The training ground felt different. Smaller. Like Sasuke could cross it in a heartbeat.
Orochimaru and Kabuto watched from the observation area. Other Sound shinobi had gathered too—word had spread about the "successful experiment."
"Begin with basics," Orochimaru's voice came through speakers. "Show me your speed."
Sasuke moved.
He crossed fifty meters before his brain caught up with his body. The world blurred. He'd moved faster than his Sharingan could track without active enhancement.
"Impressive," Orochimaru noted. "Again. This time, activate your Sharingan first."
Sasuke did. Three tomoe spun. He moved again.
This time he could see. The world slowed to comprehensible speed. He could control the movement precisely. Change direction mid-sprint. Stop on a coin.
The watching shinobi murmured in shock.
"Strength test," Orochimaru commanded. "The boulder."
A massive rock sat in the training ground. Had to weigh several tons. It was used for strength training—most jonin could barely shift it.
Sasuke walked over. Placed his hands against it. Pushed.
The boulder moved. Not just shifted—moved. He pushed it across the training ground like it was made of foam.
More murmurs from the crowd.
"Chakra reserves," Orochimaru said. "Demonstrate your largest jutsu. Multiple times."
Sasuke formed seals. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
Massive fireball erupted. Twice the size of his previous attempts.
He formed seals again. Another fireball. Then another. Then another.
Ten consecutive massive jutsu. His chakra reserves barely dipped.
The crowd was silent now. This wasn't normal. This was something else entirely.
"Combat test," Orochimaru announced. "Kabuto, you're up."
Kabuto dropped into the training ground. Smiled that professional smile.
"Don't hold back, Sasuke-kun. I want to see everything."
They engaged.
Sasuke moved faster than before. Kabuto's eyes widened—even his experience couldn't fully predict the new speed. Sasuke's strikes hit harder. His techniques were more powerful.
But Kabuto was still Kabuto. Decades of experience. He adapted quickly. Started reading Sasuke's patterns instead of his movements.
They traded blows for five minutes. Sasuke landed more hits than he ever had before. But Kabuto still won, eventually trapping him in a chakra-disruption hold.
"Excellent," Kabuto released him. "You're easily high jonin level now. Maybe even elite jonin. And that's without fully mastering your new abilities."
Orochimaru descended to the training ground. His expression was one of pure scientific triumph.
"This is unprecedented, Sasuke-kun. You've successfully integrated Hashirama Senju's cellular structure without losing your Uchiha abilities. You're the first true hybrid in history."
"What about Wood Release?" Sasuke asked. He knew he'd have access to it, but wanted to seem ignorant.
"That requires specific training. The potential is there—I can sense it. But manifesting it will take time and practice." Orochimaru pulled out a scroll. "I've prepared training regimens. You'll need months to fully master your new body."
"How long?"
"Six months minimum. Possibly a year." Orochimaru's smile widened. "But when you're done, Sasuke-kun, you'll be ready for the next step."
"Next step?"
"Your Mangekyo Sharingan." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. "I know you've been researching it. I know you understand the requirements. And I think I might be able to help you achieve it."
Sasuke kept his expression neutral. But internally, he smiled.
Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.