This base was located in the Rice Country and was very well hidden. Among Orochimaru's major bases, it ranked quite high.
The base was enormous—carved directly into the heart of a mountain, its interior was both intricate and sophisticated.
"Last time I went out, I not only obtained someone like Kimimaro—a promising young ninja with great potential—but also made significant progress in my Cursed Seal research. I think you'll find it interesting!"
Orochimaru walked alongside Saitama as he spoke. He knew Saitama was preparing for something big and had been steadily building up his power.
Coincidentally, the results he had recently developed might just spark Saitama's interest.
In the dim, dry corridor, Saitama and Orochimaru walked side by side, but Saitama kept his gaze fixed straight ahead.
Every three meters was a torch holder carrying a lit candle, casting just enough light to keep the corridor from plunging into darkness.
He could sense a wildly surging chakra ahead—distinctly different from the Tailed Beasts'—yet strangely familiar.
Previously at another base, Saitama had witnessed this before. It likely originated from Jugo, further enhanced through Orochimaru's toxic techniques. This was the power of the [Cursed Seal].
From start to finish, Kimimaro did not utter a single word. Quietly, he followed closely behind Orochimaru and Saitama, always one step back.
Although Kimimaro hadn't been brought back by Orochimaru for long, he had already earned Orochimaru's favor.
Orochimaru intended to nurture him, keeping him close for careful guidance and broadening his understanding as well.
But Kimimaro understood—he hadn't earned the right to speak freely yet, so for now, he stayed silent and listened.
Kimimaro had seen the man in the coat often recently and had picked up some information about him from others.
His name was Saitama—a frequent collaborator of Orochimaru's in many matters. Their relationship ran deep, and Saitama himself appeared to be a decent guy.
Kimimaro hadn't interacted with Saitama during his previous visits, so today marked their first real encounter.
"You already know I've long studied Natural Energy—it's a unique energy found throughout the Shinobi World. By absorbing that energy and combining it with one's original chakra, a more powerful form of chakra emerges—known as Sage Chakra."
Orochimaru explained, fearing Saitama might not understand clearly.
What he didn't realize was that Saitama already knew all about it—perhaps even better than Orochimaru himself.
"Jiraiya used such a technique before—I've seen it firsthand!" Saitama nodded, responding to Orochimaru.
On the Mist Frontline, many had witnessed Jiraiya using those unusual ninjutsu, though few could name them at the time.
"That's right. Jiraiya was originally from Mount Myoboku and learned the Sage Arts there."
"Then what about you? You're associated with Ryuchi Cave, right? Why didn't you master it then?" This was something Saitama had long wondered about. In the original storyline, only Kabuto mastered the "Ryuchi Cave Sage Art." Even though Orochimaru was immensely strong and possessed great talent for ninjutsu, he had still failed to learn it.
Although in his past life, it might have been because Orochimaru had previously used the [Living Corpse Reincarnation], suffering some kind of soul loss, that he couldn't master it.
But in this life, Saitama knew that Orochimaru, under his influence, seemingly hadn't performed any reincarnation rituals yet, and his soul shouldn't have any missing fragments.
So then, where was Orochimaru's Sage Mode?
"Hehe, Ryuchi Cave naturally has its own Sage Arts, but unfortunately, I'm unable to cultivate them due to certain reasons."
Orochimaru frowned. He had considered learning the Sage Arts of Ryuchi Cave before, but because of his body modifications and other factors, he wasn't compatible with the Sage Chakra from Ryuchi Cave. Attempting cultivation forcibly would actually cause physical damage.
However, now he had found another method for synthesizing Sage Chakra different from the Three Sacred Lands—a kind of compensation. More importantly, this Sage Chakra could be used flexibly by him.
"The previous Cursed Seals weren't strictly controlled enough, making it easy for recipients to lose control. But after some recent improvements, I've found a way to make the power of the Cursed Seal release much more stably!"
Saitama remained silent, listening quietly.
Because of his power increase and other distractions, he'd completely forgotten about Sage Chakra.
Now that Orochimaru mentioned it again, his eyes lit up once more.
Although he was already very powerful, Sage Chakra still held great usefulness. Mastering it would provide considerable advantages.
Yet if it meant acquiring the Sage Chakra from Juugo's body, he'd rather pass.
So he figured he should grab Orochimaru's Summoning Scroll sometime soon and give the Sage training at Ryuchi Cave a try.
The three kept walking and chatting as they went, until they reached a pretty big room.
Saitama could clearly sense how the strange energy in the air here had become significantly more active, as though it might erupt at any moment.
"Juugo, you know who I mean—the boy who gave me the inspiration for the Cursed Seal concept."
"Mm." Saitama nodded. He knew who Juugo was, so nothing seemed unusual.
However, Kimimaro, standing at the back, appeared to be visiting here for the first time and looked quite curious. He kept peeking past Orochimaru and Saitama, trying to get a clear view of the room's interior.
"Juugo's body is very special. When he gets angry or when the surrounding Natural Energy becomes intense, his body enters a frenzied state—partially activating Sage Transformation. At such times, although he loses his rationality, his combat capabilities receive a significant boost!"
Orochimaru walked to the door, opened a small window on it, and peered inside.
"After researching for so long, I've finally mastered the talisman-based control method."
Orochimaru gestured for Saitama to come over, then stepped aside.
Saitama smiled faintly as he stepped closer, a little surprised that Orochimaru hadn't opened the door all the way—was he really worried Juugo might snap?
Following Orochimaru's example, Saitama leaned toward the opened little window and looked inside.
Inside the large room, pitch darkness reigned except for a faint beam of light entering through this tiny window.
At the farthest reach of this dim illumination sat a frail child, knees hugged close, leaning against the corner of the wall.
"Want to give it a try? I can let you experience the Cursed Seal firsthand!"
Orochimaru's voice rang out inappropriately from behind. Saitama shifted his gaze.
"Nah, I'll pass. I don't feel like turning into one of those weird freaks!"
Saitama spoke with obvious implications. The Cursed Seal originated from Jugo carried major side effects. Although its power boost was huge, using it turned people grotesque—like monsters.
"Fine then. Once I do more research, I'll start applying it practically. Oh right, our cloning technology has made recent progress too. Before long, we should be able to mass-produce engineered Hashirama's Cells! Then I'll finally be able to fulfill your request!"
Orochimaru licked his lips. He already expected Saitama wouldn't care about the Sage Art Chakra he currently controlled, but it should work just fine on his own subordinates.
"Not bad at all. You still need to refine the Impure World Reincarnation technique a bit, but otherwise there shouldn't be any problems!"
"Yeah, no issues. I heard you've already captured a few Tailed Beasts. I'm curious—what exactly is your end goal?"
Orochimaru didn't mind helping Saitama out with such small things. He always acted on whatever amused him. As for reasons or principles—who cared?
If he liked someone, he'd help them out however he could. If not? Not a word.
As for cooperating with Saitama, it was simply because he found it fun—and because Saitama gave him plenty of useful research intel.
"Lemme use your Summoning Scroll for a second. Turns out I still don't have a decent Boss Summon. Snakes seem pretty cool to me!"
Saitama gestured straight at Orochimaru. Since today Orochimaru reminded him about Sage Art Chakra, no way was he going to let that slip away.
He'd been pretty bored lately anyway—might as well give it a shot.
As for the Cursed Seal's power? He'd leave that for those desperate for strength but too weak to earn it.
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