Orochimaru's Research Base.
Kin unceremoniously dumped the three unconscious Root operatives onto the examination tables.
"Kin-kun, why did you bring these people back?"
Orochimaru watched with amusement, his golden eyes gleaming.
"If you plan to use them as test subjects, Danzō won't let this slide."
Though Root had grown in scale, the way Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō had risen to power wasn't universally accepted by the clans. The repercussions of that still lingered.
Hiruzen had cultivated the Sannin to gradually win over the clans, while Danzō's Root remained a small, shadowy force—composed mostly of civilian-born shinobi and clan members with mediocre talent. These three were among Root's elite.
Danzō wouldn't tolerate their loss.
Still...
Orochimaru stroked his chin. Sending three Special Jōnin after a single Genin? Danzō was being excessively cautious.
He had once considered joining Root himself, but as his strength grew, the idea lost its appeal. Now, seeing Root's so-called "elite," he was even more certain.
They were nothing but weaklings he could crush on a whim.
Kin shot Orochimaru a glance, unsure what the man was thinking.
Did he really seem that reckless?
"The technique I created can absorb chakra, but these three are completely immune. I want to find out why."
He had already tried his chakra-absorption technique on the orange-haired man and the Aburame codenamed "Naruto." The results were the same: utterly ineffective.
If this was the case, not only would his Steel-Cutting Flash be useless, but even his Six Treasuries Immortal Thief would lose most of its effectiveness.
Yet, Orochimaru's reaction was one of surprise, as if he couldn't believe Kin didn't already know the answer.
Though puzzled, Kin focused on extracting information from the bodies.
Soon, data began appearing on the scroll in his hands.
Kin's eyes widened in realization.
"So that's how it is."
Now he understood why Orochimaru had looked at him so strangely.
These three had two seals inside them.
The first was the Tongue Eradication Seal, which prevented them from revealing any of Danzō's secrets. That wouldn't affect chakra absorption.
The second seal, however, was the culprit.
All three had been practicing his Basic Internal Energy Technique—and were still stuck at the first layer.
In theory, this stage should prevent the use of ninjutsu entirely, since chakra couldn't be expelled from the body. That was why Kin couldn't absorb their chakra.
But they had been using ninjutsu flawlessly, completely bypassing the restriction.
That was what had thrown him off.
Now, reading the scroll's contents, he finally understood.
"They've engraved ninjutsu formulas onto their skin. When they perform hand seals, the chakra is forcibly absorbed and converted into pre-set techniques."
This was the same principle behind ninja tools.
"Unbelievable."
It was the only way to use ninjutsu at this stage.
But while it worked, each use inflicted damage on their bodies. Many ninja tools broke due to inferior materials—imagine what that would do to a human body.
Overuse would cripple them entirely.
"What a cruel method."
Sacrificing their future for temporary power? Kin would never resort to such a thing.
Orochimaru seemed to read his thoughts.
"Those lurking in Konoha's shadows have no future to begin with."
Future?
For Root—for Danzō, Konoha's scapegoat—Kin scoffed.
"Konoha's roots? More like parasites gnawing at its foundation."
Orochimaru disagreed.
"Root has contributed much to the village's development."
Root operatives were emotionless tools, tasked with the most dangerous missions. Much of the intelligence from outside the village was gathered by Root at great cost—though it always reached Danzō first.
They had also thwarted numerous threats to Konoha.
Moreover...
Orochimaru knew Hiruzen's pristine reputation was built on Root bearing the weight of his darkness. Even the Hashirama Cell experiments, officially sanctioned by Hiruzen, were conducted solely by Root—the ANBU never touched them.
Now, the entire village believed Danzō had deceived the noble Hokage.
How laughable.
"Maybe." Kin had no interest in continuing the discussion. He injected the unconscious operatives with another dose of sedative before turning to Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru-sama, what should we do with them?"
Orochimaru looked down at Kin's innocent smile—so childlike, so deceptive.
When he needed something, it was "Orochimaru-sama." When he didn't, it was just "Orochimaru."
How mercenary.
