The Three-Body Technique taught at the Ninja Academy was, in theory, a basic ninjutsu every student could perform. Yet the Transformation Formula Orochimaru was studying followed a completely different logic. If carved directly onto bone or inscribed along the chakra network, could it allow a person with no innate elemental affinity to suddenly control multiple nature transformations?
That question lingered in Orochimaru's mind as he examined the various research notes scattered across the table.
Through the Sky Ninja's Transformation Formula, he had already developed five different elemental inscriptions—fire, wind, lightning, earth, and water. By injecting chakra into the corresponding formula, even someone who lacked the natural affinity could forcibly trigger a matching elemental ninjutsu.
The true uncertainty lay not in the method, but in the consequences.
Would engraving such formulas on the body cause harmful side effects?
Could they result in irreversible changes to the chakra network?
Would the procedure be stable—or would it kill the subject outright?
The notebook resting on his forearm slipped neatly into his hand as inspiration struck. Orochimaru opened it without hesitation and scribbled a rapid series of notes.
"How fascinating… Once clone-technology matures, we must test this. Perhaps in time, it will even be possible to mass-produce ninja capable of wielding all five elemental natures."
His golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Kakuzu of Takigakure came to mind—the notorious bounty hunter who survived by replacing his organs with stolen hearts. After using the Earth Grudge Fear technique, Kakuzu no longer possessed his own chakra nature transformations. Every element he used came from the hearts he harvested.
But what if the Transformation Formula were engraved directly onto his masked beasts or the black tentacle-like threads of his body? Combined with the vitality of the Zero-Tailed Cells, even Kakuzu's last weakness—the reliance on outside hearts—could be erased.
Unless someone like Ōnoki reduced him to dust at the molecular level using Dust Release, Kakuzu could theoretically regenerate endlessly from a single remaining thread.
A terrifying possibility.
"If this actually works… wouldn't I be creating a literal monster?"
Orochimaru murmured, staring at the mass of vascular tentacles floating inside the culture tank.
Then his lips stretched into a chilling smile.
"A monster… how interesting. This world already has plenty of those."
Just as he reached for the control panel, intending to conduct the next stage of his experiment, footsteps approached.
Hyuga Mio entered the room with a calm expression, though her eyes betrayed a hint of amusement.
"Orochimaru, it's time. You need to go to the Ninja Academy."
For a moment, even her composed demeanor wavered. The image of Orochimaru—the infamous prodigy of Konoha—teaching children, was undeniably strange.
Orochimaru squinted at her.
"Are you trying to laugh?"
"No," she replied far too quickly, turning her head away.
"I can clearly see you want to laugh… Just go ahead."
He sighed, forming a series of hand seals.
"Shadow Clone Technique."
Poof!
A shadow clone appeared beside him, dusting off his cloak with an unimpressed expression.
"I trust you. Go teach those brats whatever lesson they need."
Orochimaru waved dismissively. He had absolutely no interest in instructing the children of the Sealing Team.
However, the Shadow Clone crossed his arms with a rebellious look.
"Why don't you go? If I teach those kids, Grandma Mito will definitely be watching me. And what happens when she realizes I'm just a shadow clone? Hmm?"
The clone tapped Orochimaru's shoulder like a concerned parent.
"Main body, you should go to the Academy. I'll stay here and do the research. It's a perfect plan."
"Absolutely not. You go—you're more suitable."
Without another word, Orochimaru activated Flying Thunder God and teleported the Shadow Clone straight back to his home. He then returned to the lab using the same technique.
Hyuga Mio stared blankly at the dramatic exchange.
She had long known that Orochimaru's Shadow Clones had independent personalities. Yet somehow, each time still amazed her.
"Well, the annoying fellow is dealt with. Mio, let's proceed to the—"
His sentence was abruptly cut off as the air rippled.
Poof!
The shadow clone appeared again—this time replacing the original Orochimaru.
Hands on hips, the clone smirked triumphantly.
"Main body… did you forget that Shadow Clones can also use Flying Thunder God?"
Hyuga Mio covered her mouth, trying to hide her smile.
"Looks like you really don't want to teach those children."
"Children are troublesome," Orochimaru muttered in annoyance. "Spend too much time around them and they start forming attachments. And once attachments form… things become complicated."
