Uchiha Gate: From Konoha to One Piece

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"Oh! Right!"

As Kaito spoke, he suddenly seemed to recall something and said, "I forgot to remind you—your soul and mental energy can also be affected or even polluted by changes in your body's genes."

"After all, the two are complementary and interdependent."

"Not to mention, synthesizing chakra itself requires the use of mental energy."

"Fortunately, with the existence of meditation techniques, you don't need to worry about your soul and mental energy sources being completely affected—for now, at least."

"At this stage, you're safe."

"Your soul and mental energy sources haven't been that polluted yet."

"Especially with the contract rune suppressing things, you should have noticed this."

"The reason it's not a complete disaster is because of your core essence."

"The contract rune can only protect your spirit and soul essence if you see yourself as human."

"Moreover, your core consciousness still identifies you as human."

"If that changes—if you fully embrace the idea of becoming a snake—the rune won't stop the snake gene traits from eroding your soul and spirit essence."

"After all, if you consider yourself a snake, the invasion of snake genes into your essence wouldn't technically be an intrusion. Instead, it'd become an adaptation."

"The contract rune won't block such an 'optimization.'"

Unless Kaito forcefully intervened, of course.

But there was no need to tell Orochimaru that. Let him stew in tension and anxiety; it might keep him from doing anything too reckless in the future.

"For now, if you change bodies, you'll need to abandon most of the outer layers of your mental and soul energy sources."

"So... do you still think endlessly swapping bodies is a viable solution?"

Orochimaru: "..."

This realization hit hard.

"So, the method of using clones to extract chakra for training can only work after I either get a completely fresh body or fully resolve the gene pollution in my current body and soul," Orochimaru thought to himself.

Clearly, Kaito's words had sunk in, but they also inspired a new idea based on his previous thoughts about cloning.

With this in mind, Orochimaru immediately said to Kaito:

"In that case, let's plan for both possibilities!"

"I'll extract my complete human genes from my DNA and perform some optimization."

"Then I'll clone one or two new bodies as backups."

"If you can find a way to solve the pollution in my current body, I won't need to transfer."

"And even if I don't use the clones, they won't go to waste. I can use them for other experiments."

With that, Orochimaru explained his newly conceived method of energy extraction to Kaito.

Kaito gave him a long, complicated look before finally saying, "You really are twisted. Even this kind of bizarre method came to your mind."

"This is basically the ninja version of a demonic cultivation novel. Should I start calling you Cheo—"

"... no, wait. Orochema sounds more fitting!"

"I don't think I could stop you even if I wanted to. Fine, do what you want."

"But make sure you don't rush things. When extracting energy, refine it several times to ensure safety."

"Even though the clones are technically you, there are still differences. Don't leave any hidden dangers that could limit your future growth."

"Otherwise, it'll all be for nothing."

This method was undeniably cruel.

Kaito wouldn't use it himself, nor would he let those close to him use it. But he wasn't about to stop Orochimaru from trying.

After all, it was a potential avenue for exploration.

"Understood! Thank you for your understanding!"

Orochimaru was delighted, immediately expressing his gratitude.

He had expected Kaito to oppose the idea. Even if that had been the case, Orochimaru would have proceeded in secret. But gaining Kaito's approval made things so much easier.

As expected, Kaito truly understood him!

Over the next hour, Kaito carefully tested various combinations of medicines.

Finally, he developed a pill designed to suppress gene pollution specifically for Orochimaru.

Using several shadow clones, Kaito spent another couple of hours producing a full year's supply of the suppressants.

Handing them over, he said, "Take one pill daily. This batch will last you a year."

"By then, I'll either refine a new batch for you or—more likely—I'll have found a permanent solution to your pollution issues."

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"Thank you! This is such a big help!" Orochimaru eagerly accepted the pills and immediately took one.

The effect was instantaneous. A warm sensation spread through his body, suppressing the aggression, coldness, and other side effects he had been dealing with. For the first time in a long while, he felt normal again.

"Incredible!" Orochimaru marveled. "Kaito, you're amazing! You managed to create such a powerful medicine in such a short time!"

"I'm confident you'll develop a permanent cure for my genetic issues soon!"

"Also, I think you should spend more time in the Research Division working with us on gene and kekkei genkai studies."

"It would greatly boost our efficiency!"

"If not you, then at least send one of your shadow clones more regularly. In the past, you rarely sent even one."

He hadn't thought much of it before.

But now, seeing Kaito's extraordinary expertise in medicine and research, he realized Kaito's talent likely reached his own—and even Tobirama's.

The breadth of Kaito's knowledge and his medical expertise were extraordinary.