A rare, genuine smile crossed Orochimaru's lips.
He liked pragmatic children.
"From now on, call me Orochimaru-sensei."
He had prepared rigorous training to ensure Kin's survival on the battlefield. The taijutsu that had served him so well today might not always be enough.
"I'll handle them."
And he would handle Uchiha Kin as well.
Four Months Later.
The snowy ground had frozen into ice, becoming a playground for children—and a hazard for the unlucky few who slipped.
As temperatures rose, the ice melted, turning solid paths into muddy trails.
Amidst the budding trees of the forest stood a young man in black casual wear, his half-long hair obscuring most of his forehead protector. A long sword hung at his waist.
This was Uchiha Kin.
His expression was serious, eyes closed, right hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Suddenly, shuriken shot out from hidden corners of the forest.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Mid-flight, the shuriken collided, changing trajectory to attack Kin from all angles.
Kin leaped into the air, weaving through the gaps, but the shuriken adjusted again, homing in on him.
Still airborne, he drew his sword in a flash. The blade became an impenetrable net, deflecting every shuriken.
As he descended, kunai with explosive tags attached came flying from all directions.
The faint sound of burning paper told Kin what they were.
Explosive tags.
His eye twitched.
Orochimaru really had too much money to spare.
With one hand, he formed a series of seals, took a deep breath, and exhaled sharply.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A powerful gust scattered most of the kunai.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
But two kunai slipped through, hurtling toward him.
Slice!
A flash of steel severed the tags before they could detonate.
Kin landed safely, his eyes still closed.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Orochimaru emerged from the trees, applauding.
"Kin-kun, you've improved remarkably. You could now be called a Special Jōnin."
Kin finally opened his eyes.
"Still not a full Jōnin?"
In the shinobi world, rank often reflected strength. Special Jōnin could hold their own against Jōnin but lacked the means to win.
"Don't underestimate Jōnin, Kin-kun."
Orochimaru shook his head with a smile.
"Every Jōnin is battle-hardened and possesses a signature technique. If you know their abilities, you might stand a chance. But against an unknown opponent? Never underestimate them."
Kin's weakness wasn't raw power. In terms of jutsu variety, he surpassed many Jōnin. His taijutsu was formidable, and though his chakra reserves were limited by age, they were sufficient.
What he lacked was experience—the ability to exploit an opponent's weaknesses while masking his own.
Against a Jōnin, unless the gap was overwhelming, Kin would lose.
"Looks like I still have work to do."
Kin sheathed his sword.
He still didn't understand why this world insisted on calling his katana a "sword."
This was Orochimaru's Kusanagi Sword, after all.
Forming a series of hand seals, Kin pressed his palms to the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Poof!
A snow-white snake with vacant, bead-like eyes appeared. It glanced at Kin, then wagged its tail like an excited puppy as it slithered over.
You're a reptile!! Stop acting like a dog!
Orochimaru stared in silence.
He had arranged for Kin to sign the Ryūchi Cave summoning contract, but for some reason, Kin had chosen this useless creature.
While Kin could summon other snakes, Orochimaru had never seen him do so.
"Little White, the thing."
Kin held out his hand.
The snake tilted its head and rested its snout on his palm.
A visible vein throbbed on Kin's forehead.
"I meant the thing in your stomach!"
Finally understanding, the snake opened its mouth and regurgitated a scroll.
Watching this display, Orochimaru couldn't help but advise,
"Kin-kun, perhaps you should choose another summon."
"It's fine. I'll train it properly."
Kin smiled awkwardly. The truth was, the other snakes were just too ugly for his taste.
"Orochimaru-sensei, this is my gift to you."
He handed over the scroll.
"To thank you for your guidance these past months."
"How kind of you, Kin-kun."
Orochimaru accepted it, a rare warmth in his smile.
"I just don't want to feel guilty when I take revenge later."
Kin grinned.
These four months of torment... I'll pay you back tenfold!!
Orochimaru's smile widened until it nearly reached his ears.
What an odd one.
"I look forward to it."
He turned his attention to the scroll.
"Undying Seal Method?"
(End of Chapter)