He paused thoughtfully.
He had a vague idea of what Grandma Mito intended. Hiruzen and the advisors wanted him to surrender the Zero-Tailed entity. Mito, on the other hand, seemed to want something different—perhaps to create a bond between him and Konoha, to make him feel a sense of belonging he had always lacked.
"Orochimaru… are you planning to leave Konoha?"
Mio's voice trembled slightly. She wasn't sure whether she was imagining it or if Orochimaru truly carried that intention in his heart.
"Mio," Orochimaru asked lightly, "if I did leave Konoha… what would you do? Stay—or come with me?"
They had been together long enough that he assumed she would follow. But even then… he couldn't deny the possibility she would remain.
"I would go with you," Mio answered instantly. "I haven't been a true Konoha shinobi in a long time."
Her response came so quickly and confidently that Orochimaru nearly choked.
At least pretend to hesitate!
Her decisiveness surprised him… and warmed him more than he expected.
"Mio… let's begin the experiment."
He turned toward the culture tank again, eyes gleaming. If the vascular tentacles successfully fused with the Zero-Tailed Cells, inheriting their vitality, the next phase of experimentation could begin.
Meanwhile, the real Orochimaru—now forced into duty by his own clone—stood at the entrance of the Ninja Academy, sighing loudly.
"Why are my Shadow Clones nothing like anyone else's?"
Was he truly so resistant to teaching that even his clones rebelled?
"Orochimaru?"
A familiar voice called out. Kato Dan approached with a friendly smile.
"Ah, it's you."
"You're here to pick someone up?"
"No. I'm here to teach."
Orochimaru's expression darkened as he reluctantly stepped into the Academy.
Kato Dan blinked.
"Teach? But… you're fourteen."
Before he could ask further, a small figure sprinted down the hallway.
"Orochimaru-neechan!"
Nawaki threw himself at Orochimaru's leg, hugging tightly.
Uzumaki Mito followed shortly after, placing a gentle hand on Orochimaru's head before flicking him lightly.
"This one isn't a Shadow Clone. Good."
She nodded approvingly. Orochimaru forced a smile.
"I would never use a Shadow Clone for something I promised you."
Of course, he would never admit that the clone itself had complained earlier.
Mito seemed to understand anyway, smiling kindly. She then turned to Nawaki.
"Nawaki, don't disturb Orochimaru while she's teaching."
"Can I watch from the side? I won't bother her!"
"Of course."
Orochimaru paused at the classroom door.
"Grandma Mito, what level have they reached so far?"
Before Mito could answer, excited voices erupted inside.
"Lady Orochimaru is here!"
"Can I get her autograph?!"
"My dad will be so jealous when he hears!"
Orochimaru nearly tripped.
Lady Orochimaru?
She cleared her throat sharply, her cold gaze sweeping the students.
"This is a classroom. Address me as Teacher Orochimaru."
"Yes, Teacher Orochimaru!"
The children straightened immediately.
"Good."
She stepped onto the teaching platform, glanced through Mito's notes, and wrote several key terms on the board.
"Today, I will teach you the principles of Sealing Techniques. You will learn how seals restrain chakra and movement, what to pay attention to when forming a seal, and how to correct a seal if it misfires."
Her explanation was detailed yet easy to grasp. Though she did not follow the textbook exactly, her insights were clear and practical.
Even Mito nodded in approval as she sat in the back with Nawaki on her lap.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura quietly slipped into the classroom, observing.
Orochimaru pretended not to notice.
At the end of the lesson, she summoned a small snake.
"Each of you will come up and practice the Single-Thread Light Formation to immobilize it."
It was a basic sealing technique, perfect for beginners.
Though by the end, the poor snake lay exhausted on the floor, unmoving.
Once class ended, Orochimaru found herself surrounded.
"Teacher Orochimaru! Please sign for me!"
"Me too!"
"Teacher Orochimaru—signature!"
"Stop! If you want an autograph, line up. If you swarm me, I'm leaving!"
The children instantly formed a line.
Hiruzen chuckled as he left the room.
"Very popular indeed."
Nawaki tried to squeeze in too, but Mito held him back fondly as she watched Orochimaru interact with the eager children.
I told you, Orochimaru. Children would adore you.