bookrebus Chapter 731 Dexterity
Chapter 731 Dexterity
Orochimaru deftly sliced open the chest of a test subject, letting out a sneer without turning his head: "Hokage? That position is nothing but a joke to me. Restraints, responsibilities, endless trivialities... that's not the 'eternity' I want." Even so, a barely perceptible hint of smugness flashed between his brows. In Konoha, he indeed held a transcendent position, able to do almost anything he wanted, which greatly facilitated his research.
“However, I have seen many interesting things about you.” Orochimaru put down the scalpel in his hand, turned around, and his slender snake eyes gleamed with a scrutinizing light. “In particular, your insights into the Spirit Transformation Technique are remarkably similar to mine.”
Zhang Hai curled his lips into a smile: "The Spirit Transformation Technique, which separates the soul from the body, seems powerful, but it actually has a fatal weakness. Without the body's control, it's like a fish on a chopping board."
Orochimaru chuckled softly, "That's right. But what if the soul could retain its immense power after leaving the body, or even acquire a new form?" He extended a pale finger and gently stroked a test tube filled with an unknown liquid. "Through my research, the Spirit Transformation Technique has undergone a new transformation. I've chosen to semi-materialize the soul, so even if the body is destroyed, my soul can quickly find a new host to reincarnate in, and its strength will not be affected in any way. I've named this forbidden technique 'Reincarnation of the Undead,' and it's currently being perfected. It's just one step away from success."
He looked at Zhang Hai, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "And you, Zhang Haijun, your idea is equally amazing. To divide the soul, so that after performing the Spirit Transformation Technique, the soul still exists within the body, thus compensating for the weakness of the body being uncontrolled. It's simply flawless!"
Zhang Hai shook his head slightly: "Splitting the soul is not without its price. It is an extremely dangerous act. A prolonged separation of the soul can easily lead to mental breakdown or even the development of a second personality. I can only separate for short periods at present, and I also have strict limitations on the strength of the separated soul."
“But that’s enough, isn’t it?” Orochimaru licked his lips excitedly, his eyes filled with fervor. “This is undoubtedly a forbidden technique that transcends the limits of current understanding. Our research directions are both moving towards the realm of ‘eternity’.”
Just as the two were having a heated discussion, Orochimaru, who was conducting an experiment, suddenly moved. He gently put down the petri dish in his hand and abruptly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Zhang Hai keenly noticed Orochimaru's unusual behavior and asked.
Orochimaru slowly raised his head, his golden vertical pupils gazing towards the laboratory entrance, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Someone has come to visit. It seems the first lock on Konoha Prison has been opened."
Zhang Hai's expression changed slightly. He was currently in prison as a clone, and if someone came to visit him, the subtle differences between the clone and the original would very likely expose him upon close contact.
"I have to go back," Zhang Hai said, preparing to leave.
However, Orochimaru reached out and gently stopped him. He took out a delicate mirror the size of a palm from his sleeve and waved it in front of Zhang Hai's eyes.
"No need to rush, Zhang Haijun. Some things require a little 'disguise'," Orochimaru said with a hint of amusement.
Zhang Hai took the mirror with a puzzled look and looked at his face. His reflection showed a pale face, bloodshot eyes, and a tired and haggard expression. Upon closer inspection, even his hairstyle and clothes appeared somewhat disheveled, as if he had truly suffered torture in prison.
"Hmm... looks pretty good, even more handsome than before." Zhang Hai looked in the mirror and couldn't help but admire himself. He even adjusted his expression, trying to make his "prisoner image" even more perfect.
Orochimaru, watching him like this, finally couldn't help but chuckle: "Zhang Haijun, you're living too comfortably. You don't look like a prisoner locked up deep in Konoha's prison at all."
Orochimaru's words struck Zhang Hai like a thunderbolt, instantly bringing him to his senses. Looking at his smug "prisoner" reflection in the mirror, a few beads of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Yes, he had been immersed in his research these past few days, and thanks to Orochimaru's protection, he had been carefree, which had greatly lowered his guard.
"Damn it! It's all your fault, Orochimaru!" Zhang Hai put away the mirror and glared fiercely at Orochimaru. "You've spoiled me rotten!"
Orochimaru smiled nonchalantly: "Oh? Is that so? I thought it was just your inherent pride that you couldn't hide under any circumstances."
Mikoto sat opposite Zhang Hai, her brow furrowed in the dimly lit cell, her heart surging with worry. Looking at this boy who was once so familiar yet now so strange, her voice tinged with sorrow, she said, "After the teacher's incident, you changed completely, becoming extreme. I truly feel sorry for you." She paused, her tone hardening, "The crimes you committed… if your identity were revealed, and your family bailed you out, perhaps there would be room for maneuver. At least, you wouldn't have to stay in a place like this anymore."
Zhang Hai's eyes were as calm as an abyss. He listened to Mikoto's words without the slightest tremor. Family? A word he had always deliberately kept his distance from. He coldly rejected Mikoto's suggestion, his voice low and firm: "No need. I don't want any involvement with the family. Tying a sinner like me to the family will only hasten its demise." His tone was resolute, as if he were stating an undeniable fact. He needed to dispel this dangerous idea from Mikoto; the family's involvement would only complicate matters, and he would not allow that to happen.
“The protection of the family has never been what I’ve been seeking.” Zhang Hai’s voice suddenly became hoarse. He lowered his eyes slightly, a barely perceptible vulnerability flashing within them. “Back when I had nothing and was struggling to survive alone in the Dark Division, I never accepted any help from the family. Now, I’m imprisoned, seemingly having lost my freedom, but my heart is freer than ever before. If the family bailes me out, how can I face the strange looks from my clansmen? I don’t want to be pitied, and I don’t want to be treated as a burden by the family that needs to be ‘saved’.” His words were half true and half false, yet they precisely struck the softest spot in Mei Qin’s heart, successfully conveying a sense of pitifulness and helplessness.
Looking at his somewhat haggard face in the shadows, Mikoto felt a pang of sadness. She knew Zhang Hai's pride and loneliness, and understood his reluctance to be 'given' by his family.