[Jiraiya: "Orochimaru pours tea for someone?"]
[Orochimaru: "Heh heh heh… When I meet someone I appreciate, pouring tea is nothing."]
[Jiraiya: "We worked together for years. When did you ever pour tea for me?"]
[Orochimaru: "Do you deserve it?"]
[Jiraiya: "Wow… that's cold."]
Orochimaru ignored him and instead fixed his gaze on the screen.
"The truth behind techniques, hm?"
In the laboratory—
Nagi took a few sips before setting down his cup.
"The tea is excellent."
"As long as it suits your taste. Please, continue."
"Very well. Earlier, I demonstrated Lightning Release. In fact, all Five Nature Transformations can be enhanced with Yin–Yang chakra."
"I see. But I do have one question."
"Please."
"Nagi—since you already wield Yin–Yang chakra so skillfully, why seek me out instead of Tsunade?
Her medical ninjutsu dominates the shinobi world. Her Yang chakra must be exceptional. And from my past observations, her Yin chakra is not weak either.
Rather than approaching a missing-nin like myself, wouldn't she be the better choice?"
[Tenten: "Exactly! Lady Tsunade would definitely be the best choice!"]
As Tsunade's number one admirer, Tenten immediately voiced her support.
[Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Indeed, my junior brother. Tsunade's chakra control is unparalleled. Orochimaru is too dangerous."]
Hiruzen understood Orochimaru well. Cooperation with him was akin to bargaining with a tiger.
He also harbored another hope—that Nagi seeking Tsunade might draw her back to Konohagakure. Hiruzen was increasingly aware of his own limitations. He might not be able to safeguard Nagi's growth much longer.
[Tsunade: "No, no, I don't have time to teach anyone right now."]
[Shizune: "Lady Tsunade! Where have you run off to this time?!"]
[Tsunade: "Shh—keep it down, Shizune."]
Having just fled one inn to avoid paying damages, Tsunade had encountered an old creditor and changed direction yet again. Shizune lost her trail and was forced to rely on Tonton's nose.
Back in the laboratory—
Nagi smiled faintly.
"Tsunade is indeed an excellent option. But not the best."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.
"Oh? I didn't realize my standing in your eyes was so high."
"It is."
He continued:
"In fact, Tsunade's Yin–Yang Release is part of what I wish to discuss next."
"Oh? I'm listening."
"Orochimaru-san, the kekkei genkai you currently desire most is the Sharingan, correct?"
"Correct."
"Then what is your understanding of kekkei genkai?"
Orochimaru pondered briefly.
"There are two types.
One arises when two nature transformations merge, producing a new release—such as Ice Release of Kirigakure or Storm Release of Kumogakure.
The other stems from a physical mutation—an organ or trait beyond ordinary shinobi. For example, Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku, the Hyūga Clan's Byakugan, or the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan."
"Good. Let's examine the first category.
Do you believe kekkei genkai are merely simple combinations of two chakra natures?"
"…You're suggesting otherwise?"
Orochimaru's fingers tightened around his cup.
Nagi produced a scroll, released its seal, and unfurled it across the table.
Orochimaru scanned the contents.
"These are… kekkei genkai records from other villages?"
"Correct. Over the past few years, Root operatives infiltrated various hidden villages to gather this data."
Nagi pointed to the Land of Earth.
"Let us consider Lava Release.
During the Third Great Ninja War, the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki, Rōshi of Iwagakure, wielded Lava Release derived from the Tailed Beast—formed from Fire and Earth chakra, manifesting as molten rock.
Onoki's granddaughter is reported to use Lava Release formed from Water and Earth chakra—manifesting as quicklime."
He then indicated the Land of Water.
"In Kirigakure, a member of the Terumi Clan possesses dual kekkei genkai. Her Lava Release is also Water and Earth combined, manifesting as corrosive liquid and molten matter.
Meanwhile, Dodai of Kumogakure uses Lava Release formed from Water and Earth chakra—manifesting as rubber."
Orochimaru completed the thought:
"The same Lava Release—yet different manifestations."
"Precisely.
Setting Rōshi aside, the other three all combine Water and Earth chakra.
Many assume that differences arise merely from varying ratios.
That is only surface-level.
The true cause lies in the subtle infusion of Yin and Yang chakra unconsciously added during execution."
He continued calmly:
"Even if you forcibly combine Wind and Water chakra, you may not achieve Ice Release.
It is as though something is missing—a binding agent, or perhaps a catalyst.
Yin–Yang chakra fulfills that role.
Each shinobi's Yin–Yang balance differs slightly. The proportions unconsciously infused into techniques differ as well. Thus, identical dual-nature combinations may produce distinct manifestations."
"Dodai and Onoki's granddaughter likely infuse differing proportions of Yin chakra relative to total chakra—yet both exhibit adhesive properties.
The Terumi Clan shinobi appears to incorporate both Yin and Yang. At times, corrosiveness and viscosity—traits aligned with Yin. At others, molten intensity akin to Rōshi—aligned with Yang."
He added:
"Consider also the Third Kazekage, the Fourth Kazekage, and Kumogakure's Toroi.
All wield Magnet Release. Yet variations in Wind and Lightning ratios—as well as Yin–Yang proportions—result in different manifestations."
"However, shinobi value tradition.
Hand seals. Chakra pathways. Habitual ratios passed down through generations.
Thus, variations in Yin–Yang infusion remain subtle. Storm Release in Kumogakure, Lava Release in Iwagakure—each remains largely consistent within its village."
At that moment, the shinobi world fell silent.
[Onoki: "Th-This… is that truly the explanation?"]
[Kurotsuchi: "So that's why our Lava Release differs from other villages…"]
[Dodai: "I have learned something today."]
[A (Fourth Raikage): "I don't fully get it—but I can still say you're impressive."]
[Mei Terumi: "Handsome and knowledgeable. How irresistible."]
[Tobirama Senju: "Naturally. My student excels at drawing broad conclusions from limited data."]
[Hashirama Senju: "Hahaha! Impressive. Truly worthy of being my grand-disciple."]
[Hiruzen Sarutobi: "As expected of my junior brother."]
[Jiraiya: "As expected of my—wait… my uncle?!"
"…Hold on—uncle?!"]
Only then did Jiraiya realize the generational implication.
He had just acknowledged someone far younger as his senior.
"…Damn it."
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Chakraflow789