It had already been a few days since Orochimaru's return.
In that short span, after setting up the advanced equipment he had brought from other worlds, he became deeply engrossed in his experiments. Apart from supervising Saeko and Shiho's training, Orochimaru spent nearly all his time secluded in his laboratory.
Even Danzō's summons were ignored. His only reply was a curt message claiming he was in the midst of a critical breakthrough and would be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
Unsurprisingly, Danzō wasn't pleased. Orochimaru's continued absence and disregard for Root's calls were viewed as blatant insubordination. Still, Orochimaru pacified him with vague promises, saying that if his research succeeded, Danzō would also reap the benefits.
Though Danzō was skeptical, unsure of what "benefits" Orochimaru referred to, he decided not to interfere further. He doubted it had anything to do with Wood Release. Despite Orochimaru's talent, Danzō didn't believe anyone could overcome that hurdle so easily.
With Orochimaru immersed in his work, Danzō shifted his attention to the newcomers, Saeko and Shiho. To allow them to move freely within Konoha, Orochimaru arranged for their registration as war orphans—a cover story fabricated by him. Naturally, their sudden appearance didn't go unnoticed.
From the Hokage and the Uchiha Clan to Hiruzen and even civilian intelligence units, various parties began investigating their origins discreetly. Yet none dared confront Orochimaru directly. He remained one of the village's most formidable shinobi, renowned for surviving two Great Ninja Wars and countless lethal missions. Questioning his loyalty, even now, could be seen as a provocation. No one wanted to take that risk.
Still, doubt lingered beneath the surface.
Despite their unfamiliar backgrounds, both girls possessed chakra levels barely reaching that of fresh academy students. This much was true—they had only recently begun chakra refinement. Most observers were left confused. If they were so ordinary, why was someone like Orochimaru personally invested in them?
That unanswered question continued to stir unease in the shadows.
Some factions even attempted to observe or interact with the girls directly. But doing so proved futile. Saeko and Shiho rarely left their training grounds, devoting themselves wholly to their development. The taste of fear they had recently experienced had made one thing clear: if they lacked strength, they would die.
And Orochimaru made sure they understood that lesson thoroughly.
He requested test subjects from Root—shinobi captured from other villages.
With surgical detachment, he released one of them into a secure facility. Told he could go free if he survived, the prisoner, in desperation, gave everything he had. He charged at Orochimaru in a suicidal frenzy. Of course, he failed. His attempt was doomed from the start.
But Orochimaru had anticipated that.
What came next was worse.
As the captive regained awareness, he spotted Saeko and Shiho watching from a distance and lunged at them, aiming for their throats. Before he could reach them, Orochimaru reappeared, severing his head in an instant.
It wasn't the last time.
Again and again, Orochimaru repeated this process. Each time, a new test subject was released. Each time, the girls were targeted.
They witnessed men burn to death, drown in pools of their own blood, fall paralyzed from venom, or be torn apart by summoned beasts. Each encounter pushed them to their physical and mental limits. Every escape from death left a deeper scar.
It was no longer training.
It was survival.
After days of mental trauma and repeated brushes with death, they came to a grim understanding. If they didn't grow stronger, their lives would always belong to someone else. Orochimaru might save them now, but he wouldn't always be there.
If they wanted to live, they had to become killers.
Watching Saeko and Shiho steadily refine their chakra, Orochimaru gave a small nod of approval before silently leaving the room. His footsteps echoed down the corridor as he entered another chamber, a sealed, darkened space designed for privacy and focus.
He sat down on the chair with a grin that could unnerve even the bravest shinobi. It was time.
Time for the Gacha.
Without hesitation, Orochimaru spent an entire month's worth of points, eyes gleaming with anticipation as the wheel spun.
Draw Results:
1. Doctor (Akuma Drive)
2. Image Inducer (Marvel)
3. Elasticycle (The Incredibles)
4. 1000 Galleons (Harry Potter)
5. Earl's Headphones (2 Broke Girls)
6. Explosive Pen (James Bond)
7. Teddy (Mr. Bean)
8. Miyamura's Earrings (Horimiya)
9. Sword of Kings (Vikings)
10. Hai Bodong (Battle Through the Heavens)
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly as he examined the cards.
"Looks like the Gacha really wants me to complete my experiments," he mused.
"The Doctor... similar to me. An intellect driven by obsession, but without chakra."
Her knowledge of advanced medicine and surgical skill would be invaluable. Her experience could help refine his own understanding of non-chakra-based anatomy and healing.
The Image Inducer was a curious tool—an advanced holographic device capable of altering the user's appearance. He would eventually crack its secrets.
Coins was not what he wanted from the world which was rich in spatial manipulation, soul-based magic, and abstract theories that often bordered on the metaphysical. There was potential.
Orochimaru allowed himself a dark chuckle as comparisons danced in his mind:
"Danzo as Grindelwald. Both dangerous, but at least Grindelwald had vision.
Dumbledore and Sensei... two peak hypocrites.
Naruto and Potter... tragic orphans raised in ignorance, rising to fame while carrying burdens no child should bear."
"And me... am I not like Voldemort? Splitting souls in pursuit of immortality.
Or maybe like Snape—caught in the shadows, driven by loyalty twisted by time."
If only he could travel to that world, just once. So many toys to collect. So many experiments to conduct—quietly, peacefully.
But today's jackpot wasn't over.
Another card flickered into existence. Another Template.
Hai Bodong – The Ice Emperor
*************
Should he save Uchiha?