During this time, Uchiha Yoru had spent a busy day dealing with political matters. After using his Shadow Clones and experiencing their disappearance, he felt drained. Little did he know that the ANBU's covert operations had orchestrated a targeted scheme against him.
Hidden beneath Konoha, in a secret research facility:
Rubbing his forehead, after handling the morning affairs and recuperating from the afternoon exhaustion caused by his Shadow Clones, he couldn't help but marvel at the effectiveness of the Shadow Clone technique for training.
Recovering mentally alone was challenging for many, as it required an abundance of energy in the original body to practice.
Upon stepping into the laboratory, Orochimaru looked up upon sensing his arrival, a hoarse smile forming on his lips. "Heh, Yoru-kun, come take a look at my latest creation."
"Whether it's Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) or Fushi Tensei (Living Corpse Reincarnation), both require a substantial foundation of chakra, much like the natural energy used in legendary Sage techniques. Essentially, a large amount of chakra is needed as a base."
As he entered, Orochimaru bombarded him with a flurry of technical terms. Upon seeing Orochimaru's research subject, his brow furrowed. A prisoner was on an experimental table, writhing in agony, with black markings covering his body.
"What's this?"
Although he had a suspicion, Uchiha Yoru pretended not to know. Orochimaru, however, was all the more excited.
"Yoru-kun, you know, I'm not sure if the legendary Six Paths Sage actually existed, but the Sage techniques from those legends are real. For instance, the Fire Temple has a tradition of Sage Techniques, and there are three major sacred forbidden sites, like the Ryūchi Cave."
"Sage?" Uchiha Yoru feigned a puzzled expression and then hesitated before saying, "Sensei Orochimaru, I've come across information about Sages in my clan's records."
"Ordinary chakra forms through a balance of physical and spiritual energy. Senjutsu chakra (Sage's energy) involves absorbing natural energy from the surroundings, blending it with one's own physical and spiritual energy in a balanced fusion. Techniques using this power are called Senjutsu."
Impressed by Uchiha Yoru's broad knowledge, Orochimaru nodded approvingly. "Indeed, Yoru-kun, you're different from the average ninja. You've even delved into these written materials."
Ordinary ninja usually focused on techniques, paying little attention to other sources. But for Orochimaru, who had ventured into scientific research, this limited perspective was insufficient.
"Techniques empowered by Senjutsu chakra are several times or even dozens of times stronger than normal. They also grant heightened sensory perception."
Orochimaru explained the potency of Senjutsu enthusiastically. "Training in Senjutsu requires much time and a vast chakra reserve. It's nearly impossible for most ninja. However, I've discovered a natural-born Sage, someone with the ability to absorb natural energy. Do you grasp the significance?"
"It suggests that Senjutsu chakra might have been passed down not only through training but also through bloodlines, akin to kekkei genkai. If there's Senjutsu chakra, then there must be Sages. What did the world look like before ninjas existed? Did ancient times truly have Sages?"
Seeing Orochimaru's increasing excitement and fanaticism, Uchiha Yoru's eye involuntarily twitched. Orochimaru's speculations were impressive. But Yoru also knew what Sages looked like; the legendary Six Paths Sage was the son of a woman.
"Yoru-kun, up north, we've found a young boy who can naturally absorb energy. When he's in a place rich in natural energy, he becomes like a Sage, but he loses control and goes berserk. This is the Sage's bloodline, or rather, the bloodline of the Sages. Have you noticed the seal on the subject? That's the power I obtained through that boy."
The mention of a seal caught his attention. So, Orochimaru began developing these seals from this point. It made sense; Orochimaru had even applied a seal to his own disciple, Anko Mitarashi, when he defected.
"Curse seals? Orochimaru-sensei, what's the connection between Natural Energy and Edo Tensei?"
At this point, Uchiha Yoru's expression showed puzzlement, and Orochimaru responded with an intriguing smile.
"Yoru-kun, your thoughts are just like mine. We've transcended the narrow confines of ninja abilities."
"Heh, because I've realized that Curse Seal Jutsu's Natural Energy can erode mental strength or the so-called soul. It also grants significant power to the ninja. Natural Energy is profound; there are likely many abilities we've yet to discover."
Orochimaru enthusiastically explained, and Uchiha Yoru's expression turned thoughtful. It seemed that Orochimaru's Curse Seal wasn't just a tool for manipulation; it could be used to manipulate and erode an opponent's mind.
"Orochimaru-sensei, this is the 'Caged Bird' Curse Seal scroll sent by the Hyuga clan. They've also provided research funds."
Uchiha Yoru smiled as he presented Orochimaru with the purpose of his visit. Orochimaru responded with a husky laugh, saying, "It's not easy to resolve the Hyuga clan matter. Over the years, many elites have attempted."
While that was the case, Orochimaru still accepted the scroll. He wasn't particularly interested in lifting the Caged Bird Seal from the Hyuga clan; his attention was divided among researching Edo Tensei, Fushi Tensei, the so-called Wood Release Revival Project for the roots, and now dedicating effort to Curse Seals. In a ninja world, Orochimaru's hands were undoubtedly full.
Researching Sage Natural Energy not only strengthened him but also left him with more energy to explore forbidden techniques.
"Sensei, although the Caged Bird Seal is a curse seal, could it still be considered a derivative of sealing jutsu?"
Uchiha Yoru shared his viewpoint, and Orochimaru shook his head, saying, "Yoru-kun, Sealing jutsu isn't like the five elemental ninjutsu. It requires not only talent but also precise control. You can research it if you want, but don't delve too deep."
Orochimaru didn't want Yoru to waste his talents on sealing jutsu. Despite his words, Orochimaru tilted his head back, and with a haunting sound from his throat, a large snake emerged from his mouth. The snake then spat out a scroll several times larger than itself.
