*Chapter 65: The Kusanagi Sword*
*Senju Clan*
"This power truly is fascinating..."
In the research lab, Uchiha Yosuke lay on a hospital bed, watching Orochimaru with a hoarse laugh of delight. Tsunade, standing beside them, took a report and threw it onto the table with a cold huff.
"Orochimaru, this power is similar to the sage arts of the Three Great Lands and the senjutsu of the Fire Temple, but you should know about the potential backlash too."
Since Tsunade and Orochimaru began studying Uchiha Yosuke's second bloodline limit, their progress was astonishing. In such a short time, they had already developed a technique for applying the cursed seal.
Upon hearing Tsunade's warning, rather than showing any fear, Orochimaru smiled with a sickly, obsessive gleam.
"So even the Fire Temple has such a power. As expected of the Senju."
He seemed almost envious. Though Orochimaru's research talents exceeded Tsunade's, his scope was limited in comparison. Tsunade stood on the shoulders of giants like the Senju, understanding things more quickly—for example, linking Yosuke's power to senjutsu almost immediately.
As Orochimaru continued to study, he soaked up knowledge of the shinobi world like a sponge, quickly expanding his expertise.
"Um, Lord Orochimaru, Lady Tsunade, can I get up now?" Uchiha Yosuke asked with a hint of exasperation from the bed, feeling as though they'd forgotten he was there.
Tsunade turned to him and shot a fierce glare.
"You brat! This power is dangerous. Even as its host, you haven't fully adapted yet. You understand the risks of the cursed seal and still dared to give it to someone else!"
Tsunade's voice was sharp. She knew Orochimaru's cursed seal technique for sharing Yosuke's power, but it still concerned her, especially since this dangerous power could make anyone lose control.
"Tsunade," Yosuke said firmly, shaking his head. "Shinobi face danger all the time. This power may be dangerous, but it could save lives in a critical moment!"
'Save lives.'
Hearing Yosuke's response, Tsunade fell silent, and his next words caught her off guard.
"Also, Tsunade, the cursed seal medicine you developed is more stable but much weaker in effect. Plus, it's costly and single-use only."
Yosuke's calm tone made Orochimaru smile.
"Fufufu, is any power without risk? Even overusing basic chakra can be life-threatening. Yosuke-kun is correct," Orochimaru remarked.
Orochimaru's cursed seal was designed for sharing power; Tsunade's potion, meanwhile, was a one-time boost that could impart a limited dose of Yosuke's power. But unlike Orochimaru's seal, it was safer and tailored to match the user's physical capacity.
This was an option for those who had the resources—like Uchiha Mikoto, who used Tsunade's potion to adapt to Yosuke's chakra without backlash. Her body seemed remarkably suited to his power.
"Hmph!" Tsunade sighed, acknowledging the reality. On the battlefield, every ounce of power increased survival odds, even if it came with risks.
"Yosuke-kun, this power of yours is quite enviable," Orochimaru said with a gleam of desire. His intense gaze could easily intimidate most people, but Yosuke was used to it by now.
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Orochimaru," Yosuke said sincerely as he sat up, genuinely grateful for Orochimaru's mentorship.
Tsunade rolled her eyes at his display, though she recognized how potent the power was. It could function as a form of senjutsu, even if less powerful, but the wielder mattered most.
"Hey, Orochimaru, you've taken advantage here. Don't think a little training is enough payment," Tsunade remarked, looking out for Yosuke's benefit.
Orochimaru chuckled, glancing at Tsunade. "Tsunade, this is between Yosuke-kun and me."
But then he paused, his face changing as he tilted his head back. An unsettling sight followed as Orochimaru's throat pulsed, and a dark-colored snake emerged, slowly pushing out from his mouth.
Though Yosuke had seen this before, he was still taken aback—this time, the snake wasn't carrying a scroll but a straight sword.
Tsunade looked equally surprised.
"Hehe, the Kusanagi Sword. Rumored to be crafted from the hardest material in this world, on par with chakra metal. I noticed you've been practicing lightning-style chakra transformations, preparing for the Rain Country battlefield," Orochimaru said.
With a smile, he let the snake retreat, leaving the Kusanagi Sword in Yosuke's hands. Holding this legendary sword, Yosuke was thrilled, unfazed by the residue on its surface.
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru."
Yosuke was sincerely grateful for Orochimaru's generosity. Indeed, when someone was valuable to him, Orochimaru never held back.
Watching Yosuke hold the Kusanagi Sword, Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her eye twitching slightly at the sight of him ignoring the sword's slimy coating.
Such "details" were a luxury he couldn't afford just yet.