Chapter 200: Genichi's Six Paths, and Orochimaru's Impure World Reincarnation
After his birthday, time seemed to pass even faster. In the blink of an eye, it was January of Konoha Year 53. The New Year's atmosphere had gradually faded.
Inside the underground lab, in front of the White Zetsu mother-womb, A-Dai, under Genichi's command, cut open the womb and awakened the six White Zetsu clones that had grown to completion inside.
As the clones walked out one by one, the incision on the mother's body immediately healed at a rapid pace.
Genichi's gaze fell on the six clones. Although they still had white skin and androgynous bodies, their faces bore a thirty to forty percent resemblance to their cell donors, and their hair and eye colors were a perfect match. And so, they didn't look quite so much like White Zetsu.
Next was to test the six of them.
The Magnet Release, Ice Release, Hydrification, Dark Release, and Shikotsumyaku clones all successfully awakened their respective abilities. Even the Uchiha clone, under the induction of his electromagnetic senjutsu chakra, successfully awakened a three-tomoe Sharingan. But that was its limit. He knew very well that this was the limitation of White Zetsu. Thus, without further experimentation, he knew that it would be very, very difficult for a White Zetsu clone to gestate a Rinnegan. So he still had to develop the technology to cultivate reproductive cells, as well as the technique for inducing female cells to become eggs, in order to clone a Hashirama-Madara body that could gestate a Rinnegan.
Three days later, in a quiet room in the lab, the six clones sat in a row opposite him. They now had their own names: Jiki, Hyō, Sui, Mei, Shika, and Gyoku, corresponding to their respective Kekkei Genkai or secret techniques.
At the same time, under their black robes, at the position of their hearts, was a nail made from a black chakra rod. This position was a hub of the meridian system. In addition, a nail was also driven into their foreheads and abdomens, places where chakra could be stored.
Within Genichi's Yin Seal, his Primordial Spirit formed hand seals, and six soul clones appeared. These were not split souls, but chakra clones similar to the Shadow Clone Technique. After they were dispelled, their memories and chakra would also feed back to the main body.
The soul clones then left his body and entered the six clones, respectively. Instantly, the clones' own consciousnesses fell into a deep sleep, their bodies now controlled by his soul clones. Then, his chakra was transmitted into their bodies through the black rods.
The clones themselves had considerable chakra, but to use big moves, they still needed his. The chakra was continuously transmitted, gathering at their foreheads, hearts, and abdomens. The heart, as a hub, could transport chakra to any part of the body, and the forehead and abdomen formed Yin Seals to store it. This was in preparation for a great battle, to prevent a lack of chakra due to slow transmission.
After completing this step, he and the six clones simultaneously activated their electromagnetic induction, thereby constructing an instantaneous communication network.
Genichi's version of the Six Paths puppet clones.
Unlike Pain's Six Paths, which were puppets made from dead people, these were living clones. Pain's could share vision. His could not, but he had constructed a real-time information-sharing ability with electromagnetic perception. After all, the transmission speed of electromagnetic waves was, strictly speaking, the same as the speed of light.
In addition, each of Pain's Paths could only use one system of abilities. His were different. Besides the abilities of his Mirror Eye and forehead Mangekyō, they could use all other nature transformations, Kekkei Genkai, and Kekkei Tōta.
Their abilities were indeed not as comprehensive as a shadow clone's. But even though he could now create highly durable ice and wood clones, and even add the Nine-Tails' mode, in terms of damage resistance and combat endurance, they were not as good as these puppets.
The reason he had created them was, one, to make use of the clones. And two, he himself had mastered a wide variety of abilities that he had not yet been able to integrate. And no matter how strong he was, how much chakra he had, his output at any given time was limited. If he used Ice Release, it was difficult to use Wood Release, and vice versa…
Of course, clones were also an option, but these puppets had their advantages. So, this was not a crude imitation of Pain's Six Paths, but a decision made after comprehensive consideration of all aspects. And in the future, the experiments in the lab could also be handed over to them. They were also superior to shadow clones. After all, after dispelling the soul clones, the puppets' own consciousness would reawaken, and they could still carry out orders to complete some simple work and maintain the lab's operation. What's more, he didn't have to dispel all of them at once, so he could maintain the lab's smooth operation 24/7.
Over the next few days, he and his Six Paths puppets conducted tests in Konoha, such as long-range electromagnetic communication, long-range chakra transmission, their upper limits, their Sage Mode, and so on.
At the same time, in the Land of Rice Fields, in an experimental base.
Kabuto looked at the freshly made clone and pushed up his glasses with a smile. "Lord Orochimaru, this one should be able to meet your requirements, right? It's very perfect in all aspects."
"It is indeed not bad," Orochimaru smiled and nodded. "Then let's use him. Kabuto, get ready. We'll start in three days."
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
Three days later, in a quiet room.
The clone, who had been drugged and was unconscious, lay on the floor, on top of which a formula had been laid out. After Orochimaru had made his preparations, he opened his mouth wide, and a white phosphorus snake with a human head shot out, drilling into the clone's mouth and beginning to occupy its body. And his original body remained standing, like a shed skin.
