Xu Ming's visit to Uzumaki Mito's gathering was a success. That day, he stayed for dinner before departing. The host and guests enjoyed themselves, feeling as though they had gained valuable rewards.
The Senju clan believed that, in exchange for some external resources, they had obtained Forbidden Techniques that could be passed down for generations. Their heritage had grown once again, and they hoped that one day, another ninja god like the First Hokage might emerge from their ranks.
As for personal favors, they were merely another form of obligation.
Owing Xu Ming a favor strengthened the relationship between him and the Senju clan, which they welcomed wholeheartedly.
As for Xu Ming…
'Only Tsunade and Sakura ever learned these three Forbidden Techniques. Although they suit the Senju clan, their difficulty is so high that 99% of members will never master them. They are destined to gather dust on a shelf.'
'Furthermore, these techniques are unlikely to help the Senju clan produce strong warriors. True power lies in those who inherit Ashura Chakra's reincarnation. For them, these techniques are almost irrelevant, as their innate strength is already overwhelming.'
Of course, Xu Ming kept these thoughts to himself.
Overall, the atmosphere was perfect.
Even little Mikoto felt left out and ran to Xu Ming's house crying, complaining that her closest friend had neglected her in favor of the Senju clan. Xu Ming had to console her for quite some time.
...
After taking care of various matters, Xu Ming sought out Orochimaru once more.
This time, he specifically arranged to meet in the forest behind the mountain.
It was early morning, just as Orochimaru had finished his day's work and was preparing to sleep.
"This familiar meeting setup…"
Orochimaru arrived at the appointed place and immediately began to complain upon seeing Xu Ming.
"I know that whenever you seek me out, you have new ideas for techniques. I do enjoy researching new subjects, but can you at least pick a more reasonable time?"
"You always go to bed early and wake up early, so shouldn't you be asleep by now?"
"I need at least six hours of sleep a day. Otherwise, I won't have enough energy for research."
Orochimaru ranted at length, clearly annoyed about being summoned at three in the morning.
Snap...
Xu Ming raised his hand, emitting a green glow, and lightly struck Orochimaru.
In an instant, Orochimaru felt completely refreshed. His exhaustion vanished, as though he had just enjoyed a full night's sleep. He was ready to work for another ten hours.
"Oh, this feels amazing."
Orochimaru's annoyance disappeared as he stretched with a satisfied smile.
"The reason people need rest is because their body tissues and organs require time to heal," Xu Ming stated. "To put it simply, fatigue is a form of damage. If bodily injuries can be healed, then there is no need for rest—let alone fear of sudden death."
Hearing this, Orochimaru rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
'Fatigue equals damage.'
It was the first time he had encountered this concept, yet his instincts told him it made perfect sense.
'As expected of Xu Ming. His knowledge is vast and unfathomable,' Orochimaru mused.
Though he had grown used to being amazed, he still couldn't help but marvel at each revelation.
"With your level of mastery in Yang Release, can you eliminate the need for sleep?" Orochimaru asked in astonishment. "In other words, you have a third more time each day than an ordinary person. It's essentially an extension of lifespan, isn't it?"
"That's correct," Xu Ming confirmed.
"Ah, I'm so envious," Orochimaru sighed sincerely.
For a researcher like him, lack of time was the biggest frustration.
"Don't be envious. I can do this for you every day," Xu Ming said with a mischievous grin, resembling a predator eyeing its prey.
"Really?"
Orochimaru was initially delighted but soon noticed Xu Ming's expression. His mood quickly shifted.
"Wait… are you planning to make me work nonstop?"
"I refuse!!"
"That would kill me!"
Orochimaru's face paled, and he turned to flee.
But how could he outrun Xu Ming?
With a swift motion, Xu Ming formed a bright and slender Senbon needle in his hand and launched it at Orochimaru.
The needle shot forward like a streak of lightning, piercing Orochimaru's back.
Sizzle…
Instantly, the Senbon erupted into a burst of blue electricity, coursing through Orochimaru's body.
Lightning Release: Chidori Senbon!
"Ahh!! Xu Ming, you bastard!!" Orochimaru cried out as his body went numb and he collapsed to the ground.
Xu Ming calmly walked over, helped Orochimaru up, dusted off his clothes, and then healed him with a soft green glow.
In mere moments, Orochimaru's paralysis faded, and even the minor scrapes from his fall vanished.
"Electrical paralysis is, after all, just another type of injury," Xu Ming remarked.
"Face reality, Orochimaru." Like a ruthless taskmaster, Xu Ming delivered his verdict coldly.
"Damn it…"
Realizing escape was futile, Orochimaru slumped to the ground in resignation. He sighed and asked, "Fine. What's the new research idea? I'm currently working on developing Sixth-Generation snakes adapted for Yang Release evolution. Half of them have already developed Chakra. I estimate that by the Tenth Generation, they will be viable ninja beasts."
"Not bad. You could form a clan similar to the Inuzuka," Xu Ming praised.
"Stop joking. Get to the point!" Orochimaru snapped, unamused.
He wasn't conducting research just to create a family tradition.
He pursued knowledge—to push the boundaries of understanding.
"Alright. Are you interested in exploring another aspect of Yang Release?" Xu Ming asked with a smile.
Orochimaru looked puzzled. "Didn't you say that Yang Release wasn't my path?"
"Yet you continue regardless. You stimulate cells with Yang Release, accelerating the maturity and reproduction of snakes. In just a few days, you've bred them from the Second to the Sixth Generation."
Xu Ming gave him a knowing look and said, "Besides, even if it's not your main focus, you can still gain valuable insights, right?"
"That's true…" Orochimaru admitted, nodding.
And with that, a new research direction in Yang Release began.