'H-how did this even happen?' Hiruko thought to himself, his mind short-circuiting as he tried to recall how he got in this slightly uncomfortable position.
'All I remembered is us both grabbing that book on chakra theory, then him acting like I owed him that damn book even though I was the first to grab it,' Hiruko thought, annoyed as he recalled the interaction.
'Which really annoyed me, so…I got in his face…uncomfortably close to his face, and then...'
Hiruko's thoughts trailed off as he slightly glanced to his left at a figure who sat beside him.
To his left sat a boy at least several centimeters taller than him; his skin, pale, glistened slightly under the library lights.
His hair, a silky black, was tied in a half-ponytail away from his face, allowing his golden snake-like pupils to be put on full display as they remained fixated on the book in front of them.
The book, the one written by Tobirama Senju that Hiruko found, currently had its right side being held by the boy's long, pale, and weirdly perfectly manicured finger.
As for its left…well, that side was in the hands of Hiruko, who was currently more preoccupied with…other matters than to read as intently as the boy.
'Orochimaru' The name echoed within Hiruko's thoughts as scenes of what could only be described as the boy's future powerful yet creepy self from the original series replayed themselves in Hiruko's head on repeat.
Yet no matter how much Hiruko replayed the scenes of the disgusting man that would go around biting children and swallowing swords.
He simply couldn't come to terms that this small and slightly cute little kid would become such a predator in the future.
"It just doesn't make sense," Hiruko mumbled to himself at how this kid would become…that.
"What is it you don't understand? Perhaps I could explain it to you," Orochimaru asked in his usual raspy voice as his gaze turned, meeting Hiruko's.
None of his early apprehension or attitude at Hiruko's presence is showing.
Hiruko meeting Orochimaru's eyes couldn't help but question Orochimaru's change in personality.
But after a few moments seeing Orochimaru's face remain passive, offering no hint into the boy's thoughts.
Hiruko simply gave up, his gaze returning to the book.
"Chakra is the byproduct of mixing physical and spiritual energy. That energy is then transported through the body via our chakra pathway, right?
But what causes Chakra to circulate? I mean, I know handsigns do for Jutsu, but what about when chakra is being used without them? What's the driving force?"
Hiruko asked, his gaze lingering on Orochimaru as he genuinely hoped for an answer.
His chakra situation had been bugging him; even if he couldn't manipulate it and cast ninjutsu, he should at least be able to get it to circulate a tiny bit.
But so far? Nothing, absolutely nothing, not a single inch of his chakra has moved.
And not being able to use chakra in this chakra-based world was basically asking to die; he was no Might Guy, nor did he even have access to world-breaking taijutsu.
Which caused him to take this chance to ask one of the future smartest shinobi of this world, despite his obvious personality problems.
On the other hand, while Hiruko was lamenting his situation, Orochimaru was pondering Hiruko's question, and after a few moments of thinking, he could only sigh.
"If I had to attribute it to something, I suppose I would say a mix of will and instinct," Orochimaru said as he continued to think about the question. His brain cycling through his knowledge on Chakra theory.
"Chakra is a substance that needs to be controlled every step of the way in order to be useful, or it will simply rot within our bodies," Orochimaru said as his gaze once again met Hiruko's.
"Like you said, chakra is made in part by spiritual energy, which includes one's mind and will, both driving forces in the creation and manipulation of chakra."
Hiruko, hearing this, nodded slightly as he couldn't help but praise Orochimaru's insight.
Though he couldn't tell if that so-called insight came from Orochimaru being smart or if it simply sounded that way because he was dumb when it came to these things.
"But what about instinct? What role does it play?" Hiruko asked curiously as to what Orochimaru would say, and he did not disappoint as a small, nearly imperceptible smile appeared on his face.
He was enjoying this, being able to talk to someone about the nuances of chakra, and though he was explaining most of it, he could tell Hiruko was quickly picking it up.
And he could also tell from Hiruko's earlier question, that he had a unique view, one that he found slightly interesting.
'At least he's not like those idiots never willing to learn or at least listen, and his voice is not completely annoying to listen to. ' Orochimaru thought as he licked his lips.
' As expected of the boy who is one rank below me in theory.'
