mental stimulation, he'll be fine."

Both the Sharingan and the Rinnegan required a robust body to fully wield their powers.

But the Rinnegan, being on an entirely different level, demanded an even stronger physique.

Fortunately, Nagato was an Uzumaki, a clan known for their exceptional vitality and stamina.

And since the power currently awakened in him wasn't yet at its full potential, Orochimaru saw no cause for concern.

"I… I see," Yahiko nodded thoughtfully, though the unease in his eyes lingered.

Both he and Konan were aware that Orochimaru had been conducting re

He wouldn't risk leaving Tsunade in Konoha with a pregnant belly, nor did he want his child to be born there.

Instead, human modification would provide him with "children" of sorts—artificially created soldiers with accelerated growth and enhanced abilities.

If clones were mass-produced foot soldiers, then modified humans would be Orochimaru's carefully crafted generals.

Because Orochimaru had already laid the groundwork for human modification back in Konoha, the process didn't take as long as when he first began his cloning research.

---

Konoha Year 41

The initial attempts at human modification ended in failure.

Orochimaru had tried to grow modified humans the same way he cultivated clones. But the increased vitality in their bodies caused them to develop too quickly, resulting in death during the growth process.

It was only after repeated experimentation that Orochimaru finally identified the correct growth parameters.

---

Konoha Year 42

Orochimaru successfully cultivated his first generation of modified humans.

These weren't the patchwork creations of spliced organs and transplanted body parts like those used by other scientists. Instead, every organ in the modified humans Orochimaru cultivated was carefully engineered to perfection.

This method produced beings far superior to their haphazardly assembled counterparts.

---

Konoha Year 43 – The Orphanage

At nine o'clock in the evening, after the lights in the orphanage had gone out, Orochimaru appeared silently in the front yard.

"Lord Orochimaru!" Nono greeted him with a respectful bow.

She still looked every bit the part of a kind, gentle headmistress, her glasses and serene demeanor adding to the image.

"You've done well, Nono," Orochimaru said with a faint smile.

"This… this is nothing, my lord. It's my duty," Nono replied with an awkward laugh.

In truth, her role had been simple: occasional inspections of the experimental base. The work was far from taxing.

Orochimaru reached into his coat and pulled out four small vials filled with a pale liquid.

"Take these," he said, handing them to her.

"What are they?" Nono asked, looking at the vials in confusion.

"The world outside is becoming increasingly dangerous," Orochimaru explained. "These will help you better protect the orphanage."

"Protect… the orphanage?" Nono echoed, still trying to process his words.

Orochimaru gave her a brief explanation of how to use the vials and their effects before turning to leave.

As he disappeared into the darkness, Nono stared at the vials in her hands, still dazed.

"Magnet Release?" she murmured, recalling Orochimaru's parting words. "Did he say… these potions could grant Magnet Release?"

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