Serving directly under Orochimaru was an entirely new experience for Nawaki Senju.
This was not a traditional master-apprentice relationship. It resembled more a collaboration between a researcher and an assistant. Orochimaru granted Nawaki a remarkable degree of autonomy without hesitation.
Orochimaru's hidden base, located on the outskirts of the village, was not the dark and foreboding place people imagined. Instead, it resembled a fully equipped laboratory and training facility, with shelves overflowing with books and scrolls.
It was here that Nawaki first demonstrated to Orochimaru the preliminary results of combining his system abilities with sealing techniques.
He produced a carefully pre-mixed powder containing herbs known to enhance vitality and blood circulation, such as donkey-hide gelatin and deer antler. He then sealed it inside a specially crafted hollow scroll, intricately etched with microscopic jutsu formulas.
"Teacher, please take a look."
Nawaki infused a thread of chakra into a designated node on the scroll. The intricate, miniaturized sealing technique activated instantly, and a faint glow flickered within the scroll.
Like a precision furnace, the powder underwent an instantaneous "synthesis" of energy levels.
With a soft pop, one end of the container opened, and a drop of deep crimson liquid rich in color and brimming with life energy fell into a pre-prepared vessel.
Could this be… a healing potion?
Orochimaru picked up the container, cautiously sensing the gentle but potent healing energy within. His golden, snake-like eyes shone with disbelief.
He had previously tested small samples provided by Nawaki, but the actual creation process was astonishing.
"No matter how many times I see it, it never ceases to amaze me," Orochimaru said, his tone full of genuine admiration. He stared at Nawaki intently.
By combining sealing techniques with medicine and using preset formulas to produce the final synthesis instantly, Nawaki had eliminated the tedious brewing process, ensured maximum efficacy, and maintained secrecy.
"Nawaki, you truly are a genius!"
Nawaki smiled slightly. This was exactly the reaction he had hoped for.
He named the creation the Chakra Lock Potion.
For lower-level potions, he could allow synthesis rights to be open, and he even considered large-scale production in the future to benefit Konoha's ninja.
However, for higher-grade "super potions" or any stronger items that might be unlocked later, the core "synthesis key" would always remain under his control.
These unique formulas would become one of his most important future resources both as a foundation for power and as leverage to build relationships and influence.
Orochimaru fully recognized the strategic value behind this technology.
"If this technique were applied on a large scale, it could transform battlefield logistics and even alter the outcome of wars."
He increased his support for Nawaki's research, providing rare herbs and valuable potion formulas for reference.
In terms of training, Orochimaru did not focus on flashy ninjutsu.
As Nawaki expected, his Senju bloodline ensured he was already proficient in basic jutsu. Orochimaru chose instead to teach him techniques characteristic of his own style: snake-based jutsu.
Shadow Serpent Hands: Summon snakes from sleeves to bind or attack opponents.
Serpent Authority Spell: Summon a giant python to immobilize an enemy.
Hardened Snake Limbs: Harden arms for attacks with exceptional cutting power.
These unpredictable jutsu complemented Nawaki's original style, which emphasized speed and direct assaults, greatly enriching his combat repertoire.
However, the tranquil life of research and training was disrupted by sudden news.
One day, Orochimaru returned from the Hokage's office, a rare serious expression on his face.
"Nawaki, this concerns the Uzumaki Country," Orochimaru said, his voice low. "Kirigakure and Kumogakure have launched a joint strike. The battle ended quickly."
Nawaki's heart sank. Though he had anticipated such events, hearing it confirmed left him helpless and angry.
His first thought was for his grandmother, Mito Uzumaki. The Uzumaki clan was her homeland, filled with countless friends and family!
The blow to her must have been devastating. She was already so old… Nawaki did not dare dwell on it. His fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms.
He was still too weak. He could foresee tragedy but was powerless to stop it. He could not even protect those he cared about from emotional pain.
The sense of frustration only strengthened his resolve: "Only with absolute power can I make this world operate according to my will."
A few days later, after finishing his daily training, Nawaki returned to the Senju residence. Before entering, he heard the suppressed sobs of a young girl.
He rushed inside to find Mito Uzumaki gently comforting a small figure in her arms.
Her face showed deep fatigue and sorrow, but her eyes radiated motherly love as she looked at the girl.
The girl had long, fiery red hair, blazing like flames.
It was Kushina Uzumaki, finally arriving in Konoha.
