The technique Mizuki mentioned about condensing eternal obsession into a manifestation was clearly Orochimaru's Eight Branches Technique. To Mizuki, this jutsu was undeniably powerful, though it held no advantage against Itachi Uchiha's Susanoo attacks and had eventually been sealed by divine weapons, proving it wasn't overwhelmingly unstoppable.
The greatest strength Mizuki saw in this technique lay in its ability to consolidate soul and spiritual power. The damage to Orochimaru's spirit from Living Corpse Reincarnation had been fully revealed during his defeat at the hands of Itachi Uchiha. Without the Eight Branches Technique, Orochimaru's soul might have already been consumed by the accumulated damage from repeated Living Corpse Reincarnations. Even when Sasuke Uchiha finally turned the tide against him, there remained a brief window for recovery. Were it not for the overwhelming sealing power of the divine Totsuka Blade, killing Orochimaru would have been nearly impossible.
Mizuki had no intention of transforming into an Eight-Headed Giant Serpent. As a legendary divine beast known as the "Divine Dragon," it obviously carried unique symbolic meaning. Mizuki wasn't trying to overshadow Orochimaru either. The key point was that this technique provided immense protective capabilities for both spirit and soul—exactly what Mizuki needed now, as his spirit suffered from natural energy corrosion. This could be considered a godsend skill, and even referencing it would bring Mizuki tremendous help.
Mizuki made his intentions clear but wouldn't appear eager in front of Kabuto Yakushi—he merely wanted to push Kabuto toward a favorable decision. The Eight Branches Technique was Mizuki's ultimate goal, though Cursed Seal Technique and Living Corpse Reincarnation would also suffice. As for Impure World Reincarnation, it was merely supplementary. Other techniques were nice to have, but not necessary.
Facing Mizuki's demands, Kabuto sighed helplessly, "I think I understand now. Although your greed complicates things, you aren't entirely off track. However, I've never seen Lord Orochimaru's records regarding this. According to what you said, this is obviously his final life-saving trick. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise, I simply don't have access to this technique."
"In that case, that's unfortunate," Mizuki gave a nonchalant shrug. "Without related records, the materials you provide still cannot fully satisfy me. Therefore, I'm sorry, but no deal can be reached. Either finish what we agreed on before and leave, or adjust your terms."
In truth, neither side had much comparable value. Impure World Reincarnation and Living Corpse Reincarnation clearly corresponded with combat effectiveness and lifespan extension respectively, while Breath-Sealing Art mainly served as infinitely adaptable auxiliary support. Neither side had the clear advantage—it all came down to individual needs and circumstances. Breath-Sealing Art had broader applications, compensating for many innate deficiencies—something Living Corpse or Impure World Reincarnation couldn't achieve. Though not directly enhancing battle readiness, the dramatic transformation Mizuki underwent through Sage Mode clearly demonstrated its potential.
Mizuki's refusal left Kabuto resigned, but there was nothing else he could do. Without appropriate bargaining chips, nobody would willingly reveal their hidden cards. Take the three-tomoe Sharingan in Kabuto's possession, for example—it might not surpass Mizuki's Breath-Sealing Art in value, yet Kabuto would absolutely never consider exchanging it. The infinite possibilities offered by the Sharingan meant no one would dream of putting it up for negotiation.
"Then forget it. I won't take the Breath-Sealing Art—just offer something else." Kabuto Yakushi said with regret. Given his current circumstances, there was clearly no chance of obtaining Orochimaru's secrets. As for doing the research himself—he didn't even have the time to try, no matter the odds of success. The Sharingan he currently possessed alone would occupy a considerable amount of his study time.
"Oh? What other techniques do you have in mind?"
Mizuki knew how to distinguish valuable techniques. Whatever technique he might exchange with Impure World Reincarnation and Living Corpse Reincarnation definitely wouldn't be anything simple. Kabuto Yakushi wasn't stupid either; he wouldn't agree to an obviously disadvantageous transaction.
"I want the method to attain Sage Mode!"
Kabuto Yakushi declared decisively.
"Sage Mode?" Mizuki felt a jolt in his heart and looked at Kabuto Yakushi incredulously. "I'll borrow your earlier words—without the Breath-Sealing Art, your chakra reserves are insufficient to qualify for learning Sage Mode. Plus, let me remind you, the Sage Mode I use may not necessarily suit you."
Even ignoring the issue of chakra reserves, finding a way to first connect with natural energy was already extremely difficult. Jiraiya and Naruto Uzumaki succeeded only with Elder Fukasaku's occasional help when they studied the Toad Sage Art. Mizuki himself had taken a shortcut suitable for him by using tailed beast chakra. What resources could Kabuto Yakushi possibly use? Would he dare again implant Orochimaru's cells? Not while Orochimaru was still alive and watching closely.
"I'm well aware of all that. I'll figure everything out myself. Is the deal acceptable?"
"Cancel the Genjutsu Magical Formation part. In exchange for Sage Mode, offering both Impure World Reincarnation and Living Corpse Reincarnation is enough."
After all, Kabuto Yakushi was bound to come across Snake Sage Art eventually. For an ordinary ninja with no special Kekkei Genkai or powerful background, Sage Mode was probably the best bet—if he could pull it off. It definitely boosted power.
Mizuki's strength came from the Breath-Sealing Art, while Sage Mode was just one of several tools at his disposal. Trading for two valuable forbidden techniques was a pretty good deal.
After a moment's hesitation, Kabuto Yakushi agreed to Mizuki's counteroffer. This whole incident originally started because of the Sharingan. The immense chakra drain faced by non-Uchiha users of the Sharingan had pushed Kabuto Yakushi to pursue Mizuki's Breath-Sealing Art. Since the Breath-Sealing Art now appeared unattainable, switching to an alternative involving Sage Chakra propulsion seemed reasonable. Kabuto Yakushi deeply understood the relationship between the Cursed Seal and Sage Arts. Witnessing firsthand how the cursed seal enhanced Sasuke Uchiha's Sharingan made him fully realize how higher-level energies could greatly boost its power. Therefore, treating Sage Mode as an alternative was entirely understandable.
"Fine. However, what if I run into problems with your Sage Mode? How will I contact you then?"
"I'm the Jonin squad leader of Team 8—I have plenty of opportunities to leave the village. Don't worry about being unable to find me. Of course…" Mizuki smiled easily. "If someone finds out about our transaction, don't blame me for turning hostile."
"That goes without saying," Kabuto Yakushi nodded.
"Great. The deal is settled." Mizuki was extremely satisfied with the gains he obtained. "Finally, we need to decide upon a trustworthy exchange method..."
Mizuki pulled out an empty scroll and spread it open. "Write down the details of [Cursed Seal] and [Yin Healing Wound Destruction]. Once I've verified their authenticity, you may go."
"Once you're safe, send over the Summoning: Rashōmon and water-body technique. Then we can begin the Sage Mode exchange..."
With the Cursed Seal Technique secured, Mizuki's use of Sage Mode wouldn't go to waste. The prospect of obtaining several powerful ninjutsu could also ensure Kabuto Yakushi's safe departure.
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