After reviewing the system's explanation of Ninja Cells and Ninja Physique, an unbidden thought crossed Richard's mind.
If these abilities could be plundered, then theoretically, by eliminating enough inhabitants of the Naruto world, he could strengthen his newly acquired powers beyond even the Sage of Six Paths.
Even if each individual plunder yielded only incremental improvement, with sufficient numbers, surpassing the legendary Sage remained merely a question of persistence.
Moreover, if Ninja Cells and Ninja Physique proved susceptible to plunder, kekkei genkai (bloodline limits) and kekkei tōta (bloodline selections) would likely follow the same principle.
Should he desire, Richard could potentially acquire every bloodline ability in the Naruto universe, ultimately transcending the Sage of Six Paths to become a true God of Shinobi.
After all, the Sage himself possessed only the Sharingan and Rinnegan among all possible bloodline abilities. Other powerful dōjutsu, such as the Byakugan, remained outside the Sage's repertoire.
Though entirely feasible, after brief consideration, Richard abandoned this strategy.
While kekkei genkai and kekkei tōta certainly surpassed conventional ninjutsu in potency, not all bloodline abilities warranted acquisition—at least not according to Richard's personal standards.
Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku (Dead Bone Pulse) provided a perfect example.
Richard found this particular bloodline ability distasteful for two primary reasons. First, the Shikotsumyaku's combat potential remained ultimately limited. Second, and more significantly, manipulating one's skeletal structure for offensive purposes seemed inherently repulsive.
The prospect of weaponizing his own bones held no appeal whatsoever, nor did inducing skeletal hyper-generation within his body.
Dismissing the information panel visible only to himself, Richard activated Firaga, summoning three golden spheres of high-temperature fire. He directed these fist-sized golden flames onto the three deceased shinobi.
Under normal circumstances, unrestricted by interdimensional limitations, he would simply conjure Hellfire to efficiently eliminate all evidence. Unfortunately, his current situation permitted only template abilities and Plunder, along with his newly acquired Ninja Cells and Ninja Physique.
Though lacking Hellfire's supernatural properties, the golden flames generated through Firaga provided sufficient heat to destroy corpses completely.
Initially, each golden flame measured roughly the size of a clenched fist.
Upon contact with the bodies, however, the flames instantly expanded, completely engulfing the corpses.
Within seconds, the intense heat reduced the bodies to fine ash.
Task completed, Richard exited the laboratory without a backward glance.
Whether by coincidence or deliberate vigil, Kimimaro stood immediately outside the laboratory door.
Without preamble, Richard addressed him: "The experiment I needed to conduct is complete. I now have a new objective."
"I understand Orochimaru has amassed an extensive ninjutsu collection. I wish to study ninjutsu systematically. Please retrieve several dozen technique scrolls for my review."
"Additionally, arrange quarters for me within the village. I prefer not to reside underground."
Though not precisely friends, Orochimaru would undoubtedly accommodate any reasonable request. More importantly, to uncover Richard's secrets, Orochimaru would likely exceed mere accommodation.
Should Richard depart Otogakure, Orochimaru would lose access to uniquely valuable research material.
Though well aware of Orochimaru's intentions, Richard had no plans to become the Sannin's research subject. Knowing Orochimaru's capabilities in cloning, cell transplantation, and genetic modification, Richard would carefully avoid leaving behind anything potentially useful.
He had no desire for clones or genetically modified versions of himself to emerge in this world after his eventual departure.
"Any additional requirements?" Kimimaro inquired.
"None at present," Richard replied.
Hearing this response, Kimimaro departed immediately—undoubtedly to report directly to Orochimaru.
Time passed swiftly.
Half a month elapsed almost imperceptibly.
Within a traditional Japanese-style courtyard in Otogakure, Richard reclined casually in a study, reviewing a ninjutsu scroll with evident nonchalance.
Though uncertain what had transpired in the laboratory, Orochimaru had confirmed one undeniable fact: Richard not only possessed chakra but demonstrated exceptional shinobi potential.
