Beyond dark powers, any power can lead to obsession.
But dark powers are especially dangerous.
If one truly falls, Orochimaru's recent state was mild—merely clouded judgment and lowered intellect. The greater risk is total ruin, even eternal soul torment in the abyss.
Hearing Shen Mo's words…
Orochimaru took them to heart.
In the past, he hadn't paid much attention to such things.
Now, reflecting…
His actions had often strayed from his original purpose, sometimes killing on a whim.
He glanced at Shen Mo.
It felt like being mentored by a teacher again.
But this "teacher" was far beyond Hiruzen Sarutobi. Like Orochimaru himself, if a "disciple" showed insufficient potential…
They'd likely be discarded without mercy.
What a…
Wondrous and precious experience.
When Orochimaru opened the 352nd can, a light orb appeared, starkly different from the usual.
Pitch black.
Exuding an evil aura at a glance.
"A Necromancy Series skill orb," Shen Mo identified it instantly, smiling. "Looks like fate hasn't abandoned you. A skill from a Level 2 can is considered a Grand Prize."
With the armband, this was his second Grand Prize.
Hiruzen Sarutobi would probably weep if he knew.
Gulp. Kabuto's throat bobbed, unable to resist asking, "Is it… another dangerous thing like that armband?"
The armband still lay quietly on the ground.
To Kabuto, it was terrifying.
Orochimaru now seemed like a corpse.
His touch was no different from a cadaver.
"Kabuto, the armband isn't what's terrifying," Orochimaru said, glancing at Shen Mo with a grin. "What's terrifying is our fragile will."
With that…
He reached out and grasped the orb.
His resolve was unshakable.
Whatever it was, he wouldn't falter as before. This decisiveness was also to prove his potential to Shen Mo.
The inky black orb dissolved into mist, merging with Orochimaru's body.
Strange information flooded his mind.
Skill: Bone Resurrection
Description: Consumes energy and stamina to transform a corpse into an undead creature. The quality depends on the energy provided.
This skill…
Orochimaru's eyes widened.
"Like Edo Tensei?" he murmured, but quickly corrected himself. "No, not true resurrection, but transformation into a new undead creature… and it seems capable of growth…"
He now understood why skills were Grand Prizes.
This should be a highly dangerous necromantic technique.
Yet he felt he could use it without risk—no need for related knowledge, experience, or necromantic power.
As if it were an instinct of his body.
This…
Was a Grand Prize!
"A highly practical skill," Shen Mo said, somewhat impressed by Orochimaru's luck. "Especially for you. Most materials you've drawn can be used with this skill to create undead creatures. What kind of monsters you make depends on your skill and luck."
With this skill…
The previously unusable materials…
Could now be utilized.
Though slightly wasteful, the skill's value was undeniable.
A powerful necromancer could raise an undead army with it!
"What a terrifying ability," Orochimaru realized, licking his dry lips.
This was just a Level 2 can Grand Prize.
What about Level 3?
Ten times the price—its Grand Prizes should be ten times more terrifying!
"Continue."
Despite gaining a powerful skill, he quickly reined in his excitement.
Orochimaru now positioned himself as an apprentice.
As calm and humble as possible.
From one of the legendary Sannin to an apprentice—a shift few could make. But after nearly succumbing to power, Orochimaru managed it.
Having witnessed Shen Mo's might…
And the cans' wonders…
He knew if he survived, a long, powerful path awaited.
Shen Mo was pleased with Orochimaru's mindset.
The apprentice phase is when growth and drive are strongest.
However…
Though Orochimaru's mindset was right, after two Grand Prizes, his luck seemed spent.
The next hundred-plus cans yielded no more Grand Prizes.
Not even a class-change item.
Indeed, the final ten Level 2 cans should have had a high chance of a class-change item, but none appeared.
"Seems the destiny-altering item meant for you isn't so simple," Shen Mo said, blinking. "This is good. Items from Level 3 cans are generally better than Level 2."
It wasn't that he didn't guarantee a minimum.
The class-change item prepared for Orochimaru exceeded Level 2 cans' price, five times the trading limit.
In truth, except for Tsunade's simple Holy Light Seed class…
Most class-change items were costly.
Faced with this…
What could Orochimaru say?
He had to keep opening.
If he didn't, in his current state, once Shen Mo left, he'd die.
All hope…
Rested on a destiny-altering item.
He could only think of what else he could sell.
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Why not sell my knowledge, memories, and jutsu?"
"…" Orochimaru turned, looking at Kabuto, but slowly shook his head. "Your loyalty moves me, but Kabuto, you're my most capable subordinate. I'll need your skills for future research."
Kabuto lowered his gaze, silent.
Shen Mo watched with interest.
Kabuto, as a player, had considerable potential too.
"Actually," Shen Mo suddenly said, "you can trade with money."
Orochimaru looked over.
He knew money could be used.
But who brings wealth to a fight?
"A small matter."
As if reading Orochimaru's thoughts, Shen Mo waved his staff. Money defined by the system as Orochimaru's appeared.
Why not do this earlier?
Since Orochimaru chose to sell useless jutsu memories, Shen Mo hadn't bothered to mention it.