"It's difficult. Unless these cells are removed immediately, this person will die," Chao Yanqian frowned.
After taking a look at Orochimaru, Chao Yanqian continued: "The cellular energy invading this person is extremely powerful. Unless something is found to suppress these cells, this person will eventually die. I'm currently studying mixtures under Master Kabuto. If we can analyze these cells, maybe we can discover a solution."
"There may be one thing that can suppress these cells, but it's a bit troublesome," Orochimaru said in a deep voice.
Seeing that Orochimaru rejected his proposal, Chao Yanqian wisely didn't press the matter. If First Hokage's cells were so easy to handle, Chao Yanqian would doubt their authenticity.
As for the thing Orochimaru mentioned that could suppress the First Hokage's cells—it must be the Sharingan!
It's a pity that the last opportunity to obtain the Sharingan was ruined by Chao Yanqian. Orochimaru probably holds some resentment toward the people of Chao Yanqian's clan in the North. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken Chao Yanqian in so openly from the start.
"What is it?" Chao Yanqian asked puzzledly. "The energy within these cells is already immense. I didn't expect it would even possess such mesmerizing allure."
"Nothing in this world is perfect. It's precisely because of flaws that we find joy in trying to overcome them," Orochimaru replied with interest.
"Understood, Lord Orochimaru," Chao Yanqian bowed slightly, speaking with utmost respect.
"From your perspective as a medical-nin, how do you view these cells?" Orochimaru asked.
Chao Yanqian thought for a moment and replied, "These cells carry tremendous life force. It's due to that vitality that they can consume the host's own cells. Life is the opposite of death. If we want to create something to suppress these cells, we might start with poison. But with my current ability, it's difficult! Perhaps Lady Tsunade could manage it, but..."
Though he didn't finish the sentence, the implication was clear—Tsunade would never help Orochimaru conduct such an experiment.
"Poison?" Orochimaru frowned. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Negotiations with Sunagakure are scheduled in seven days. I'll acquire some poison-related texts from them. You can study them."
"Understood!" Chao Yanqian nodded.
Though poison isn't a mainstream tactic in shinobi warfare, for Chao Yanqian, coating hidden weapons with poison would greatly boost their lethality.
"Alright! It's getting late. You may go now," said Orochimaru.
"Yes."
On the way home, Chao Yanqian kept reflecting on whether there were flaws in today's conversation with Orochimaru.
After every meeting with such powerful figures, Chao Yanqian would habitually examine his words and actions for mistakes.
Though his research into the First Hokage's cells didn't offer Orochimaru much help this time, this incident shouldn't cause Orochimaru to be disappointed in him.
After all, even Orochimaru currently has no effective control over the First Hokage's cells. If Chao Yanqian had suddenly offered a perfect solution, it might have raised Orochimaru's suspicions.
This was also an opportunity—an excellent chance to get closer to the First Hokage's cells.
Chao Yanqian could sense that Orochimaru didn't fully trust him and only wanted to exploit his medical skills.
After all, Chao Yanqian was different from Anko Mitarashi. Anko idolized Orochimaru, while Chao Yanqian followed him in pursuit of power. There was a fundamental difference between them.
Orochimaru understood this well. As long as he continued empowering Chao Yanqian, betrayal wouldn't be an issue. But the moment someone else offered him more power, Chao Yanqian wouldn't hesitate to switch sides.
Orochimaru, of course, was prepared. He had full confidence in his own strength, enough to believe that if Chao Yanqian ever betrayed him, he could kill him without a sound.
Chao Yanqian understood this too. That's why he secretly forged ties with Uchiha Chizuru, seeking power from other sources.
This was the current relationship between Chao Yanqian and Orochimaru mutual exploitation and constant vigilance, though Chao Yanqian was clearly at a disadvantage.
But in one area, Chao Yanqian held an edge over Orochimaru.
He had studied Tsunade's original work and knew that Orochimaru's most advanced jutsu were developed through snake-based techniques—Snake Style ninjutsu.
In contrast, Chao Yanqian's path focused on Senjutsu, blended with other ninjutsu styles. His approach was mainly inspired by Jiraiya, incorporating forbidden techniques from Orochimaru and medical ninjutsu techniques passed down by Tsunade.
He modeled himself after powerful, non-clan shinobi like Jiraiya, Minato Namikaze, and the Third Hokage.
Chao Yanqian hoped to contribute to Konoha, aiming to earn the right to study the Scroll of Seals. The Flying Thunder God Technique was the jutsu he most desired. Whether he could master it or not, he would begin by learning it.
If he could acquire the Flying Thunder God Technique, Chao Yanqian would have the confidence to confront Orochimaru.
After returning home, he set aside his worries and resumed practicing chakra nature transformation.
Thanks to Orochimaru's guidance in Earth Release chakra transformation, Chao Yanqian had made remarkable progress. He believed it wouldn't be long before he fully mastered this nature change.
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
A specific knock sounded. Chao Yanqian recognized it as an Anbu signal. He immediately paused his training and went to answer the door.
"Hello! May I ask what the matter is?" Chao Yanqian asked.
"Chūnin of Konoha, Asano!" the Anbu ninja said after confirming Chao Yanqian's identity. "Report to Training Ground Eight at 8 a.m. tomorrow."
"When did Anbu start doing this kind of errand?" Chao Yanqian asked, suspicious.
"Is there a problem, Chūnin Asano?" the Anbu ninja replied coldly.
"Of course," Chao Yanqian smirked mockingly. "Your Transformation Jutsu is sloppy. Who are you really?"
Before the impostor could respond, a kunai slashed across their throat, and Chao Yanqian's shadow clone silently appeared behind them.
"With this level of skill, Anbu wouldn't even consider you," Chao Yanqian said with a smile.