"Almost complete failure… Is the rejection reaction truly this severe? Or have we misjudged the experimental direction from the very beginning?"
Although he had been mentally prepared, Orochimaru's expression still darkened slightly upon reviewing the results.
If even the foundational compatibility tests could not succeed, then any subsequent experimentation would be nothing more than illusion like reflections in water or images in a mirror. Visually conceivable, yet fundamentally unattainable. Without a stable starting point, there was no practical value in continuing along the same trajectory.
"Yes," Yakushi Kabuto replied, adjusting his glasses as he spoke. "The rejection response exhibited by the Sharingan far exceeds our initial projections. At present, only cells with exceptionally high vitality are capable of resisting it and even then, only to the extent of partial stabilization or temporary equilibrium."
"Cells with exceptionally high vitality…?"
A sharp glint passed through Orochimaru's eyes.
He had originally intended to broaden the sample pool and conduct comparative trials across multiple cell types. However, given the current results, such an approach would yield diminishing returns.
If the rejection threshold remained this high, then only specific genetic lineages possessed any real experimental value.
For instance the Akimichi clan, known for their extraordinary physical resilience and chakra reserves.
Or the Uzumaki clan, famed for their immense life force and powerful chakra.
And beyond those…
There existed the most ideal candidate.
The cells of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
As one who had personally conducted extensive research into Wood Release (Mokuton) during his time in Konohagakure, Orochimaru understood this better than anyone.
Hashirama's cells possessed unparalleled vitality.
To a certain extent, they could achieve a delicate balance when combined with the Sharingan.
A prime example of this was Shimura Danzō.
The Sharingan embedded within Danzō's arm an experiment originally facilitated by Orochimaru was not a true fusion. Rather, it was a precarious equilibrium between the regenerative properties of Hashirama's cells and the ocular power of the Sharingan.
A balance that could collapse at any moment.
Once that equilibrium was disrupted, the backlash would be catastrophic consuming the host entirely.
Danzō's later confrontation with Uchiha Sasuke had already demonstrated the consequences of pushing such a system beyond its limits.
For ordinary individuals, either force alone would be fatal.
"Shall we proceed to the next stage of experimentation, Orochimaru-sama?" Kabuto asked.
Orochimaru paused briefly before shaking his head.
"No… we'll halt the second phase for now."
He closed the scroll slowly, his gaze turning contemplative.
"I will personally conduct the next series of preliminary tests. Make the necessary preparations within the next two days, Kabuto."
Since the initial phase had already failed to meet expectations, there was no reason to continue with inefficient trial structures. The purpose of those stages had been to gather baseline data but now, that objective had effectively been rendered obsolete.
Rather than waste further resources, it was more efficient to proceed directly under controlled conditions.
Orochimaru's confidence in his own judgment was absolute.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."
Kabuto bowed without hesitation.
"Sharingan… Wood Release… and ultimately, the Rinnegan…"
A faint, almost feverish light flickered within Orochimaru's eyes.
"Perhaps this path… will reveal something entirely new."
While Orochimaru began restructuring his research trajectory
On the other side, Menma had already begun making preparations for departure.
This journey was fundamentally different from his previous excursion.
The earlier mission from the Land of Rice Fields to the Land of Waterfalls had been relatively short in both distance and duration.
This time, however
The route from the Land of Tea to the Land of Waterfalls would span nearly the entire continent.
Not only would the journey take significantly longer, but the likelihood of encountering large-scale conflict had also increased considerably.
As such, thorough preparation was essential.
Supplies were one aspect.
Manpower was another.
This was precisely why Menma had sought assistance from Orochimaru.
He could no longer operate as a lone strategist.
Even with Karin's sensory abilities, it was impossible to account for every variable alone. A broader operational structure was required one capable of execution, reconnaissance, and combat support.
As for trust
That was irrelevant.
These were not subordinates he had cultivated personally. Loyalty was secondary to utility.
As long as they could be deployed effectively, that was sufficient.
True to his word, Orochimaru had not treated the matter lightly.
On the morning of departure
Outside the stronghold
Menma's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the assembled group.
Standing at the forefront were Tayuya and Hōzuki Suigetsu.
For a brief moment, Menma was taken aback.
Then, a faint smile of satisfaction appeared.
Both individuals possessed combat capabilities at or near the level of elite jōnin. Their presence alone significantly enhanced the operational strength of the team.
Behind them stood several additional operatives. While their chakra signatures were less pronounced, they still fell within the range of standard chūnin more than adequate for support roles.
"Menma-sama."
The moment Tayuya saw him, she bowed respectfully.
Her attitude stemmed not only from Orochimaru's orders, but also from recognition of Menma's strength.
In the shinobi world
Power dictated hierarchy.
"Menma-sama."
Suigetsu followed suit, though the gesture felt somewhat unnatural to him.
Being forced to show deference to someone of the same age was… uncomfortable.
But the reality was undeniable.
The person before him stood on equal footing with Orochimaru.
Offending him was not an option.
"I must admit, Orochimaru-san has exceeded my expectations," Menma said calmly, his gaze shifting toward Suigetsu. "You must be Suigetsu-kun. This is our first meeting."
He smiled faintly.
"I look forward to working with you."
"N-No… Menma-sama is too polite," Suigetsu replied quickly. "I'll follow your orders."
For reasons he couldn't quite articulate, Suigetsu felt a subtle chill run through him.
Menma's tone was gentle his expression composed.
And yet, for a fleeting instant, it felt as though he were being observed by something far more dangerous than he could comprehend.
Then, just as quickly, the sensation vanished.
…Did I imagine that?
Suigetsu frowned slightly.
Nearby, Karin cast a curious glance at him.
Compared to the others, Suigetsu's appearance was undeniably striking his pale complexion, sharp teeth, and unusual hair made him difficult to overlook.
Menma, meanwhile, regarded Suigetsu with mild interest.
In his memory, Suigetsu was reckless, even brazen rarely showing fear except in the presence of truly overwhelming figures.
And yet, here he was…
Unusually restrained.
Interesting.
Little did Menma realize
That reaction was closer to instinct than coincidence.
"Since everyone is here… we move out."
Menma gave a brief nod, raising his right hand.
In the next instant
"Swoosh!"
He vanished, leading the group toward the southwestern coastline.
Karin, Tayuya, Suigetsu, and the others followed immediately.
At the southern harbor base
They boarded a vessel, just as they had upon arrival.
This time, however, their course was reversed.
Northward.
Back toward the heart of the continent.
From this moment onward
Menma would take his first true step toward establishing a power of his own.
Whether that ambition would succeed…
Would depend entirely on his judgment and the actions that followed.
And just before his departure
Several days earlier
In the northern region of the continent…
Within the Land of Waterfalls
Inside Takigakure
A high-ranking shinobi made a declaration.
He had severed all ties with the village.
And officially
Defected.