"A common ability found throughout the animal kingdom is instinct, or rather, the ability of self-preservation. Our body will instinctively do what it can to help us survive in certain situations; in these situations, it will weaponize every biological ability it can, such as chakra." Orochimaru said as he added.
"Though I agree with what you said, taking such answers at face value is flawed; there very well could be other driving forces…"
Orochimaru trailed off as he stopped himself from mentioning the last thing he believed could be a driving force, as it was a bit of a taboo in the ninja world.
'One's soul could theoretically affect their ability to circulate chakra, but I don't have enough knowledge on the matter, so it's nothing more than speculation. ' Orochimaru thought, though, despite his thoughts, he couldn't stop himself from thinking about the validity of his words even with limited knowledge.
Hiruko, on the other hand, was still wondering when he ever said his predecessor's knowledge on chakra was flawed.
'I didn't even know what will and instinct had to do with chakra a few moments ago,' Hiruko thought with a slight frown as his gaze lingered on Orochimaru, who seemed to be in his own world.
'But assuming Orochimaru's logic is correct, is the reason I can't move my chakra because my will isn't enough? Or do I need to face some life-or-death situation to prompt its movement?'
Hiruko thought, trying to think about in what ways he could implement Orochimaru's logic to his situation.
'Is this what Transmigration is supposed to be like where's the-' Hiruko started only to be pulled out of his thoughts by a luminescent screen that appeared before his eyes.
[Installation Complete - One Piece Recognition System]
"What the—" Hiruko started, only for the screen before him to change.
[The system will assign randomized tasks that will increase the host recognition, and by completing those tasks, the host will receive a reward chest based on the amount and quality of recognition.]
[Such chests range from bronze, silver, platinum, gold, and diamond.]
[The host has received a starter chest. Would the host like $&:'/;-;-;-;/]?
[The chest is being opened.]
'Wait, what? No, don't open, don't open,' Hiruko thought as he tried to mentally command the system like he saw in anime.
[Host has received
Press-Pre&:$:&:&@:&:$:
Beginner Sword$:&:&:);(
Rokushiki Tec&/&/&:$;););)););$:&:&
Will of D Fragment 1/12]
[Error Error Error]
[Regenerating Starter Chest]
[$:&;&;$;&&; is (&;&&:&:&/ system rewards]
[Host Has Received
Munch-Munch Fruit
Kumo Tribe DNA
Will of D Fragment 1/12]
[Would the host like to install rewards?]
'No, no, don't install them,' Hiruko immediately mentally commanded as he stared lost at the screen.
As he looked at the obviously f'ed up system he couldn't help but think, 'What type of system is this?'
[Host has said n@:&:$);]
[Yes, installation is commencing.]
[Warning, Host, this is going to hurt.]
As those final words appeared, a searing pain ripped through Hiruko's body as if his very being were being brutally ripped apart.
His previous stagnant chakra began to bubble unnaturally as his cells seemed to move with an all-new high.
His brain felt as if it was on fire, he couldn't think without feeling as if he was going to die.
Hiruko, feeling all this at once, fell out of his chair, crashing to the floor as his body began to seize uncontrollably.
"Aahhhhh." Hiruko couldn't help but let out a sharp cry as his bones felt as if they were shifting unnaturally, breaking apart again and again and again, only to be mended and then broken again.
Orochimaru, hearing this, sharply turned his head; his usual blank face had a small hint of surprise and another emotion he couldn't quite place as he rushed over to Hiruko's side only to see his pupils dilate.
"Someone get a medical ninja." His raspy voice yelled as he rolled Hiruko on his side as he took off his haori, cushioning it underneath Hiruko's head.
His hand rested reassuringly on Hiruko as he also supported his body.
Hiruko, on the other hand, still slightly conscious, saw Orochimaru's hand wrapped around him.
Whether unconsciously or consciously, Hiruko started to overlap the delicious sweet food the old lady gave him over that very hand.
And a part of him…wanted to consume that very hand.
'I wan't it' Was all Hiruko could think as his eyes closed and his mind sunk into a deep sleep.
.
.
.
.
(CHAPTER END)
S: I know not everyone may agree on my view with chakra circulation and all I can say is sorry. Also thank you for all the Power stones I see them and they are greatly appreciated so are the comments 👍🏾😊