Whether practicing chakra control or mastering ninjutsu and genjutsu, Richard exhibited astonishing efficiency.
Consequently, Orochimaru's interest in Richard intensified.
Were his own capabilities sufficient to overcome Richard, Orochimaru would have eagerly restrained him on an operating table for comprehensive examination.
Richard soon finished reviewing the scroll in his hand—instructions for the Uchiha clan's Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.
As a self-proclaimed "ninjutsu collector," Orochimaru had acquired countless techniques. The signature fire jutsu of the Uchiha clan naturally featured prominently in his collection.
Whether Orochimaru had personally mastered the Uchiha fire techniques remained uncertain—at least within the manga, he had never demonstrated them.
After returning the Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu scroll to his system space, Richard stood and walked to the corridor outside the study.
Over the past fortnight, he had mastered hundreds of ninjutsu.
Moreover, to further enhance his Ninja Cells and Ninja Physique, he had eliminated dozens of shinobi imprisoned by Orochimaru.
These ninjas had originally been designated as Orochimaru's personal test subjects. Upon Richard's request, however, Orochimaru had reluctantly surrendered them.
This arrangement posed minimal inconvenience for Orochimaru. While abducting shinobi from the Five Great Hidden Villages presented challenges, capturing ninjas from minor villages proved scarcely more difficult than kidnapping civilians.
Should captured shinobi prove insufficient, Orochimaru retained access to Sound ninja as alternative subjects.
Though Orochimaru had founded Otogakure personally, he regarded its inhabitants merely as expendable tools.
Gazing upward at the clear blue sky, Richard activated his flight ability and departed the courtyard, heading toward Orochimaru's underground base outside the village.
Upon reaching the subterranean complex, he located Orochimaru engaged in some unidentified research.
"State your purpose," Orochimaru said without preamble.
"Provide me with ten Sharingan from your collection," Richard replied calmly.
What?
Hearing Richard's request, Orochimaru's expression registered immediate surprise.
After several seconds, he responded: "Why do you seek Sharingan? For personal transplantation?"
"If that's your intention, I can assist you. I possess extensive experience with Sharingan transplantation procedures."
Following the Uchiha clan massacre, not only had Danzō "The Darkness of Shinobi" Shimura harvested numerous Sharingan, but Orochimaru had secured a substantial collection himself.
The right arm bearing eleven Sharingan that Danzō possessed had been Orochimaru's creation.
That Sharingan-embedded limb had originally belonged to "Uchiha" Shin.
Shin wasn't an actual Uchiha clan member but rather Orochimaru's experimental subject who had adopted the Uchiha surname out of fanatical admiration for Itachi Uchiha.
As a minor, Shin had volunteered as Orochimaru's test subject to gain knowledge of cloning techniques. Possessing a unique physiology that prevented transplant rejection, Shin had received eleven Sharingan implants along his right arm.
These Sharingan had been collected by Danzō during the Uchiha massacre.
Subsequently, Orochimaru had integrated Hashirama cells into Shin's Sharingan-embedded arm to increase its physical energy, thereby balancing it with the spiritual energy from the eleven Sharingan.
Ultimately, Orochimaru had removed this arm—enhanced with both Hashirama cells and eleven Sharingan—from Shin's body and transferred it to Danzō.
"While I find the Sharingan fascinating, I have no intention of implanting them," Richard clarified. "Rest assured, I won't simply appropriate your collection without compensation."
"Including the shinobi and ninjutsu scrolls you've provided these past weeks, I'll offer a return that will satisfy you."
Compensation?
Hearing Richard's words, Orochimaru initially assumed Richard intended to provide blood samples—his expression immediately reflected surprise at this apparent opportunity.
Though Orochimaru remained silent, his expectations were plainly visible.
"Don't misinterpret my intentions. I won't provide blood samples—I'm not so careless," Richard clarified. "My offering is this."
With these words, a golden flame materialized in Richard's right palm.
Eternal Fire!
