ALL NOVEL Chapter 58: Cursed Seal!
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Natsume had long desired to exchange his destiny points for the Flying Thunder God Technique. However, the training conditions were anything but favorable. As a forbidden jutsu of immense strategic value, Konoha's leadership kept it under strict regulation.
To even qualify for training, one needed to meet several stringent conditions:
1. Demonstrable achievements in battle.
2. Absolute loyalty to the Hokage.
3. Exceptional personal talent and aptitude.
The first two were achievable, but the third—innate talent—was the most challenging. It was no coincidence that only two shinobi in history, the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju and the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze, had mastered this technique.
The requirements for mastering the Flying Thunder God were equally daunting:
1. Vast chakra reserves.
2. A natural affinity for space-time ninjutsu.
3. Exceptional dynamic vision and reflexes.
4. Extraordinary sensory perception.
Natsume barely met the first two criteria, but the third and fourth were beyond his current abilities. Only after unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan and mastering Sage Mode did he feel ready to attempt it.
If he sought Tsunade's permission, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the other village elders would inevitably find out, leading to complications. So, he made a calculated decision: he would approach Orochimaru instead.
This was the first time Natsume planned to meet Orochimaru in person. In the past, he'd relied on Wood Clones to maintain a safe distance, wary of the legendary Sannin's unpredictable nature.
At the entrance of Orochimaru's lair, Natsume could sense a dozen watchful presences—far more than his Wood Clones had ever detected. The serpentine aura was unmistakable. Orochimaru already knew he was here.
Walking confidently into the dimly lit hall, Natsume sat down as if he owned the place. As he reached for the teapot on the low table, Orochimaru appeared in a blur of motion, his serpentine eyes narrowing.
"We haven't seen each other in years," Orochimaru began, his voice silky yet cold. "Why the sudden visit?"
Natsume poured himself a cup of tea, unfazed. "Why so cautious, Orochimaru? Thinking of killing me?"
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth curled slightly, but he said nothing. His instincts told him this wasn't a clone; the danger emanating from Natsume's presence was tangible. His calculating mind quickly weighed his options. Despite his arsenal of jutsu—including the Living Corpse Reincarnation, the Yamata no Jutsu, and Impure World Reincarnation—he wasn't confident in his odds against Natsume's Wood Release.
Suppressing his darker urges, Orochimaru finally spoke. "You've grown bold. Tell me, what brings you here?"
Natsume leaned back, a faint smirk on his lips. "I want the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Orochimaru tilted his head slightly, his interest piqued. "Ah, the famed jutsu of the Second and Fourth Hokages... But surely you know it's not an ordinary technique. Even if I wanted to learn it, Konoha keeps a tight grip on its secrets."
He paused, his golden eyes glinting. "For something like that, I'd need a generous... incentive."
Natsume chuckled, brushing off the thinly veiled request. "What do you want to know? I'll give you something worthwhile."
Without hesitation, Orochimaru asked, "Why is your Wood Release far superior to that of those who've transplanted Hashirama Senju's cells?"
Natsume sipped his tea, his eyes gleaming. "You already have a theory, don't you?"
Orochimaru's smile faded slightly. "The Sage of Six Paths' body, I presume?"
"Exactly," Natsume confirmed. "It's about achieving the Sage's body. That's why my Wood Release is closer to the original."
Orochimaru absorbed this revelation in silence. His own experiments with Hashirama's cells had yielded powerful results, but they were still imperfect. This confirmation aligned with his research and fueled his ambitions further.
After a pause, Orochimaru pressed on. "And what of the Mangekyō Sharingan? How is it awakened?"
Natsume set down his cup, his tone calm but firm. "That's an expensive question, Orochimaru. Even for you."
Orochimaru's expression didn't falter, but his silence spoke volumes. The possibility of obtaining multiple Mangekyō Sharingan was tantalizing, yet he knew Natsume wouldn't part with that information so easily.
"Fine," Orochimaru conceded, shifting tactics. "What else do you want?"
Natsume's gaze sharpened. "Your Curse Seal Technique and the perfected Impure World Reincarnation."
Orochimaru's smile vanished. These techniques were the culmination of years of forbidden research, priceless assets he wouldn't trade lightly. "That's hardly a fair exchange."
Natsume's smirk widened. "What if I gave you something even more valuable? The location of the Masked Man who attacked Konoha with the Nine-Tails. He wields the Mangekyō Sharingan."
