Orochimaru’s Magic Lamp

This minor secret technique originated from one of Konoha's wealthiest and most well-known clans—the Akimichi clan, part of the famed "Ino-Shika-Cho" trio.

The Akimichi are known for their large stature and their secret techniques, which manipulate body fat to expand their limbs and bodies. Their ability to convert food into raw energy is considered a unique inheritance.

Of course, from Orochimaru's perspective, it's simply another form of Yang Release ninjutsu that affects the body directly.

What makes the Akimichi's technique a true "secret" is its high cultivation threshold. Setting aside the need for a strong affinity with Yang Release, ordinary ninjas typically can't afford to maintain the extreme diet required to build up and store that much energy.

Calling it "fat" isn't exactly accurate. A better term might be vital energy—the body's life force.

Naturally, the version Orochimaru handed over to Fugaku wasn't the full technique. He had no intention of steering Uchiha Itachi onto the path of becoming a "meat-tank."

Instead, it was a stripped-down and simplified version, refined so that regular ninjas could also use it.

Whether it's for extending training time, speeding up recovery after injury, or simply replenishing vitality, this technique could, in theory, provide noticeable benefits.

In fact, Orochimaru planned to develop more such techniques during his spare time—part of a broader plan to raise the average quality of Konoha's ninja corps.

He gave this one to Itachi not just to help him, but also to use him as a test case. Once the effects were observed, Orochimaru could strengthen or adjust different components based on how Itachi responded—before passing a more refined version on to Anko Mitarashi.

Compared to a genius like Itachi, Anko would represent the average ninja, making her a suitable candidate for the final version.

"I'll make sure Itachi studies this ninjutsu seriously," Fugaku said with visible determination.

Compared to Orochimaru's relaxed tone, Fugaku treated the scroll with great seriousness. He clearly misunderstood, assuming the technique was some sort of challenge or test for his son.

Orochimaru said nothing, nodding faintly and turning his attention back to the training ground.

Soon after, Itachi and Shisui finished their sparring session and approached them from the field.

"Father. Orochimaru-sensei," Itachi said, bowing respectfully.

Orochimaru gave a slight nod. "I heard you graduated early from the academy and already joined a ninja squad. That's impressive."

Then, turning to Shisui, he added, "Come with me."

"Me?" Shisui blinked in surprise. He had assumed Orochimaru was here for Itachi.

Still, he quickly recovered and replied, "Yes, Orochimaru-sensei."

With two sharp gusts of wind, they both vanished.

---

In the Hokage's Office

"You wouldn't show up without a reason," said the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, calmly puffing on his pipe. "So, what do you want, Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru smirked. "Ah, so that's the image you have of me… not entirely wrong."

He unrolled a scroll and pulled out a thick file, placing it on the Hokage's desk.

Since Kumo's delegation had returned after peace talks more than two weeks ago, Konoha's central hospital—under Tsunade's leadership—had been conducting emergency physical examinations on a wide scale.

Orochimaru had only received the full list of qualifying candidates yesterday, but it was longer than expected—hundreds of names.

Individually summoning each ninja to teach them the Spirit Transformation Technique would be far too inefficient. But calling such a large number without informing the Hokage would create obvious suspicions.

Orochimaru wasn't foolish enough to try hiding that level of activity—he wasn't a Uchiha.

"You want to gather this many shinobi… just to study a jutsu?" Sarutobi asked, flipping through the files with a slight frown.

He didn't think Orochimaru was staging a coup, but he also doubted this was as simple as it sounded.

"Of course not," Orochimaru said, his trademark smile curling at the edge of his lips. "Do you remember when you asked me to teach at the ninja academy, and I refused? Or when you suggested I work with Anbu, and I declined?"

He slid another form from beneath the pile and placed it in front of Hiruzen.

"This is a summarized list of those selected—just their current status within the village."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly as he scanned it.

Most were either civilian-born or from smaller clans, with very few from Anbu. Most served on standard ninja teams or within the family-led squads.

"You didn't want me working with Anbu, and I respect that," Orochimaru said. "So instead, I'm requesting candidates from the clan and civilian pools."

He leaned in. "This isn't just about boosting combat capability. It's about understanding and refining the growth pathways from genin to chunin to jonin."

Hiruzen raised a brow. "What do you mean by that?"

Orochimaru chuckled. "To put it simply, I want to expand the ninja academy—not in size, but in scope."

The academy, established by the Second Hokage, focused on basic education—literacy, math, chakra control, physical conditioning, survival skills. Upon graduation, students received only the most basic training: the three foundational ninjutsu.

From there, progress became unpredictable.

Not every genin was assigned to a jonin instructor. Not every jonin was equipped to teach a wide variety of techniques. And most genin weren't lucky enough to find teachers who matched their potential.

Sure, if a team was led by someone like Might Guy, and their skills aligned, things might work out. But more often than not, teachers were only chunin-level with narrow specialties.

Clan-born ninjas could rely on family instruction. Civilian-borns had no such luxury.

Until now, Orochimaru hadn't given this much thought. His own teacher had been the Third Hokage—he'd never lacked guidance.

But after reviewing the results of the village-wide screenings, he realized something: Konoha didn't necessarily lack talent. It lacked the environment for that talent to grow.

So, using the Spirit Transformation screening as a pretext, he wanted to establish a new kind of training platform—one that would allow any ninja, not just the elite, to grow to their full potential.

_____________________

The story is Finished on patreon (394 Chapters)

Join my patreon To Read it

patreon.com/Silver757

Or Tip me on

coff.ee/silver7959

http://buymeacoffee.com/silver7959