In a quiet lab, Orochimaru stood carefully analyzing a fragment of Kizaru's tissue that floated in solution, faintly glowing even after being separated from its host. Orochimaru adjusted the instruments, eyes fixed on the cellular structure.
"So it isn't the soul," he murmured. "It's the body itself."
The cells were abnormal. Stable, yet altered. The structure reminded him of kekkei genkai abilities etched directly into the bodies genetic structure after they were learned. But this was different, it seemed more invasive. Almost as if something had rewritten the body's rules entirely.
"Devil Fruits…" he said quietly. "They don't grant abilities. They rebuild you."
He compared the samples to normal human cells. The difference was unmistakable. Entire pathways had been changed. Energy conduction, durability, reaction speed, everything was optimized for the ability the fruit granted.
He smiled faintly.
"In theory… blood transfusion wouldn't be enough. But if the gene factor could be isolated, stabilized, and forced to adapt…"
He paused, tapping the glass.
"Possible," he concluded. "But extremely difficult. Failure rate would be likely be as high as it was transplanting hashirama cells."
For now, he set the Kizaru samples aside.
Another container was brought forward.
Samples belonging to the dead Big Mom.
What remained of her body after Sasori's work was still… impressive. Even in death, the tissue resisted degradation. Orochimaru's eyes gleamed as he examined the skin cells.
"These aren't enhanced by a Devil Fruit," he realized. "This is natural."
The cells were dense. Incredibly so. Their structure explained her absurd durability. Blades, bullets, even explosions had struggled to pierce her skin, not because of haki alone, but because her body itself was built differently.
"A born monster, such a pity I wasn't here to see her in action while she was alive." Orochimaru said wistfully.
He compared the samples to the giant samples Sasori had unwillingly provided him. Similar, but not the same. This was more refined. Strength trying to fit into a human form.
"If this gene factor could be replicated…" he thought. "Armor without haki. Incredible durability without training. This would be extremely useful for someone like kakuzu."
His smile widened.
"This world truly is fascinating."
He carefully preserved the samples, already planning future experiments.
For now, he wanted to study more devil fruit users, and he was already formulating a plan to do so.
"Kaido of the beasts, seems to have quite a lot of them right? If he thinks I've eaten some kind of snake zoan I can infiltrate his crew, and possibly study not just him, but the other zoan users cells after displaying my scientific prowess."
It had only been a few moments but Orochimaru already came up with a feasible plan, and he was planning to execute it quickly, while it was still unknown that he belonged to the Akatsuki.
"All that's left is to inform Nagato of this plan, lest I get hunted down for being a traitor later."
His eyes gleamed as he cleaned up the lab and then left, heading towards the tallest tower in Amegakure.
-------------------
Nagato listened in silence as Orochimaru finished.
He didn't doubt Orochimaru could succeed. Nor did he doubt his ability to escape if things went wrong.
"Very well," Nagato said. "Do as you please."
His tone sharpened slightly.
"Be wary. Our spies report they're preparing for war. It's likely they'll move soon."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
"I've already prepared several contingencies," he replied. "And I'm curious to see how certain jutsu function in this world."
He turned to leave.
"I'll depart immediately."
Moments later, he took a small boat and left Ame, choosing a roundabout route to avoid drawing attention, ensuring his arrival in Wano wouldn't appear suspicious.
Konan stood behind Nagato.
"Aren't you worried?" she asked. "That he might betray us? Or get himself killed?"
Nagato answered calmly.
"Orochimaru is like a roach. He doesn't die easily. Even I wouldn't be confident in killing him permanently without extracting his soul."
He continued,
"As for betrayal, I'm not concerned. He's different from the Orochimaru we knew. Whatever happened during the war he mentioned—or after—it seems to have changed him just as much as it did mada- Obito."
Konan was silent for a moment before speaking again.
"If that's true… then we've gained an extremely dangerous ally. Especially since he knows Edo Tensei."
Nagato nodded.
"That's precisely why I don't think he'll struggle to protect himself" he said. "Even if his plan goes wrong."
Rain continued to fall over Amegakure.