"So, Tsunade, when you were so eager to find me just now… was it because you were afraid I'd lose something?" Orochimaru asked, a small smile tugging at his lips as he noticed the relief on her face.
Tsunade's cheeks flushed instantly, and she looked away, trying not to admit how worried she had been. "How could that be… no… I was just worried that you'd be bullied by that Lord Danzo Shimura," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
Orochimaru chuckled softly. "I see… Is that so?"
"What do you want for lunch?" he asked, brushing the dirt off his clothes as he rose from the training grounds.
"Sea bass is cheaper in the spring," he added casually, "want it?"
"I want chicken!" Tsunade exclaimed, her face lighting up at the thought of Orochimaru cooking. She practically ran toward him with joy.
"You really don't want sea bass? Steamed, boiled… I haven't eaten it in so long. Steamed tastes fresh, boiled is subtle and delicate…" Orochimaru began, using a particularly enticing tone to describe the dishes.
Tsunade's stomach growled audibly. "Orochimaru! I want to try the sea bass too! Both steamed and boiled! And chicken!" She planted herself in front of him, arms crossed, clearly refusing to compromise.
Orochimaru groaned inwardly. What a sin! I'm only making more work for myself!
---
"By the way, Orochimaru… can you use the Flying Thunder God Technique now?" she asked, suddenly remembering the scroll from Hiruzen Sarutobi that Orochimaru had mentioned.
Orochimaru shook his head. "It's not that simple. My mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique isn't perfect yet. Tsunade, do you really want to try it?"
He spoke as if using the technique could lead to unexpected consequences.
Tsunade hesitated. Maybe… let's not. She had always felt uneasy about traveling with Orochimaru using such an advanced Space-Time Ninjutsu.
Even though she didn't know exactly what would happen if the technique failed, she had a bad feeling. At best, they might end up at Jiraiya's place on Mount Myōboku. At worst… no one could predict the outcome.
The Flying Thunder God Technique wasn't just movement—it was instantaneous travel. The scenery would blur, vanish, and reappear somewhere else entirely. Orochimaru had experienced it many times as a child in his great-uncle's arms. It was exhilarating, disorienting, and frightening all at once.
---
Chapter 70: Midnight Guardian
Poison was a weapon—subtle, lethal, and merciless. It could be categorized into three types: acute, chronic, and functional. Orochimaru contemplated their potential effects on the Otsutsuki Clan. Could toxins that harmed humans also harm the divine beings of the Otsutsuki lineage? If not neutralized, would they perish from the poison?
In the lab, Orochimaru observed a caged rat convulsing violently. Its tiny body struggled in vain, blood seeping from its seven orifices until it lay motionless. He studied the effects meticulously, analyzing every twitch, every sigh, every gasp.
Perhaps a poison exists that can affect the Otsutsuki Clan. I just haven't found it yet.
The lack of test subjects was a constant problem. If only someone had brought Kaguya from the moon, he thought wryly. Inspired by past attacks on the White Snake Pharmaceutical Technology Company, Orochimaru was determined to develop a toxin effective against the Otsutsuki—but first, he needed research and patience.
At least there's time before the Otsutsuki officially arrive…
Dressed in a crisp white lab coat, mask, and blue gloves, his assistant, Imu, checked the cage. "Sir Orochimaru, subject 103 has died."
"Dispose of it," he said flatly.
"Yes, sir." Imu handled the rat carefully, ensuring it was neutralized without contamination.
Chakra—the source of a ninja's power and the gift born from Kaguya's consumption of the Divine Tree fruit—was universal. Targeting Chakra directly could potentially harm even the Otsutsuki.
Chakra poison… yes, a toxin aimed specifically at Chakra. That would be effective even against Otsutsuki clan members.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed as he scribbled in his notebook, recording the inspiration that could revolutionize his research.
Once Imu had finished, she peered into the room. "Lord Orochimaru… do you need new test subjects?"
"No need. Today's experiment ends here. You've worked hard, Imu." He sealed the notebook into a scroll, satisfied that despite limited data, the research was meaningful.
"It's my honor to assist you, Lord Orochimaru," Imu said, excitement barely contained.
Perhaps he could request Kikaichu from the Aburame Clan for future studies. Their sensitivity to Chakra would make experiments more precise. Maybe someone with Byakugan or Sharingan could assist as well.
Before leaving, Orochimaru dispelled his Shadow Clone, reclaiming his memories and the exhaustion accumulated from long hours of research. He poured himself a cup of herbal tea—essential for mental clarity and physical recovery. Even a genius like him needed rest.
"Sir Orochimaru," Imu said, concern in her voice.
"No need to worry. You should rest as well," he replied, seeing the worried expressions on their faces.
He left the underground laboratory using the Flying Thunder God Technique. Those who witnessed it marveled, unable to comprehend how he could vanish and reappear so effortlessly. Few suspected it was Orochimaru's own mastery of this legendary jutsu.
---
Early morning, Orochimaru awoke, standing in front of the mirror in his cow-patterned pajamas. Lost in thought, he noticed movement.
Only Tsunade could sneak up on me like this…
"Hehe, you found me," she said, emerging from under the bed, grinning mischievously.
Orochimaru's expression remained neutral. "Aren't you worried about Grandma Mito?"
"She probably won't be," Tsunade replied guiltily, having left without a word.
He chuckled lightly, brushing his teeth. "Be careful—Grandma Mito can get angry."
Tsunade imagined her grandmother's scolding face and paced anxiously. The bathroom door opened, and Orochimaru stepped out, wiping his face with a towel. His pale cheeks flushed faintly.
"Tsunade… can you come home with me later?" she pleaded, wrapping her arms around his waist, eyes glistening. Facing her grandmother's wrath together seemed far easier than facing it alone.
Orochimaru placed a hand on her forehead. "She's angry because she cares about you. If she didn't, would she even scold you? You should have left a note."
"I forgot," Tsunade admitted with a small laugh, relieved he understood.
After dinner, Orochimaru escorted her home. Uzumaki Mito scolded them both mercilessly, but neither dared argue.
"Wasn't my grandmother scary when she's angry?" Tsunade whispered, still shaken.
Orochimaru glanced at her, silently understanding the source of her frustration.
---
Later that night, Orochimaru and Tsunade, disguised as adults, gambled at the Casino. As usual, Tsunade's luck was abysmal. Wins were rare, and losses far outweighed any gains.
While studying his cards, Orochimaru overheard people discussing Shimura Herbal Tea.
"Did you hear? It's sold at Shimura Herbal Tea Shop!"
"How did I miss that? I even drank it!"
"Does it really work?"
"Of course! That's why I was able to come here tonight. My wife hated me coming before, but now she's… different. Lord Danzo Shimura is my Midnight Guardian!"
Midnight Guardian? Orochimaru's hand trembled, nearly dropping his cards at the smug man's words.
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