Kushina Uzumaki Lv. Genin
[Pokémon?: Kushina Uzumaki]
[Rank: Lower Ninja, Stage One]
[Energy / Chakra: 83,148]
Seeing Nawaki, Kushina lifted her tear-streaked face, her eyes filled with anxiety and fear.
Nawaki's heart softened. He knelt down and spoke as gently as possible, "Do not be afraid. This is your home now. Grandma Mito is family, and I am your family too."
He wiped Kushina's tears and encouraged her further: "If you feel lonely or scared, strive to become someone everyone respects. Set a goal, like… becoming Hokage!"
Kushina looked at him, confused but intrigued. "Hokage? Could I, an outsider, really do that?"
Nawaki shook his head firmly. "You are not an outsider! You are family! A member of the Senju clan! Who says you cannot?"
Belief in oneself was the key to achievement.
The next day, Nawaki personally escorted the still-timid Kushina to the ninja academy.
To prevent her from being isolated or ridiculed as in the original story, Nawaki decided to take preemptive action.
He simply held Kushina's hand and walked into her classroom.
All eyes turned to the grandson of the First Hokage the recently famous prodigy and the rare red-haired girl by his side.
Nawaki stood by the teacher's desk, scanning the class with a clear, authoritative voice.
"Classmates, this girl with red hair as beautiful as my grandmother Mito Uzumaki is my sister, Kushina Uzumaki."
"She comes from the Uzumaki clan, generations-long allies and comrades of Konoha. From today, she will live and study here. I hope you will treat her well and help her adjust."
His tone carried a subtle warning, but he smiled warmly: "If anyone dares to bully Kushina, I will be very angry."
Immediately, he subtly activated a technique: Roar!
An invisible wave of sound energy quietly radiated. It was not an attack, but it weakened and warned simultaneously.
Every student in the classroom, including the teacher, felt their chakra stir. A sudden, unexplainable pressure swept through them.
Though brief, it left a lasting impression and commanded respect.
The teacher opened their mouth to intervene but stopped. Nawaki's status made his actions untouchable.
His gaze fell on a boy sitting by the window with warm blonde hair and clear blue eyes: Minato Namikaze.
He led Kushina to him. Sensing Nawaki's gaze, Minato looked up, their eyes meeting, and smiled brightly.
Minato Namikaze Lv. Genin
[Pokémon?: Minato Namikaze]
[Rank: Lower Ninja, Stage One]
[Energy / Chakra: 5,230]
Nawaki had Kushina sit beside Minato, then nodded at him and said with a smile, "I think he's a good person. You two should become friends."
Minato scratched his head awkwardly, smiling at Kushina. "Hello, I'm Minato Namikaze. Welcome."
Days passed with training, research, D-rank missions, and occasional school visits to check on Kushina.
Orochimaru increasingly valued Nawaki's potion research. He could even analyze the finished products to reverse-engineer formulas and attempt to develop substitutes with similar effects.
Nawaki believed that, given enough time, Orochimaru might genuinely recreate restorative items similar to those in the Pokémon world.
During this period, Nawaki's relentless chakra refinement finally bore fruit.
His Stone Slate reached 100% charge, followed by the Grass Slate.
[Stone Slate fully charged!]
[Reward unlocked: Rock-type techniques "Rock Lock," "Knockdown," and "Roll"! ]
[Special item obtained: Hardened Stone! (Stored in system space)]
Meanwhile, with continued nurturing and chakra control, his Bulbasaur mark successfully evolved into Ivysaur.
Mark level increased to 16, enhancing his control over Grass-type powers.
That night, Nawaki did not train. He sat alone in his room, eyes locked on the system interface.
A bright red countdown ticked down to zero.
[Countdown complete! Trial mission begins!]
[World 1: Mewtwo's Revenge!]
[Mission 1: Rescue Professor Fuji!]
[Mission 2: Defeat Mewtwo!]
[Mission rewards: Second Pokémon Miracle Mark; Maximum Defense Individual Value; Various items]
[Activate trial mission? Yes/No]
Nawaki took a deep breath, his eyes sharp and full of anticipation.
Mewtwo's Revenge… a tragic story of clones, existence, and meaning.
"Begin!"
As he confirmed his intent, an invisible portal quietly opened before him. Beyond it swirled unknown lights and shadows.
Without hesitation, Nawaki stepped through.
His first inter-world trial had officially begun.