i am kimimaro

Suigetsu hurriedly covered his mouth and said, "You're right. So what should we do now?"

"Do what we've always done. Keep training."

"Is your life only about training? That's so boring. By the way, what exactly are you studying? A room full of weird books, and you never go out. I asked Senior Otoha, but she wouldn't tell me. So mysterious."

"Medical ninjutsu."

"Medical ninjutsu? With your kind of talent, you're studying medical ninjutsu? Are you sure you're not sick?"

Suigetsu looked puzzled.

"I have my reasons. Of course, I study medical ninjutsu, but I'm not neglecting combat skills. Lately, I've just been busy with medical ninjutsu matters."

"I've now got the basics down. Next, I'll divide my time and train in other areas."

Facing such diligence, Suigetsu was in awe.

No wonder he's a survivor of a warrior clan. His dedication to training is something no ordinary person could match.

Meanwhile, in the laboratory.

Orochimaru lay on the bed, his Akatsuki robe tossed aside. The wound on his severed left arm had already received initial treatment.

"Orochimaru-sama, how did you get injured so badly? Who did this to you?" Otoha asked angrily as she treated him.

"Heh, I underestimated him. I didn't expect that at only thirteen, he could wield the Sharingan to such an extent. Not even his father was as skilled."

"The Sharingan? From the Uchiha clan? But wasn't the Uchiha clan wiped out three months ago?"

"He's one of the only two survivors and the instigator of that massacre, Uchiha Itachi. The Sharingan is truly a remarkable thing. The power of the Kekkei Genkai is enviable."

A trace of obsession appeared in Orochimaru's eyes.

He had personally experienced the power of the Sharingan and was now completely captivated.

It was too wonderful.

He looked at his severed arm, where the Akatsuki ring still lay, and a flash of caution crossed his eyes.

"Otoha, the vessel we prepared last time is still alive, right?"

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama. You're going to...?"

Orochimaru nodded slightly.

"This body has lost its left arm, making it worthless for further use. Make the arrangements. In three days, we'll begin the Living Corpse Reincarnation."

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama!"

Hearing this, Otoha immediately left to make preparations.

"Sharingan, Uchiha Itachi, the Akatsuki... Seems like I need to adjust my plans slightly. And that Uchiha orphan in Konoha, does he have the same potential as Uchiha Itachi? That kind of power... it's truly tempting."

Orochimaru stuck out his tongue, licking his lips, as if unable to suppress his desire.

The allure of the Sharingan had grown to an overwhelming extent for him.

He had developed a great interest in the Uchiha orphan in Konoha.

But now wasn't the time to act.

"I've betrayed the Akatsuki, and they won't let this slide. It won't be long before they send someone to hunt me down..."

Thinking of the strength of the Akatsuki members, Orochimaru couldn't help but shake his head.

"Fortunately, this place is hidden enough, and it's a proper village established in the Land of Fields. The Akatsuki won't dare act recklessly. I'll heal here safely, change my body, and plan for the next steps."

Orochimaru glanced at his severed arm again, a strange look in his eyes.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Everything was ready for the Living Corpse Reincarnation.

Orochimaru and Otoha entered a secret chamber where a woman in white lay quietly on a bed.

"Orochimaru-sama, everything is prepared. This is the vessel with the highest compatibility from the ones we prepared. Though she doesn't have any special talents, she should allow you to exert 100% of your power."

Otoha said while looking at her notebook.

Orochimaru glanced at the woman, then thought of something and asked, "What has Kimimaro been up to lately?"

"Kimimaro? He's been studying medical ninjutsu."

"Medical ninjutsu?"

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, quite surprised.

"Yes. Kimimaro has a strong interest and talent in medical ninjutsu. He's already learned the Mystical Palm Technique. If we focus on nurturing this talent, he might surpass Lord Kabuto in the future."

Already learned the Mystical Palm Technique?

Orochimaru was even more surprised.

Learning such a technique in such a short time truly demonstrated extraordinary talent.

Interesting.

It turns out that the Kaguya clan not only had combat talents but also medical ones.

"He's seeking immortality."

"Immortality?"

Otoha was stunned.

"It's said that if the Kaguya clan's talent is too strong, they will be cursed. This curse is called the Kekkei Disease. When it strikes, it brings unbearable pain. The stronger the talent, the quicker the death.

Kimimaro's talent is so great that the Kekkei Disease has likely already begun to take root. His deep interest in medical ninjutsu is to cure himself."

"If that's the case, why not let me treat him?"

"The terror of the Kekkei Disease—neither you nor even Tsunade could likely cure it. Moreover, people like him don't easily trust others. Right now, he only trusts himself."

Orochimaru's golden eyes were filled with admiration.

"Is... is the Kekkei Disease incurable?"

"Perhaps. So far, there have been no cases of it being cured."

"What a pity. With such talent, it would be a great loss to the ninja world if Kimimaro dies young."

"Yes. Heaven always seems to be jealous of extraordinary talent. Otoha, go and bring Kimimaro here."

"Now? But isn't Orochimaru-sama about to perform the Living Corpse Reincarnation?"

Otoha asked, puzzled.

"Let him come and witness my path to immortality."

Otoha was deeply shaken, not expecting Orochimaru to value Kimimaro to such an extent.

She didn't dare delay and quickly went to find him.

"Yes, Orochimaru-sama. I'll go right away."

Orochimaru walked over to the woman in white, extending his right hand to gently caress her face.

"What a fine shell. Too bad it's still not remarkable enough. For a vessel of the Living Corpse Reincarnation, suitability isn't enough; it needs powerful abilities, like a Kekkei Genkai! That's the power I truly seek.

Heaven truly is unfair. Some people are born with gifts others could never attain, no matter how hard they try.

But I won't give up so easily. What the heavens won't give me, I'll take for myself. And if I can't take it, I'll steal it.

The Kekkei Genkai is just a backup vessel for me."

Orochimaru chuckled coldly, withdrawing his hand.

Meanwhile, Otoha had already found Kimimaro.

"Orochimaru-sama wants to see me now?"

(End of Chapter)