Orochimaru froze, his mind racing. The identity of the enigmatic Uchiha responsible for the Nine-Tails attack had long been a mystery. If he could locate this individual, it could open doors to unimaginable power.
"You have a deal," Orochimaru said at last, his voice low and measured.
That mysterious man will approach Itachi Uchiha soon. You just need to wait and see," Natsume said, his tone calm and assured.
Orochimaru smirked slightly, satisfied with the agreement. But a flicker of curiosity crossed his pale face. "Why is he looking for Uchiha Itachi?" he asked, his golden eyes narrowing. Despite Itachi's departure to join the ANBU, Orochimaru still regarded him as a valuable asset—one that had slipped through his grasp.
Natsume tilted his head slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "What do you think?"
Orochimaru's frown deepened as he muttered, "The Mangekyō Sharingan." His voice was grim, the realization sinking in. Yet another competitor aiming for the same prize.
Natsume continued nonchalantly, "I'll give you another piece of information. He's part of the same organization as me. But I don't like him. If you feel like killing him, go ahead."
Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly before narrowing again in thought. His smirk returned, a mix of intrigue and recognition. "So that's how you know so much."
"Exactly," Natsume replied, folding his arms. "Now, about our deal. Three things in exchange for what you want."
Orochimaru gestured for Natsume to wait and disappeared into the next room. After a few minutes, he returned, carrying three scrolls. "The Edo Tensei (Reanimation Jutsu), the Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique), and the Cursed Seal," Orochimaru said, handing the scrolls to Natsume.
Natsume opened each scroll, pretending to study them. Silently, he spent three Destiny Points to verify their authenticity. The first two were genuine, but the Cursed Seal scroll had been tampered with.
"Orochimaru," Natsume said, his tone icy as he tossed the Cursed Seal scroll back. "If this is how you want to play it, our cooperation ends here."
Orochimaru's heart skipped a beat. How had Natsume seen through the flaw so quickly? His mind raced, but he suppressed the urge to deny it.
Feigning calm, Orochimaru sighed and retrieved the scroll. "I grabbed the wrong one. Here's the correct version."
Natsume's cold smile didn't waver. "We're both too smart for excuses. Let's move past this. But for the inconvenience, I expect compensation."
Orochimaru's expression darkened, realizing he had no choice but to comply. After a brief pause, he offered, "Tayuya. She's one of my subordinates, skilled in summoning and genjutsu. I've already implanted the Earth Curse Seal in her. Consider her a reference for your research."
Natsume raised an eyebrow. "Tayuya?" He recalled her vividly—a fiery redhead with sharp words and a talent for sound-based genjutsu. She was one of the Sound Four, known for her combat prowess and defiance.
"Very well," Natsume said, nodding. "But if I'm not satisfied, I'll expect a replacement."
Orochimaru called out, "Tayuya!"
Moments later, a red-haired girl stormed in, her scowl radiating irritation. Her fiery gaze shifted between Orochimaru and Natsume.
"You've got to be kidding me!" she snapped. "What's the deal with handing me over like I'm some kind of tool?"
"Consider it an opportunity," Orochimaru said, ignoring her anger.
[Because of your actions, Uchiha Obito's fate has changed. You have gained 70 Destiny Points.]
[Because of your actions, Uchiha Itachi's fate has changed. You have gained 56 Destiny Points.]
[Because of your actions, Tayuya's fate has changed. You have gained 40 Destiny Points.]
[Because of your actions, Orochimaru's fate has changed. You have gained 23 Destiny Points.]
Natsume smiled at the notifications. "I'll see you next time, Orochimaru."
Without another word, Natsume grabbed Tayuya's arm, spending two Destiny Points to teleport away.
"Let go of me!" Tayuya snarled, yanking her arm free with surprising strength. Her crimson eyes burned with anger.
Ignoring her protests, Natsume vanished, bringing her along.
When Tayuya opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unfamiliar room. Taking a step back, she clenched her fists, her face red with fury.
"Baka! Hentai! What the hell do you want from me?" she shouted, ready to fight.
Natsume frowned, unbothered by her outburst. "Calm down. I'm not here to hurt you. I just need to examine your Cursed Seal."
Tayuya glared, her skin darkening as black markings spread across her body. Her eyes glowed crimson, and two white horns sprouted from her forehead as she activated her Cursed Seal's second stage.
Natsume's eyes lit up with interest. "Fascinating."
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