Naruto: The Sand Will Rise!

The flesh and blood are weak, only the machines will rise!

When Orochimaru heard these words, he felt an indescribable sense of mystery. There was something profound hidden in that simple statement, a truth that felt limitless in its implications.

"Your words are always thought-provoking, Kazekage-sama," Orochimaru muttered. "I have much to learn."

Mufasa smirked. "If the internet existed here, you could just go online and learn from the netizens. Then only you'll know the truth.

"Internet? Netizens?" Orochimaru echoed, frowning at the unfamiliar terms.

"Let's start with something simpler," Mufasa said. "Flesh and blood. Tell me, are you not tired of switching bodies all the time?"

Orochimaru shook his head. "Not at all."

Why would he be? It was nothing more than a procedure—an operation as routine as changing clothes.

Mufasa raised an eyebrow. "But you're a man, then a woman, then something in between. Doesn't that mess with your head?"

Orochimaru stared at him blankly. "Why would it?" He tilted his head, genuinely puzzled. "It's just a different way to use the bathroom. If anything, I could just build two separate toilets."

Mufasa sighed. "Right... I forgot who I was talking to. Ethics and identity aren't really in your wheelhouse. Fine, let's approach this from a scientific angle instead."

That got Orochimaru's attention. His golden eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Go on."

Mufasa leaned forward. "From a scientific perspective, your method is highly inefficient and risky."

Orochimaru's expression sharpened. "Explain."

"Think about it," Mufasa began. "Human beings are chaotic creatures. From birth, they are shaped by countless variables. Even if two people share the exact same DNA—like clones or twins—differences emerge based on diet, environment, and experience. No two bodies are truly identical."

Orochimaru nodded slowly, acknowledging the truth in that.

Mufasa continued, "You require new bodies as vessels, correct? But finding a suitable one in a world of billions isn't easy."

Orochimaru nodded again.

"Even after finding a body, you must cultivate it, which comes with numerous risks: rejection, paralysis, illness, unexpected genetic flaws... not to mention, your enemies targeting you while you're vulnerable."

Orochimaru's fingers tapped against the table. "That is true."

"In essence, your entire process is inefficient and unsustainable. Your quality control is nonexistent. You never know what you're going to get with each new vessel. Sasuke and Itachi proved that." Mufasa smirked. "Not all containers work in your favor."

Orochimaru's expression darkened momentarily, but he said nothing.

"And let's not forget time efficiency. Searching for a vessel, preparing it, transferring yourself—it all wastes precious time. Time you could be spending on research."

Orochimaru's brows furrowed. He hadn't quite thought of it that way before. Even though he had extended his lifespan, time was still a valuable resource.

"So," he said at last, "what do you suggest?"

"Mechanical ascension... It is the only path towards the true glorious evolution." said Mufasa with feral grin, as he raised his arm and clenched his hand. Orochimaru's breath quickened as he felt the heavy atmosphere coming from Mufasa.

Mufasa looked at Orochimaru, his eyes still glowing with blue hue.

"Have you ever considered replacing flesh with something better? A metal infused with biological properties—something that can grow and adapt like a living organism."

Orochimaru calmed himself and replied, "A living metal?"

"Exactly. You could design a control unit—standardized, efficient, and completely customizable. Instead of searching for new bodies, you could simply transfer your mind into a durable, upgradeable form."

Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly. The possibilities unfolded in his mind like an intricate blueprint.

"You'd have the durability and resilience of metal," Mufasa continued, "but also the adaptability and regenerative properties of living tissue. A perfect balance. Your body would never age, never decay. If damaged, you could repair or replace parts as needed."

Orochimaru was silent, his thoughts racing. This—this was something he had never considered before. A body that was neither flesh nor entirely machine, but something greater. Something that transcended mortality itself.

A slow, almost eerie smile spread across his lips. "Brilliant... simply brilliant."

For a long moment, he stood motionless, lost in thought. The idea was perfect—controllable, replicable, and constantly evolving. It aligned perfectly with his desire for ultimate knowledge and longevity.

He turned back to Mufasa, bowing his head slightly. "It seems that I have been going at it the wrong way, your insight have moved me, my lord..."

Mufasa chuckled. "You didn't give all your resources to the Sand Village, did you? You kept a portion for yourself."

Orochimaru smirked. "A wise snake never puts all its eggs in one basket."

Mufasa waved a hand dismissively. "Doesn't matter. All I need is for you to dedicate yourself to this research. Achieve the goal I want, and the rest is irrelevant."

Orochimaru nodded, his mind already brimming with new possibilities. "Your wish is my path."

The concept Mufasa introduced was similar to the forced colonization armor—a fusion of metal and living tissue, controlled by a specialized device.

