So that's how it works?
Letting a split personality face both selves at the Falls of Truth, and then uniting them into one?
"Although Jūgo possesses the Sage Body and a natural affinity for absorbing nature energy, that very gift gave rise to his dual personalities."
"The Falls of Truth allow him to confront the other side of himself. After repeated trials, both personalities endured its baptism."
"In the end, both were cleansed. Now he can completely suppress his urge to kill and remain calm."
Orochimaru gazed at Jūgo as if he were a priceless treasure.
Kazuyama Gekkō could only admire him deeply. Orochimaru really was terrifyingly brilliant.
The power of science and relentless research truly had placed him atop the ninja world.
"From Jūgo, I extracted genetic material to refine the cursed seals you saw earlier."
"His existence has pointed me toward the path of Senjutsu power."
"To master it, I've begun a variety of studies."
"I've even established a research facility in the northern Land of Waterfalls, dedicated to cursed seal research."
"Don't worry—the seals on those two girls are complete. They won't harm them. As for their restraints... hehehe, they're quite strong."
Kazuyama Gekkō looked at his sensei's smug expression.
He had to admit, in this life, Orochimaru's research had progressed far more smoothly thanks to his involvement. Even the cursed seals had reached completion so quickly.
He had just seen the seals placed on Samui and Mabui: the Cursed Seal of Heaven and the Cursed Seal of Earth—the two most powerful in Orochimaru's arsenal.
"I also built extra restraints into their seals."
"As long as I'm here, neither of them will dare to step out of line. Hehehe."
"That way, you can take them away without worry. I know you've got plans for them. They're yours now."
Kazuyama nodded. He wasn't concerned about Orochimaru's safeguards. With his experience, they were guaranteed to work.
"Oh, by the way, Sensei."
"Do you remember the Rinnegan we encountered in the Land of Rivers?"
Orochimaru nodded. Just thinking of those eyes made him recall the crushing pressure they exuded.
That was a power utterly beyond him.
"That kind of strength... too terrifying."
"As I am now, I wouldn't stand a chance. Only you could possibly face him."
"But once I've mastered Senjutsu... hmph, then it will be a different story."
Orochimaru was determined to climb to the very top of the shinobi world. Even acknowledging the opponent's terrifying strength, he still believed his research would one day allow him to surpass it.
Kazuyama found himself convinced too.
If nothing else, Orochimaru possessed Living Corpse Reincarnation. He could simply wait everyone else out. Time alone would kill his enemies.
"But what if you add Uchiha Madara to the mix?"
"Even the Rinnegan might not be enough against him."
This time, Orochimaru fell silent. With Madara added in, it truly became a force that could destroy the world.
After all, Madara represented the pinnacle of combat power. Few could even hope to touch him.
"With enemies that strong, what do you think we should do?"
"What else? One step at a time. Minato has already sent Jiraiya to investigate the Rinnegan."
"Jiraiya?"
"Yes. The Rinnegan's bearer is deeply connected to him. Those three little brats from back then—they've all become major powers now, haven't they?"
Kazuyama smiled faintly. Those three were no longer children. Konan now ruled Amegakure. Yahiko commanded Takigakure.
And Nagato, bearer of the Rinnegan, had re-formed that familiar group: Akatsuki Organization.
Each commanding their own faction. The situation was intriguing. He couldn't help but wonder—when the inevitable clash came, would Nagato be left speechless?
"I've crossed blades with Uchiha Madara before. His dōjutsu is troublesome."
"His long-range ocular jutsu, combined with his Susanoo... a pitch-black Susanoo."
"A real nightmare."
Even knowing it wasn't the real Madara, his power had been terrifying.
Even with his secrets laid bare, fighting him head-on would be grueling.
"By the way, Sensei—what about Sasori?"
"Hehehe, I've got him locked away. I plan to use him for another line of research, though I haven't begun yet."
"Tsk, poor bastard."
Kazuyama activated Flying Thunder God again, and the two returned to Orochimaru's lab.
He called Samui and Mabui over. Both still wore looks of anger.
"Ah la la, don't make faces like that."
"Taking you away was for your own good. What's so great about staying in Kumo?"
"Isn't being with me better?"
Both recognized him immediately—the Konoha rising star who had emerged during the Third Shinobi World War.
The now-famous Kazuyama Gekkō.
"Hmph! You kidnapped me, and now you want us to betray our village?"
"Hmph! Dream on!"
Their defiance was bold, but short-lived. Orochimaru had already triggered the seals.
Agonizing pain flared from their shoulders, straight to their souls. Both collapsed to their knees, clutching their shoulders.
"Oh dear, why put yourselves through this?"
"A little pointless pain. Don't worry. Once you're with me, you'll have no ties to Kumo anymore."
"As long as you don't defy my will, you'll never face inhumane treatment."
"I promise."
Kazuyama chuckled softly, but the two girls were gasping in pain, too drained to answer.
Only after a long time did they recover.
"Damn it..."
"What do you want us to do..."
That unbearable pain had already begun to break their mental defenses.
"Nothing much. I'm just taking you to another village."
"Once you're there, you'll be free. But don't even think about running. The consequences wouldn't be pleasant."
"Come on. I'm sure you don't want to stay here any longer."
Kazuyama gestured to Orochimaru, then grabbed the two girls and vanished with Flying Thunder God.
...
In Amegakure, the drizzle fell as always. The raindrops brought them a faint sense of relief.
"Welcome to Amegakure. From now on, this will be where you shine."
"As for the cursed seal—don't resist it. It will grant you a power unlike anything you've known."