Chapter 235: Submit to Me!!!
— — — — — —
"How could that even be possible?!"
Orochimaru took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions, but Uchiha Kitaro's final words completely shattered his composure.
His heart pounded in his chest. He couldn't even remember the last time he had lost control like this.
"Well," Kitaro began casually, "I came across an immortal being who's lived for thousands of years. His name was Kibutsuji Muzan."
"He was the progenitor of demons and had the ability to grant others immortality by sharing his blood, turning them into man-eating demons."
"Muzan created demons in hopes of producing one that could withstand sunlight. His plan was simple—consume that demon to rid himself of his only weakness."
"These demons could grow stronger by consuming humans, had terrifying regenerative abilities, and some even developed unique powers. One might create threads as strong as steel, another could burrow underground. Though, compared to ninjutsu, their abilities were… meh."
"But their regeneration? Absolutely insane. The stronger demons could regrow entire limbs in seconds."
"There were only two ways to kill a demon: expose them to sunlight or sever their head with a Nichirin Blade."
"Oh, and that breathing technique I mentioned earlier? It was invented by a prodigy to fight demons. A genius born for the sole purpose of taking Muzan down."
"As a righteous man myself, how could I stand by and do nothing?" Kitaro added with a smirk. "I learned all their breathing techniques, defeated Muzan, and ended the whole thing."
"To ensure there were no loose ends, I sealed Muzan inside my body. Using some of Orochimaru-sensei's research, I fully refined and absorbed him, taking all his abilities for myself."
"Turns out my constitution was unique—I could resist sunlight. Funny, isn't it? I was exactly the kind of being Muzan spent his entire life searching for."
"Talk about fate playing a cruel joke, huh? It was only natural he'd lose everything to me."
"…"
Everyone stared at Uchiha Kitaro in stunned silence, as if they were witnessing a god.
Was Kitaro even human? Could anyone be this overpowered?
Orochimaru's face twitched. He had spent his entire life on his research, hoping to share his proud achievements with his student.
Yet, Kitaro had surpassed him quietly and effortlessly, accomplishing what Orochimaru had spent decades trying to achieve.
If Orochimaru dared to mention his prized body-swapping technique, it'd be laughable in comparison.
He couldn't even bring himself to talk about it. What was the point?
After all, Kitaro had achieved true immortality.
"Kitaro… we've never heard about this!" Shisui exclaimed, his eyes wide.
"Well, it's only been a year since I finished absorbing him," Kitaro admitted. "Before that, Muzan was a pain to handle. I could only prevent him from taking over my body."
"But after mastering Conqueror's Haki, I finally had the means to crush his will and take everything from him."
"I didn't tell you earlier because it wasn't the right time. I figured I'd wait until you were at least 18 or 19 before bringing it up."
"Haven't you noticed? My appearance hasn't changed at all in the past year. My physical age is now frozen at 18."
"And besides, you're not even men yet. How could I tell kids something this serious?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure if immortality is a blessing or a curse. That's why I wanted to wait until you were mature enough to decide for yourselves."
"…"
This guy is showing off. He's definitely showing off.
Kitaro's humblebrag made everyone secretly roll their eyes.
"So, Orochimaru-sensei," Kitaro continued, "you can choose freely. What do you want?"
Orochimaru's expression shifted. He wanted everything. How could he possibly choose?
"What if I said… I want it all?"
Orochimaru asked cautiously, unable to resist the allure of these unimaginable powers.
"Sure," Kitaro replied nonchalantly.
"What?! You'd really let me have everything?!" Orochimaru's eyes widened in disbelief.
He had prepared himself to be refused, thinking just asking for immortality would be greedy enough. After all, Kitaro owed him nothing. Even learning the lowest level of Observation Haki would have been more than enough.
"Of course. But there's one condition."
"What condition?" Orochimaru asked quickly. For powers like these, he was willing to agree to almost anything.
Kitaro's gaze sharpened, and he said in a calm yet commanding voice:
"Submit to me."
"What did you say?!" Orochimaru's face darkened.
He had collaborated with many individuals and groups—Danzo, other nations, the Akatsuki. But those were partnerships, not submission. Now Kitaro was asking him to swear fealty?
"Orochimaru-sensei, you taught me that everything in this world has its price. I have my value, and you have yours."
"I respect you. I know you're an extraordinary genius, and that's why the price I'm offering far exceeds your worth."
"Am I wrong?"
"…"
Orochimaru fell silent. Kitaro wasn't wrong. The deal he offered was far greater than anything Orochimaru had ever dreamed of.
"I heard there's a general in another nation who consumed the Snake-Snake Fruit, Model: Yamata-no-Orochi. I think that Devil Fruit would suit you perfectly."
"Ok, I agree!" Orochimaru declared without hesitation.
.
.
.