When a living being first connects with the control unit, it imprints itself with their genetic data, memories, and thought patterns, essentially merging man and machine. During this transformation, the user enters a semi-conscious state. The armor, already functional at this stage, enters self-protection mode, ensuring no external threats interfere with the assimilation process. If any danger arises, the armor instinctively fights back until the user regains full control.

Once bonded, the user can summon or dismiss the armor at will.

This technology would revolutionize combat, granting unparalleled resilience against environmental threats, much like a space suit, while amplifying physical abilities exponentially. If perfected, the armor could make an ordinary shinobi as strong as a Kage—and in the hands of someone truly powerful, the increase in combat potential would be beyond measure.

It was, in short, the ultimate fusion of metal and living matter.

Of course, this was Mufasa's long-term vision.

Perhaps, one day, the Sand Village would have its own force equipped with these powerful suits—an army wielding energy cannons, high-frequency blades, and particle beams. The likes of the Nine-Tails, the Allied Shinobi Forces, the White Zetsu Army, Uchiha Madara, even Kaguya Otsutsuki—none would stand a chance.

The blueprints existed.

The problem? The cost.

To produce a single suit required resources at an astronomical scale—billions worth of ryo.

Mufasa could only rely on himself and Orochimaru's scientific prowess to develop a prototype. A simplified, battle-ready version.

"That's why I asked you to develop the next evolution of puppet technology," Mufasa said, his eyes gleaming. "It's the stepping stone to making this a reality. So, Orochimaru—work hard."

Orochimaru nodded feverishly.

Seeing him so motivated, Mufasa decided to reward his dedication.

He pulled out a mask.

"Do you recognize this?" he asked.

Orochimaru's sharp gaze flickered with recognition. "The Death Mask of the Uzumaki Clan," he murmured. "How did you get your hands on this, my lord?"

Mufasa smirked. "I picked it up while sleepwalking."

Orochimaru stared. (ಠ_ಠ)

...You're the boss. Sure. Whatever you say.

With his long tongue, Orochimaru coiled around the mask, bringing it closer. "With this, I can summon the Shinigami, cut open its belly, reverse the Reaper Death Seal... and reclaim my arms."

The cost of human sacrifices? Insignificant in comparison.

Orochimaru shivered with excitement. "My lord, I must thank you from this..."

Mufasa raised a hand. "There's a condition."

Orochimaru paused. "What condition?"

"The souls of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Hokage are still sealed inside the Reaper's stomach, correct?"

Orochimaru nodded.

"When I ask for them, you release them to me."

Orochimaru didn't question why Mufasa wanted the four greatest shinobi of Konoha's history at his disposal. He simply smiled.

"As you wish."

Whether they would be given prototype colonization armor, cybernetic bodies, or something even more advanced—it would depend on the circumstances.

For now, he had just secured four powerful assets.

Satisfied, Mufasa left to rest, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next day.

Clear skies.

Not a cloud in sight.

In the underground backup power supply room of the Sand Village's central control tower, Mufasa had been busy.

He had constructed ten massive energy storage units beneath the tower, each 20 meters deep.

Even without an external power source, these reserves could power the entire village for a month.

With Konoha's shinobi flocking to purchase his inventions, Mufasa's own chakra reserves had steadily increased.

His reserves now exceeded those of 15 Kakashis combined.

But stockpiling too much energy made him restless.

He needed an outlet.

Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, Kabuto, and several elite Sand shinobi stood by as Mufasa placed his hands on the power reserves.

He took a deep breath.

"Let's begin."

Zzzzzzt!

The dark underground chamber suddenly erupted with light.

Mufasa's entire body crackled with raw electricity, glowing like a miniature sun.

Surging currents snaked from his fingertips, pouring into the reserve units like wild serpents.

The sheer intensity of the light forced everyone to turn away, shielding their eyes.

For an hour, the energy transfer continued.

Eighty thousand kilowatt-hours of pure power surged into storage.

Mufasa exhaled slowly, feeling refreshed.

Too much buildup of energy could lead to instability—best to release it periodically.

He turned to the others, smirking. "Next time, wear sunglasses."

Everyone nodded furiously.

"Alright," Mufasa continued. "Let's get to business. We have a meeting to attend."

In the Sand Village's conference hall, Mufasa tossed his Kazekage hat onto the round table and leaned back in his chair.

"Alright," he said, "who's up first?"

Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "My lord, allow me to start with the progress on the sandworms."

Mufasa nodded. "Good. Sandworms are a vital strategic resource for the Sand Village. Give me a full report."

Kabuto bowed slightly. "Yes, my lord."

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Word count: 1609

New Marvel Fanfic incoming! Just wanna share.