CHAPTER 256: CHAPTER 256: SPECIAL PROSTHETICS, ZETSU EDITION

"How does it feel?"

Even though he already knew the answer...

He still had to ask.

And judging by the gleam of satisfaction in Orochimaru’s eyes, it was clear—he was feeling more than just "okay." Everything seemed to be going better than expected.

Orochimaru closed his eyes and focused on his internal state for a moment.

Then a faint smile spread across his face. Though it carried his usual eerie undertone, it was unmistakably genuine.

"I can’t say too much just yet, but the effect is definitely there. The cells aren’t highly corrosive, and in terms of applicability, they’re far more suitable than Hashirama cells. They’re quite vital, too!"

Orochimaru was clearly tempted to implant more of the special cells.

But...

Increasing the dosage might lead to unpredictable backlash.

He hesitated.

"Well, as long as it’s working, that’s enough. Let’s do this—replace one of my arms with it as a test. If it doesn’t work, I’ll just switch it back."

"Uh..." Orochimaru glanced at Kyoichi, wanting to say something but holding back.

Are all Senju descendants this reckless?

After a moment’s pause, he said, "Honestly, with your kind of physique, I don’t think it’s necessary. The Senju body is already strong enough."

"I’m the safest test subject, and I’m volunteering. What’s the harm? Worst case, if it goes south, I just lop it off again. It’ll hurt like hell, but..."

Kyoichi trailed off.

Yes, it was strong.

But yes, it would definitely hurt.

Unless absolutely necessary, he wasn’t keen on doing it. But if they wanted to convince Nagato to accept a cell transplant to boost the Rinnegan’s power, then they needed a working "demonstration."

"If you’re worried Nagato might not agree, then let me do it. From what we’ve seen, these cells aren’t aggressively invasive. And if something does go wrong, I’ve been developing a certain jutsu..."

Orochimaru left it at that.

But Kyoichi knew exactly what he was referring to—the Eight Branches Technique.

Of course...

As of now, the jutsu was just a concept, not even in a theoretical stage, let alone functional. But given the low corrosiveness of these cells, even if there was some side effect...

It might just be the perfect excuse for Orochimaru to "check out" from Konoha and dedicate himself entirely to research.

Or...

Perhaps find ways to suppress the side effects further.

None of that mattered.

After mulling it over, Orochimaru nodded. "Alright, let’s do it. You’re right—every technique must be tested carefully. Trying it out on oneself first is a sound scientific approach."

With that, he turned back to the snake he’d been experimenting on.

It had been implanted with the cells.

And now...

He intended to implant that arm onto himself.

"Uh, that’s really not necessary..." Kyoichi felt strange about it.

He might be afraid of pain, sure, but he didn’t think the transplant was a big deal. Worst case scenario, he could always undo it. Plus, it’d be a useful experience.

But somehow...

One suggestion from him, and Orochimaru was all in.

He hadn’t meant to push him over the edge!

"It’s fine. It’s not like this is the first time I’ve modified my body. I’ve got this down to a routine. Just help me with the healing afterwards..."

As he spoke, Orochimaru began cutting into himself.

The back of his hand, his arm...

Three or four deep incisions, and he began inserting the Zetsu cells.

Kyoichi sighed helplessly.

Well, so much for harvesting those cells for himself anytime soon.

Oh well...

No use fretting.

Still, he was genuinely curious—just how much could this stuff enhance his own body?

Kyoichi fell into deep thought.

"Hey! Help me heal already!" Orochimaru gritted his teeth.

"Ah—sorry, zoned out for a second."

Kyoichi quickly formed hand seals, and under the glow of Sage-enhanced healing, Orochimaru’s wounds began to close, fusing with the implanted cells.

Then he said, "You know, you could actually try using chakra to destroy the cells around the implant. That should let the Zetsu cells start spreading."

"Hmm..."

Orochimaru thought about it, then rasped, "Next time, say that before I cut myself open."

"Ahem. Let’s not sweat the small stuff. Now, try to guide the cells to slowly spread—but keep it in your arm. Don’t let it reach the organs."

"Got it..."

Orochimaru understood.

Limbs were easier to amputate and replace if something went wrong. Organs? Much harder.

Without confirmed safety, it made sense to start with a limb.

He knew this.

After the transplant, Orochimaru became even more focused. He grabbed a pen and notebook, jotting down test data and impressions.

As a researcher...

He was absolutely top-tier.

Kyoichi admired him for it.

This guy truly didn’t care what form his body took—only how powerful it became. No wonder Kabuto, under his influence, later became just as twisted.

That freaky Sage Mode Kabuto...

To be honest, the guy barely resembled a human anymore. Just a stitched-together experiment.

"So far, no adverse reactions. Actually... I feel great. There’s a noticeable change in my body... Is this what vitality feels like?"

Orochimaru was curious.

It felt strange—his body didn’t feel stronger per se, but his life force and cellular energy were clearly up. Most evident in his left hand, where the cells had been transplanted.

"Could be. If rejection rates remain low, could we mass-produce these as prosthetics?"

"Prosthetics?"

Orochimaru paused for a moment... then thought it over. Actually, it made perfect sense.

These things...

Were ideal for people who had lost limbs.

The only real issue was still the unknown long-term side effects.

After thinking it through, Orochimaru asked, "Can you convince Tsunade and the old man?"

"As long as it’s safe, it gives injured ninja—those who had to retire due to missing limbs—a chance to return to the field. Why wouldn’t Tsunade and the Third approve?"

"But right now, we still haven’t fully verified its safety. Let’s observe for a few more days. If everything checks out, we’ll pitch the idea to Tsunade and the elders."

Orochimaru knew just how many wounded shinobi Konoha had.

A lost leg? You could strap on a prosthetic and maybe still be a ninja.

But a lost arm?

That was a death sentence for most.

After all...

Very few could fight like Might Duy, relying solely on taijutsu.

"Everyone’s rejection rate will vary. We could run preliminary tests—take a small sample to gauge compatibility before doing a full transplant."

"You and Tsunade know way more about medical stuff than I do. I’ll stay out of it."

Orochimaru went back to observing his hand and scribbling down more data—this time, focusing on how aggressively the cells spread when he actively stimulated them.

So far...

Even when pushed, the cells weren’t too invasive. If the host didn’t reject them, they could absolutely be used for prosthetics.

However...

To make a full prosthetic, they’d need more than muscle tissue—they’d also need bone.

Orochimaru had a bad feeling about that.

"I’ll handle Tsunade and the Third. You focus on cultivating the prosthetic limbs. Sound good? Great. I’m off—if anything goes wrong, contact one of my shadow clones. You know where to find them."

"Wait a sec—"

Orochimaru tried to call him back to discuss the Rinnegan plan in more detail, but Kyoichi was already gone.

Flying Thunder God. Instant escape.

Orochimaru was speechless.

Just like that, he’d been handed another massive task.

Damn brat.

No regard for human decency at all!

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