Tsunade took a deep breath.
"Show me the current research results."
Orochimaru smiled, stood up, and walked toward a corridor; Tsunade stood up to follow, eventually arriving before a massive gate.
He formed a few hand seals, and the gate slid open.
Behind the door was a laboratory far more spacious and advanced than it appeared from the outside.
The lighting was bright yet soft. Rows of precision instruments flickered with various colored lights, and dozens of giant cylindrical transparent cultivation pods were lined up along the walls.
The pods were filled with a pale green nutrient solution, and the 'objects' soaking within them caused even the well-traveled Tsunade to sigh in amazement.
In the cultivation pods on the left were bodies of various forms, radiating an astonishing vitality.
"As you can see, Tsunade," Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of pride, "this is the current reserve of results."
He walked to a cultivation pod containing a strong body that bore some resemblance to the First Hokage.
"Based on the cultivation of active bodies from Hashirama cells, I have attempted different directions of gene expression. Their vitality and abilities far exceed those of ordinary Ninja; eventually, it won't be impossible to surpass the First Hokage."
He glanced at Tsunade's clenched fists and her complex gaze, adding, "Of course, these cells were stripped from that fellow Danzo."
He then pointed to several bodies nearby characterized by vibrant red hair or abnormally massive amounts of Chakra within them.
"The Uzumaki Clan—as you know, they are born with massive Chakra and tenacious vitality. They are excellent Chakra furnaces and stable vessels for the Soul."
He introduced them as he walked, pointing toward some even more peculiar cultivated specimens.
"Over there is a sample library for adaptive cultivation targeting different Bloodline Limits such as the Shikotsumyaku and Ice Style."
Tsunade felt a chill crawl up her spine. Everything before her eyes was no longer a vague concept of forbidden research, but a concrete, cold reality filled with the aesthetic of technical violence.
Orochimaru's accumulation in the field of physical creation had reached a horrifying degree.
This wasn't just 'creating a person'; it was systematically constructing a database and production line for 'vessels for the strong'.
"These... are all materials?" Tsunade asked.
"They are semi-finished products, or rather, blank canvases," Orochimaru corrected, his snake-like pupils scanning the cultivation pods.
"A perfect resurrection requires a high degree of matching between the Soul and the vessel. Different Soul characteristics, Chakra attributes, and habits from life require different vessels to achieve the best compatibility. The more prepared we are, the higher the possibility of success, and the resurrected individuals can recover or even surpass their former strength more quickly."
At that moment, the door on the other side of the lab opened, and Yakushi Kabuto walked in carrying a data tablet.
"You've come at the right time." Orochimaru motioned for him to come over. "Give Lady Tsunade a brief report on the progress of material collection and basic research at this stage."
Kabuto pushed up his glasses. The gaze behind the lenses was calm and professional, showing none of the sharpness from the previous battle.
"As you wish, Lady Tsunade. I am currently primarily responsible for the collection of basic materials for the vessels."
"Material collection? How do you collect them?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"By going to the known remains or burial sites of powerful Ninja from history—especially the ancestral lands of families with special Bloodline Limits or Physiques—and collecting the bodies of those who unfortunately perished in wars or natural disasters to preserve their life information and tissue samples."
Tsunade:...Isn't that just grave robbing? Digging up tombs.
"This is a necessary step, Lady Tsunade," Kabuto noted Tsunade's expression and spoke up in defense.
"Existing genetic technology has its limits. Many lost Bloodlines or special Physiques must have samples obtained from the source for analysis. Rather than letting this precious life information be buried in the dust forever, it is better used to push the frontiers of life sciences. This has more long-term value."
This rhetoric was undoubtedly a carbon copy of Orochimaru's 'technology supreme' theory—calm and utilitarian. Tsunade was left speechless.
Orochimaru continued: "Let me introduce him. His name is Kabuto, my capable assistant. He is mainly responsible for research management, intelligence analysis, and medical support. His abilities are very comprehensive."
Then, he clapped his hands. "Come out and introduce yourselves to our new partner."
Three people walked out from the shadows deep within the laboratory.
First was a red-haired girl wearing glasses. She looked a bit nervous and instinctively pushed up her glasses.
"I am Karin... I specialize in perception and medicine. My Chakra is quite special; it can quickly restore others' physical strength and injuries."
"Karin is a descendant of the Uzumaki Clan," Orochimaru explained. "Her Chakra possesses extremely excellent life activity and recovery characteristics. She is an important auxiliary healer and also provides precious samples and data for our research into the Uzumaki Clan's Physique."
Next was a taciturn, tall youth. His skin was dark, and there were eerie Cursed Seal patterns on his face. He lowered his head slightly and spoke in a muffled voice.
"Jugo. I can absorb natural energy, but sometimes I can't control myself." An unstable but extremely massive energy fluctuation faintly radiated from his body.
"Jugo is a natural possessor of a Sage Transformation Physique and has also provided much data. At the same time, he can provide powerful combat strength when needed."
Finally, Orochimaru looked at Kimimaro, who had been standing quietly to the side.
"As for Kimimaro, you should already be familiar with him. He is primarily responsible for combat support and some special experimental work."
..."He actually convinced Tsunade. Something Naruto and Jiraiya couldn't manage was done by Orochimaru with just a few words. I wonder what the Third will think."
Hinata sat in Orochimaru's seat with her legs crossed, her eyes peering through layers of walls to watch their movements.
[Ding! Important world-line shift detected. Key plot character 'Tsunade' has deviated from her original fate trajectory, abandoned returning to Konoha, and chosen to join the secret research faction led by the host.]
[This action will significantly impact: the balance of the Sannin and top-tier combat power, the subsequent Fifth Hokage plot, the Ninja World's perception and alert level regarding life-based Forbidden Jutsu, and the host's own faction strength and research progress.]
[Indirectly guiding a key character to make a major deviant choice. Reward points: 8,500.]
[Yakushi Kabuto has begun his grave-robbing life ahead of schedule. Reward points: 2,000.]
"What the hell is'starting his grave-robbing life early'? And with Tsunade joining, aren't these points a bit low? Are these points of yours 'ripe'?"
[I'm a System; would I embezzle your points?]
"I'm asking you, are these points ripe?"
[host, you're looking for trouble on purpose, aren't you? Do you want them or not?]
"If the points given are reasonable, of course I want them. But what if they're too low?"
[If they're low, I'll gift you the three great Secret Manuals: the Sword of Winter Longing, the Fist of Winter Longing, and the Palm of Vast Winter. How about that?]
"666. I can see you definitely embezzled them and can't wait to give me those. Why don't you just give me a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul? When the time comes, I'll treat the Ninja World to a Blue Silver Overlord Spear."
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