Soon, the clone on the floor woke up. Then its hair, face, body, and clothes all rapidly transformed into Orochimaru's appearance.
"Hehe… what a powerful and young body," he let out a cheerful and deep laugh.
His first Living Corpse Reincarnation was a success.
Slowly getting up, he burned his own shed skin with a fire jutsu and then walked out of the room. Kabuto, who was waiting outside, immediately smiled. "Congratulations, Lord Orochimaru."
At this moment, his gaze toward his master was full of reverence, as if he were facing a god. Such an ability of immortality, even powerhouses like Hashirama and Madara could not achieve. Was this not a power that only a god could possess? Lord Orochimaru was the greatest ninja in the world.
"Kabuto, is the sacrifice ready?" Orochimaru asked with a smile.
"Of course," he smiled.
"Then let's give it a try." Orochimaru walked out of the lab, and Kabuto went to get the sacrifice.
On the barren land outside the lab, the sacrifice, also a Hashirama-Madara clone, lay on the ground, bound by poisonous snakes. Under Kabuto's watchful gaze, Orochimaru formed hand seals and pressed them to the ground.
Impure World Reincarnation!
A formula of seals spread out, surrounding the sacrifice. The next moment, with a flash of white light, impure soil surged up and quickly enveloped the body. And with a howl from the sacrifice, his body was quickly reshaped. Uchiha Tekka appeared.
Edo Tekka, has arrived.
This was the first time Kabuto had seen the jutsu. Looking at Tekka, he was secretly shocked. "What an amazing ninjutsu. It looks as if there's not much difference from when he was alive."
Orochimaru was also very satisfied. The more outstanding the sacrifice, the closer the reanimated person would be to their real self, and their strength in life. And the sacrifice used this time was a Hashirama-Madara clone, possessing the cells of both. There was no better sacrifice.
At the same time, in the woods in the distance, Black Zetsu was secretly observing. Seeing Tekka being reanimated, he couldn't help but smile. "So cautious, Orochimaru. But now that you've confirmed there's no problem, next time it will be Madara, right?"
Just then, Edo Tekka's consciousness gradually revived. His eyeballs rolled a bit, and then he slowly scanned his surroundings.
"Orochimaru?" His gaze fixed on him. He, one of the Sannin, of course he knew him. But now…
He frowned and looked down at his body. It was not flesh and blood at all.
"Orochimaru," he looked up at him and said coolly, "what have you done to me?"
"A forbidden jutsu created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, that revives the dead," Orochimaru spread his hands and smiled. "I have revived you from the Pure Land. There are actually some things I would like to confirm with you."
"On what grounds should I tell you?" Tekka's gaze was cold. "One of the Sannin of Konoha?"
His Mangekyō Sharingan opened, and with a terrible blast of air, his chakra erupted. A half-body Tengu-armored Susanoo rose up. He looked down at him. "Hehe, do you have the strength to speak to me like that?"
Beside him, Kabuto looked at the huge body of the Susanoo and couldn't help but swallow. "Is this the Susanoo that Lord Orochimaru spoke of? The strongest power of the Mangekyō Sharingan. How terrifying. If it were the Rinnegan…" His eyes flickered with excitement and agitation. Such power was indeed frightening, but also desirable.
Faced with his intimidation, Orochimaru's smile remained unchanged. "The Susanoo is indeed as famous as its reputation. I would also very much like to see the power of the Mangekyō. But there is one thing I must say. The Second Hokage was right about some things."
The Uchiha were so impolite.
Tekka's anger immediately flared. The Susanoo's right hand grabbed, and a long sword was formed. It raised it and slashed down at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru, unhurriedly, raised a single hand. The next moment, the giant Susanoo sword froze in mid-air.
Tekka's expression changed. He found that his body was a little difficult to control. "This… you bastard, Orochimaru, you actually…"
"I wasn't completely unprepared," Orochimaru smiled. "This sacrifice can indeed allow you to display a strength close to what you had in life. But it has also strengthened my control over you."
Just then, Kabuto came to his side. "Lord Orochimaru," he said, looking at the struggling Tekka, "it seems the plan has failed. It will be difficult to get any information from him now."
"We can make a deal," Orochimaru said noncommittally, looking at him. "If you tell me the information I want, then I can grant you your freedom."
Tekka stopped struggling. He couldn't break free from this jutsu right now. "What do you want to know?"
"About the Rinnegan."
"The Rinnegan," a sarcastic look appeared on his face. "Konoha should know very well where it is, right? What, are you afraid to go and take it?"
"It is, after all, the legendary dōjutsu of the Sage of Six Paths," Orochimaru admitted magnanimously. "It should be more powerful than the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"You do have some self-awareness," Tekka huffed. "But you can give up on that. I will not tell you any information about the Rinnegan. If you have the ability, then go and snatch it yourself. Doesn't Konoha always like to plunder other people's eyes?"
