Upon hearing this, Orochimaru still didn't fully grasp the underlying implications, but Sōmi's mind was already as clear as a mirror.
This essentially meant that the condition was akin to a malformed child who had inherited only half of Hamura's power, didn't it?
To match this overwhelming physical energy, the Byakugan would undoubtedly be the optimal choice, given its shared origin with Hamura.
As for the Hyūga clan's main branch in Konohagakure, those individuals would never set foot on the battlefield unless absolutely necessary.
As for the branch family, perhaps that Cursed Seal of the Caged Bird… it might be worth attempting to crack.
Step… step…
"Hm?!"
Orochimaru's chilling aura instantly spread out, and his snake-like golden vertical pupils flashed with a dangerous glint.
Clearly, upon sensing someone entering this secret laboratory, Orochimaru's first instinct was to suspect that Sōmi intended to make a move against him.
"Orochimaru-senpai…"
"There's no need to be so tense!"
"It's just some of my subordinates delivering supplies."
Sōmi spread his hands, his expression calm and harmless.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes but retracted his ominous aura, coiling it around himself like a venomous snake lying in wait.
"Sōmi-sama!"
Three Sunagakure ANBU operatives, each wearing demon-like masks, dragged three unconscious men as they approached Sōmi and Orochimaru step by step.
Thud…
With the sound of bodies dropping to the ground, Orochimaru's aura dissipated, and he asked, "What is the meaning of this?"
"You'll understand once you examine these three individuals."
Sōmi didn't explain directly, instead piquing Orochimaru's curiosity.
"Heh!"
Orochimaru let out a cold chuckle, clearly displeased with Sōmi's actions. Bringing outsiders into his laboratory without prior consent was something Orochimaru found particularly irksome.
"Remove their masks," Sōmi instructed.
Following his command, the three ANBU operatives removed the masks from their faces.
When Orochimaru saw the true faces of the unconscious men, his snake-like pupils contracted slightly.
"These… are living members of the Kaguya clan?!"
Orochimaru's voice carried a mix of excitement and surprise, and his scarlet tongue unconsciously flicked out once again.
"Why are their mental energy fluctuations so stable?"
After observing for a moment, Orochimaru noticed that the chakra flow within these individuals appeared remarkably steady. Moreover, they were all around thirty years old. By all accounts, members of the Kaguya clan at this age should have already succumbed to their "illness."
"That's because I used sealing techniques to forcibly suppress their powers. Of course, there were other measures involved—things you wouldn't be able to replicate…"
"In any case, just understand that these individuals can no longer be considered fully autonomous humans. They are closer to 'tools.'"
Sōmi spoke in a calm, detached tone.
"Impressive!"
"To think such delicate methods exist…"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed as he examined the three members of the Kaguya clan. Their eyes were hollow, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
"Sōmi-kun…"
"Would you allow me to study them?"
It was evident that Orochimaru's interest in the Kaguya clan had been reignited.
"No rush. Take a look at the three individuals lying on the ground first."
"They should be enough to keep you occupied for now…"
Sōmi pointed at the unconscious men on the floor.
"Hm…"
Something even more valuable than the Kaguya clan?
Orochimaru's curiosity was piqued.
He crouched down, carefully inspecting the bodies of the three individuals.
Suddenly, Orochimaru's brows furrowed.
Then, an expression of disbelief appeared on his face.
"This?!"
"This is Natural Energy?!"
"These people can naturally absorb Natural Energy from birth?!"
As someone who had undergone Sage Mode training himself, Orochimaru immediately noticed the anomaly.
"Exactly! I heard that Orochimaru-senpai encountered some difficulties while training in Sage Mode…"
"So I specifically brought you some experimental subjects. I hope you can develop a 'simplified version' of Sage Mode that would allow Sunagakure's shinobi to harness this power!"
Sōmi spoke slowly, revealing his intentions.
"Sōmi-kun…"
"You certainly have no shortage of remarkable resources!"
"First, it was the secret medicine, and now you want to popularize Sage Mode. Are you planning to ignite a war across the ninja world?"
Orochimaru's voice was filled with excitement. It was clear that he found this research project to be immensely appealing.
After all, as a "scientist" in the field of biology, Orochimaru was an authority on cellular deconstruction, transplantation, and even cloning.
His greatest teacher was his own insatiable curiosity. Without his intense interest in unique bodies, he might never have achieved so many breakthroughs.
However, expertise has its limits. If Sōmi were to ask Orochimaru to research other disciplines, such as electrical engineering, it's unlikely he'd have any meaningful contributions to offer.
"Indeed!"
"Orochimaru-senpai, the ninja world has been fragmented for far too long. Now, every nation is gearing up for war."
"Sunagakure has both the qualifications and the confidence to compete for ultimate victory!"
Sōmi declared boldly.
"You young people these days are truly something else…"
"Dreaming of uniting the ninja world?"
"Interesting… It seems the windmill of the ninja world is about to start turning again!"
Orochimaru stared at Sōmi's face, as if trying to discern the future from his expression.
"And what about you, Orochimaru-senpai?"
"Surely you wouldn't be content to remain confined in this tiny laboratory forever, would you?"
Sōmi asked.
"Heh heh…"
"I've heard that the Akatsuki organization has someone with the Rinnegan—the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths!"
"I might head over to the Land of Rain to take a look…"
"Or perhaps I'll establish my own ninja village and join in this upcoming war. Wouldn't that be entertaining?"
Orochimaru's raspy voice carried a hint of amusement, as if he were thoroughly enjoying the turbulent and unpredictable state of the ninja world.
"The Akatsuki does indeed have someone with the Rinnegan. But Orochimaru-senpai, with your current strength, that's not something you can control…"
"You can't even defeat me, let alone that Sharingan-wielding individual in the Akatsuki. How could you possibly obtain the Rinnegan?"
Sōmi bluntly pointed out.
"You've interacted with the Akatsuki?"
Orochimaru didn't seem angered. After all, he had personally witnessed Sōmi's strength. If not for that, he wouldn't have agreed to collaborate with him in the first place.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!
Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!
��patreon.com/GoldenLong