The food was quite good—nothing exceptional, just the quality you'd expect from home-cooked meals. Of course, this was because Orochimaru didn't have particularly high standards when it came to food.
His pickiness was directed elsewhere, so the meal was finished rather quickly.
Ninjas are efficient when it comes to eating, and Orochimaru didn't make an effort to slow down. Under his influence, Anko also quickly finished her lunch.
As she returned to the kitchen to clean the table, Orochimaru sat and thought for a moment, his eyes filled with contemplation.
When Anko returned to the living room, he spoke, "Anko, I assume you've already met Yamato."
The joy on Anko's face faltered slightly, and she answered dejectedly, "Yes."
She had not only met Yamato, but also discovered that he was a Wood Style user, with the same bloodline limit as the First Hokage.
Orochimaru's new subordinates put a lot of pressure on her.
Seeing her reaction, Orochimaru continued, "Then you must also know that I've accepted Guy as a disciple."
Anko bit her lip, nodding, her expression showing a hint of distress.
Yes, she knew. But she couldn't understand why Orochimaru would take someone like Guy as a disciple. Sure, Yamato had the powerful Wood Style bloodline, but Guy... all he had was physical skills.
Anko didn't harbor any ill feelings toward Guy, but her respect for Orochimaru was far greater. It was one thing for Guy to be a companion, but to be Orochimaru's disciple? That didn't sit right with her.
Orochimaru sighed. It was difficult for someone of Anko's age, especially with her prejudices, to appreciate Guy's talent and potential.
He wasn't planning to discuss it further.
"Come with me," Orochimaru said as he stood up. "I'll teach you a new ability."
Anko's face brightened at the prospect. She quickly removed her apron, rubbed her hands together, and eagerly followed him.
They made their way to the spacious courtyard. Orochimaru didn't hold back. He taught her the "Water Breathing" technique without reservation.
At this stage, "Water Breathing" didn't have a sword style to complement it, but Orochimaru had tested and refined it, focusing on the breathing technique alone.
Except for Guy, who was an anomaly, most ninjas weren't suited to a fighting style based on a single, all-encompassing move. Instead, they relied on ninjutsu, taijutsu, sealing techniques, and weapons, using them all to their fullest potential.
Orochimaru considered using only "Water Breathing" as a combat ability to be a waste, a reckless use of resources.
Ninjas combine physical and spiritual energy to produce chakra. While there is an element of practice involved, natural aptitude often plays a decisive role.
But the breathing techniques were different. Demon Slayer in the past, like those in the stories of the Lamp God, knew from the start that their physical abilities could never compare to those of ghosts. So, instead of focusing on internal development, they worked hard to capture natural energy from the world around them, strengthening themselves through it.
For a Demon Slayer, transcending the ordinary world was the ultimate goal.
The ninja world, however, was far behind in this respect.
For thousands of years, the only known technique related to natural energy has been kept within the Holy Land.
While the snakes and toads continue to grow stronger, the ninja world's research into natural energy has remained stagnant.
The discovery of the breathing method is expected to break the Holy Land's monopoly on this power.
Orochimaru pondered for a moment, recording some important data.
Anko's talent could only be described as average. This ordinariness wasn't just about her ninja skills but also about her mindset.
When compared to Kakashi and Guy, who had exceptional skills, Anko could be considered an average person, scoring about 70—an upper-middle-level ninja at best.
However, it was because of this that Anko had great observational potential.
She could provide Orochimaru with insights into whether the breathing method held the potential he hoped for and if it could be promoted effectively.
As other factions expanded their influence, Orochimaru wasn't willing to be left behind.
The opportunities in Konoha's small ninja fields were no longer enough to satisfy his ambitions.
"Hoo..." Orochimaru exhaled as the afternoon sun beat down, causing beads of sweat to form on Anko's forehead. She had been struggling through several rounds of breathing cycles.
From a theoretical standpoint, there were no major issues.
Orochimaru stopped Anko, who was about to continue, and gave a small smile. "This is a new physical skill I've developed. If you persist long enough, it can enhance your aptitude and close the gap between you and the geniuses. You must keep going."
"Yes, I'll do my best to surpass Kakashi and the others."
Anko was panting slightly but wore a look of excitement. Teacher Orochimaru really did have faith in her.
Orochimaru then changed the subject. "However, I need to take back the curse mark."
Anko's expression changed, and she instinctively grasped her neck.
Aside from its other uses, she had grown accustomed to the chakra growth provided by the curse mark, and parting with it was difficult.
"Don't worry," Orochimaru said, noticing her hesitation. "The curse mark wasn't perfect when it was first created, and I've recently discovered that it has many limitations."
He smiled, noticing the subtle change in Anko's expression. "Or do you doubt your own strength without the power I've given you?"
Anko bristled at the challenge and quickly lifted her head. "Of course not! I won't disappoint your expectations!"
Orochimaru smiled again and placed a hand on Anko's neck, easily removing the curse seal and reclaiming both her chakra and soul.
As her chakra was withdrawn, Anko's eyelids drooped, and she collapsed to the ground, only to be caught by Orochimaru.
After placing her down, Orochimaru returned to the courtyard. A translucent light screen appeared before him, and he frowned when he saw that the data on soul strength had not changed.
"Don't worry," the Lamp God said lazily, glancing at Orochimaru. "It won't happen that quickly. Why not use this time to focus on researching how to enter the Pure Land?"
Orochimaru shook his head. "Whether this will succeed depends on whether the old man agrees."
He was determined to acquire information about the Imlure World Reincarnation.
In the past, Orochimaru had always had countermeasures, whether or not the Third Hokage agreed. But now, he didn't want to part with the valuable resources Konoha offered, so more radical methods were off the table.
Given the high security of the confidential database, Orochimaru would need the Third Hokage's consent—though that was the issue.
Even after leading the Konoha Ninja Army to repel the Hidden Cloud forces, he wasn't sure if he could convince the Third Hokage.
The Impure World Reincarnation technique wasn't like other forbidden jutsu. It desecrated the bodies of ninjas, which had caused controversy when used by the Second Hokage. The Third Hokage was unlikely to release it.
"It's nothing major," the Lamp God said with a smile, glancing at Orochimaru. "There are always people in the room who want to open a window, but some will disagree. If you're trying to raise the roof, the earlier steps won't be as acceptable."
"In the end, it's a matter of choosing between a bad choice and a worse one, and the person will have no choice but to accept it."
Orochimaru's eyes lit up, a spark of realization igniting within him as if a new spring had opened, and fresh ideas began to flow from his mind.
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