A casual suggestion plants a dangerous idea—one that might reshape identity itself.
No.
He had no interest in switching genders.
As for immortality through Living Corpse Reincarnation?
Forget it.
Each transfer—no matter how willing the vessel—reduced compatibility between soul and body. Over time, rejection would inevitably set in, accelerating collapse.
One or two transfers might work.
But later?
What if a rebellious case like Sasuke appeared?
And more importantly—
Orochimaru still had no true solution to the rejection problem.
Gen smiled faintly.
"I'll pass for now. I have my own growth plan."
"What a pity…"
A trace of disappointment flickered across Orochimaru's soft, alluring face.
Staying near Gen was dangerous.
But if someone like him could be brought onto the same path—
Then the road to immortality wouldn't be so lonely.
Gen's gaze drifted—briefly—toward Orochimaru's chest.
"So, Snake-san… how does it feel?"
Orochimaru sighed.
"My body is very weak. If you mean the vessel…"
She lifted a hand and tapped lightly against her chest.
A noticeable sway followed.
"…Heavy. This kind of fat is a burden."
Then she looked at Gen, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"Gen-kun… why did you choose this body for me?"
Gen fell silent.
Why?
Did that even need explaining?
Because it's big.
Big is justice.
Big is truth.
Otherwise, why would Tsunade have so many admirers?
Of course—
There was also a practical reason.
He didn't want to spend the future looking at a completely unremarkable Orochimaru.
After a pause, Gen nodded seriously.
"I just felt… her temperament suits you."
Orochimaru lowered her head with a faint smile.
Clearly—
Not the answer she wanted.
"I thought you had noticed what makes this body special."
"Oh?" Gen raised a brow. "What's special about her?"
"She possesses a kekkei genkai—Lava Release."
Orochimaru spoke calmly.
"The other two vessels also had bloodline limits."
"…Oh?"
Gen's brow twitched.
Honestly—
those two hadn't looked special at all.
Another lesson—
never underestimate anyone in the shinobi world.
If you have a kekkei genkai—
use it.
Otherwise, dying without ever revealing your strength would be humiliating.
"Gen-kun," Orochimaru said sincerely, "I apologize for my subordinates' disrespect."
Gen waved it off.
"It's nothing. They can be more careful in their next life."
Strength had its perks.
Even after killing someone's subordinates—
you still got an apology.
"…Heh."
Orochimaru chuckled awkwardly, then asked:
"What about you? How do you feel now?"
Gen considered.
"Sorry for worrying you earlier. When I saw that compound… it felt like it was calling to me. I couldn't resist."
Orochimaru's expression stiffened.
Internally—
Go on. Keep lying. I held it too. Why didn't it call me?
Gen continued calmly:
"After drinking it, my cells evolved. I gained toxin resistance—and full control over poison."
"Like earlier. I released toxic mist without you noticing… and dealt with your two 'precious' vessels."
"I see…"
Orochimaru nodded, committing everything to memory.
Important data.
If they ever became enemies—
Distance.
Full-body chakra coating.
Never use poison.
Otherwise—
death.
Gen added casually:
"Oh—and my skin got lighter."
He rolled up his sleeve.
Pale.
Almost flawless.
Orochimaru nodded slowly.
"Your physique truly is extraordinary. No wonder you've reached this level."
"Snake-san, it's late. You should rest."
Gen yawned.
Then glanced at Orochimaru's new body.
"If you need time to adapt… you should align your habits."
"Clothing. Behavior."
"Try becoming her."
He paused slightly.
"I call it… the Acting Method."
"…The Acting Method?"
Orochimaru fell into thought.
Then nodded.
"…Interesting. I hadn't considered this approach."
"Thank you, Gen-kun. I'll try it."
"Looking forward to it."
Gen waved lazily and walked toward the door.
Fatigue was finally catching up.
Just before leaving, he stopped.
"Oh, right—Snake-san."
"Once you recover, prepare some highly toxic substances for me. All types."
Poison body—
needed ammunition.
"Of course. I have plenty."
"Good. See you."
Watching him leave—
Orochimaru exhaled slowly.
A bath.
Then sleep.
After being dragged through this entire night—
she was exhausted.
…
Click.
Gen inserted his key.
Next door—
Konan's door opened.
For a moment—
he wondered if he had the wrong room.
"You stayed up all night?"
Konan looked at him—sunglasses, pale skin, faint exhaustion—and asked calmly.
She had already bathed.
A soft fragrance lingered around her.
From her perspective—
Gen had simply changed his style.
"I never stay up late," Gen replied seriously.
He usually just stayed up all night.
Konan paused.
Then nodded.
"It's morning. Get some rest."
"I'm heading to work. I'll have a maid bring your breakfast."
"Thanks. I'll walk you out."
Without waiting, Gen followed her downstairs.
Side by side—
Konan finally noticed.
His skin—
was even fairer than hers.
A flicker of curiosity appeared.
Then vanished.
"…Do you get bored staying in the village?" she asked.
Probably.
Otherwise—
why would someone stay up all night…
researching how to whiten their skin?
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