Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

After lunch, Shūichi dropped Nono and the others off at the Konoha Hospital, then used the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport to Orochimaru's research base.

Anko was also there. Seeing Shūichi's sudden appearance, Orochimaru smiled and told Anko, "Go continue your training. Next time, I'll be assessing your progress!"

"Yes, Sensei!" Anko nodded respectfully, then greeted Shūichi. "Hello, Shūichi-senpai!"

"Hello, Anko!" Shūichi responded with a smile.

Once Anko had left, Orochimaru remarked, "Shūichi-kun, you've done something truly shocking again!"

As a former Root member, Orochimaru had his own sources and was aware of recent events.

Shūichi responded calmly, "Just felt like the right time."

"So, what are your next plans?" he asked.

Orochimaru chuckled. "Danzo and I only had a professional arrangement, nothing more. As for the Hokage position—whoever holds it doesn't matter as long as my research remains undisturbed. But I'm curious... how strong were Danzo's Sharingan?"

Shūichi thought for a moment and then humbly replied, "Mediocre, at best."

"For Danzo, the Sharingan were just disposable tools. He couldn't even last a full minute."

Apparently, Danzo's Izanagi couldn't sustain itself for even one minute, evidence that Orochimaru's technology was still far from perfect.

Orochimaru nodded seriously and smiled. "Seems further improvement is needed."

With a meaningful look, Shūichi added, "The Sharingan is difficult for non-Uchiha to master, even with the cells of the First Hokage."

Orochimaru extended his tongue thoughtfully. "Aren't you curious about the power within the Sharingan? Don't you want to obtain it yourself?"

"The Sharingan's allure is undeniable. In theory, through the integration of elemental transformations, one could replicate such Kekkei Genkai. But sacrificing Konoha comrades for that? Not worth it."

Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise. "Using elemental fusion... that's quite the confidence! But the Sharingan isn't so easily replicated."

Shūichi nodded in agreement. "True, the combination of Yin and Yang Release, especially when Yin is dominant, is incredibly difficult. Yin and Yang Releases are some of chakra's most fundamental powers. The Hyuga clan's Byakugan falls into a similar category. In theory, with mastery over chakra's essence, one could recreate any Kekkei Genkai."

"But that's provided one possesses the secrets of these bloodlines," Orochimaru said. "That's the real challenge, making Kekkei Genkai inherently unlearnable and passed only through lineage."

"And not everyone is as talented as you, Shūichi-kun."

Shūichi had to admit, if it weren't for his "Prodigy" Tag, he wouldn't have dared to claim he could eventually unlock the secrets of the Sharingan.

Orochimaru then said, "Now that Danzo is dead, are you interested in examining the Sharingan research?"

Shūichi raised a brow. "What would you want in exchange?"

Orochimaru smiled. "Your cells, Shūichi-kun. What do you say?"

Shūichi shook his head. "I'm not particularly fond of being someone's research subject."

Orochimaru looked disappointed but quickly adjusted. "Then how about exchanging it for the research you and Tsunade have done on the First Hokage's cells?"

Shūichi agreed instantly.

The research he and Tsunade conducted focused on enhancing cellular vitality through Yang Release, not transplantation. However, with Orochimaru's skills, it was still likely he'd gain some insights from it. Regardless, it was a worthwhile deal.

Seeing that Shūichi accepted, Orochimaru smiled. "Follow me, then."

Leading the way, they left the laboratory.

As they walked, Shūichi asked, "Your body modification technique must be nearing completion, right?"

Orochimaru nodded. "Indeed, it's nearly done. Why, are you still interested?"

Shūichi chuckled, "While I'm not keen on modifying myself, it could be useful for others."

He went on to describe Hayate Gekkō's condition.

Orochimaru found this intriguing. "A gill-based breathing system, not a bad idea. But that alone won't suffice. Leeches, earthworms, and certain amphibians can breathe through their skin, which may be more suitable for Hayate's case."

"I once studied these creatures. I could provide my notes for free if you're interested, Shūichi-kun."

"Thanks a lot," Shūichi replied, not hesitating in the slightest.

Engrossed in discussion, they soon arrived at another lab. This location was more hidden—where Orochimaru had been conducting research on the Sharingan and Hashirama's cells for Danzo.

Inside, Shūichi found six pairs of Sharingan staring back at him.

Three pairs of double tomoe, and three pairs of single tomoe.

Additionally, there were Uchiha clan corpses.

It was uncertain whether these were killed by the Root or were simply gathered from the battlefield by them.

However, Orochimaru's primary focus was researching the mysteries between the Sharingan and Hashirama's cells, so he hadn't delved deeply into the full potential of the Sharingan itself.

In fact, without being able to study a living Uchiha, uncovering the Sharingan's true potential would be nearly impossible.

After all, a deceased body lacks two essential elements of chakra.

Nonetheless, the data and findings here were still of immense value to Shūichi, greatly enriching his knowledge base.

Orochimaru, watching Shūichi skim through the documents, smiled. "If you need these, Shūichi-kun, you can take them with you."

