Naruto: Reborn As Orochimaru

The system's answer was simple and straightforward: as long as Orochimaru continued to experiment, all scientific research materials would be provided from the shop. There was no need for him to develop everything from scratch.

Orochimaru realized this was like being handed down the results of predecessors' hard work, enabling him to take a significant shortcut on the road of scientific research. Without this support, even with his deep knowledge of genetics, creating any groundbreaking genetic solutions would have been extremely difficult.

Just look at the experts of this world even developing a single genetic enhancement fluid could easily take a lifetime.

"Orochimaru… What exactly did you just do?" Tsunade, who had been munching on the two remaining skewers in her hand, was a bit lost in thought. She still hadn't fully grasped what had happened during the battle earlier. The fight between Orochimaru and Jiraiya had seemed intense, but she had failed to understand the crucial moment.

Why hadn't the toad moved when the snake attacked it? Wasn't this different from how such battles normally played out?

Orochimaru casually replied, "Oh, that? I just used an illusion."

"An illusion?!" Tsunade was caught off guard. Then, as the realization hit, she quickly recovered. "Wait, since when did you start using illusions in battle?"

"I've always been able to use them," Orochimaru said calmly. "I just never saw the need. I figured I'd give it a try this time, on a whim."

In the original timeline, although Orochimaru was famously defeated by Itachi's genjutsu, his own abilities in illusion were not to be underestimated. Otherwise, how would he have managed to terrify the three kids of Team 7 with just a glance? His prowess in genjutsu was considerable; it was just that when facing prodigies with advanced techniques like Sharingan, the gap became evident.

But with no Sharingan or prodigious Uchiha around, Orochimaru's mastery over genjutsu was more than sufficient to be a formidable weapon.

Tsunade was left speechless for a moment. "So… you used Jiraiya as a practice dummy?" she asked, incredulous.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya, who had crashed into the ground and was still lying there, groaned miserably.

He had finally honed his skills, formed a partnership with his toad, and was all set to showcase his abilities against Orochimaru. Yet, before he could even unleash his technique, he was taken down with a genjutsu? It was beyond frustrating!

"Ah… I still can't beat that snake-like guy, Orochimaru…"

Jiraiya gazed up at the sky, filled with melancholy. He had a crush on Tsunade, and it was no secret. Everyone knew about his feelings. Unfortunately, it was just as well known that Tsunade didn't reciprocate those feelings. In fact, she often beat him up in response to his antics.

He knew that Tsunade had a thing for Orochimaru, and this realization was what spurred him on to get stronger. But no matter how hard he trained, he was always getting beaten. It was like he was stuck in a never-ending cycle of defeat.

"Damn it… No matter what I do, I can't beat Orochimaru…"

But even as thoughts of giving up crossed his mind, Jiraiya quickly brushed them aside. "No, no. I am the great Jiraiya. I can't give up! I'll find a way to surpass him and win Tsunade's heart!"

With that, he closed his eyes, falling deep into contemplation. He wouldn't give up he would keep training, no matter how long it took.

In the original timeline, Jiraiya did eventually become strong enough to rival Orochimaru through hard work, talent, and a little bit of luck. After learning senjutsu, he could stand toe-to-toe with his old friend. But it had taken him years to master sage techniques, and it didn't seem like Orochimaru would be sitting idle during that time either.

---

Orochimaru and Tsunade continued to spar at the training ground until evening. Once they were done, they parted ways, with Orochimaru heading back to his home.

Once inside, he pulled up the status panel from his system.

- Unlocked Technology: Basic Gene Enhancement serum, Gene Extraction, Gene Repair Fluid, Gene Fusion, Intermediate Enhancement Serum.

- Current Technology: Cell Transplantation

- Next Unlock: Splinter Cell

- Technology Points: 23,000

Orochimaru took one look at the panel and dismissed it, not paying it much mind for now. He knew that while cell transplantation was a useful technique, it wasn't something he was in a hurry to explore.

What interested him far more was gene fusion.

Gene fusion allowed for the perfect integration of genetic traits, whereas cell transplantation merely stitched together parts in a crude manner, often leading to inefficiencies or deformities. The results were clear Yamato, who had undergone cell transplantation with the First Hokage's DNA, had only managed to harness a fraction of the original Wood Release abilities. His power paled in comparison to the actual First Hokage.

The only advantage cell transplantation had was that it was cheap and easy to perform. All it took was some basic surgical skills and medicine. But gene fusion, on the other hand, was far more intricate and powerful.

Orochimaru sighed. "Well, I'll wait to see what Konoha's higher-ups decide before rushing into anything."

With that, he lay down on his bed and drifted off to sleep.

---

For the next few days, Orochimaru lived a relatively relaxed life. He spent his time exploring the village, eating, occasionally training, and even enjoying the public baths. With no pressing missions or urgent experiments, he found himself with plenty of free time.

Finally, on the fourth day, Hiruzen summoned Orochimaru to his office.

As Orochimaru entered, Hiruzen smiled warmly. "Orochimaru, after thinking long and hard over the past few days, I've come to a decision. You are both my most talented disciple and a gifted researcher."

Orochimaru nodded, listening carefully to his sensei's words.

Hiruzen continued, "But before making any decisions, I wanted to hear your thoughts. Where do you see yourself going? What path do you want to pursue moving forward?"