Chapter 254: The Dilemma of Bonds
Danzo's failed scheme had certainly cost him dearly, but it wasn't a total loss. The puppet body used in the deception was a complete clone, with enough genetic material for Danzo to exploit. As long as Orochimaru remained alive, it was a risk. But the moment he died, Danzo would have enough resources to resurrect him.
Losing two three-tomoe Sharingan was painful. But what truly infuriated him was wasting a precious opportunity to use Kotoamatsukami.
"If only I had a flesh-and-blood clone that could house my full will… I wouldn't have suffered such humiliation."
That thought only hardened Danzo's resolve. Forbidden techniques—so many of them seemed tailored just for him. Clone creation, replication bodies, consciousness projection techniques… All of these represented steps toward true immortality. The biggest hurdle wasn't the technology—it was synchronizing life force and will between bodies.
But if those two barriers could be overcome?
Then eternal consciousness—soul-based immortality—would be within reach.
If one could spread their will across countless bodies, like avatars… then they would become a god.
The path was treacherous, but not unimaginable. As the shadow behind Konoha for decades, Danzo knew such secrets existed—and were achievable.
Even more concerning were the whispers from Yūhi Kurenai after she awoke and the strange movements from the Hyuga clan.
Sand Village had confirmed it: that boy—the one he had underestimated—might be far more dangerous than expected.
The operation had failed. But the real battle… would continue within the village.
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As Danzo withdrew quietly, the forest shook with the echo of ninjutsu.
The battle between Orochimaru and Jiraiya had escalated from a skirmish into a prolonged duel. Though both held back their trump cards—Sage Mode and the Eight-Headed Serpent Technique—their clash had lasted long enough for each to gauge the other's strength.
But in the end, Orochimaru, still weakened from his last body transfer, began to falter.
During a lull in the fight, Jiraiya, panting but composed, looked at the disheveled Orochimaru and said:
"Your attacks are losing strength. You're clearly injured."
Orochimaru scowled. "What's your point? That our little game is over?"
To him, this fight was meaningless. Neither of them could finish the other off. "If you've come to beg for something, then stop wasting my time."
"You're as rude as ever, Orochimaru," Jiraiya said, lowering his stance. "I'm not here to beg. I'm here to warn you—let go of the Uchiha boy."
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed.
"Uchiha Sasuke? What's he to you? He's not your type. I thought that Nine-Tails Jinchuriki brat was more your style."
If it were anything else, Orochimaru could have been swayed.
But Sasuke?
Sasuke represented years of obsession, of humiliation at Itachi's hands, of plans set in motion long ago. He was the key to reclaiming everything.
Jiraiya's tone grew serious. "This is different. Naruto is the world's hope—the child of prophecy. I like him, and I'll soon take him as my student.
But Sasuke… I think your methods are disgusting."
"Disgusting?" Orochimaru chuckled. "I merely gave him hope."
"Hope? You call placing a cursed mark on a vengeful child and luring him with false promises hope? That's predation, not salvation. You don't need him anymore—you've already transferred bodies."
"Yes, Konoha's ninja stopped him from reaching me last time. But it's meaningless. A true avenger will always seek power. He'll come to me on his own."
"You sure about that?" Jiraiya smirked. "You think you're the only genius in this world?"
That made Orochimaru pause.
Danzo had said something similar.
"Could it be… is there really someone in Konoha that both Danzo and Jiraiya consider a threat equal to me?"
Jiraiya continued, ignoring Orochimaru's musing.
"There's a kid who said something I agree with. The future belongs to the young. Let them choose their own paths."
"Choose?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
So Jiraiya laid it all out:
"Cease all your schemes—no more tempting Sasuke, no more cursed marks, no more manipulation. If he leaves Konoha, it must be his decision, made freely."
"You've lost your mind," Orochimaru sneered. "Why would I agree to that? What do I gain?"
"You must agree," Jiraiya said flatly, eyes sharp. "Otherwise, Sasuke will never leave Konoha alive."
"You're threatening me?"
"I'm stating facts, Orochimaru. Danzo won't let Sasuke live long enough to find you. He's greedy, yes—but he's not a fool."
Orochimaru went quiet, thinking.
"This… has nothing to do with free choice."
"We'll give him the chance to decide," Jiraiya said. "If he chooses you, and makes it out of Konoha alive—I'll make sure Danzo backs off."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "Why go to all this trouble? Why interfere with Danzo? What's your gain?"
Jiraiya looked toward the sky.
"The boy destined to change the world… needs strong rivals. He needs challenges. Only then will he become strong enough to carry that fate."
"…Child of prophecy?"
Orochimaru's lips curled in a smirk. "So even you believe in that drivel."
His gaze sharpened.
"Looks like you're not as simple-minded as you pretend to be, Jiraiya…"
To be continued...
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