Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 419 Understanding Orochimaru

Just then, a figure suddenly appeared before Orochimaru. It was none other than Naruto Uzumaki, the hero of Konoha this time. Naruto's appearance made the already tense atmosphere even more solemn. The Konoha ninja all looked at Naruto, their faces showing joy and indicating their trust in him.

Naruto Uzumaki stared intently at Orochimaru, his eyes revealing determination and resolve. As the current hero of Konoha, he had to step forward and protect Lady Tsunade's safety.

Orochimaru's eyes flashed with surprise upon seeing Naruto's arrival. He hadn't expected Naruto to arrive so quickly. But his expression quickly returned to its coldness. He wasn't there to fight the Konoha ninja, nor did he intend to. He was simply there to check on Tsunade's condition and to investigate Pain's invasion of Konoha.

Naruto Uzumaki took a deep breath, preparing to face Orochimaru's challenge. He clenched his fists, his body radiating intense chakra fluctuations. His aura instantly surged to its peak, while he simultaneously absorbed natural energy, preparing for Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku.

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully observing Naruto Uzumaki. He meticulously sensed the specifics of Naruto's use of the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku. He wasn't afraid of this crude method of utilizing natural energy. He had enough confidence and strength to easily defeat his opponent.

At that moment, Naruto Uzumaki entered Sage Mode, his gaze fixed intently on Orochimaru, a tense atmosphere filling the air. He was ready for battle, waiting for his opponent to make the first move. This duel was destined to be a fierce battle, while the Konoha ninja watched anxiously from the sidelines, hoping that Naruto Uzumaki could defeat Orochimaru and once again become Konoha's hero.

But at this moment, Naruto's eyes showed utter horror, and his original fighting spirit turned into fear.

When Naruto entered Sage Mode, his senses became exceptionally sharp, as if he had merged with nature. He could clearly perceive Orochimaru's current state. He was astonished to find that countless streams of natural energy were being absorbed by Orochimaru flawlessly. This reminded him of his own control and application of natural energy during his training at Mount Myōboku. However, Orochimaru now displayed a far more profound level of mastery.

When Naruto attempted to sense Orochimaru's body using Sage Chakra, he was shocked to discover that Orochimaru was like a massive aggregate of natural energy. Every cell, every breath, was filled with rich natural energy, as if he had become a part of nature itself. Even more astonishing was that the life essence emanating from Orochimaru completely transcended the human realm. That powerful vitality and mysterious aura put Naruto under unprecedented pressure.

Even though Naruto had sensed the Great Toad Sage at Mount Myōboku, the oppressive aura emanating from Orochimaru was utterly insignificant compared to that. A wave of unease washed over Naruto; he realized that Orochimaru was far more powerful than he had imagined. He understood that defeating such an opponent was utterly impossible.

Orochimaru observed Naruto's changing expressions with great interest, a slight smile playing on his lips. He knew that once Naruto activated Sage Mode, he might be able to detect the faint aura he unintentionally leaked. After all, both the path of cultivation and the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku require the absorption of natural energy from the surrounding environment. However, the absorption and utilization of natural energy in the path of cultivation is far more profound than that of the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku.

Furthermore, cultivators possess a unique understanding and skill in absorbing and utilizing natural energy. Through cultivation, they can integrate natural energy into themselves, achieving a transformation and evolution of body and mind. This evolution is not limited to increased physical strength but also includes a comprehensive enhancement of vitality, perception, and other aspects. In contrast, while ninjas can also enhance themselves using chakra, this power originates from the spiritual energy within their cells, rather than being directly drawn from nature. Therefore, cultivators have a greater advantage in this regard. Over time, cultivators may gradually transcend human limits and evolve towards a higher level of life form.

After carefully observing the entire process of Naruto Uzumaki's use of the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku, Orochimaru's face revealed a hint of undisguised disappointment. He had been expecting to witness a powerful and mysterious force, but what he saw before him greatly disappointed him.

