Orochimaru, having obtained two White Zetsu clones, immediately became engrossed in his experiments.
The first step was to thoroughly examine the specifics of the two White Zetsu.
"They are indeed defective, but they're stronger than that individual called Yamato."
Orochimaru's gaze grew increasingly fervent.
Of course, this "stronger" did not refer to the White Zetsu's Wood Release being superior to Yamato's, but rather to their vitality.
The key lay in the Hashirama cells within the White Zetsu being remarkably stable.
However, Orochimaru was fully aware that even with the White Zetsu cells, he currently had no way of successfully transplanting them.
So, after comprehensively analyzing the White Zetsu, Orochimaru immediately gave them both a "snake's kiss," implanting the recently developed Cursed Seal.
Compared to his apprentice Anko, the White Zetsu's capacity to bear the Cursed Seal was far superior, adapting to it quickly.
With that settled, Orochimaru moved on to the next step: transplanting Hashirama cells to further enhance the two White Zetsu.
---
In Konoha
Regarding the negotiations for an alliance and cooperation with Kirigakure, Shūichi chose not to intervene or participate further. Negotiation details were not his forte, and he was not the Hokage. He had already done what was required of him.
Thus, he refocused his mind on his training.
Especially now, as the year was drawing to a close—it was time for his annual "Flash of Insight" skill to be utilized.
---
In the Forest of Death, atop a tree canopy.
Shūichi lowered his gaze and began by completely sealing his Star Cursed Seal. Only then did he allow his body to absorb natural energy.
This time, however, he did not refine the energy into Sage Chakra. Instead, he let it saturate his cells.
As a result, the immense natural energy that entered his body began to influence his physical and mental state.
At that moment, countless chaotic noises seemed to echo in Shūichi's ears, as if an innumerable number of people were chattering incessantly beside him, provoking irritation and anger.
As more natural energy poured into his body, the situation worsened. Not only auditory hallucinations but also visual illusions began to manifest.
However, Shūichi's strong willpower and intense focus allowed him to remain unaffected. With only a slight furrowing of his brows, he opened his eyes and looked down at his body.
His physical form had mutated!
Scales had grown on his arms, and bone spurs pierced through his clothing, sprouting along his spine.
Even his tailbone underwent transformation, elongating into a golden-scaled tail resembling a serpent's.
Moreover, as the influx of natural energy continued, the mutations grew more severe.
Bulges appeared all over his body, as though something was about to burst forth. Horns sprouted from his forehead.
All of this was beyond his control.
"So this is uncontrolled Sage Transformation…"
Shūichi carefully observed the changes in his body. "The cells absorb natural energy but cannot digest it, leading to cellular proliferation… uncontrollable, chaotic growth, similar to a tumor."
"Yet, this proliferation is not entirely random. It seems linked to my consciousness."
"Or perhaps it's influenced by the environment."
He noticed that his legs had begun to turn wooden.
Shūichi promptly ceased the absorption of natural energy, and the mutations immediately stopped.
"Training in Sage Mode can spiral out of control. Excessive absorption of natural energy causes all kinds of unpredictable outcomes."
"The petrification into a toad at Mount Myōboku is likely tied to the use of toad oil during training there."
"That's why Jiraiya's Sage Mode has toad-like characteristics, and when Naruto absorbed natural energy only to have it drawn out by Pain, he petrified into a toad. This is connected to Naruto's own consciousness and his Sage Mode training at Mount Myōboku."
Consciousness influences chakra, and it also affects the natural energy absorbed into one's body.
"Therefore, Jūgo's Sage Transformation is truly remarkable. Even though he loses rationality, it is still somewhat limited."
Shūichi contemplated. "Unlike conventional Sage Mode training, where losing control could mean instant death."
"However, for me, mastering the degree of Sage Transformation isn't particularly challenging."
"The key lies in controlling the cellular proliferation caused by Sage Transformation…"
Jūgo's techniques were essentially applications of controlled cellular proliferation through Sage Transformation.
"Still, for me, Jūgo's combat techniques hold little value."
"My ultimate goal in developing Sage Transformation is to achieve a state akin to a Tailed Beast, capable of directly absorbing natural energy to replenish stamina."
With that, Shūichi silently resumed his experiments.
He began by refining Sage Chakra, instantly halting the Sage Transformation.
Then, Shūichi resumed absorbing natural energy for Sage Transformation, but this time, he began experimenting with controlling its effects on his body.
As expected, this wasn't difficult for him.
He decided the scales could stay, the bone spurs could go, and as for the snake tail… it was worth testing. Wings? Perhaps those too.
As he grew more familiar with Sage Transformation, Shūichi discovered a new source of joy: customizing his body like designing a character in a game.
