The "Orochimaru-Style Substitute Technique" that Orochimaru gave was one of his signature ninjutsu.
It could be considered a variant of the "Substitute Technique."
It allowed one to shed a layer of skin to escape the opponent's restraints.
In the battle between Sasuke and Itachi, after being hit by "Amaterasu," they used the "Orochimaru-Style Substitute Technique" to shed their skin and successfully evade Itachi's eye techniques.
Of course, a single "Orochimaru-Style Substitute Technique" wasn't enough; it had a complementary ninjutsu called "Soft-Body Modification."
After learning this technique, one could greatly enhance flexibility and stretchability; it was a secret technique personally created by Orochimaru.
A modified body could stretch freely, twist at any angle, or even transform limbs into whip-like attacks.
Only after mastering "Soft-Body Modification" could one freely use the "Orochimaru-Style Substitute Technique" like a snake, expelling oneself at will.
Otherwise, one could only crack the outer layer, exposing the inner layer.
"Here you go."
The two walked to a dango shop, and Kiyoshi handed her a tricolor dango.
Mitarashi Azuki happily accepted it and left.
Kiyoshi put the scroll away, bought some ingredients, and headed home.
......
"A new vessel… I can feel your fear… and confusion. You understand, don't you? What binds you more than me is actually yourself…"
Kushina frowned tightly in her sleep.
She dreamed of being in a dark, narrow place, her ankles wet with cold water.
Before her stood a gigantic figure with terrifying fangs.
"Let me liberate you…"
Like a fox-like beast, it opened its blood-filled mouth.
"Ah!"
Kushina woke up in fright.
After waking, she felt shaken, got up, and took a sip of water from the nightstand.
After finishing the cup, she put it down.
On the nightstand were not only empty cups but also a photo album of the Uzumaki family.
Kushina rubbed her face, washed up, and looked out the window.
"The same scenery as always, and the same two watchers as usual."
Kushina felt suffocated.
Although her privacy was protected so she wouldn't go completely mad, the two watchers didn't observe her while she used the bathroom, bathed, or changed clothes.
Most of the time, they hid in the distance, sensing whether her chakra changed.
The two ANBU operatives who had guarded the rooftop across from her all night saw her leave and instantly appeared before her.
"What's your schedule today?"
The ANBU asked.
This was a necessary routine, recorded daily and reported.
"Training sealing techniques with Minato."
Kushina continued with her usual response.
Every day was the same, dull and unchanging.
The picture book that Kiyoshi gave her had already been read early on; bored, Kushina flipped through it repeatedly.
"Just make sure not to leave the barrier. Other than that, we won't interfere, Uzumaki Kushina."
"Okay, I got it."
Kushina opened the window to look outside.
Today's conversation was the same as always.
After a while, she closed the window and prepared to find Minato.
She had an appointment to study sealing techniques together with Minato.
Minato personally taught most of the sealing techniques, which were secret techniques of the Uzumaki clan, including the "Four Symbols Seal" and others.
Kushina didn't know why Konoha's higher-ups didn't object to her teaching Minato, but as long as it was for him, she didn't care.
She didn't want to concern herself with anything else; even if she knew the reasons, no one would explain it to her.
......
Kiyoshi's house.
The white snake opened its black eyes and slowly crawled around Kiyoshi's neck, forming a loop like a scarf.
Kiyoshi ignored the snake's movements.
The white snake had very low intelligence, roughly equivalent to a three- or four-year-old child.
For Kiyoshi, loyalty and obedience were enough.
Abilities were secondary.
He stroked the snake's cold scales and opened the ability panel.
[Entry: Pure Illusion Scholar (White).]
[Requirement: Learn one pure illusion technique.]
[Progress: 98%.]
[Effect: Your foundational illusion skills are solid. Any illusion technique used is enhanced by 5%.]
[Note: Can be further advanced later.]
"Almost there."
Kiyoshi estimated he could master it tonight.
He closed his eyes and continued training.
As he aged, his chakra supply continued to grow daily.
With his dual bloodline limits and the ability panel, his development speed was unimaginable for others.
Crackle!
Electric currents surged again through Kiyoshi's body, flowing slowly.
Strengthening his body further.
While others practiced inefficiently, Kiyoshi could leverage his superior chakra control to rapidly enhance himself.
Every second, he was getting stronger!
......
"Today I'll be strict too!"
Finally, Kushina saw Minato at the agreed location.
Excited, she pumped her small fists:
"Besides, Minato understands very quickly, because the Uzumaki clan has so many sealing techniques. Next, we should also—"
"Sorry, Kushina…"
Minato interrupted her mid-sentence.
Kushina looked puzzled.
"Today I want to practice other ninjutsu elsewhere… I came to tell you."
Minato said nervously.
He could imagine Kushina would be angry.
But that technique was about to be developed.
If he didn't take this time to develop it, he would soon be a team-leader Jonin and have even less time for new ninjutsu.
He had to seize the moment.
"What technique?"
"Well… I…"
Minato stammered, unable to explain.
Kushina instantly looked disappointed: "I knew it, it's a ninjutsu I can't be told about either."
"No, it's because it's incomplete and dangerous. I don't want you to get hurt…"
"If you hate being with me, just say so!"
Kushina's bright red hair practically flared with anger.
Unfortunately, before Minato could explain, someone called his name from afar.
Seeing this, Minato had no choice but to say goodbye to Kushina and walk away.
"Ah…"
Kushina felt deeply disappointed.
Minato had ditched her.
"Kushina, what happened?"
Kiyoshi, passing by, asked.
Besides training at home, in his free time he liked to try his luck, hoping to encounter Kushina and Minato.
Kiyoshi's luck paid off; he met them on the first try.
"Minato ditched me."
Kushina sighed.
She, usually carefree, didn't hide her feelings from others.
Especially with Kiyoshi, who shared similar circumstances, she felt a kinship with him.
(Some people say keep it bland; I'll start making an outline. Otherwise, staying up late every night lowers quality. Sorry, don't leave me [crying].)
(Also, if anyone wants to see something specific, comment below; I'll take it into consideration.)
(End of Chapter)