Though Wood Clones were a type of clone technique, their mechanics were closer to Shadow Clones—possessing independent thought.
The principle was simple.
In the original series, Yamato had once reclaimed a Wood Clone, reverting it into a seed.
In other words, this seed could resonate with the original body's chakra, producing an effect similar to the Shadow Clone Technique.
Under the night sky, Orochimaru's estate was eerily dark.
Sasame (the clone) cautiously scanned his surroundings but found no one.
Puzzled, he pushed open the main hall's door.
Meanwhile, deep underground in the lab—
Orochimaru held a scalpel, meticulously dissecting a corpse.
A moment later, a white snake slithered up to him, flicking its tongue with a hiss.
"An uninvited guest… A strange ninja with unusual chakra."
Orochimaru understood the serpent's message, his interest piqued.
He glanced at the corpse—a Kekkei Genkai user—then casually tossed the scalpel aside.
Ever since his disciple Nawaki's death, Orochimaru had recognized his own limitations.
Now, he pursued two paths:
Developing the Living Corpse Reincarnation for immortality.
Researching Kekkei Genkai to break through biological constraints.
Both experiments were extraordinarily difficult, and so far, he had little progress.
But since there was no rush, he decided to deal with this unexpected visitor first.
Orochimaru emerged from the lab and stepped into the hall.
Upon seeing Sasame, his slitted pupils narrowed sharply.
Something's off…
But he couldn't pinpoint what.
Licking his lips, Orochimaru raised a hand—
Snakes erupted from his sleeve, coiling around Sasame in an instant!
When something intrigued him, he preferred capturing it first—no point in letting prey escape.
Polite conversation wasn't his style.
He'd rather dissect his subjects slowly, methodically, savoring every discovery.
But then—
The Sasame wrapped in snakes suddenly dissolved into wooden branches, twisting back around the serpents!
In seconds, the scene devolved into a tangled mess of snakes and wood.
Orochimaru froze.
As someone who sought to master all jutsu, he immediately recognized the technique:
Wood Clone Jutsu.
He had once collaborated with Danzo on experiments involving Hashirama's cells—
The goal was to transplant the First Hokage's cells into test subjects, granting them Wood Release.
But due to violent rejection, every subject died.
Danzo and Orochimaru had been forced to abandon the project—
Until now.
A ninja wielding Wood Release had appeared out of nowhere.
Orochimaru's shock was palpable.
"Is this how the legendary Sannin welcomes guests?"
A second Sasame stepped through the door, his tone mocking.
"If so, I'm deeply disappointed."
Orochimaru's expression darkened, but he didn't attack again.
This one was clearly another Wood Clone.
"Let me guess what you're thinking."
Sasame casually pulled out a chair and sat—as if this were his own home.
Orochimaru noted his utter lack of fear or reverence, a stark contrast to most who met him.
This man is confident… dangerously so.
"You're wondering—if all Wood Release experiments failed, how can someone wield it?"
Sasame tilted his head.
"Am I right?"
Orochimaru's breath hitched.
Dead on.
But only a handful knew about those experiments.
He wouldn't have leaked it—so did Danzo betray him?
"Who. Are. You."
Orochimaru's voice dripped with menace, his killing intent thickening the air.
"Who I am doesn't matter."
Sasame picked up a teacup, swirling it lazily.
"What matters is what I can offer you."
He took a sip.
"For example… fulfilling your greatest desire."
Orochimaru barked out a laugh.
"My desire? You claim to know it?"
Sasame smirked.
"Immortality… and omniscience."
He leaned forward.
"I know many secrets."
Orochimaru's composure shattered.
Impossible.
No one should know that.
Did I… let it slip?
No. Absurd.
"Who. Are. You."
The same question—but now laced with dread.
A stranger who knew everything about him?
Unacceptable.
Sasame chuckled.
This was the power of meta-knowledge.
With theatrical flair, he declared:
"I am Fate—the one who lurks within Fate, the one who hunts Fate."
(A blatant steal from "The Eminence in Shadow"—but Orochimaru wouldn't know that.)
Orochimaru: "…What."
(To be fair, Sasame wasn't lying—the Fate's Wheel did let him hunt destiny itself.)
"Ah, you don't understand."
Sasame sighed, as if disappointed in a slow student.
Orochimaru: "…"
(For the love of—JUST SPEAK NORMALLY!)
"No matter. Let's discuss business."
Sasame raised two fingers.
"I want Hashirama's cells. In return, I'll give you two secrets."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed.
So… he's not all-powerful.
He needs something from me.
His tongue flicked out in excitement.
"Hashirama's cells are priceless. How do I know your secrets are worth it?"
"I'll give you a small secret first."
Sasame remained unshaken.
"If you're satisfied, we proceed. If not, no loss."
He smiled.
"You're a valuable partner. I'd prefer a long-term arrangement."
Orochimaru frowned.
He hated dealing with someone who knew more about him than he did them.
But Sasame's knowledge was too dangerous to ignore.
Perhaps cooperation is the best way to uncover his secrets…
"That depends on your secret's value."
Sasame nodded.
"There was one survivor of your and Danzo's Wood Release experiments."
"And he awakened Wood Release."
Orochimaru's composure cracked again.
"What?!"
DANZO, YOU DARE DECEIVE ME?!
"The survivor is in Root—codenamed 'Tenzo'."**
(Sasame was referring to Yamato, whose fate originally involved leaving Root to join the Anbu—even his name was given by the Third Hokage.)
But now… his destiny would change.
Sasame was curious—
What would happen if Yamato ended up with Orochimaru instead?
Most transmigrators feared altering the plot, but Sasame's power thrived on rewriting fate.
Strength was all that mattered.
With enough power, even canon could be bent.
Orochimaru took a deep breath.
"I'll verify this. If true… our deal stands."
"Pleasure doing business."
Sasame grinned—then dispelled the clone right in front of him.
(No multiple identities here—just the occasional "mysterious organization leader" act when needed.)