"Heh, Yoru-kun, these are the sealing jutsu I've gathered. You can pick one or two to study specifically. After all, life is short, and to achieve your dreams, you need to be strong enough not to die at the hands of any formidable opponent."
Orochimaru's husky voice echoed in the room as he spoke with a smile. Uchiha Yoru nodded in understanding, realizing that Orochimaru's perspective likely contributed to his array of unusual and unorthodox ninjutsu, particularly those focused on survival.
You could argue that Orochimaru's ninjutsu might not have been the most powerful, but it was undoubtedly the most peculiar, especially when it came to self-preservation.
...
Beneath the night's cloak, just outside an impressive and dignified courtyard within the Uchiha clan's territory, Yugao Uzuki appeared restless. This time, she wasn't pretending; her unease was genuine. Was she really going to undertake this for the ANBU mission?
"Yugao, this is where the Captain resides. It seems he hasn't returned yet," Nakata Yoshiko's voice quivered as she spoke. She gazed at Yugao's youthful face and couldn't help but offer a bitter smile, shaking her head with a self-deprecating chuckle.
"Yugao, you can still withdraw your commitment. Ponder this carefully. Can you gather enough funds by mortgaging your family's house and utilizing your savings?"
Dragging someone else into a predicament was morally wrong, and it was evident that Yoshiko felt burdened by it. However, Yugao's response was a strained smile.
Beneath the moonlight, Yugao observed Yoshiko's fear and the guilt in her eyes. At that moment, a warm feeling enveloped her, along with a bitter smile. She hadn't expected the person showing concern for her to be the one who was manipulated by her.
With a touch of sorrow, Yugao wore a tragic smile. "Sister Yoshiko, my parents were commoners and lived in an apartment. Even if I sell the house, I'll get at most three to five hundred thousand ryo. Adding my savings, I might scrape together around five hundred thousand. But the debt is three million! Not thirty thousand. Sister Yoshiko, I'm really left with no choice."
In that moment, Yugao seemed to fully immerse herself in her role, while Yoshiko sighed softly at the sight.
"Yugao, I don't know if what we're doing is right, or if you'll regret it later. Right now, all I can do is offer you some advice."
Seeing Yugao nod with gratitude, Yoshiko sighed, "Once you take this step, your dignity will be lost. From then on, you'll never forget."
"If you're only doing this for the money, listen to me. Don't get pregnant. Once the terms are settled, given the Uchiha clan's status, in two or three years at most, it'll be over. Be cautious during this time, try not to be discovered, and forget this experience in the future. Start anew."
Listening to Yoshiko's advice, Yugao lowered her head and managed a strained smile. "Sister Yoshiko, do you truly believe I can forget about this? This is something that will stay with me forever once it's done."
Seeing Yugao's expression of despair, Yoshiko sighed softly, "Captain Yoru is a good person, and while conflicts are common among noble families, the Uchiha clan is different from the others. Their inherent pride prevents them from mistreating women."
"Captain Yoru's identity will even make him a student of the Hokage in the future. As an elder of the Uchiha clan, being a second wife or concubine might not be a bad choice."
Yoshiko moved closer and gently tidied Yugao's disheveled hair, speaking in a hushed voice. "Being a woman of a noble family isn't shameful. And Captain Yoru is a strong individual. In terms of status, power, and family position, he won't lack women."
"You'll understand matters of the heart later on. Ninjas follow the strong, and women attach themselves to the powerful. That's an unchanging truth," Yoshiko said softly, as if reassuring herself, which seemed to ease her burden.
"Yugao, I didn't agree to become a second wife because he refused. It's because of my child." Mentioning her child, Yoshiko's smile turned determined.
"The child hasn't seen its father since birth. I can't sever the connection between the child and his family." No one understood her pain; raising a child alone and enduring various rumors over the years.
She was already a widow. Anyone else would have remarried long ago. But she hadn't. She was protecting the last descendant of his Husband family.
"Sister Yoshiko." Yugao's smile was forced. She wanted to say thank you, but the words wouldn't come out. After all, this was a difficult topic to address.
Yoshiko's involvement with the Uchiha clan had been discussed privately by many. That's why she was part of the ANBU's plan—it made sense and provided a reasonable pretext for bringing her to the Uchiha territory.
"Yugao, you don't need to say anything. I don't know if what we're doing is right or if you'll regret it later. Right now, all I want to say is that you can still back out and avoid regret."
Yoshiko seemed to have let go of her burden now. Her final words were sincere. As for what Yugao would choose, she couldn't control it anymore. After all, Yugao had sought her help, and she knew the only way to save her.
She was saving a naive girl.
Under the moonlight, lights illuminated the solemn house. Meanwhile, Yoshiko, with her head down, walked slowly toward another residence under the cover of night.
...
Leaving the research base, the sky had already darkened. The streets were deserted. Uchiha Yoru shook his head, muttering, "No wonder researchers are all workaholics, losing track of time like this."
A shadow flitted by, and using his ninja skills, he swiftly leaped through the night, returning to his courtyard outside his house.
Suddenly, his brows furrowed, and his black eyes glowed with the swirling pattern of the Sharingan. The three tomoe rotated within his crimson eyes as he stared intently at his house.
The living room light was on. Someone was inside! But who would come to his residence?
The clan head? Or perhaps the Elder? There was no one so unconventional in the Uchiha clan. Could it be a spy? Impossible. The Hyuga clan's strictness was deeply ingrained and unchanging.
In an instant, numerous thoughts flashed through his mind. As he pondered, his hand had already gripped the hilt of his Kusanagi sword at his waist. His eyes narrowed, and from within his sleeve, snakes slithered out, their venomous fangs bared.
~~~
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