Nagi had spoken at length. He took another sip of tea.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru had already pulled out paper and pen, rapidly sketching notes and diagrams.
After some time—
A flush spread across Orochimaru's pale face.
"Magnificent… Is this the true essence of techniques?"
Nagi set down his cup, interrupting him calmly.
"No. Not yet. I came today because I want you to help me research further."
"Go on."
"In the kekkei genkai I mentioned earlier, the Yin–Yang chakra quality differs slightly between individuals—but not dramatically. At most, the difference lies in strength or scale."
Orochimaru frowned. He could sense something far more significant coming.
"For example, take Water and Earth combinations. Though the Yin–Yang infusion varies, it does not reach an extreme threshold.
But if the quality of Yin or Yang chakra were pushed to its absolute limit… the resulting technique would be monstrously powerful.
For instance—
Something you once researched extensively."
"Something I… researched…?"
Orochimaru's eyes widened.
"…It can't be. That's impossible."
That project had consumed vast resources and years of effort—and still ended in failure.
Nagi smiled faintly.
"Yes. Exactly that."
He raised his left hand.
"Wood Release: Sapling Technique."
Under Orochimaru's stunned gaze, a small tree sprouted from the ground. It rose slowly until its crown brushed Nagi's palm, then stopped.
"This… This is Wood Release!"
Orochimaru rushed forward, examining the sapling intensely.
He knew better than anyone what Wood Release represented.
Outside the Screen
[Orochimaru: "Magnificent! Absolutely magnificent!"]
[Tsunade: "Th-That's Grandpa's Wood Release?!"]
[Hashirama Senju: "Hahaha! Indeed, that is Wood Release. Konoha's youth are impressive."]
[Onoki: "If not for this projection, we would never have known Konoha still hides a Wood Release user."]
[A (Fourth Raikage): "Damn! That secret was kept tight."]
[Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Ahem… Just one of Nagi's routine talents."]
(Hiruzen internally: Since when could Nagi use Wood Release? Why did Lord Second keep this from even me?)
[Rasa: "Konoha truly produces prodigies without end."]
Even the Rookie Nine stared at Nagi in disbelief.
All this time, he had maintained average scores—never standing out in written exams or sparring.
So this was what he had been hiding?
They did not fully grasp Wood Release's significance—
But they knew one thing.
The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, became legendary because of it.
[Madara Uchiha: "Impossible… Simply adding Yin–Yang chakra can create Wood Release?"]
[Tobirama Senju: "Hmph. Look at you, sounding like some rustic elder seeing the world for the first time. Isn't it obvious?"]
[Madara Uchiha: "You Senju white-haired—!"]
[Tobirama Senju: "Come and test me if you dare."]
Madara fell silent.
In the Pure Land, he calmed himself.
If this brat continues mastering Yin–Yang Release… could he even form Truth-Seeking Balls?
No.
Impossible.
Back in the Laboratory
Orochimaru tore his gaze from the sapling and looked at Nagi with burning intensity.
The truth of ninjutsu—
Had truly been uncovered by the young man before him.
Nagi calmly refilled both their teacups.
"Have some tea. Calm yourself. This is only one aspect."
Calm?
How could he possibly remain calm?
Still, Orochimaru forced himself to sip the tea, steadying his trembling hands.
"As everyone knows, Wood Release was the First Hokage's signature ability.
But the world misunderstands.
It was not Wood Release that made Hashirama powerful—
It was Hashirama who elevated Wood Release."
Orochimaru nodded. He had studied Hashirama's cells personally. The vitality within them was extraordinary.
Even if Hashirama possessed a different kekkei genkai, he would still have stood at the pinnacle.
"The First Hokage possessed extreme Yang Release chakra. That is why his body was overwhelmingly strong, and his regenerative abilities unparalleled."
Nagi's gaze sharpened.
"And what, then, did Uchiha Madara rely on to oppose him?"
Orochimaru answered instinctively.
"The Sharingan? The Mangekyō Sharingan? No… wait—"
He froze.
If there existed extreme Yang—
Then there must also exist extreme Yin.
Nagi continued:
"Correct.
Madara Uchiha possessed extreme Yin Release.
His spiritual power was so immense that, aside from the First Hokage, those who faced him remembered only fear."
[Onoki: "That explains the overwhelming power of both Hashirama and Madara…"]
Onoki could attest to it. Even now, the memory of facing Madara filled him with dread.
[Hashirama Senju: "So I had extreme Yang chakra? Hahaha! Madara, you had extreme Yin!"]
[Madara Uchiha: "Boy… In terms of theory, I acknowledge you as the strongest."]
The Uchiha stone tablet recorded:
"A god sought peace and divided Yin and Yang. Through their opposition and interaction, all things were born."
Madara had once interpreted this simply as the union of Senju and Uchiha power.
Now—
It seemed to mean the union of Yin and Yang themselves.
It was through this very principle that he awakened the Rinnegan.
Madara smirked faintly.
Impressive child.
The Final Demonstration
Nagi retrieved another scroll.
He unsealed it and placed a glass specimen container upon the table.
Inside—
A one-tomoe Sharingan.
Orochimaru's breathing slowed.
"Don't tell me—"
Without hesitation, Nagi opened the container and placed the eye upon his right palm.
Orochimaru stared, unblinking.
Dark Yin chakra enveloped the Sharingan.
Moments passed.
The single tomoe evolved—
Two tomoe.
Then three.
Orochimaru's pale face flushed crimson. His breathing grew ragged.
But it did not stop.
The three tomoe began spinning rapidly—
Merging.
Interlocking.
Forming a crimson, five-pointed star pattern.
Orochimaru's voice trembled with ecstasy.
"The Mangekyō Sharingan!!!"
Outside the Screen
[Onoki: "So the Sharingan truly evolves through Yin chakra amplification?!"]
[A (Fourth Raikage): "That's insane."]
[Mei Terumi: "Handsome and brilliant—truly unfair."]
[Madara Uchiha: "…Impressive."]
[Uchiha Tekka: "That… is the Mangekyō Sharingan?"]
[Uchiha Kagami: "Yes. That is indeed the Mangekyō."]
[Sasuke Uchiha: "Impossible! I refuse to believe it! The pride of the Uchiha cannot evolve so simply!"]
Yet even as he denied it—
Sasuke had already moved closer to Nagi, eyes locked onto him.
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