"Give me enough time and resources, and I will definitely succeed."
Orochimaru's voice carried conviction as his pale hands curled into fists. His golden eyes gleamed with a fervor bordering on madness, like a predator who had just glimpsed its perfect prey.
In the Chūnin Exams years later, the Third Hokage would peel away Orochimaru's face mid-battle, revealing the visage of a woman beneath.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's shock had been palpable as he was asking 'You've mastered that forbidden jutsu?'
Even then, the technique had still been a prototype, imperfect, and riddled with flaws. But now, that seed of obsession was sprouting.
"I believe in you, Orochimaru-sensei," Uchiha Gen said evenly, before tilting his head.
"But tell me... what stands in your way right now?"
Orochimaru's thin lips curled. "Two things. First, how to ensure the soul doesn't remain tethered to its original body after departure. Second, how to make the soul completely dominate a new vessel without interference from the host's lingering will."
He tapped a finger against the tatami, eyes narrowing. "I already have an approach for the first. The second… remains elusive. Nidaime-sama's notes warn of severe backlash during transfer—more than physical rejection. Something deeper, as though one has trespassed upon a spiritual taboo."
He chuckled darkly. "But all true breakthroughs are paved by failure. As long as the path is clear, I will conquer it sooner or later. What terrifies me isn't difficulty but it's walking forward in blindness."
Gen sipped his tea, his dark eyes thoughtful. Then they lit, as if struck by inspiration.
Orochimaru noticed immediately. "Oh? Have you thought of something, Gen-kun?"
"Yes," Gen replied, voice steady. "You and the Nidaime have focused entirely on using other people's bodies. But why not your own?"
The words struck Orochimaru like lightning. His eyes widened. He muttered, "My own body… my own body…" repeating it as though savoring the taste.
Then his face split into an unhinged grin.
"Yes. Why not? If the soul rejects foreign vessels—then I only need to create vessels of myself."
"You mean cloning," Gen said calmly. "Preserve cells from your youth, cultivate soulless bodies over time. That way, you'll have an endless supply of perfect vessels and each one truly yours. Isn't it possible?"
Orochimaru's laughter hissed like a serpent. "Possible? Of course it is. Gen-kun, you really are… extraordinary."
"But," Gen continued, expression sobering, "there's still one problem. Have you considered that the soul itself may have a lifespan?"
The words hung in the air like a shadow. Gen, with his unique Soul-Soul Fruit ability, had ways to temper and strengthen his spirit, but even he couldn't guarantee true immortality.
Orochimaru's excitement faltered for a moment, then reignited. "Perhaps. But even if the soul does decay, it endures far longer than the body. Edo Tensei proves that much. As long as we create time, solutions will follow. There is no problem that cannot be unraveled."
Gen nodded. "Then we focus on what we can do now. The rest will reveal itself later."
"So," Gen asked with faint amusement, "what will you call this great jutsu of yours?"
Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed, his smile razor-sharp. "The Living Corpse Reincarnation Technique."
"Fitting," Gen murmured.
Orochimaru rose suddenly, energized. "The more we speak, the more impatient I become. I'll begin immediately."
He reached into his flak vest, producing a scroll. "Here is the equipment you asked for and their locations. If you require aid, don't hesitate to ask."
He paused at the doorway, his voice trailing back like a hiss. "Consider it… repayment for your filial respect toward me."
His figure melted into the shadows of the corridor.
Gen tucked away the scroll, shaking his head with a small smile. He drained his tea in a single swallow, then rose and departed.
Leaving the research base, Gen headed straight to the Police Department to cancel his leave. Free salary was still salary, after all.
"Ah, Gen! You're back. Sit, sit."
Behind a desk stacked with documents, Uchiha Fugaku's stern face eased into a rare smile. His mood had been soaring of late, and much of that fortune traced back to Gen.
First, his father-in-law, Uchiha Setsuna, had been released from prison and reinstated as Grand Elder. With Setsuna at his side, the other elders had grown obedient, and Fugaku's authority both in clan and police force swelled.
Second, Uchiha Shisui had officially joined the Fourth Hokage's Anbu.
Everyone knew that disciples of the Hokage rarely stagnated. With Shisui's talent, a seat in Konoha's leadership was guaranteed. Perhaps even the Hokage's mantle itself.
Third, his wife was pregnant again. Another son, he hoped, one who could walk the same destined paths.
All signs pointed upward, and Fugaku's stiff demeanor softened whenever Gen was near.
"Thank you, Clan leader," Gen replied politely. "Everything went smoothly." He smiled wryly. "But I'm exhausted. I'll file my cancellation and head home to rest."
"Haha, I understand. I'll let the others know." Fugaku leaned back, still smiling. "Oh, by the way—Elder Setsuna asked you to come by for dinner. Mikoto will cook."
Gen inclined his head. "When?"
"I'll have Itachi inform you tomorrow."
"Understood. Then, I'll take my leave…"
Fugaku waved him off warmly. "Go on, Gen. Rest well."
With a respectful bow, Uchiha Gen departed.
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