In Orochimaru's eyes, Sage Mode was merely a clever manipulation of natural energy. It wasn't a true fusion with or control of natural energy, but rather a forced mixing of one's chakra with natural energy in a certain proportion using spiritual energy. While this method could enhance the power of chakra, it was only a superficial enhancement and didn't truly grasp the essence of natural energy.

Orochimaru shook his head, sighing inwardly. He had initially thought Sage Mode would offer some enlightenment, allowing him to further improve. But now it seemed it was merely a simple trick. He wasn't interested in such shortcuts, as he sought a higher, purer realm of power.

"Who, who are you?" Naruto Uzumaki stared wide-eyed, his face full of shock, and couldn't help but ask Orochimaru.

At this moment, his heart was filled with doubt and unease. The power and ability displayed by the person before him were completely beyond his imagination, making it impossible for him to accept that this person was the evil man he once knew—Orochimaru.

Naruto couldn't help but recall his past battles with Orochimaru. Back then, Orochimaru, though powerful, was still within the realm of a ninja. However, the Orochimaru standing before him now seemed to be a completely new being, possessing power and abilities that surpassed the limits of a ninja.

In particular, the speed at which the opponent absorbed natural energy was astonishingly fast. This speed far exceeded the level that ordinary ninjas could achieve, and could even be said to have surpassed the limits of humankind.

Naruto knew that this level of improvement in strength could not be achieved through training alone. It required a special talent or opportunity to break through one's own limitations and reach such a level.

Therefore, he absolutely refused to believe that the person before him was Orochimaru. In his eyes, the other party had transcended the realm of a ninja and become a higher-level being. Perhaps, he should call him a sage.

"Who am I? That's a good question!" Orochimaru looked at Naruto with a mocking expression, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm. His interest in Naruto was growing stronger, not because of Naruto's strength or Sage Mode, but because he was curious about how Naruto had defeated Pain, who possessed the Rinnegan.

It's important to understand that the power of rules Pain displayed in his final moments was far beyond what ordinary Sage Mode could withstand. Even Orochimaru, who had already reached the Golden Core stage, couldn't guarantee victory against such immense power. It's truly perplexing that Naruto was able to defeat such an opponent.

Faced with Orochimaru's teasing, Naruto Uzumaki frowned, clenched his fists tightly, and his expression grew increasingly serious. He shouted, "You are definitely not Orochimaru! This level is completely beyond what a human could achieve!" His voice carried a hint of firmness and determination, as if he were releasing all the doubts and unease deep within his heart. He stared at the enormous and eerie being before him, his heart filled with vigilance and wariness.

"That's only because your vision is limited to this level. Do you really think you understand this world?" Orochimaru's tone remained calm, with a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth, as he teased him with a playful smile.

His gaze was as sharp as a snake's, as if it could see through everything. Then, he continued, "Don't worry, I have no hostility towards Konoha. I just want to check on Tsunade's condition. After all, Tsunade is a rare comrade of mine, and I don't want her to die so easily."

Orochimaru's voice conveyed a complex mix of emotions, including concern for Tsunade and reflections on his own past. He seemed to be telling her that despite his intricate connections to Konoha, he was neither a simple enemy nor a friend.

After saying this, Orochimaru's eyes deepened, as if he were lost in thought. His figure gradually disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind a silence.

The Konoha ninja present frowned, but they did not lower their guard, remaining vigilantly watching Orochimaru, their weapons gripped tightly, ready to deal with any potential danger. After all, the fact that Orochimaru had killed the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, filled them with apprehension and hostility towards him.

However, just then, a figure emerged from Tsunade's recovery room. It was Nara Shikaku. When he heard Orochimaru's words, a deep contemplation appeared on his face. His gaze fell on Orochimaru, as if he were pondering something.

Nara Shikaku, a key figure in Konoha, possesses intelligence and keen insight. He knew Orochimaru's appearance was no accident, and his words had caught his attention. Despite his wariness of Orochimaru, Shikaku decided to refrain from immediate action and instead observe the situation's development.

Nara Shikaku had a deeper understanding of Orochimaru than the other Konoha ninja present, and had even discussed it with Tsunade, the Hokage.