---
In the blink of an eye, Terumi Mei and her companions had been in Konoha for four days.
As they prepared to leave, they were brought to an underground room in the Hokage building by Shiranui Genma.
There, Terumi Mei finally saw Shūichi, who had been absent these past days, standing on a circular platform.
The platform—and even the floor—was etched with intricate seals, forming an elaborate jutsu array.
"Shūichi, what is this?"
Mei asked as she stepped onto the platform with Ao and Chūkichi.
Shūichi smiled and introduced it: "It's an application of the Flying Thunder God Technique—a space-time jutsu array. You can call it a Space-Time Teleportation Formation."
The three from Kirigakure were stunned.
Ao quickly asked, "Lord Shūichi, does this mean it can directly transport people to our village?"
Shūichi nodded. "As long as the coordinates are set, it's entirely possible."
"That's why I plan to build one in Kirigakure, operated by sensory ninja. This will allow the two villages to establish the fastest possible communication link."
Chūkichi's jaw dropped. "This… this can really work?"
Shūichi smiled but didn't elaborate.
In truth, this Space-Time Teleportation Formation was something his shadow clone had developed in collaboration with Minato's shadow clone over the past few days.
It wasn't overly complicated; the array was derived from the fundamentals of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In fact, tracing back the origins of the Flying Thunder God, it could be linked to the Summoning Technique.
The Space-Time Teleportation Formation could be understood as connecting two points via separate seals, allowing the ninja activating the array to essentially "summon" themselves to the other point.
Of course, this required an enormous amount of chakra.
Around the array stood four Konoha ninja, ready to infuse it with chakra while Shūichi handled the sensory coordination for setting the destination coordinates.
Since Kirigakure didn't yet have a corresponding formation, this was a one-way journey.
Once preparations were complete, Shūichi nodded to the Konoha ninja responsible for chakra infusion.
In the next moment, the four simultaneously injected chakra, activating the massive formation. A brilliant white light engulfed Shūichi and the others.
Swish!
In an instant, everyone disappeared from the platform.
The next moment, Shūichi and his group appeared just outside Kirigakure.
"This is incredible!"
Ao exclaimed in genuine awe.
Chūkichi added, "With this, we won't have to fear sudden attacks from the Akatsuki anymore!"
Terumi Mei smiled. "Once the village's Space-Time Teleportation Formation is complete, Chūkichi, you'll be responsible for overseeing it."
Chūkichi straightened up and saluted. "Yes, Lady Mizukage!"
---
Upon entering Kirigakure, the task of constructing the Space-Time Teleportation Formation was naturally handed over to Ao. Shūichi left a shadow clone to assist while he returned home with Terumi Mei.
Once inside, Terumi Mei shut the door, turned, and threw herself into Shūichi's arms.
It was clear she'd been waiting for this. After days apart, her fiery passion was unmistakable.
Without hesitation, Shūichi headed straight for the bathroom.
---
Three hours passed in the blink of an eye.
After a shared lunch, Shūichi escorted Terumi Mei to her office before bidding her farewell and leaving Kirigakure.
Back in Konoha, he returned to the Forest of Death to continue his Sage Transformation training.
---
Meanwhile, at Konoha Hospital…
Tsunade frowned as she examined the unconscious Anko Mitarashi. Turning to Nonō Yakushi, she asked, "What happened?"
Nonō explained, "Physically, she's fine, but the problem lies in the curse mark on her neck. It's imbued with Sage power, placing immense strain on both her body and mind."
Tsunade leaned closer to inspect Anko's neck and saw the three tomoe symbol. She snorted coldly. "That bastard Orochimaru—experimenting on his own student."
At that moment, Minato Namikaze entered the room.
"Lord Hokage!"
Nonō, Shizune, and the other medical ninja greeted him.
Minato nodded briefly and then turned to Anko. "What's the situation?"
Tsunade replied, "Orochimaru's Sage-powered curse mark. It's likely an imperfect version that he used on Anko as an experiment."
"Call that troublemaker Shūichi over."
Hearing that Orochimaru was involved and that it related to Sage power, Minato immediately agreed.
Nonō instructed Shizune, "Go to the Root Division and summon Shūichi's shadow clone."
"Yes!"
Shizune nodded and quickly left.
Shortly after, Shūichi returned with Shizune to the hospital room.
"When did Anko return?" Shūichi asked as he began examining her condition.
"Half an hour ago," Shizune replied. "She appeared at the village gates in poor shape and was brought here immediately."
Shūichi nodded. "The curse mark is based on Sage Transformation power—essentially Jūgo's power."
Minato frowned. "Sage Transformation? If it goes out of control, it could be life-threatening, right?"
