It took Orochimaru five days to complete the gene fusion fluid, and for him, the results were worth every minute.
After all, achieving Magnet Release in just a few days, something most ninjas couldn't even dream of accomplishing in a lifetime was an incredible feat.
On the fifth afternoon, Orochimaru found a secluded area outside Konoha. He created several clones to stand guard and proceeded to test his newly acquired abilities.
The air shimmered as the Kusanagi Sword materialized in front of him, seemingly floating on its own.
Orochimaru didn't move. Instead, the sword hovered silently, controlled by the magnetic field he generated.
"Hmm, Magnet Release is quite a convenient technique. Not only can I summon the Kusanagi Sword remotely, but I can manipulate other metal objects just as easily," he mused.
With a thought, the sword shot forward in a streak of silver light, piercing a tree trunk as thick as a bowl in the distance.
The blade trembled slightly before dislodging itself. It flew back toward Orochimaru, but his control faltered.
"Damn," Orochimaru muttered, stepping aside just in time to avoid the blade as it clattered into a tree behind him.
The impact left a deep gouge in the bark before the sword fell to the ground.
"First time controlling this ability, and I can't even manage the magnetic field properly," Orochimaru grumbled. He furrowed his brow, displeased by his lack of precision.
"Guess I'll need to get used to it."
Orochimaru emptied his ninja pouch, letting kunai and shuriken scatter onto the ground. He activated his magnetic field again, and soon, the weapons levitated into the air, orbiting the Kusanagi Sword.
Within the controlled radius, the weapons danced under his command, their movement growing smoother and more precise.
A Magneto-like aura began to form around Orochimaru as his proficiency with Magnetic Release improved.
---
Three days later, Orochimaru received the coordinates of the orphanage from Nono.
Though his practice with Magnetic Release was brief, it had been enough to give him a basic understanding of its strengths and limitations.
Through his training, Orochimaru realized why the Third Kazekage had chosen to rely on iron sand.
Sand iron had naturally high magnetic properties, making it incredibly efficient. Manipulating it consumed almost no chakra unless used in large-scale techniques.
With iron sand constantly surrounding him, the Third Kazekage could create an impenetrable defense while maintaining the ability to launch attacks instantly.
In contrast, using Magnet Release to generate a magnetic field consumed a significant amount of chakra, more than Orochimaru initially expected.
While his chakra reserves were vast, the sustained consumption made it clear that using a magnetic field for both offense and defense wasn't practical for prolonged battles.
"Looks like the Third Kazekage wasn't wrong," Orochimaru admitted to himself. "Iron sand really is the most efficient choice for balancing offense, defense, and chakra conservation."
Still, Orochimaru wasn't entirely sold on limiting himself to iron sand. With his resources and creativity, he was confident he could develop more advanced applications for Magnetic Release.
---
As Orochimaru packed his gear that morning, Tsunade entered the room.
"Going out again?" she asked, crossing her arms.
Orochimaru nodded. "Just handling some business. I won't be gone long."
"How long are we talking?"
"I don't know. A few months at most."
"A few months?" Tsunade's brow furrowed. "Then what about us…"
Before she could finish, Orochimaru cut her off. "We'll talk when I get back."
Tsunade fell silent for a moment before stepping closer. Wrapping her arms around Orochimaru's waist, she pressed her cheek against his back.
"Orochimaru…"
"Hmm?"
"You… you're not planning to marry me, are you?"
Orochimaru froze mid-motion.
Was he planning to marry her?
The truth was, he didn't know.
Maybe he was trying to avoid commitment. Maybe he didn't want the responsibility. Or maybe… he just hadn't thought that far ahead.
Tsunade, sensing his hesitation, continued, "I… I feel like you're starting to get tired of me."
"That's ridiculous," Orochimaru replied, brushing off her words.
"Then why does it feel like you've got your eyes on someone else?"
"What?" Orochimaru turned, genuinely confused.
"That Uchiha girl," Tsunade said, her tone sharp. "The one on your team. Mikoto."
"You mean Uchiha Mikoto?"
"Yes, her! Don't act so surprised," Tsunade said, her voice growing louder. "She's young, she's sweet, and she's exactly the type of girl you'd like. You've been on missions together for so long, it's only natural that…"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought I liked women who can punch boulders into dust."
"You—!" Tsunade's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Smirking, Orochimaru stepped closer. "Honestly, Tsunade, you're letting your imagination run wild."
Tsunade's breath caught. She stared at him, wide-eyed, her mind racing.
"You wouldn't right?" she said finally, though the uncertainty in her voice betrayed her. "You wouldn't do that to me."
Seeing her shaken, Orochimaru pulled away and resumed packing his things.
Tsunade stood frozen, her thoughts spiraling. She had never considered the possibility before. But now, the idea lodged itself in her mind like a splinter, refusing to leave.
"Hey!" she blurted out. "Orochimaru, you wouldn't actually—"
"Tsunade."
Orochimaru's voice cut through her frantic questions, silencing her.
"Stop," he said, his tone firm but kind. "You're overthinking this."
Tsunade clenched her fists, biting her lip.
"Seriously," Orochimaru added with a sigh, "I thought I liked how straightforward you were. But when you get like this… It's exhausting."
***
Bonus Chapter.
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