"Sensei, I heard you've already been listed as an S-rank missing-nin." Ryujin Kenichi said with a slight smile, looking toward Orochimaru.
It was only the third day since they had fled the Hidden Leaf, but the news had already spread across the ninja world: Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, had officially defected from Konohagakure. Eventually, the village could no longer suppress the information and publicly acknowledged his betrayal, designating him as an S-rank missing-nin.
Kenichi had also caught wind of his own status. According to Konoha's latest bingo book entries, he'd been labeled an A-rank missing-nin.
That likely had something to do with the ROOT operative they'd encountered during the escape.
Orochimaru gave a noncommittal hum in response. He was focused on his research—the Cursed Seal.
Kenichi's eyes flicked to the scrolls and instruments on the table, then to the mark Orochimaru had been refining. He pretended to study it with surprise, though he already understood what it was.
He knew that the seal originated from a unique individual—Jugo. Orochimaru had studied Jugo's innate ability to absorb and channel natural energy, and from that, developed the prototype of the Cursed Seal. Right now, it seemed Orochimaru was refining what he called the Cursed Seal of Heaven.
Thinking of that particular seal brought one person to mind—his junior, Mitarashi Anko.
Anko had once borne the Heaven's Cursed Seal. Kenichi suspected Orochimaru had sealed her memories about the experiments, perhaps to prevent emotional instability—or simply to tie up loose ends. In any case, it was probably better for her.
"Kenichi," Orochimaru said suddenly, setting down a syringe filled with a viscous black fluid. "Why do you think the application of the Heaven's Cursed Seal so often results in death?"
Kenichi shrugged. "Because not everyone can handle natural energy, Sensei."
Under Orochimaru's tutelage, Kenichi had come to understand the seal more deeply. At its core, the Heaven's Cursed Seal was a crude method of inducing a partial Sage Transformation. Because the seal drew on the same natural energy that true Sage Mode relied on, but without proper control, it often led to the user's body going berserk or breaking down entirely.
The seal essentially forced a pseudo-Sage Mode onto the user—granting great power, but at a cost. Only a few, like Jugo, could survive due to their unique bodies.
"It's similar to Sage Mode in principle," Kenichi added. "But Sage Mode requires harmony. This just injects raw power—and hope the body doesn't rip itself apart."
Orochimaru gave a faint smile. "You're quite right. Speaking of Sage Mode… You still intend to pursue it, don't you?"
Kenichi nodded. "Yes, Sensei. That's still my goal."
Orochimaru studied him for a moment. He had once considered branding Kenichi with the Heaven's Cursed Seal, but ultimately decided against it. Kenichi was still useful, cooperative, and obedient—a good test subject in the long term, not one to risk losing prematurely.
"I see… Then I suppose it's time I share what I remember," Orochimaru said, his voice turning thoughtful. "While I was in Ryūchi Cave, I attempted to master Sage Mode myself. Unfortunately, my body couldn't adapt—I lacked the physical compatibility. But I did learn a few things."
He turned toward Kenichi, eyes gleaming with curiosity and ambition.
"To begin learning Sage Mode, one must first learn to sense natural energy—the pure essence of the world around us. Each of the three great Sage regions—Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest—has its own method for initiating this training."
Kenichi listened closely, but the deeper Orochimaru went into the explanation, the more his brow furrowed.
Sensing natural energy, achieving perfect balance between spiritual, physical, and natural energy... It sounded more like becoming part of nature itself than any jutsu training he'd done before.
No wonder so few succeeded.
Mount Myōboku is known for using toad oil to help practitioners initially sense and attune to natural energy. The oil acts as a catalyst, allowing the body to more easily perceive the flow of natural energy around it — though it's risky, as too much absorption can turn a person into stone.
After attempting to sense natural energy using the method Orochimaru described, Ryujin Kenichi was astonished to realize that natural energy was indeed everywhere around him. Even more shocking was how easily it responded to his will — as if it were eager to enter his body.
Is it because of the First Hokage's Sage Body? Kenichi mused.
The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, was a legendary figure in the shinobi world, especially when it came to Sage Mode. Unlike Jiraiya, who required time and assistance from the toads to enter Sage Mode, Hashirama could do so almost instantly — a feat that hinted at a deep, innate compatibility with nature energy.
Kenichi had inherited this so-called Sage Body, a physical constitution capable of naturally harmonizing with natural energy. It made sense that sensing it came more easily to him. Still, possessing the physique didn't mean he inherited the knowledge. Until now, he'd been unable to progress simply because he didn't understand the process.
But under Orochimaru's guidance, it was as though a thin veil had been lifted. Kenichi had finally pierced through the barrier — like breaking through a layer of window paper — and entered a whole new realm of possibility.
Despite his internal excitement, Kenichi kept calm on the surface. The moment he opened his senses to natural energy, it felt like the surrounding energy swarmed toward him — ravenous and eager, like a wild animal finally spotting its prey.
He quickly severed the connection, cutting off the flow before the energy could flood into his body and overwhelm him. Reckless absorption could lead to his body being petrified — or worse.
After all, his teacher was Orochimaru — a man who had mastered the Impure World Reincarnation technique and was always intrigued by rare abilities. If Kenichi's talent stood out too much, there was no telling what Orochimaru might do. Better to keep his true potential hidden for now.
"I see you're able to sense it. That's the first step," Orochimaru said, voice calm yet filled with interest. "But remember, sensing isn't enough. To enter Sage Mode, you must mix natural energy with your physical and spiritual energy in perfect balance. Fail, and your body will turn to stone."
Kenichi nodded attentively. This kind of knowledge couldn't be found anywhere else in the shinobi world — and certainly not taught so freely.
A new understanding of Sage Arts had begun to blossom within him. Though he had stopped the absorption just now, he could feel that natural energy recognized him — almost as if it were drawn to him.
That must also be due to the First Hokage's body, he reasoned.
"Teacher," Kenichi said after a thoughtful pause, feigning innocence. "Can I apply for some research funding?"
His tone was casual, but the request was genuine. Back when he was under Root's jurisdiction in Konoha, such support was easy to get. Now, as a missing-nin, things were different. Every experiment, every tool — all of it required money. And he still had a side mission: building his own lab.
Orochimaru chuckled softly and patted Kenichi on the shoulder. "You're an A-rank missing-nin now, Kenichi. You should learn to earn your own funding."
Kenichi's mouth twitched in frustration. Of course, Orochimaru wouldn't fund him. The man barely funded his own subordinates unless it served some grander purpose.
"Understood, sensei," Kenichi replied with a sigh. "Then I'll request permission to head out and take on some commissions."
He knew he'd have to get creative — and resourceful. If he wanted to continue his Sage Arts research, he'd need both resources and freedom. Joining the strongest organization in the ninja world might be the only way forward.