Orochimaru was not at all angry at this. He was scolding Konoha. What did that have to do with him? "You can seriously consider my suggestion. It will be to your benefit," he smiled.
Tekka was silent. Should he make this deal? Could Nagato alone stop that guy Genichi? And if the intel was leaked, it would be very troublesome. The entire plan would be disrupted. And this guy before him, Tekka felt, was not to be trusted.
He dispelled his Susanoo. "Tell me what you want to know," he said coolly.
"Congratulations on making a wise choice," Orochimaru chuckled. "What is the relationship between the Rinnegan and Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju?"
Tekka's heart trembled, but his face showed no expression. "There is indeed some connection. You should know that Nagato has the blood of the Uzumaki clan, right?"
"Oh? Is that so?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
"The Uzumaki and the Senju are close relatives," Tekka continued. "It is said that they both have the blood of the Sage of Six Paths. Lord Madara once said that the Rinnegan can only appear in these two bloodlines. And only these two bloodlines can handle its power." He was weaving a story of truth and lies.
Kabuto was a little disappointed. This was not the same as his speculation.
But Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. If that was the case, then everything seemed to make sense. But…
"So Madara's goal was also the Rinnegan," he smiled. "So he transplanted Hashirama's cells, but found that the Rinnegan had appeared in another person. Unfortunately, his body was already aged, and he could not master the Rinnegan. So he used some method to deceive Nagato, intending to have Nagato revive him. After that, he would take the Rinnegan for his own use?"
"You…" Tekka's face changed. He was a little flustered, because Orochimaru had almost guessed the truth. If he hadn't known the truth beforehand, he would have thought that what Orochimaru had said was true. He was also a little shocked that Konoha had so much intel. And…
"You bastard," he said, shocked, "have you found Lord Madara's body?"
Orochimaru did not answer, but it was obvious.
Damn bastard… he cursed internally, a little flustered. If Madara were also revived like this and controlled by Orochimaru, then it would be all over.
In an instant, a murderous intent rose in him. As long as he regained his freedom, he had to take care of this bastard first.
"Don't worry, I always keep my word," Orochimaru smiled and formed a hand seal.
Impure World Reincarnation, Release!
A white light bloomed on Tekka's body, and then his soul was freed from its restraints, flying out of the sacrifice's body and into the sky.
Bastard! I was tricked by this guy after all! he was furious, but also helpless. He didn't know the Edo Tensei, much less how to release it. And at the same time, he didn't know the Spirit Transformation Technique. In his soul state, he had no way to take revenge on Orochimaru and could only helplessly ascend to the Pure Land.
As his soul disappeared, Kabuto asked, "Lord Orochimaru, do you believe what he said?"
"We'll know when we get our hands on the Rinnegan," he smiled.
"Are you going to go after it?" Kabuto was shocked. "But Uchiha Tekka alone is probably not enough."
"Of course," he smiled. "So we must make sufficient preparations. Kabuto, prepare the sacrifice."
Kabuto immediately understood. This was in preparation for reanimating Madara. For a moment, he was also a little excited. The Rinnegan.
"Kabuto, clean up the sacrifice." After giving the order, he turned and left.
Kabuto nodded, then went forward and set the dead sacrifice on fire, burning the body to ashes.
The Hidden Leaf Village. Hokage's Office.
"Are you sure you have to go?" Tsunade frowned.
"I'm just going to scout out some information. There's no need to be so nervous," Genichi said in a relaxed tone. "We have confirmed intel that Hanzō is being controlled by Nagato. We have to face them sooner or later. We naturally need to understand the abilities of the Rinnegan."
"I'll have Jiraiya and that bastard Orochimaru come back and go with you," she said after a moment's thought.
"I'll go alone," he shook his head. "Quickly in, quickly out. If I take them, they might just be a burden. Don't look at how Nagato had such a hard time against a half-Nine-Tails jinchuriki, and his great move, the Planetary Devastation, couldn't even seal Naruto. But that was Tendo Pain. The chakra had to be transmitted from a long distance. Tendo Pain's strength cannot be equated with Nagato's own. Secondly, the current Nagato has not only had his legs healed, but he has also been strengthened by Madara. It's hard to say how strong he is. And this time, the main purpose is to 'collect' intel."
"Alright," she frowned and nodded helplessly. "Then when are you going?"
"In a few days. There's no need to let Shizune and Ina and the others know about this."
"I know," she waved her hand. "Go and prepare."
"Don't worry too much about me," he chuckled. "You should know that my current strength has already surpassed the First's."
She lowered her head and ignored him.
He smiled and left the office.
She sighed, then gritted her teeth. "Who would worry about that little bastard?"
She threw down her brush, stood up, and stood by the window, her arms crossed. The setting sun cast a warm glow on the lively and peaceful village. She then saw him leaving, holding hands with Shizune.
Little bastard. Little pervert. Two-timer. That fool Shizune. And Kurenai seems to… what's so good about this bastard?
(End of Chapter)
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