Konoha, downstream of the Naka River, a secret experimental base classified as an S-rank restricted area.
This was the exclusive research site specially approved by Sarutobi Hiruzen for Orochimaru's "Team Zero."
Unlike the bustling construction scenes of Danzo and Sakumo, it was eerily quiet here.
High walls and dense barriers completely isolated this place from the outside world.
Only the occasional strange sizzling sounds and slight explosions from the laboratory proved that some unknown experiment capable of changing the world was taking place here.
Inside the laboratory, the atmosphere was tense and fanatical.
Orochimaru wore a white research coat, and the light of various complex blueprints reflected off the lenses of his non-prescription glasses.
Behind him stood a dozen or so researchers also wearing white coats.
Some of these people were elites drawn from various clans who had in-depth research on the principles of ninjutsu, such as Hiruko; others were the village's top craftsmen skilled in precision manufacturing.
Together, they formed Konoha's most mysterious and technologically advanced scientific research team—Team Zero.
At this moment, everyone's gaze was fixed on the huge device in the center of the laboratory.
It was the first simple "hydro-turbine generator," built by Orochimaru personally leading the team, consuming countless precious materials and painstaking effort, strictly according to the blueprints given by Lord Hokage.
The turbulent water of the Naka River tributary was introduced into the laboratory by a huge diversion pipe, frantically impacting a huge water wheel made of special alloy.
The water wheel spun rapidly, driving the huge and complex generator behind it, composed of countless metal coils and magnets.
"Are you ready?"
Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"Report to Captain! All circuits are connected normally!"
"Water flow speed has reached the preset peak!"
"Generator speed is stable!"
Listening to his subordinates' reports, Orochimaru took a deep breath.
He walked to an independent control console and looked at a red, seemingly simple button on it.
This button was connected to the output end of the generator, and... at the other end of the laboratory, inside a glass cover, a light bulb made of a special metal filament.
This was the seventeenth energy conversion experiment he had conducted with Team Zero.
The previous sixteen times had all failed for various reasons.
But this time, he had a premonition that it would definitely succeed.
He extended his pale, slender finger and slowly pressed the red button.
Click.
A soft sound.
The entire laboratory fell into a dead silence.
Everyone held their breath, staring unblinkingly at the small light bulb.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
The light bulb showed no reaction.
"Did... did we fail again?"
Hiruko frowned, his voice a little disappointed.
The atmosphere in the laboratory instantly became heavy.
However, there was no frustration on Orochimaru's face.
His pupils were still fixed on the light bulb, as if waiting for something.
Just when everyone thought this experiment would end in failure again.
Inside that small light bulb, the slender metal filament suddenly... flickered.
An orange-yellow light lit up.
"It... it lit up!"
Someone was the first to shout.
Then, the entire laboratory erupted in thunderous cheers.
"Success! We succeeded!"
"We really turned water flow into light!"
The researchers jumped up and down with excitement, hugging each other, and some even wept with joy.
They had fought continuously for many days and stayed up all night for this moment of light.
And Orochimaru just stood there quietly.
Looking at the lit light bulb, a pure, child-like smile appeared on his always indifferent face for the first time.
Orochimaru slowly took off his glasses and reached out his hand, wanting to grasp that light forever.
"So... energy can really be transformed."
He murmured to himself, his voice filled with obsession.
What Orochimaru felt at this moment was not just the joy of success, but a shock and trembling from glimpsing the truth of the world's origin.
Lord Hokage had opened a magnificent door to the domain of gods for him.
And he would walk down this path unswervingly.
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