Tsunade answered, "That's true for conventional Sage Mode training. But the individual Orochimaru found is unique, born with the ability to Sage Transform, making it relatively controllable."
"However, the side effects are severe: emotional instability, uncontrolled cellular proliferation, and physical mutations. Ordinary people can barely harness this power."
"You, as a Sage Mode user, should understand how difficult it is to control natural energy."
Minato nodded. "I do."
"So, is there a way to resolve Anko's condition? Or should we rely on sealing techniques to temporarily suppress Orochimaru's curse mark?"
As a versatile ninja, sealing techniques were the first solution that came to Minato's mind.
Shūichi completed his inspection and said, "Sensei, to completely resolve this, we must eliminate the chakra Orochimaru left in Anko's body."
Standing up and shaking his head, Shūichi continued, "For now, that's not possible."
His primary body still lacked sufficient understanding of Sage Transformation.
After some thought, he suggested, "For now, I'll use my curse mark to suppress Orochimaru's."
Compared to Orochimaru's curse mark, Shūichi's Star Seal was gentler, yet his chakra was stronger than Orochimaru's, making it fully capable of suppressing the chakra within Anko.
Minato Namikaze nodded after hearing this. "Let's proceed with that, then!"
Without delay, Shūichi asked Shizune to help lift Anko. Pressing his hand to the back of her neck, he overlaid a lotus-shaped seal on top of Orochimaru's original curse mark.
Anko, though still unconscious, furrowed her brow in pain. However, the discomfort quickly dissipated, replaced by an unprecedented sense of relief.
Orochimaru's curse mark, now suppressed by Shūichi's Star Seal, no longer corroded her body, alleviating her suffering.
"It's done. She'll wake up soon," Shūichi said, withdrawing his hand and stepping out of the room with Minato.
---
"Shūichi, I've finalized an agreement with Kirigakure to restart development at the former site of the Uzumaki Clan's homeland," Minato said with a smile. "Kushina wants to visit it, so after the New Year, I'll have to trouble you to accompany her."
Shūichi immediately agreed. "No problem."
"Perfect, I'll bring Asuka along as well."
Since the destruction of the Uzumaki Clan, their homeland had remained abandoned. During the last Great Ninja War, the near area had even served as a battlefield between Konoha and Kirigakure.
Revitalizing the Uzumaki Clan's former territory wasn't about rebuilding Uzushiogakure or the Uzumaki nation. Instead, the plan was to develop the island as a means of strengthening ties with Kirigakure and the Land of Water.
In essence, it was an expansion of Konoha's influence.
Besides the Uzumaki Clan's former territory, the alliance with Kirigakure also involved cooperative development of other nearby islands.
From Minato's explanation, Shūichi quickly understood the strategic significance: Konoha and Kirigakure intended to use the islands as stepping stones to merge their spheres of influence.
It was a positive move.
Furthermore, Kirigakure would participate in the upcoming First Chūnin Tournament next year.
With this, four of the Five Great Shinobi Villages would be involved in the tournament.
Of course, the collaboration with Kirigakure didn't stop there.
The alliance also included intelligence sharing, joint operations against the Akatsuki, personnel exchanges, and cooperative missions, all of which would be gradually implemented in an orderly manner.
---
Time flew, and it was now December 29, Konoha Year 50.
In his study, Shūichi prepared himself, pushing his focus and mental processing speed to their limits before activating "Flash of Insight."
Ten minutes was far too short.
Even with his super-accelerated thought process, it felt insufficient.
However, the effects of "Flash of Insight" were undeniable.
As he opened his eyes, a smile appeared on Shūichi's face.
Standing up, he left the study and stepped into the courtyard. Raising his right hand, he extended his palm forward.
In the next moment, a spatial gateway rapidly expanded from a single point before him, forming a circular portal large enough for a person to pass through.
An S-Rank Space-Time Forbidden Jutsu!
The Flying Thunder God Technique was incredibly useful, but that didn't mean other space-time jutsu were irrelevant to Shūichi.
For example, if he were trapped in Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's dimensions, the Flying Thunder God Technique wouldn't allow him to escape.
Thus, even without the motivation of his "Lord of Space-Time" tag, Shūichi had to develop a space-time jutsu similar to Kamui, one that allowed him to freely traverse alternate dimensions, thereby enhancing his survival capabilities.
And now, he'd finally succeeded.
"Thanks to this recent work on the Space-Time Teleportation Formation..."
Shūichi smirked and stepped through the space-time portal.
(End of Chapter)
❇❇❇
This novel is completed on my Patreon, iƒ anyone interested in reading ahead :)
patreon.com/RedX43
❇❇❇