Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 295 Transformation

If one could master and control this will, perhaps greater power could be gained. However, achieving this goal is no easy feat, requiring a deeper understanding and skillful application of chakra. Therefore, Orochimaru decided to focus his research on controlling the will within chakra. He began experimenting with various methods to train and strengthen his mental strength to resist the erosion of this will within his chakra. Simultaneously, he continuously explored new ninjutsu and skills, hoping to find a way to integrate and utilize the will within his chakra. His research would prove that this will within the chakra would eventually completely devour his original physical energy. But Orochimaru was unwilling to be controlled by the will within his chakra; he was determined to overcome it and become an existence beyond ordinary people. For this, he was willing to pay any price, even embarking on a path fraught with danger and the unknown.

Orochimaru had dedicated years to researching how to remove the will within chakra, but ultimately failed. He discovered that the will within chakra was tightly integrated with his body's energy, making it impossible to easily separate. This meant that if he wanted to retain his chakra, he had to accept the existence of that will. However, if a ninja lost their chakra, it meant they would no longer possess the power of a ninja, their strength would be greatly reduced or even completely lost. This presented Orochimaru with a dilemma, plunging him into a predicament.

However, Hyuga Neji's appearance made Orochimaru realize that Hyuga Kanan had embarked on a new path. Under Kanan's careful tutelage, Neji not only eliminated the hidden dangers of chakra but also achieved physical evolution. This was undoubtedly the path Orochimaru had long dreamed of. The energy within Neji's body far surpassed the quality of chakra, not only without negatively impacting the execution of ninjutsu but also significantly enhancing its power. Furthermore, the formidable strength Neji displayed, far exceeding the level of ordinary ninjas, was another crucial factor that drew Orochimaru's intense attention.

With this arrival, Orochimaru made his final decision. Although the existence of chakra made him incredibly powerful, essentially reaching the pinnacle of the ninja world, the path to further advancement was blocked, preventing Orochimaru from improving his foundation. This was unacceptable to someone who pursued ultimate power and immortality, so he had to find a new way to break through this bottleneck.

Faced with this situation, Orochimaru saw it as a golden opportunity. If he could master the power of Hyuga Kanan, he could not only enhance his own strength but also break through the limitations of chakra, achieving a higher level of evolution. Therefore, he decided to abandon chakra, even at the cost of his current power. However, Hyuga Kanan had already told him that even if he switched training, reaching Orochimaru's current level would not be easy. While breakthroughs would grant immense power and unique abilities, they would require a vast amount of time and effort to research and master. Furthermore, Orochimaru was already quite old, and whether he could truly achieve anything was uncertain.

At this crucial moment, Orochimaru demonstrated his exceptional wisdom and decisiveness. He was brimming with confidence in his new path of training, completely convinced that his talent would lead to success. Therefore, by severing his ties with Konoha and bringing his most important subordinates here, he had already made his choice.

"Neji-kun, where is your teacher? Is he still training?" Orochimaru asked the boy before him, a slight smile on his face. He knew that his purpose in coming here was to obtain the method of cultivation from Hyuga Kanan. And the boy before him, named Hyuga Neji, was Hyuga Kanan's prized disciple. Orochimaru naturally dared not be negligent towards this identity.

Orochimaru knew that Hyuga Neji had studied under Hyuga Kanan since childhood and must have a deep understanding of his master's training methods and insights. Therefore, if he could obtain guidance and advice from Hyuga Neji, he might greatly increase his chances of successfully switching training methods. With this in mind, Orochimaru's attitude became even more polite.

Hyuga Neji stood still, slightly raising his head, his gaze calmly fixed on Orochimaru. He knew in his heart that Orochimaru's visit was not a simple one, but rather had ulterior motives. However, facing Orochimaru's question, Hyuga Neji remained remarkably composed. He slowly said, "Lord Orochimaru, my master is indeed currently in seclusion, and cannot meet with you for the time being. However, I can do my best to answer your questions regarding cultivation."

