Chapter 76: CHAPTER 76
c76: Proud of the Spring Breeze
"Give me enough time and resources, and I will complete the research successfully!"
Orochimaru clenched his fists, golden serpentine pupils glowing with fervent ambition. His expression twisted into something between excitement and madness, reminiscent of a predator spotting vulnerable prey.
In the manga, during the Chunin Exam arc, Orochimaru confronted the Third Hokage within the Four Violet Flames Formation. At the climax of their battle, Orochimaru peeled off his disguise and revealed the visage of a woman underneath. The Third Hokage was visibly shaken, exclaiming: "You've already mastered that jutsu... That's a forbidden technique!"—confirming that Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation (Fushi Tensei) already existed in a prototype stage. Despite years of development, it remained incomplete, fraught with imperfections.
"I believe in you, Lord Orochimaru. Your success is only a matter of time," said Uchiha Gen, his tone firm and full of conviction. "What's standing in your way right now?"
"There are two major obstacles."
"First, ensuring that the soul, once detached, is not tethered or rejected by its original host. Second, achieving a full transfer into another body without interference from the host's residual will."
"I've already made progress on the first point. But the second remains a mystery I may have to uncover the answer through repeated experimentation."
"The Nidaime Hokage's research notes mention that during soul transference, there's often intense backlash. This isn't just physical rejection, it hints at violating the natural laws governing the soul, perhaps brushing against spiritual taboos encoded into chakra itself."
"But that's fine. Every breakthrough in history emerged from failure. As long as my path is correct, I will succeed in time."
"I fear not the hardship, only aimlessness without a roadmap."
Gen's expression grew contemplative, his mind turning. Then his eyes brightened with sudden realization.
Orochimaru noticed his shift and smiled slyly. "Do you have something in mind?"
"Yes. I do."
"Sensei, why must you and the Nidaime attempt to hijack others' bodies? Have you considered using your own?"
Orochimaru blinked, stunned. Then he murmured, "My own body… my own body..."
He repeated the words like a mantra until, with sudden clarity, his eyes gleamed. A crooked smile tugged at the corners of his lips—part brilliance, part mania, like a scientist on the cusp of a revelation.
"Yes. If the soul's rejection of foreign vessels is the issue why not eliminate the foreign factor? Why not use cloned versions of my own body?"
"You're suggesting regenerating a younger version of yourself using cloning technology cultivating a vessel devoid of soul or will," Gen elaborated. "As long as you preserve viable samples of your own genetic material your young body's cells you can cultivate compatible, dormant clones with renewable life force. From a scientific standpoint, it's feasible, right?"
"Absolutely feasible. Gen-kun, you truly are a prodigy!"
"But there's a deeper issue," Gen said. "Have you considered... whether the soul itself has a lifespan? Just like the body?"
This was the part that troubled Gen most. Even with the Soru Soru no Mi powers allowing him to manipulate and even reinforce souls he couldn't guarantee true soul immortality. Let alone for others.
"That... is indeed a concern."
Orochimaru's glee momentarily dimmed, then reignited with force. His tone brimmed with determination.
"Even if the soul has a finite lifespan, Gen-kun, we've seen evidence that it outlasts the body by decades—l perhaps centuries. The Edo Tensei jutsu proves this. The Second Hokage's own forbidden technique forcibly summons the souls of the dead, intact, from the Pure Land."
"As long as we realize our goals, we'll have ample time to study and solve that next problem. There's always a solution we just haven't found it yet."
"You're right, Sensei. We shouldn't limit ourselves prematurely."
Reflecting on it, Gen realized that with the Soul-Soul Fruit, his soul would likely endure far longer than that of the average shinobi, even if it wasn't eternal.
"So, Sensei, what will you call this revolutionary jutsu?"
"I already have a name for it Fushi Tensei no Jutsu: Living Corpse Reincarnation."
"The more I talk about this, the more impatient I get. I must begin the next phase of the experiment immediately."
"This is the list of required materials and equipment, along with the lab layout. If you need project support, let me know."
Orochimaru passed a scroll from the inside of his flak vest to Gen, then turned and left in a good mood leaving behind a final parting sentence:
"For the sake of your unshakable loyalty…"
Gen tucked the scroll away, chuckled softly, finished his tea in one gulp, and strode out of the lab.
…
After leaving the underground research complex, Gen Uchiha headed directly to the Konoha Military Police HQ to speak with Uchiha Fugaku about submitting a vacation request. He had no intention of letting his paid leave go to waste.
"Hey, Gen! You're back come, sit."
"How did things go?"
Fugaku, momentarily distracted from his paperwork, looked up and beamed. His usually stern face cracked into a rare, genuine smile.
Lately, things had been going well for Fugaku. First, his father-in-law, Uchiha Setsuna, had been released from house arrest and restored to the status of clan elder. This helped Fugaku consolidate his leadership within the Uchiha.
The other two elders, sensing Setsuna's resurgence, had mellowed in opposition. Clan unity had improved, and Fugaku's command of the police force grew stronger.
But the police force had rigid structure one commander, two deputy commanders. Setsuna couldn't reclaim his previous deputy role without ousting someone. The elders feared that might happen, so they reached a silent compromise: Setsuna could be elder again, but not take any operational post in the force.
Fugaku didn't want to escalate intra-clan tension by pushing too far. Besides, Shisui his prized nephew had already entered the Fourth Hokage's ANBU.
Everyone knew that a Hokage's personal student often rose to the top. If Shisui excelled, the Uchiha might produce its first Hokage in history.
And if not, Fugaku had a backup plan. His own son, if placed under the tutelage of Shisui or better yet, Kakashi Hatake could inherit the mantle. Kakashi was already a war hero, a protégé of the Fourth, and well positioned to become the Sixth Hokage.
His eldest son was promising, and if his pregnant wife delivered another son, the plan had redundancy. The younger son could still become a Hokage candidate if raised alongside Konoha's elites.
Fugaku saw a bright path ahead. And Gen had helped pave that road twice.
If the third joy of his life came from Gen too, Fugaku would probably weep from joy or maybe lose his mind.
"Thank you, Clan Leader. Everything went smoothly."
"I won't sit long. Just came to submit my leave request," Gen grinned. "Been exhausted lately."
"Understood. Go get some rest. I'll notify the admin office."
"Oh, and Elder Setsuna asked me to tell you, you're invited to dinner at his place. Mikoto's cooking."
"Thank you, sir. When?"
"Itachi will tell you tomorrow."
"Got it. I'll take my leave."
"Mm."
Gen bowed politely and took his leave.
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