Konoha: Unable to learn ninjutsu, they had to develop their own.

It was just a mental attack.

Orochimaru quieted down.

It turned to look at Chiba and said hoarsely, "I didn't expect you to have grown to this level. Your spiritual energy alone is enough to suppress me."

"Orochimaru, everyone is improving, but your improvement stopped the moment you died. Isn't it normal that you're not as good as me when we meet again?"

Chiba smiled. "Actually, I could have cracked your secret to immortality a long time ago, but I promised Kimimaro that I wouldn't take your life. Otherwise, you would be dead by now."

"Kimimaro, you're not dead yet."

Orochimaru looked at Kimimaro and then said, "Although I won't die like this, it's still not good. If possible, could you please find me a body?"

"We'll talk about your health later. After all, you're Orochimaru, so I still need to be wary of you."

Chiba said, "Orochimaru, to make a long story short, the Akatsuki organization you used to belong to has problems and may be attacking Konoha now, so you have a chance to redeem yourself."

"What crime have I committed? You just don't understand."

Orochimaru gave a hoarse laugh. "Fine, I don't care what you think or what you want to say. Akatsuki, what, they've started collecting the Tailed Beasts?"

"No, that's not it. We gathered a group of people and hunted down a few members of the Akatsuki, so now they're desperate and want to attack Konoha. If you intervene and forgive them, there's still a chance for them to be resurrected."

Chiba then added, "Of course, you'll be under Konoha's surveillance and control afterward, how about that?"

"..."

Orochimaru was silent.

He could accept the first condition.

but.

The second condition is...

Being controlled by Konoha essentially meant losing his freedom, essentially handing his fate completely over to Konoha, and preventing him from conducting research freely.

It was just as painful.

but.

If you choose death, you will lose everything.

Once you reach the underworld, everything in the world loses its meaning. Even if you could be resurrected, who would help you be resurrected?

Pocket?

how is this possible.

Orochimaru knew from the beginning what kind of person Kabuto Yakushi was.

If he is strong enough, Kabuto Yakushi will be a great help, but if there is someone stronger, Kabuto will flexibly change his stance.

Orochimaru struggled for a long time before finally letting out a sigh.

"you win."

"So you agree?"

"Ah."

"Then, let's make a mark first. This cursed mark will restrict you until you can completely trust it."

After Chiba finished speaking, he formed a hand seal with one hand, and a ball of fire appeared in his other palm.

follow closely.

He pressed a palm down on Orochimaru's head.

A cursed seal appeared on Orochimaru's soul.

He let out a wail.

A familiar curse mark appeared on Orochimaru's forehead.

It's similar to a caged bird.

but.

The difference is that its effect is not to arbitrarily control life and death, but to restrict Orochimaru's own abilities, preventing him from freely using the Reanimation Jutsu.

In other words.

After being transferred to the next body, Orochimaru will be trapped in that body and unable to escape if Chiba does not release the curse seal.

Chiba decides where to go.

of course.

Another point is—

It will limit Orochimaru's research into some ninjutsu techniques.

For example, the Impure World Reincarnation.

of course.

This is a rather clever method—

Limit Orochimaru's spiritual energy.

If Orochimaru summons an opponent whose mental strength is insufficient, he will suffer a backlash.

but.

All you need to do is change the caster.

and so.

The former has a greater effect.

of course.

Death is one of the effects.

Chiba looked at Orochimaru: "I believe you have also felt it. This is an insurance policy I have set up, and also a small part of my research. If you can unravel it yourself, then it is fine."

"Hehe, this is a really pleasant surprise."

Orochimaru laughed hoarsely.

A caged bird!

It seems...

Not only was he interested in these forbidden techniques, but Chiba was as well, only the other person was different from him—

Chiba doesn't rely on any ninjutsu experiments at all.

The opponent can perfectly adapt any ninjutsu to their desired form.

What an amazing talent!

Orochimaru was amazed.

He longed to have such an ability, but unfortunately, at present, his mental capacity was not sufficient to undertake such a task.

Orochimaru licked his lips.

"Chiba-kun, this meeting has been quite a pleasant surprise for me."

"I hope you can give me some surprises, Orochimaru, such as being more courageous in battle later, otherwise I will feel like I'm losing out by giving you this body."

Chiba's expression turned serious as he spoke.

The next moment, he broke the seal with one hand.

A white Zetsu clone appeared before them.

This White Zetsu clone is extraordinary.

It incorporates some interstitial cells and is a product of a certain branch.

As a body for Orochimaru, it was already considered extremely luxurious.

Orochimaru could naturally see it.

and.

next moment--

Chiba used ninjutsu to place him directly into the White Zetsu clone.

White Zetsu convulsed all over, then his eyes widened.

After a short while, he stood up, and his body changed rapidly.

"White Zetsu, hmm, so this thing actually comes from the first generation's cells. No wonder I felt something was off about Zetsu back then."

Orochimaru said, "So the Akatsuki organization isn't exactly innocent either."

"What kind of decent person would collect tailed beasts?"

Chiba looked into the distance. "They're almost here. I suggest you start preparing now. They won't give you time to prepare. Also..."

"Ok?"

"Although you are strong, you are not at an advantage against the Akatsuki members, so I suggest you just stay in the back and keep the snakes there. Don't go to the front lines."

"..."

A strange emotion flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.

He initially suspected Chiba was using reverse psychology, but then—

The other party seemed serious.

Including Kimimaro.

He thought for a moment, then remained noncommittal and said, "I don't know much about him yet. How about Kimimaro comes with me?"

"can."

"But……"

"It's alright, Kimimaro. I don't need your help. You just need to give Orochimaru a general idea, and then see where you need help and go there."

Chiba shook his head and refused.