Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 421 Healing Tsunade

In that quiet, somewhat simple room, the light was dim, and the silence was so profound that one could almost hear the dust settling. Orochimaru sat quietly by the bed, his eyes closed, intently releasing his soul power to carefully sense Tsunade's injuries. His brows furrowed slightly, and a fine layer of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead, clearly indicating that this examination was not easy.

As time passed, Orochimaru's expression grew increasingly grave. Under the detailed perception of his powerful soul force, Tsunade's condition gradually became clear in his mind. However, when he saw everything, his heart sank. He was shocked to discover that Tsunade's injuries were far worse than he had imagined! The intricate damage to her meridians was nothing compared to the damage caused to her brain and even her soul by forcibly and explosively releasing the chakra stored in the Yin Seal in a short period. It was truly shocking.

Even with Orochimaru's superb medical skills and profound understanding of the human body, he was somewhat helpless in the face of such severe injuries. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, knowing that healing Tsunade would be no easy task, and even he himself dared not say he was entirely confident he could do it.

Damage to the meridians was no problem for Orochimaru. He swiftly formed hand seals, chanting incantations, and a stream of pure, refined natural energy flowed slowly from his body, continuously entering Tsunade's body through his fingertips. This natural energy seemed to possess a life of its own, coursing through Tsunade's meridians, nourishing and repairing the damaged meridians as if they were parched lands receiving rain. The once dull and scarred meridians gradually regained their vitality, recovering at a visible speed.

However, Orochimaru frowned upon seeing the wounds to Tsunade's soul. Despite his deep dedication to the study of the soul and his status as an expert in the field, he was utterly uncertain about how to heal such severe soul damage. After all, the soul was one of the most mysterious and fragile parts of the human body, and the slightest mishap could lead to irreversible consequences. Orochimaru fell into deep thought, countless possible treatment plans flashing through his mind, only to be rejected one by one. He knew all too well that completely healing Tsunade's soul wounds would be no easy task.

Just then, everyone around focused their attention on Orochimaru, intently observing the subtle changes in his facial expression. Orochimaru's previously calm face gradually became serious, his brow furrowed slightly, and fine beads of sweat even appeared on his forehead. This series of changes instilled a sense of unease in everyone present.

Naruto was already extremely anxious. His eyes were wide as he stared intently at Orochimaru and Tsunade, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists. Seeing that Orochimaru seemed to be facing some kind of problem, Naruto's heart was filled with anxiety and unease. Finally, he could no longer suppress his impulsive emotions and raised his foot to rush forward to stop Orochimaru from continuing to treat Tsunade.

However, just as Naruto was about to take that step, a strong hand suddenly reached out and blocked his path. Naruto looked closely and saw that it was Nara Shikaku. Nara Shikaku shook his head slightly at Naruto with a serious expression and gave him a firm look, signaling him not to make any rash moves, lest he interfere with Orochimaru's treatment process.

Orochimaru focused intently on continuously channeling the refined natural energy into Tsunade's meridians. The pure and powerful force nourished her damaged meridians like a gentle stream. At the same time, Orochimaru dared not slacken his efforts. He carefully manipulated his soul power, slowly seeping into the depths of Tsunade's brain as if walking on thin ice.

It's important to understand that the soul is one of the most fragile and mysterious parts of the human body; the slightest mishap can lead to irreversible consequences. This is precisely why Orochimaru was extremely cautious throughout the process, making each step incredibly difficult. Fortunately, however, Orochimaru had previously obtained a unique method from Hyuga Kanan specifically for cultivating and forging soul power. It was through this rare training method, and through long and persistent rigorous practice, that Orochimaru's soul power steadily grew, gradually reaching its current astonishing level.

In contrast, most ninjas know very little about the cultivation of the soul realm, often relying solely on their innate talent to enhance their soul strength. However, this method ultimately has many limitations and cannot compare to the achievements Orochimaru made through systematic training.

However, just as Orochimaru's powerful and unpredictable soul force quietly seeped into the depths of Tsunade's mind, he involuntarily widened his eyes, his face filled with disbelief and astonishment! Because he was extremely shocked to realize the peculiar things hidden within Tsunade.

