Chapter 21: Orochimaru Becomes Ishihara's Test Subject

【Snake Control Technique】

【Explosive Secret Art】

【Crystal Visualization Method】

【Sage Art · Petrification Technique】

【Lightning Release Sage Art · Lightning Flash Body】

These scrolls were all prepared by Ishihara in advance; he had just been hesitating whether to bring them out.

Now that he thinks about it, handing these secret arts to Orochimaru is no big deal.

Just consider it letting him serve as my test subject.

As repayment for Orochimaru saving me, Orochimaru should be very grateful...

After all, I am the one who values fairness the most!

Of course, the Crystal Visualization Method is only a crippled version, lacking the ability to amplify soul and lifespan; the Lightning Flash Body has likewise been crippled.

But even in this weakened form, the impact these secret arts have on Orochimaru remains incomparably huge.

"Although the Snake Control Technique seems the worst, it is also the most helpful to me right now!"

"This Explosive Secret Art can directly unleash double one's strength; it is at least A-rank!"

"And this Petrification Technique; it is actually a Sage Art?! It is at least S-rank!"

"The effect of this Lightning Flash Body is enough to rival the Ninja Body Techniques of the Cloud Ninja Village! This is another secret art that is at least S-rank!"

"Most importantly, this Crystal Visualization Method can actually boost mental power and the soul! It cannot be evaluated by the existing jutsu ranking system at all!"

Orochimaru found it truly hard to believe.

In just this short year, Ishihara not only completed the development of the Cursed Seal.

He even developed at least three jutsu above S-rank!

There might even be more hidden!

Even though he had already comprehended many times how terrifying Ishihara's talent was, he was still frightened this time.

Because he had never heard of anyone whose talent could be so terrifying.

It was already on a completely different level from everyone he had ever seen!

"These secret arts should be useful for the teacher."

"Additionally, if the teacher could best implant the Cursed Seal on himself before acting, just in case!"

Ishihara's expression remained calm.

With his research, he had grown ever closer to the Sage Art of immortality he desired.

He found his mindset had changed as well; he was more confident.

Because his strength had increased!

Ishihara pondered in his heart, "It seems that after the Sage Art research succeeds, I must also set about improving my own strength!"

"Cursed Seal?"

Orochimaru's brows sank, and his eyes turned sharp.

Although the Cursed Seal was something he created, he had never thought of applying a Cursed Seal on himself.

That was because once a Cursed Seal is applied to the body, it will slowly erode the body.

Even if it is not activated!

Moreover, he also wanted to learn the Sage Mode by relying on his own abilities.

Ishihara did not urge him, but said calmly:

"Through research on Jugo, my Sage Art has made progress; within a few years I should be able to solve the problem of natural energy eroding the body!"

"So teacher, rest assured; I will resolve the side effects of the Cursed Seal!"

The Sage Art has made progress?!

Hearing this, Orochimaru took a long breath, his heart pounding.

This is a Sage Art capable of granting immortality; its temptation for Orochimaru is beyond words!

Although he very much wanted to know what Ishihara had asked.

The worst case is merely changing to another body!!

Orochimaru decided to trust Ishihara once. "I hope you will not make me wait too long!"

Seeing Orochimaru choose to trust him, Ishihara could not help but show a smile on his face and bowed slightly.

"Please, teacher, rest assured!"

Since you are to become my test subject, I will naturally give you sufficient returns!

Teacher, please look forward to it!

You will witness immortality with your own eyes!

Ishihara said silently in his heart.

The two exchanged a glance; the relationship between them underwent some subtle change at this moment.

But neither spoke it out.

Orochimaru is a decisive person; he turned and went to implant the Cursed Seal on himself!

He stayed in the base for a while longer, mastered the secret arts Ishihara gave him, and only then left.

And Ishihara also completely immersed himself in the research of Sage Arts.

Time flows like water, vanishing in an instant.

Orochimaru spent a vast amount of time searching the Ninja World for talents and geniuses.

At the same time, his intelligence network began to develop on a massive scale, gradually uncovering many secrets of the Ninja World.

Perhaps because his requirements were too high, the talent he sought had never been found.

But he did detect the existence of the Akatsuki organization!

This mysterious and powerful organization aroused Orochimaru's curiosity, and he began to investigate further.

He never expected it would draw the Akatsuki's attention!

That day.

Orochimaru suddenly received a message from Ishihara.

The Sage Arts are almost successful!!!

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!!!"

Orochimaru laughed excitedly.

He never expected that Ishihara would have created the Sage Arts so quickly!

He immediately rushed back without waiting!

But just as he passed through a forest, he stopped, his expression grave as he looked ahead.

Two figures wearing black cloaks with red clouds blocked his path.

They were Sasori of the Red Sand, hidden within Hiruko, and Pain of the Deva Path!

"I never expected these eyes would be in the Akatsuki!"

Orochimaru's heart sank as he looked at Pain of the Deva Path.

Although the Rinnegan held unparalleled temptation for him, it was also immense pressure.

Especially after learning more about Sage Arts and natural energy.

Orochimaru understood the terror of the Rinnegan even better!

It was absolutely something he could not withstand!

"Orochimaru, you really were investigating us!"

Sasori of the Red Sand's voice was filled with killing intent, and also dissatisfaction with Orochimaru's disregard for him.