106 Chapter 97.2 : Humanoid Toad!
[Jiraiya: "Orochimaru, you're becoming more cryptic with your words. You asked me to choose option 1, but I've chosen the latter."]
[Orochimaru: "If you choose the former, I will return to Konoha to seek redemption."]
[Jiraiya: "?"]
*Cough, cough!*
Jiraiya cleared his throat, then smiled as he turned to Gamaken and Gamahiro, asking, "What path do you see for yourselves? Will you continue down the road of toad training, or will you become like me, so we can share drinks and stories in the future?"
He was ostensibly inquiring, but his intent was clear.
"What..."
In the Hidden Sound Village, Orochimaru chuckled, realizing that everything was going according to his plan. Jiraiya's pursuit had been the lone light in his dark heart.
However, Jiraiya was still just a pawn in his scheme. Not long ago, Uchiha Ran had approached him for a detailed discussion.
Uchiha Ran hoped Orochimaru would return to Konoha and join the newly established Konoha Scientific Research Department, a department rumored to include Tobirama, the master of forbidden jutsu, and Sasori, the puppetry master.
Faced with the enticing offer from Uchiha Ran, Orochimaru readily agreed, but he needed a pretext to return to the village. He couldn't just waltz back, given his history of rebellion and having killed the Third Hokage.
It was then that the "request" from Jiraiya came into play, allowing him to return for "atonement."
The pieces were falling into place.
"Such a snake, always scheming," Uchiha Ran thought, deciding to lend a hand. Orochimaru's path to "redemption" needed his support.
[Uchiha Ran: "The human body is closest to the nature, following the laws of the world. Cultivation potential varies among the countless races across dimensions. In due course, these creatures transform into humans. The more gifted, the later the transformation occurs. Yet, with special shape-altering herbs or pills, one can expedite this transformation without side effects. The so-called Senjutsu physique' is essentially the 'innate physique' (martial arts version), a rare gift that predates the celestial bodies' selection, a facet of the world known to but a few."]
Uchiha Ran elaborated further, but the ninja world's average education level struggled to grasp it. Self-taught intellectuals like Tobirama and Orochimaru, along with seasoned ninja like Murakami, understood the underlying principles.
Firstly, the world harbored myriad races, with humans boasting unique cultivation advantages.
Secondly, a clan of beasts, including the legendary Three Great Sages, was embarking on the path of cultivation, with the ultimate goal of transformation into human form.
Thirdly, the world was home to beings like the Sage of the Six Paths, akin to innate ninja.
"This world is getting more intriguing," Orochimaru mused with an eager curiosity in his eyes. He felt that following Uchiha Ran was the wisest decision he had ever made.
Initially intrigued by the mystery of species transformation, Orochimaru now realized that he was just skimming the surface. The revelation was more profound than he had anticipated.
At this moment, even more stunned than the ninja world's inhabitants were Ōtsutsuki Kaguya on the moon and Ōtsutsuki, who had absorbed the small Ten Tails Chara in a different space to sustain his immortal body.
Kaguya rolled her eyes in disbelief. "How does this man know so much!? Some of these secrets are only vaguely known within the clan. The Ōtsutsuki claim to be gods, focused on alchemy and absorption to attain strength, but their journey toward immortality has barely started. Perhaps this man is from another realm?"
Kaguya's attention to Uchiha Ran intensified. Ōtsutsuki Kaguya was gripped by boundless fear.
"You even know about the legendary Sages? My Ōtsutsuki clan inherited but a fraction of knowledge, and after our connection with the world was severed, we relied on scattered fragments to amass power. Cultivation of Chakra, Body Enhancement, Golden Core, Nascent Soul – these are the stepping stones of progress. This man has a deep understanding! This seal is going to be broken soon. And...!"
"Well, do you still want my advice?" Jiraiya asked Gamaken and Gamahiro.
The two toads immediately shook their heads and made their choice.
As the audience watched in anticipation, the two colossal toads transformed into burly human forms, their weapons modified, and their skin adorned with red-purple and turquoise attire.
Jiraiya couldn't hide his joy. However, before he could speak, Fukasaku and Shima, his other toad companions, excitedly jumped forward with burning curiosity.
"Ken, Hiro, how do you feel? What's changed?"
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