Shūichi shook his head. "It's better if we leave these for the Anbu to handle."

Then he asked, "Since you wanted to study the Sharingan, did you ever try collaborating with the Uchiha clan?"

Orochimaru chuckled lightly. "It seems Shūichi-kun doesn't fully understand the Uchiha clan."

"Their inherent pride would never allow anyone to experiment on them."

"Besides, the Sharingan is the cornerstone of their strength. Why would they ever allow it to be researched?"

Shūichi thought about it and realized this was indeed true, so he didn't pursue the matter further.

By evening, Shūichi and Orochimaru left the lab, having arranged to assist Orochimaru with his final soft body modification experiment.

After parting ways, Shūichi let out a quiet sigh.

Based on today's discussion, it was clear that Orochimaru would inevitably leave Konoha.

For the path Orochimaru intended to take, a large number of living test subjects would be necessary, and Konoha would ultimately become a constraint for him.

"Such a pity…"

Shūichi sighed to himself.

Orochimaru's talents were undeniable, and having someone like him around would make gaining new Tags significantly easier.

"But there should still be chances for trade in the future to obtain more research."

Shūichi temporarily set aside these thoughts and returned home.

At that time, not only were Nono Yakushi and Asuka there, but Shizune and Tsunade as well.

Once the five of them had finished dinner, Shūichi brought the four women to his study.

Sitting down on the carpet, he said, "Even though none of you specialize in Fire Release, it's best to use the full version of the Star Seal. This way, Shizune and Asuka can bypass the arduous training required for the Strength of a Hundred Technique and the Yin Seal."

Tsunade spoke up immediately, "Then let's get started already. We understand all of this."

Everyone was used to Tsunade's impatience by now. Nono smiled gently and said, "Shūichi, let's start with Lady Tsunade."

Shūichi nodded and turned to Tsunade. "This may cause some intense pain. Please bear with it."

Tsunade nodded. "Understood."

Shūichi positioned himself behind her.

Looking at Tsunade's smooth, alluring neck, he couldn't help but recall Orochimaru's somewhat…eccentric way of applying seals.

In that moment, Shūichi had a sudden moment of understanding.

Steadying himself, he kept his gaze forward, pressing his right hand onto the back of her neck, releasing a unique chakra.

Tsunade winced slightly as the intense pain hit her, but it was short-lived.

"It's done!"

Shūichi lifted his hand.

Sensing the change, Tsunade immediately tried to activate the seal.

In an instant, lotus-like patterns spread from her neck up to her face, and her pupils shifted to a vivid purple, shaped like stars.

Seeing this, Asuka exclaimed, "Shūichi, the seal's pattern looks different from last time."

Shūichi wasn't surprised. "The seal originates from me, so it naturally reflects my spiritual intent. The lotus patterns and the current form are influenced by that."

"Oh, I see," Asuka said with understanding.

Tsunade, still adjusting to the new power, remarked, "This truly provides an incredible boost. Just by linking it with the Strength of a Hundred Technique in my normal state, the effect has doubled."

With that, she formed a seal and fully unleashed her Yin Seal, activating the Strength of a Hundred Technique.

As the seal patterns spread, immense chakra surged forth, causing Tsunade's twin ponytails to lift into the air as though carried by an unseen wind, making Shūichi's hands itch to join in.

Meanwhile, Tsunade could feel her cells undergoing a high degree of activation. "With this enhancement, my cellular vitality is now on par with Grandfather's."

"The natural energy boost is amazing—no wonder Jiraiya always boasts about Sage Mode."

Shūichi smiled. "The reason the Tailed Beasts are so powerful isn't just their vast chakra reserves, but the sheer potency of their chakra."

Tsunade retracted her technique, then asked, "So, is that why you want to integrate Tailed Beast genes?"

Shūichi nodded. "Compared to the boundless natural energy in the world, the human body is very limited."

"Alright, next is Director Nono."

With that, Shūichi moved behind Nono Yakushi and applied the Star Seal to her as well.

After her came Shizune, and finally Asuka.

Now all four women had the Star Seal, allowing them to harness something akin to Sage Mode in Fire Release and Yang Release.

They could activate it instantly, without needing to concentrate on absorbing natural energy.

After receiving her Star Seal, Asuka immediately said, "Shūichi, let me try transferring my power to you."

Shūichi sat down as Asuka moved behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders before activating her seal.

Once more, the lotus-like patterns appeared, and her pupils turned into purple star shapes. Under her control, black lotus patterns traveled from her arms onto Shūichi's body.

Suddenly, Shūichi felt Asuka's unique chakra entering his body.

This chakra was familiar to him, but it had transformed tremendously compared to before the seal.

It had become much stronger!

Sensing this immense life force, Tsunade remarked, "This vitality far surpasses even my grandfather's."

Shūichi nodded in agreement.

However, it only exceeded Hashirama's vitality in his normal state.

If Hashirama were to enter Sage Mode, Asuka would still fall short by comparison.

(End of Chapter)