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The term "natural Sage transformation" naturally referred to Jūgo.
What could be said about it?
It sounded impressive, but in reality, it wasn't all that great.
Judging by his performance in the original story, Jūgo's strength was, at best, on par with a jonin—nothing particularly outstanding.
For him, Sage transformation was more of a curse than a blessing.
It made him prone to losing control at any moment.
The only reason Orochimaru found him useful was for researching the cursed seals.
For anyone else, handling Jūgo would be a headache.
After some thought, Sasame decided it wouldn't hurt to hand him over to Orochimaru.
The cursed seals, though not something he particularly valued, were still quite useful—flawed imitations of Sage Mode.
Especially the Heaven Cursed Seal, which provided a significant power boost.
However, the side effects were numerous.
First, the survival rate for those implanted with the seal was low.
Second, prolonged use of the cursed seal's power would lead to a loss of self.
Third, the user would be bound to Orochimaru or the one who granted the seal.
Trading Jūgo for the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques was an absolute steal.
Sasame wasn't sure where Jūgo was currently, but the Fate Points Shop could exchange for anything—including his whereabouts.
The price was determined by the target's narrative significance.
Since Jūgo was just a minor side character, his location only cost nine Fate Points.
"What do you think of this deal?" Sasame asked.
"Agreed," Orochimaru replied without hesitation.
The power of Sage Mode was undeniable.
He had long desired it.
But lacking the innate talent himself, he had to seek alternative methods.
Now that an opportunity was right in front of him, how could he let it slip away?
The Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques were indeed valuable, but they weren't his to begin with—handing them over didn't hurt him.
Besides, he would only provide copies, so there was no real loss for Konoha.
"Then, just like with the Hashirama cells, you'll deliver the items to my subordinate," Sasame said, pausing before adding with a faint smile, "However, they weren't too pleased with your last encounter. I suggest you either send someone else this time or use a shadow clone. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety."
"..."
Orochimaru's expression stiffened.
Last time, I was the one who suffered!
I was bedridden for half a month—how is this all my fault?!
But with Sasame putting it this way, he had no choice. He really didn't want to run into Kakuzu and Sasori again.
Those two wouldn't hesitate to kill him.
"Anything else?" Sasame asked.
"I want to know how to accelerate Itachi Uchiha's awakening process," Orochimaru said after a moment of thought. "Right now, I don't see any signs of him developing the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"You're being too impatient."
Sasame was speechless. Itachi was only six years old.
"Activating the Mangekyō requires a certain foundation. Give it a few more years."
Take Sasuke Uchiha, for example—he only awakened his one-tomoe Sharingan after his entire clan was slaughtered.
It wasn't that his talent was lacking, but that he was too young and lacked the necessary foundation.
Hearing this, Orochimaru had no choice but to relent.
He couldn't defeat Shisui Uchiha.
His only option was to focus on Itachi.
"Until next time."
Sasame dispelled his Wood Clone.
Orochimaru returned to his lab.
He had more research to conduct on the Wood Release serum.
"Yamato, lie down."
Orochimaru flashed his signature unsettling smile.
"It's time for the regular cell extraction."
Without hesitation, Yamato lay down on the operating table.
He knew all too well that obedience was his only option.
In truth, it wasn't much different from his time in ROOT.
Switching to Orochimaru wasn't a big adjustment.
And Orochimaru's techniques were clearly superior to Danzō's, which actually helped Yamato's Wood Release progress faster.
The next day, under a bright sun.
"Sasame, I'll pick you up at noon."
At the school gates, Tsunade suddenly remembered something and spoke up.
"What's the occasion?" Sasame looked up. Normally, he ate lunch at school.
"Just a small gathering."
Tsunade smiled. "There'll be plenty of delicious food. Most people wouldn't even get an invitation from me."
"Alright."
At the mention of food, Sasame agreed.
"Good boy. Pay attention in class."
Tsunade ruffled his hair.
Sasame turned and entered the school.
"Itachi, it's rare to see you here today."
"Orochimaru-sensei is busy with something."
Itachi replied calmly.
Lately, Orochimaru had been preoccupied with experimenting on Yamato, leaving no time for teaching. Being the diligent student he was, Itachi had come to class instead.
After a brief exchange, the two fell silent.
This was normal.
Before long, Nakaido entered the classroom.
Today's lesson was a theoretical test—on the Will of Fire.
Drawing on his past life as a humanities student, Sasame filled his paper with well-structured arguments, if not exactly groundbreaking.
By noon, he left school with Tsunade and arrived at an upscale izakaya.
Most izakayas were simple drinking spots, but this one was high-end—more like a grand banquet hall.
Sasame grew increasingly curious. What kind of gathering is this?
Inside an elegantly decorated room, the sound of women's laughter could be heard.
Tsunade slid open the door, revealing the scene inside.
Eight beautiful noblewomen, dressed in lavish kimonos, exuded an air of sophistication.
The only one Sasame recognized was Mikoto Uchiha.
"…?"
Sasame was baffled.
Did I just walk into a den of enchantresses?
"Ah, Lady Tsunade has arrived!"
The eight women greeted her warmly.
Though Tsunade didn't actively cultivate social connections, her reputation as the most skilled medical ninja meant people sought her out naturally.
"Oh? And you've brought a handsome little boy with you."
Their gazes burned into Sasame as if they wanted to devour him whole.
"What a shame he's still so young."
One of the women giggled mysteriously.
"Sasame, let me introduce you."
Tsunade gestured to the woman who had just spoken.
"This is Lady Mihime Harukawa, the Daimyō's wife—and today's guest of honor. It's her birthday."
So, the Daimyō's wife.
It made sense that Tsunade knew her.
The Daimyō's family frequently issued missions in Konoha.
In the original story, Naruto and his team were once tasked with finding the Daimyō's wife's lost cat.
Though that particular Daimyō's wife was rather… unattractive.
Clearly, this was a different person.
"Risane Kajiwa, wife of the magistrate in Tanzaku Quarter. If you ever open that gambling den in Gunma, she can help smooth things over."
Tsunade introduced another noblewoman.
Sasame's eyebrows rose slightly.
So that's why she brought me—to build connections.
With influence in both legal and underground circles, his casino would be untouchable.
Aside from these two, the remaining six women were all wives of prominent Konoha clan heads—the Uchiha, Hyūga, Nara, and others.
The nine noblewomen ate and drank merrily.
Sasame sat awkwardly, feeling the weight of some particularly intense gazes.
Can't a guy even enjoy the view in peace?
After the meal, Mihime requested Risane to paint her portrait.
Lying on a divan, cheeks flushed, she struck a pose that was both innocent and seductive, dignified yet alluring.
"No peeking, little one."
Tsunade covered Sasame's eyes.
Damn it!
Can't even get a harmless look?
Once the gathering ended, Sasame sent a Wood Clone to school while he headed to Kushina's place for some grapes.
It wasn't that he enjoyed stealing food from Karin.
But he had discovered that the grapes enhanced his physical condition and boosted his chakra.
As an orphan, Sasame had grown up with poor nutrition.
Even if he exchanged for Hashirama's Wood Release talent, without the Sage Body and vast chakra reserves, he'd never reach that level of invincibility.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 50 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 45 power stones I will publish the next chapter.