"It seems that your clan's Bloodline Limit becomes increasingly difficult to control as you grow older, doesn't it?"
Orochimaru voiced her observation with calm certainty, her sharp golden eyes glinting faintly in the dim light of the cavern.
The Iburi clan members stirred uncomfortably at her words. Some lowered their gazes, sadness shadowing their faces. Others simply sat in silence, their expressions numb with resignation.
Their patriarch, a man with weary eyes that spoke of endless burdens, gave a forced smile.
"As you said… our clan members live short lives. Once we reach a certain age, we can no longer suppress our kekkei genkai. Our bodies dissolve into smoke, and we die without even leaving a corpse behind."
He let out a sigh that seemed to carry the grief of generations. "You saw it earlier, child. Without your intervention, Chiriu would already be gone."
At the mention of his name, Chiriu—still pale and shaken from his earlier brush with death—flinched slightly.
Orochimaru's gaze softened, though in truth her thoughts were far from sentimental. Compassion flickered briefly within her, but what truly stirred her heart was the prospect of opportunity. If I can solve their condition, the Iburi clan could become my most loyal subordinates. Loyal subordinates who could spread my influence, sell my creations… and accelerate my plans.
"May I examine your bodies?" Orochimaru asked, her tone serious yet gentle. "I am a medical shinobi. Perhaps I can find a way to help you."
The cavern fell silent for a long moment. The Iburi clan members exchanged uncertain glances.
"You… you're not joking?" the patriarch asked cautiously. His eyes studied her closely, torn between hope and suspicion. Orochimaru looked far too young for such words to carry weight.
"I know I may not sound convincing," Orochimaru admitted. "But if you refuse to let me try, how will you ever know if your fate can change? Tell me—how much longer can your clan survive like this? If nothing changes, extinction is inevitable."
The words struck like knives, but they were knives of truth.
Seeing his hesitation, Orochimaru pressed further. "From a genetic perspective, your Bloodline Limit is flawed. It is likely a hereditary defect. As generations pass and inbreeding worsens, the defect only grows more severe. That is why your power devours you."
A murmur rippled through the Iburi. They had always known, deep down, that their condition was unnatural. Some whispered prayers, others simply looked stricken.
The patriarch closed his eyes for a long moment. Finally, he gave a resolute nod. "Very well. If our future is nothing but despair, then let us gamble on you. Chiriu, step forward."
Chiriu's legs trembled as he obeyed. Standing before Orochimaru, he felt exposed, like prey before a predator. She looked like a mere girl, yet the sharpness in her eyes unsettled him more than any enemy shinobi.
"Relax," Orochimaru said softly, a faint smile curving her lips. "Nothing bad will happen."
She placed her hands over his chest and abdomen, medical chakra flowing smoothly into his body. Her brows furrowed as her senses reached deeper.
Interesting…
Chiriu's form flickered faintly between solidity and vapor. His body was not wholly flesh, nor wholly smoke, but something in-between—a fragile balance of matter and nothingness.
It was as though Yin–Yang Release itself had breathed life into vapor, shaping smoke into the semblance of a human.
What a cruel joke of the Sage of Six Paths… to grant existence to beings destined to vanish into thin air.
Orochimaru withdrew her hands, her expression thoughtful.
"May I collect some of your blood? In fact, I will need samples from as many of your people as possible."
The request was met with nods of agreement. Syringes, usually used for gathering herbal extracts, were brought forth. They were crude tools, but serviceable enough. Each clan member offered blood willingly, hope lighting their eyes for the first time in years.
The samples were carefully sealed away. Orochimaru's mind was already racing.
"In the short term," she said, "I may not be able to cure your condition. But there is a temporary measure to ease your suffering."
The patriarch straightened, urgency in his tone. "What method? Orochimaru-sama, please tell us!"
The change in his address did not escape her notice. Respect had replaced doubt.
"Your bodies unravel when exposed to the open air," Orochimaru explained. "So why not isolate yourselves from the outside world? Airtight suits—protective garments that prevent your smoke from dispersing—could serve as temporary vessels. Not a cure, but a reprieve."
The clan members whispered among themselves. The idea was simple, yet none had ever considered it.
"While I research your condition further, I will construct a laboratory here," Orochimaru continued, eyes glittering. "This cavern is suitably hidden. With your clan's cooperation, it can serve as the foundation for greater things."
Her mind stretched far beyond the Iburi. If she succeeded, they would become not only her loyal servants, but also the cover for her secret experiments.
And with loyal allies, opening shops across nations, gathering wealth, spreading influence—yes, everything will proceed faster than planned.
Her ambitions stretched even further. She imagined aiding the Uzumaki clan during the fall of Uzushiogakure, rescuing them, binding them with gratitude, and swelling her ranks with their formidable talents.
But for that, she would need a way to transport them. Ideally, she would master the Flying Thunder God Technique of Tobirama Senju. If even Minato's subordinates had mastered simplified versions, then with her genius, surely she could too.
If not, there were other options. Summoning contracts with giant snakes of Ryūchi Cave, for instance. Even stored blood could be used for summoning, as Suigetsu had once proved with Sasuke's blood and Manda. Yes, there were always alternatives.
Her hand flew across her notebook, recording thoughts at lightning speed. The Iburi clan members watched in reverent silence, afraid to disturb her. Desperation and admiration intermingled in their gazes. For the first time, they felt the possibility of a future beyond the dark cavern.
Orochimaru did not look up. Her mind was already many steps ahead, envisioning the next stage of her grand designs.
At this moment, in the eyes of the Iburi, she was no longer a wandering girl. She was hope itself.
---
patreon (Obito_uchiha)