Orochimaru's eyes flashed with disappointment upon hearing Neji's words, but he quickly regained his composure. He smiled and nodded in understanding, then asked, "So, Neji-kun, could you please tell me about your master's usual training methods and habits? This might be of great help to me."

Hyuga Neji pondered for a moment, then began to recount Hyuga Kanan's training methods. He described in detail how Kanan had taught him the fundamentals and how to enhance his strength through unique taijutsu techniques. Throughout his narration, Neji frequently expressed his admiration for Kanan, while also demonstrating his own profound understanding of this training method.

Orochimaru listened attentively, nodding occasionally, seemingly satisfied with Hyuga Neji's explanation. When he reached key points, he would ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of Hyuga Kanan's training methods. Throughout the entire process, Orochimaru remained extremely focused, as if all his attention was concentrated on Hyuga Neji's words.

Orochimaru's subordinates, though unable to understand the conversation between Orochimaru and Hyuga Neji, diligently took notes. As Orochimaru's closest subordinates, they naturally knew his purpose in coming. Kabuto Yakushi, in particular, as Orochimaru's research assistant, was aware of Orochimaru's research over the years and had a general understanding of the inside story. He was also deeply shocked by the idea of ​​chakra containing the will of others, and knew that Orochimaru had been trying to expel and alter that will within chakra for years, but without success.

Kabuto listened to Orochimaru and Neji's conversation, secretly astonished. He knew Orochimaru's research on chakra had reached a profound level, but he hadn't expected it to extend to this extent. He couldn't help but recall the experimental subjects he had seen in the laboratory, those people tortured by Orochimaru using various methods, their bodies and minds severely damaged.

Kabuto took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew Orochimaru's research was important; if successful, it might unravel many mysteries of the ninja world. But at the same time, he worried whether such research would bring more danger and disaster. After all, Orochimaru's experiments were often accompanied by death and suffering.

“If we can truly expel the will within the chakra, it will be a huge breakthrough,” Kabuto Yakushi said in a low voice. “But… does that mean we’ll have to pay an even greater price?”

He looked at Orochimaru, his heart filled with doubt and worry. He didn't know what the outcome of this experiment would be for them, nor whether they could bear such consequences.

Neji Hyuga showed no surprise or unease upon hearing Orochimaru's words. On the contrary, a slight smile appeared on his face, as if he had already anticipated such a request.

“Of course,” Hyuga Neji said softly, his tone revealing a firmness and confidence. Then, he began to explain in detail the training methods of the Byakugan.

Hyuga Neji knew that his teacher, Hyuga Kanan, had once instructed him not to deliberately conceal the most basic training methods. After all, these methods were open secrets to most ninjas; they simply required time and effort to practice.

Furthermore, Hyuga Neji also knew something about Orochimaru. He knew that this legendary Sannin was renowned for his exceptional strength and unique research. Although opinions about Orochimaru were mixed, Hyuga Neji understood that someone who could become one of the Sannin must have extraordinary abilities. Therefore, when Orochimaru expressed a desire to learn about cultivation methods, Hyuga Neji was neither surprised nor offended.

As Hyuga Neji recounted his story, Orochimaru listened quietly, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. He carefully observed Hyuga Neji's actions and expressions, attempting to glean the secrets of cultivation from them.

During this process, Hyuga Neji demonstrated his professionalism as a member of the Hyuga clan. He explained the principles of cultivation, training techniques, and their application in combination with other methods in a clear and concise manner. Although Orochimaru already possessed immense power, he listened attentively to every detail, nodding occasionally to show his understanding.

Orochimaru, with his years of research, possessed a wealth of knowledge regarding what Hyuga Neji described. He was particularly delighted when Neji explained how basic Taoist Subduing Demon Fist training allowed the body's cells to adapt to external natural energy, laying the foundation for later absorption and refinement of that energy. Orochimaru had also studied natural energy and knew of a powerful type of energy contained in the environment, but one that was highly unsuitable for human absorption. However, the three sacred lands did possess methods for absorbing external natural energy to enhance the power of ninjutsu. These methods, however, offered no benefit to the human body, only increasing strength. They did not alter the fundamental nature of humanity; one remained within the realm of humankind.