"Alright, fine!"

Kaito listened and didn't refuse, agreeing readily.

After all, he himself was eager to quickly develop various bloodline medicines, purification solutions, and optimization formulas to further enhance not only his own abilities but also the overall strength of the Uchiha clan and Konoha Village.

"Heh heh! You agreed? That's great!"

Orochimaru was overjoyed but suddenly thought of Jiraiya. He couldn't help but ask, "By the way, Kaito, what should we do about that idiot Jiraiya?"

"Ignore him for now," Kaito replied without hesitation. "First, his genetic pollution hasn't reached an irreversible stage yet, so there's no rush;

"Second, he doesn't have a contract, so I can't fully trust him. There are some things he's better off not knowing for now;

"Otherwise, he might let slip something to Mount Myoboku."

"Even if the chance is slim, I'm not taking the risk!"

"Besides, even if he doesn't spill anything, helping him clear out the toad genetic influence or suppress it would barely benefit him right now."

"I'll deal with him once I've developed a proper solution," Kaito continued. "Unless he's willing to temporarily stop practicing Sage Mode entirely,"

"But even then, that would expose the situation to Mount Myoboku."

"So, it's simpler to just not tell him for now. Too much hassle."

"After all, it's not like he's dying or anything."

"Fair enough," Orochimaru nodded in agreement. "Let's hope that idiot manages to meet the contract requirements soon!"

Otherwise, Jiraiya would end up completely left behind by him and Tsunade.

"The title of 'Legendary Sannin,' huh? That's not happening in this world," Orochimaru mused.

He remembered the original timeline in his knowledge of the past and future—where Hanzo had granted him, Jiraiya, and Tsunade that title.

But now, he couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.

Nothing to regret there.

A title given after losing a battle? There was nothing to be proud of or nostalgic about.

To Orochimaru, it now felt more like an insult.

It's too bad Hanzo had already been killed by Kaito, or Orochimaru would've loved to kill him personally for some catharsis.

"Well… maybe I can use the Edo Tensei someday to revive Hanzo and kill him for fun," Orochimaru thought, stroking his chin.

"Alright then, I'm off," Kaito said, paying no mind to Orochimaru's fantasies.

He created a shadow clone to stay behind and assist with the research, while his real body left.

— — —

He returned to the courtyard where Uzumaki Mito resided.

When he arrived, Tsunade, the First Hokage, Nawaki, and Mito were all still there.

The atmosphere was a bit tense.

It seemed the Second Hokage had tried to subtly extract information from them but failed.

Clearly, he underestimated the strictness of the contract's binding nature.

Unwilling to admit defeat, Tobirama had left in a huff the moment he saw Kaito appear, teleporting away with the Flying Thunder God technique.

"Uh… did he just sulk and leave?" Kaito asked, amused, as he looked at the others.

"Obviously," Hashirama replied with a helpless shrug. Then he gave Kaito a thumbs-up and said, "I've got to say, your contract is airtight."

"No matter how much Tobirama tried to probe and hint, he couldn't get anything out of us.

"We literally can't reveal any of your classified secrets in any way."

"Tobirama is just too stubborn," he added with a sigh.

"Mito and I have been trying to convince him to change his opinion of you and improve his attitude, but—

"Not only did he refuse, he even got angry!"

"Honestly… such a one-track mind."

"It seems we can't count on him warming up to you anytime soon," Hashirama concluded with a tone of disappointment.

"Alright, enough of this depressing talk," Tsunade interrupted impatiently, waving her hand. She turned to Kaito and asked, "So? Is Jiraiya's genetic pollution really that bad?

"How serious is it? Can it be fixed?

"And what about Orochimaru's situation?"

Mito and the others also turned their attention to Kaito.

"It's all messed up," Kaito replied. He explained the experimental results and his intended plans to deal with the situation.

"So Orochimaru's case is even worse?"

"No surprise there," Tsunade said angrily. "That lunatic dared to tamper with his own fundamental genes. Does he even know what he's doing?"

"No wonder I've been feeling like his personality and aura have been off these past few years!"

"He's completely insane!"

"Well… maybe it's partly because of your terrifying progress in recent years," Mito said with a chuckle.

"Combine that with his awareness of his own natural limits, and it might have pushed him to extremes."

"Huh? Really?" Tsunade froze for a moment, then thought back and realized, "That does make sense!"

"Ever since I broke through to Kage level over two years ago and kept improving rapidly, Orochimaru's behavior has indeed gotten crazier."

"Ugh! So I'm partly to blame for this?" Tsunade said, looking frustrated.

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