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In the dimly lit study, Orochimaru's face was twisted into a ghastly, sickly smile, his snake-like eyes brimming with insatiable greed. It seemed as though his soul was no longer alone.
"Hehe, this forbidden technique was inspired by the Kato Clan's S-Rank Secret Technique 'Soul Transformation,' developed by the Second Hokage. It doesn't have a name yet, but I, Orochimaru, will call it 'Impure World Reincarnation.'"
As Orochimaru, with his sickly demeanor, explained the origin of the jutsu, Uchiha Yoru gradually suppressed his shock and began to ponder deeply.
In the original Chunin Exams, when Orochimaru and the Third Hokage fought within a barrier, Orochimaru revealed a woman's face in front of the Third Hokage, causing the Third to exclaim, 'Have you already mastered that forbidden technique?' (As seen in the original anime.)
From this, it can be inferred that the technique had a prototype, albeit an incomplete one. It took Orochimaru several years to perfect the jutsu.
At this moment, Orochimaru seemed to be in his element, his face radiating an excited, sickly smile, his voice hoarse with enthusiasm.
"Do you know for whom the Second Hokage developed this jutsu?" Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with excitement as he continued, "For the First Hokage! The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. This jutsu was created specifically for the First Hokage."
"Shortly after the First Hokage returned from the battle at the Valley of the End with your Uchiha ancestors, the Second Hokage took over. A few years later, the First Hokage passed away. This clearly indicates that the First Hokage must have been severely injured or had his life force drained. At that point, the Second Hokage had no choice but to seek other methods."
"The Second Hokage was truly a genius, coming up with a way to extend life. If this jutsu were to succeed, one could transfer their soul into a younger ninja's body, extending life indefinitely, achieving eternal life."
Orochimaru seemed to have found the true meaning of life, his excitement bordering on madness. Uchiha Yoru, however, feigned a frown and shook his head.
"Orochimaru-sensei, this jutsu is not yet perfected. The records clearly state the results of the experiments. When a soul fully occupies another body, there is a severe backlash. This seems to be more than just physical incompatibility; it touches upon the taboo of souls."
However, Orochimaru's hoarse laughter grew even more excited. "Hehe, the Spirit Transformation technique allows the soul to leave the body, travel great distances to kill enemies, control their bodies, and enter their minds."
"But the drawback is that if the original body is harmed, the soul is also injured. If the original body dies, the soul cannot remain in another body. We just need to solve these two problems."
"First, how to ensure the soul is not constrained by the original body after leaving it. Second, how to fully occupy another body without being affected by the original body, and to avoid the backlash you mentioned."
For someone like Orochimaru, creating something from nothing was a challenge, let alone when a prototype already existed. He just needed to continue his research.
"Hehe, it's clear that the Second Hokage didn't complete this jutsu; otherwise, the First Hokage wouldn't have died, and the Great Shinobi Wars wouldn't have happened."
Orochimaru was now completely immersed in the idea of eternal life. Based on his experience, he believed it was entirely possible. He looked at Uchiha Yoru, eager to share his thoughts, fearing that the other might think it impossible.
"Yoru, since the Spirit Transformation technique allows the soul to leave the body and control others, it proves that this jutsu is feasible. As long as we overcome these challenges, eternal life is within reach, for both of us!"
Orochimaru's eyes, filled with a manic gleam, were fixed on Uchiha Yoru. The idea had taken root in his mind, overwhelming his rationality. He had always suppressed this thought, fearing it was a lonely path, but now he saw the possibility of a companion.
"Yoru, what do you think of this jutsu?"
Orochimaru was eager to know his disciple's thoughts. Though they were teacher and student, they often worked more like partners, with Yoru serving as his assistant in Konoha.
Seeing Orochimaru's slightly deranged gaze, Uchiha Yoru knew that Orochimaru was fully immersed in the jutsu, ready to pursue this incomprehensible path with all his might.
"Orochimaru-sensei, a ninja's lifespan is too short. Even the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage, couldn't escape the cycle of life and death."
Though he didn't say it outright, Uchiha Yoru's firm tone made Orochimaru laugh uncontrollably.
The dimly lit study echoed with Orochimaru's hoarse laughter. At this moment, the relationship between Orochimaru and Uchiha Yoru seemed to have transcended that of teacher and student, becoming companions on the path to eternal life.
"However, Orochimaru-sensei, the records of this forbidden technique show multiple human experiments, all of which encountered issues with the soul. The first is how to break free from the original body's constraints and ensure the soul is not affected if the original body is harmed. The second is how to resist or eliminate the backlash from the new body."
Uchiha Yoru, after just one read, could pinpoint the key issues, showing his genuine interest in the technique. Orochimaru's hoarse laughter grew even more pronounced. "Yoru, don't rush. All research is built on countless failures."
Difficulty? Orochimaru was never afraid of it. What he feared was moving forward without direction.
Uchiha Yoru admired Orochimaru's persistence. He knew the jutsu would eventually succeed, though it would take Orochimaru several years, and it would still have flaws.
"Orochimaru-sensei, I have an idea that might help solve the issue of the body's backlash against the soul."
After a moment of contemplation, Uchiha Yoru presented his idea. Orochimaru's face lit up with his unique smile. "Hehe, Yoru, your ideas are always so innovative. I really look forward to the surprises you bring me."
"Orochimaru-sensei, if other bodies cause a backlash from the soul, what about one's own body?"
Uchiha Yoru's lips curled into a confident smile, leaving Orochimaru momentarily stunned. He murmured, "One's own body? One's own!"
Suddenly, Orochimaru's face twisted into a deranged grin. "Hehe, I understand! Yoru, you truly surprise me. If other bodies can't avoid the soul's backlash, we can cultivate our own bodies. We can grow bodies from our own young cells, preserving countless young cells in a dormant state."
At this moment, Orochimaru seemed to have a breakthrough. The study echoed with his hoarse laughter. Orochimaru had never been so out of control before. This was the first and most joyful time in his life, even more exciting than becoming Hokage.
I hope the editor can bring some good news this afternoon.
(End of Chapter)