What is this?
Orochimaru regarded the Eternal Fire with evident confusion.
Initially, he assumed Richard had generated a flame using chakra.
Quickly, however, he recognized his error.
No chakra signature emanated from the Eternal Fire.
Under Orochimaru's scrutiny, Richard continued unhurriedly: "This is Eternal Fire, possessing several extraordinary properties. You may research its specific attributes at your leisure."
With that statement, he released the Eternal Fire from his palm, allowing it to hover before Orochimaru.
Though uncertain of the flame's precise nature, Orochimaru's interest peaked upon confirming it wasn't chakra-based.
As the Eternal Fire floated before him, Orochimaru expelled a scroll from his mouth. Unrolling the parchment, he swiftly sealed the Eternal Fire within.
After completing this process, he addressed Richard: "Ten Sharingan? Certainly. I'll retrieve them immediately."
With that, Orochimaru departed the reception room.
Minutes later, Orochimaru returned carrying a glass container housing ten Sharingan eyes and presented it to Richard.
"These ten Sharingan remain sufficiently viable for immediate transplantation," Orochimaru explained. "Should you desire my experimental notes on Sharingan implantation procedures, I can provide copies."
"No," Richard declined. "As I stated previously, I have no intention of implanting these Sharingan."
While speaking, he transferred the glass container to his system space.
"Very well. I'm departing now. We'll meet again... no, I should say farewell before Konoha."
Immediately upon hearing Richard's parting words, Orochimaru's expression hardened.
"Who informed you of this?" he demanded coldly.
Richard's reference to "farewell before Konoha" immediately triggered Orochimaru's suspicion that someone had leaked details of his imminent "Konoha Crush" operation.
"No one. I deduced it myself," Richard replied.
Though aware Orochimaru would likely dismiss this explanation, Richard felt no obligation to provide further clarification.
Under Orochimaru's watchful gaze, Richard turned and exited the reception area.
Upon emerging from the underground complex, he immediately activated his flight ability and soared toward the Land of Water—specifically, toward Kirigakure, Kirigakure.
Though Naruto featured numerous female characters, its shōnen demographic focus meant that Hinata, Sakura, Ino, and others remained minors.
While Richard acknowledged his own desires, he maintained strict principles—chief among them: never pursue minors.
No matter how attractive, he categorically refused involvement with underage individuals.
Though Hinata and others were still minors, several adult female characters in Naruto possessed considerable appeal.
Examples included the Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi, future Fifth Hokage Tsunade, and "Angel" Konan of the Akatsuki organization.
Additional notable women included Kurenai Yuhi and Yūgao Uzuki.
Richard's journey to Kirigakure served a singular purpose: meeting Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi.
Naturally, given the opportunity, he wouldn't object to more intimate interactions with the Mizukage.
If his information remained accurate, Mei Terumi should currently be approximately 27 years old.
Departing Otogakure, Richard accelerated to Mach 20 toward Kirigakure.
Among the Five Great Hidden Villages, the Hidden Mist had participated least in the Shinobi World Wars.
Isolated by vast oceanic expanses separating it from the mainland, the Hidden Mist developed in relative seclusion from other nations.
Before Mei Terumi's appointment as Fifth Mizukage, the Hidden Mist operated under brutal governance, earning its notorious reputation as the "Village of Bloody Mist."
During this period, numerous shinobi had attempted to overthrow the Fourth Mizukage's regime, invariably failing.
The first truly formidable opponent that Naruto and his comrades encountered during their shinobi career—Zabuza Momochi—represented one such revolutionary.
Zabuza belonged to the second generation of the "Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist," wielded the Kubikiribōchō (Executioner's Blade), and carried the epithet "Demon."
Despite his fearsome title and considerable ambition, Zabuza wasn't inherently ruthless or disloyal. His defection stemmed from opposition to the Fourth Mizukage's tyrannical rule. After a failed assassination attempt against the Mizukage, Zabuza fled the Hidden Mist, becoming a missing-nin.
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