Chapter 310: The Creator, Orochimaru
Orochimaru's Base.
Within the mental subspace of the former Sannin, Orochimaru.
"The reason you've ended up like this today is because you underestimated the power of the Sharingan, Orochimaru." Sasuke's Sharingan flared, and a black, mist-shrouded monster manifested behind him.
Before him was the face of Orochimaru, desperately trying to close the distance to possess him.
Whoosh!
The monster behind Sasuke lunged forward, beginning to devour Orochimaru.
"I am the immortal Orochimaru, Sasuke! I will return!"
A look of madness crossed Orochimaru's face. However, at the very moment of being swallowed—unseen by Sasuke—the look in his eyes shifted.
The Old Battlefield of the Hidden Rain Village (Memory).
"Orochimaru, the Great Toad Sage prophesied that the ninja world will face an unprecedented challenge in the future. If we shinobi fail, the world will fall into energy depletion. We must become stronger, bolster our forces, and push for world peace to face this coming crisis," a young Jiraiya said, his voice heavy with gravity.
"Hehe. Prophecies belong in fairy tales. Besides, world peace isn't something we can achieve. All we can do is strive to survive in this cruel war. And why tell only me?" the young Orochimaru asked, confused.
He didn't understand why Jiraiya was emphasizing such a prophecy.
"You know Tsunade's temper. It's useless to talk to her about these things," Jiraiya replied.
Flash. Bang! Sizzle!
"Orochimaru, you've changed! Using any means to achieve your goals, even experimenting on our own villagers?!" A young Jiraiya roared, trapping him within a ring of Fire Style.
"War taught me that the human body is fragile. It can perish in an instant if one isn't careful. I've seen through all of it; I only wish to live. I am not wrong—the world is," Orochimaru replied, licking his lips as he evaded the flames.
"That is no excuse for betraying Konoha!" Jiraiya's rage hit its peak, his heart filled with a mixture of sorrow and fury for his comrade.
Orochimaru replied meaningfully: "You once stressed to me that a great catastrophe would befall the ninja world, turning it to ash and causing it to wither away. I believe the Great Toad Sage's prophecy now. My research into the secrets of chakra and my quest for immortality... it's all to find a way to save this world, is it not?"
"That doesn't justify using your comrades as test subjects!" Jiraiya's face was grim.
Orochimaru's expression remained calm. "I'm not making excuses, I'm simply telling you: my goal is immortality and the mastery of all ninjutsu. Aren't you looking for the Child of Prophecy? Perhaps I will be that child in the future. It's not impossible, hehe!"
"The Sharingan, also known as the Eye that Reflects the Heart, can evolve powerful abilities based on the user's needs..." Orochimaru looked at the Sharingan specimens in his lab, reviewing his research data and the historical records of the Uchiha from the Land of Fire.
"The power of the Sage of the Six Paths... the Great Toad Sage... the Three Great Sage Regions..."
"The power that will turn the world to ash... the Toad's prophecy is not without merit..."
"Senju and Uchiha. The Child of Prophecy..."
"Itachi Uchiha. Sasuke Uchiha. They are my research materials."
"Tonbo Tobitake said he once met a future Sasuke. I see... so I failed? It seems fate truly exists, and Sasuke is a link in that chain. But I am immortal. I shall give my all to you, Sasuke. If you can save the world from disaster, my goal will be achieved nonetheless. And Kabuto... do not disappoint me. Find your own goal and provide strength to the ninja world. This cursed prophecy..."
In those final moments of being consumed, Orochimaru actually smiled. As he looked at Sasuke, who was absorbing him, his life flashed before his eyes. To achieve immortality and the pinnacle of ninjutsu, he had wanted to use the Sharingan's power to avert the "crisis."
This mental subspace was more than just a site for his Rebirth Ritual; he had made a vital contingency plan. If the possession of Sasuke failed, he would transfer all of his power to the boy.
He would create a stronger Sasuke to face the coming crisis. Having studied the Sharingan so deeply, how could he not understand its true nature? He had simply prepared multiple outcomes. If he succeeded, he would control the Sharingan himself. If he failed, he would give his power to Sasuke to fulfill his ultimate purpose.
All his combat experience... all his spiritual energy... everything was handed over to Sasuke. A Sasuke with only a three-tomoe Sharingan shouldn't have had the capacity to absorb someone like him—unless it was allowed.
Furthermore, the husk he left behind would help Kabuto become stronger, allowing the child who had learned everything from him to surpass his current self. By his estimation of Kabuto, the boy wouldn't be the culprit behind the Toad Sage's prophecy. This way, he would create two entities that surpassed his own power as a Sannin.
When he eventually returned, he would still be the immortal Orochimaru. And if the prophecy turned out differently than what Jiraiya said, he'd just find Jiraiya, resurrect him, and beat him up.
Then, Orochimaru was completely absorbed by Sasuke. He even made sure to let out one final, piercing scream for dramatic effect.
"Next... is Itachi."
Sasuke accepted everything from Orochimaru. He glanced at the remains of the Great White Snake on the floor. Just then, the door opened.
"Lord Orochimaru... did you succeed?" Kabuto asked, staring at the expressionless Sasuke.
Sasuke sheathed his Kusanagi sword and walked past Kabuto. He paused for a moment, said nothing, and slowly walked out of Kabuto's sight.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The underground corridor was filled with a suffocating silence. Kabuto broke into a cold sweat. After taking a deep breath, he looked at the remains of the Great White Snake in the room.
"Even Lord Orochimaru..."
The omnipotent Lord Orochimaru in his heart had actually been defeated by Sasuke. The medicine in his hand hit the floor with a metallic clink. Looking at Orochimaru's remains, an endless void opened up in his heart. His faith was collapsing. Without Orochimaru, he felt he had no purpose in this world. For a moment, he considered picking up a kunai to end his own life.
Suddenly, words Orochimaru had once said to him echoed in his mind:
"Kabuto, as long as a person is alive, they can see everything. You may have no goal now, but if you live on, you might just find one."
"You are a treasure given to me by the heavens. Don't be so nervous. I will teach you everything I know; perhaps one day, you will even surpass me."
"Kabuto, your goals are too empty. If one day I fail and fall in the pursuit of the truth of ninjutsu, remember: live on, and you will find your purpose."
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