Chapter 144: Orochimaru Modified by Kotoamatsukami
Genjutsu is impossible to guard against, especially after possessing the Sharingan; the methods for activating genjutsu become even more unfathomable.
While not looking directly at the Mangekyo Sharingan is the most direct and effective method, it is not foolproof, because a Mangekyo Sharinganuser can drag a target into a genjutsu with just a gesture.
Although Orochimaru was on guard, his Soulpower had been significantly weakened, so he still fell victim to it.
Furthermore, Naruto had already collected both the left and right eyes of Uchiha Shisui. These Mangekyo Sharingan were truly eyes of genjutsu; in terms of genjutsu ability alone, they could be considered the best in the Naruto World.
Although there are many limitations, compared to Tsukuyomi, Kotoamatsukami is definitely the most powerful genjutsu to date!
"Orochimaru, you should completely acknowledge me from the bottom of your heart, and be open and honest with me, answering whatever I ask!"
Once Kotoamatsukami is activated, it can completely reshape a person's thinking from the very bottom of their mind, but how to modify it is a science in itself.
Forced subversion is actually the simplest method, but it is also the method of modifying thoughts that lasts the shortest amount of time and is riddled with loopholes.
However, subtle modification that is not conjured out of thin air, but rather imperceptible, is the most stable and traceless. And this is exactly what Naruto was utilizing at this moment.
There aren't many people Orochimaruacknowledges; Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Hiruzen Sarutobi are undoubtedly representatives among them. Moreover, after coming into contact with Naruto, Orochimaru had long developed a unique appreciation for him.
This appreciation still had a long way to go before becoming acknowledgement, and complete acknowledgement was even further out of reach.
But the seed of this had already been sown.
Naruto was precisely utilizing this seed, using Kotoamatsukami to completely maximize it, imperceptibly changing this seed into Orochimaru's complete acknowledgement of him!
"Yes, I have indeed acknowledged you from the bottom of my heart for a long time; you are truly too similar to how I was in the past..." Orochimarusighed with emotion, not knowing at this moment that he had already fallen for the trick. "I have completely regarded you as a trusted partner, but why do you always harbor doubts about me?"
"Because your past conduct, along with the many studies you are currently hiding from me, are all reasons for my distrust in you."
The corners of Naruto's mouth gradually widened. Kotoamatsukami had been successfully activated, and the subtle modification of thoughts left not a single trace; Orochimaru had already become one of his own.
"What do you want to know? About those studies of mine?" Orochimaru sat back down. "I thought Naruto-kun was only interested in research concerning your own body."
"Are you sure you aren't hiding anything from me?"
"Hehe, only a little bit. Since we are to clear up misunderstandings, then I will tell you everything." Orochimaru chuckled lightly. "Your cells are already completely on par with the Hashirama cells at their Peak. The reason various problems are appearing is because the special power contained within your body has not fully awakened."
The breadth of Orochimaru's studies was unmatched in the entire Ninja World, and his academic attitude of delving deep, as well as his ability to collect intelligence, also belonged to the top tier.
Moreover, his meticulous logic gave him a natural advantage in tracing the origins of intelligence.
He had long ago deduced whose power it was within Naruto through the clues left behind by history.
"I once witnessed the Rinnegan that belonged to the Six Paths Sage; that person's Physique shared the same origin as yours, which forced me to connect you two together."
Orochimaru took a scroll from his bosom and tossed it casually to Naruto. "This is the intelligence and historical documents I have collected. It mentions a very interesting thing: the Six Paths Sage once founded an organization, as well as his two children."
"Although the records above are ambiguous, when combined with the current Ninja World, it is not hard to deduce that the most primitive methods Ninjas use to utilize Chakra were passed down from the organization founded by the Six Paths Sage."
"And his two sons, according to historical records, respectively inherited the Six Paths Sage's eyes and body." A wise look appeared in Orochimaru's eyes. "The child who inherited the eyes is named Indra, and the one who inherited the body is naturally Ashura."
"Then what does this unverifiable history have to do with my body's problems?"
"Naruto-kun, don't be anxious." Orochimaru was calm and collected. "Since their father is the Six Paths Sage, their power definitely cannot be weak. Even if they didn't reach the level of the Six Paths Sage, it wouldn't be far off."
"The Six Paths Sage's most iconic power is the Yin-Yang Release, which combines Yin Release and Yang Release. So, after the power was split in two, Indra, inheriting the Sage Eyes, naturally possessed Yin Release, and Ashura, inheriting the Sage Body, was left with only Yang Release."
Orochimaru's smile gradually became manic. "And whether it is Yang Release or Yin Release, both are capable of carrying consciousness. Looking at the entire history of the Ninja World, those who have awakened the Sage Body and Sage Eyes are all descendants of the Bloodline of the two brothers, and their personalities are extremely similar to the two of them."
"Isn't this obvious?" Orochimaru's face was full of amusement. "The Sage Eyes and Sage Body are not that easy to awaken. After the Bloodline has been diluted into such a state, there is only one possibility for being able to awaken these two types of powers!"
"Inheriting their will?!"
"As expected of Naruto-kun." Orochimaru clapped his hands to show praise. "The Soul fragments hidden in your body make me have to think more; they are very likely the not-yet-fully-awakened Soul of Ashura, who inherited the Sage Body!"
"It's laughable, really. As strong as Naruto-kun is, in the end, you are merely making wedding clothes for someone else!" Orochimaru revealed a trace of sympathy. "To obtain a complete Sage Body, undergoing the modification of Ashura's will is indispensable. This is the reason why you haven't been able to take that final step these past few years."
Having said so much, Orochimaru was also a bit dry-mouthed. While falling silent, he signaled for Yakushi Kabuto to hand Hyuga Hinata over to Naruto.
After taking a sip of water to moisten his throat, looking at the puzzled Naruto, Orochimaru then dropped another bombshell.
"The one in your arms is not the real Hyuga Hinata; she is just a mindless clone. This is my proudest research achievement recently."
"Where is the real Hinata?!"
Naruto became anxious. If something were to truly happen to Hyuga Hinata, Naruto would never forgive himself.
After all, it was his own choice to entrust Hyuga Hinata to the venomous-tongued Orochimaru...
"Naruto..." A timid voice reached Naruto's ears. "It was arranged by Teacher Orochimaru; he wanted me to help him if he encountered danger."
"Orochimaru, your calculations are truly shrewd!" Naruto was so angry he laughed; he really hadn't expected Orochimaru to actually pull this move.
"But now that the misunderstandings have been resolved, all of this is naturally in the past. Don't take it so much to heart, Naruto-kun!" Orochimarurose from his chair again. "Does Naruto-kun agree to me using the body cultivated from your cells as my new vessel?"
"You've already made your decision; is there any need to ask me?"
"It is always necessary to ask. After all, you are the first person I completely acknowledge, and I don't want any unpleasant things to happen in the future."
Orochimaru turned and left, accompanied by the bewildered Yakushi Kabuto. He always felt that Orochimaru had suddenly become different; Orochimaru had never been so open and honest with anyone before...
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