Teach Yamato breathing?
Orochimaru thought about it, gave Yamato two injections, then worked through the night and managed to create a perfect genetic potion.
Genie was busy updating the system and couldn't take over his body by force, so what he said could wait for now.
Using Yamato's newly obtained cells to strengthen his body's life force, and from there gain Wood Release, was the real priority.
Orochimaru shook the light green potion, lifted the clear test tube to his mouth, and swallowed it in one go.
The cool, sticky liquid slid down his throat, entered his esophagus, and spread from his stomach through his whole body.
Orochimaru closed his eyes, keeping his breathing at a steady rhythm.
In his mind, a map made up of capillaries and nerve networks slowly unfolded.
With this map, he could easily track where the potion flowed and see what effect it had.
Moments later, Orochimaru opened his eyes, a trace of joy flashing at his brow.
Genie itself wasn't much, but the breathing method he had taught was better than expected. It still had a lot of untapped potential.
The pity was, whether due to drug resistance or the so-called passive skill Genie mentioned, he still felt nothing this time.
He couldn't even be sure if he had gained any new passive skill.
Relying only on Yamato's cells to strengthen himself enough for Wood Release seemed unlikely.
Orochimaru's thoughts spun quickly, and soon he found another approach.
He mixed Yamato's cells with the First Hokage's cells. By controlling the ratio of the two, he used Yamato's cells to balance and suppress the overwhelming vitality of the First Hokage's cells.
Since the two had similar traits, this step didn't take much time. Orochimaru successfully created a mixed solution of the two.
But the second stage of the experiment ran into trouble. Once given enough culture fluid, the First Hokage's cells multiplied rapidly, suppressing Yamato's cells and even assimilating them.
The experiment hit a dead end again.
Propping his chin with one hand, Orochimaru began to think.
Making genetic potions directly with the First Hokage's cells seemed impossible. Their vitality was the core problem, and so far there was no solution.
Other than that, direct cell transplantation could also strengthen the body, but Yamato's cells—according to Danzo's records—were even less effective than genetic potions.
And transplanting the First Hokage's cells directly carried too much risk.
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Actually, I could improve Yamato's use of the First Hokage's cells, then make potions from him."
That was the least risky plan, but also the most time-consuming.
After thinking it over for a while, Orochimaru made up his mind.
He planned to balance the two methods: Yamato-based genetic potions and direct transplantation of the First Hokage's cells.
…
One day later, in the forests of Konohagakure.
Two figures leapt out from between the tree trunks, landing in the middle of a training ground.
Kakashi and Guy, who had been sparring there, quickly stopped and bowed to the leading figure. "Orochimaru-sama!"
Looking over the two, still panting slightly, Orochimaru gave a small nod in his heart.
He was here to fulfill his earlier promise—to teach the breathing technique.
And these two—one the son of Konoha's White Fang, whose talent was unquestionable, and the other already trained in the Eight Gates, a promising future ahead—both were good candidates, perfect for testing his improved breathing method.
"Very good, you came as promised."
Orochimaru got straight to the point and said, "This is Yamato. From now on, he'll be training with you in ninjutsu…"
"Wait a moment, Orochimaru-sama."
Kakashi suddenly spoke up, cutting off Orochimaru's introduction.
The smile on Orochimaru's face didn't fade, but his eyes turned cold.
"Kakashi, what is it?"
"Orochimaru-sama, we've heard the rumors going around the village lately."
Kakashi met Orochimaru's gaze without backing down. "They say your injury came from fighting the one behind the Nine-Tails attack."
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "That's true. Is there a problem with that?"
Kakashi's expression was serious. "Orochimaru-sama, what are you really planning? If you don't tell us your goal, we won't keep quiet for you."
In truth, Kakashi didn't care much about Orochimaru's plans. But the rumors spreading through the village bothered him, especially the comparisons between the Fourth Hokage and the Legendary Sannin.
His teacher gave his life to protect the village. His sacrifice shouldn't be disrespected because of some lie.
Guy added, "That's right, Orochimaru-sensei. You need to explain this clearly."
Orochimaru glanced at Kakashi's serious face and seemed to understand. He gave a soft laugh. "This was the Third Hokage's idea. He wanted to boost morale. If you don't believe me, go ask him yourself."
Genie had already told him earlier that he could throw this responsibility onto the Third Hokage—since it really was his doing.
"This…"
Kakashi and Guy were speechless. Questioning the Hokage? That wasn't something they could just do.
"These political matters aren't worth talking about."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Let's get back to ninjutsu."
Kakashi and Guy exchanged a helpless look, but soon, their attention was drawn to the amazing taijutsu being explained.
Orochimaru was pleased with their focus and continued his explanation.
At first glance, under Genie's demonstration, Water Breathing seemed like just a skill.
But Orochimaru saw it differently. It should be split into three parts: a breathing method that strengthens the body, a complete sword style, and the Demon Slayer Mark that connects to nature.
Among these, the sword style wasn't very useful. Ninjas fight with ninjutsu, throwing weapons, and taijutsu. The idea of defeating everything with pure strength doesn't fit their way of combat.
The Demon Slayer Mark was similar to the Eight Gates. Once activated, before nature wipes out your consciousness, you only have one strike.
The real value was in the breathing method.
It strengthened the body from the inside out. Once you reached a constant state, you could even absorb natural energy unconsciously, further improving your body.
Although the process was slow, it was safe and stable.
Orochimaru's eyes swept across the three on the training field, pausing slightly on Kakashi.
Kakashi had the best talent, but when it came to mastering the breathing method, Orochimaru actually had higher hopes for the other two.
Guy trained in the Eight Gates. His Strong Fist style tempered his body from the outside in. The breathing method could make up for his weak points inside, making him even more powerful.
Yamato had the First Hokage's cells, and the "God of Shinobi" was also a sage who could use natural energy.
Orochimaru thought the method Genie mentioned—absorbing natural energy in a normal state—would most likely end up being Yamato's specialty.
For now, though, Kakashi was a great helper.
He had the best understanding and could grasp theory the fastest. Having him as the brains would save Orochimaru a lot of effort.
Orochimaru led the three through one round of the breathing method, then said, "Next, it's all about practice. Until you can use the breathing method naturally, watch out for each other."
"Yes!"
Guy, Yamato, and Kakashi exchanged looks and nodded.