Deep within Tsunade's mind lies an extremely rare and mysterious energy. This energy is like a tender bud just beginning to sprout in spring, radiating vibrant life and vitality; it is also like a gently flowing spring, containing endless nourishing and soothing power. It is carefully healing Tsunade's wounded soul with an extremely slow yet unwavering rhythm.

Unfortunately, this miraculous energy is currently too weak and thin, like the twinkling stars in the night sky—beautiful and moving, but ultimately limited in its brilliance. Therefore, despite its best efforts to repair Tsunade's damaged soul, its progress remains as slow as a snail's crawl.

Orochimaru slowly withdrew the soul power he had released, his long, narrow, and cold eyes narrowing slightly as if he were pondering something important. After a moment, a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips, for he now clearly understood what the mysterious energy in Tsunade's mind truly was.

This energy was not unfamiliar to Orochimaru; in fact, it was extremely familiar. He had once spent a great deal of time and energy conducting in-depth research on it. Yes, this was the extraordinary and exceptionally tenacious life force contained within the cells of Hashirama Senju! This life force seemed to possess endless potential, capable of imbuing any living being that came into contact with it with powerful vitality and energy.

Orochimaru knew all too well how astonishing the power of Hashirama Senju's cells was. If he could fully control and wield them freely, then his dream of immortality might no longer be out of reach. Thinking of this, the fire of desire within him burned even more fiercely.

Orochimaru's dedication to ninjutsu bordered on obsession. He would relentlessly seek out any method that could enhance his strength and expand his skill set. When he heard that Hyuga Kanan could use Wood Release ninjutsu, he was filled with intense curiosity and longing. Wood Release ninjutsu is an extremely rare and powerful ability, and ninjas who possess it typically have extraordinary strength.

Therefore, Orochimaru personally approached Hyuga Kanan and earnestly sought his guidance on the secrets of Wood Release ninjutsu. He knew that Kanan not only possessed this mysterious power but had also used Wood Release to defeat a large force from the Hidden Cloud Village, a feat that proved Kanan's mastery of Wood Release ninjutsu was unparalleled.

Faced with Orochimaru's request for instruction, Hyuga Kanan initially hesitated, but was ultimately moved by Orochimaru's persistence. He began to slowly explain to Hyuga Kanan the principles of Wood Release ninjutsu and the key points of its training. Orochimaru, like a thirsty student, listened intently to every word, afraid of missing any crucial detail.

Finally, after a long period of research and exploration, and with explanations from Hyuga Kanan, Orochimaru realized that the Wood Release ninjutsu, which had been touted as incredibly powerful and invincible, was not actually as invincible as legend had it. The real reason why Hashirama Senju and Hyuga Kanan could wield Wood Release with such terrifying power, capable of changing the world and destroying everything, was actually due to the life principles hidden within it.

It's important to understand that Hashirama Senju was born with the ability to manipulate the seemingly simple yet crucial power of life's laws. Because of this, his own life force was like a boundless, endless river, far surpassing the capabilities of ordinary ninjas. It can be said that this unique talent endowed him with superhuman stamina and endurance, allowing him to maintain unwavering fighting spirit and formidable combat power throughout battle.

Furthermore, the mysterious and unpredictable ninjutsu, Wood Release, also benefited from Hashirama Senju's exquisite control over the rules of life, resulting in an unimaginable enhancement. It was no longer merely a simple elemental manipulation technique, but rather infused with the power of life, radiating unparalleled vitality and energy. When Hashirama Senju unleashed Wood Release, ordinary trees instantly transformed into impregnable fortresses or powerful weapons, displaying astonishing destructive force. In comparison, while other ninjutsu techniques employed by other ninjas each had their own unique characteristics, they all paled in comparison to Wood Release.

The rules of life belong to higher rules, inherently stronger than ordinary elemental rules. Hyuga Kanan only managed to comprehend a portion of the rules of life by relying on the energy of the rules of life within Hashirama Senju's cells. This is why Hyuga Kanan's Wood Release technique became so incredibly powerful.