I Punch the Tailed Beast Ball

Orochimaru’s base was still in the same location, in a secluded forest to the west. Nagasawa had considered having Orochimaru relocate to a new base for better secrecy in his research. The nature of a ninja village was peculiar—it was a military institution with many ordinary civilians living within it.

Konoha was constructed as a military organization, not a typical town. It had a thick wooden wall over 20 meters high encircling it, perfectly surrounding Konoha in a circular manner, resembling ancient city walls.

Konoha’s villagers didn’t need to leave; all their daily needs was available within the village. Konoha occupied a large area, with the Forest of Death alone covering an area of 314 square kilometers. The total area of Konoha was approximately four times the size of four Forest of Deaths combined.

Despite its vast size, Konoha had a relatively small population of around three hundred thousand residents, making it an example of a sparsely populated area. Thus, Konoha had many unused lands, with various ninja training grounds. Only the central area, near the Hokage Rock, was developed.

In Nagasawa’s plan, the Konoha would change in the future. It would no longer function solely as a military organization. When that time came, he intended to tear down the walls, expand outward, move some of the large training grounds outside, and develop the area where Orochimaru’s underground base was located.

Therefore, Nagasawa planned to let Orochimaru establish a new base outside for the sake of research secrecy. Many of Orochimaru’s studies were considered a taboo, after all.

However, development was not a quick process achieved by writing a plan and constructing a few buildings. It was a slow process. Hence, Orochimaru had ample time to choose an ideal location and relocate his base.

Nagasawa entered Orochimaru’s base as usual. Orochimaru, who was recording experiment data, stopped and approached Nagasawa as he entered.

”Are you facing difficulties in your research, or do you need some equipment to capture experimental subjects?” Nagasawa inquired as he looked at Orochimaru.

Even the usually audacious Orochimaru showed a hint of hesitation now. The man in front of him was indeed capable of killing him. If Nagasawa were serious, Orochimaru had no chance of survival.

Yet, his confidence triumphed over the hesitation. Orochimaru asked earnestly, ”Nagasawa, can you let me study your cells?”

Nagasawa looked at Orochimaru with some confusion, not expecting such a sudden interest in him.

”Are you suddenly interested in me?” Nagasawa asked straightforwardly.

”Because I believe that even the legendary Hashirama Senju is no stronger than you. His cells possess incredible power, and I think your cells might have similar effects,” Orochimaru explained sincerely.

Nagasawa fell into contemplation. Upon careful consideration, such a possibility indeed existed. Hashirama Cells had extraordinary energy due to the Senjutsu Chakra.

Even Hashirama was weaker when Nagasawa was in his Radiant Sun Mode. His strength had exceeded the limits achievable through normal training, reaching the level of Six Paths.

Moreover, he had fully integrated several templates, altering his body from an ordinary Shinobi’s. ”No,” Nagasawa decisively rejected Orochimaru. He didn’t want Orochimaru to study his cells, as who knew what bizarre things Orochimaru might do.

”You haven’t even studied the Hashirama Cells and Sharingan thoroughly. Don’t think too much about it for now. Even if you have studied those two thoroughly, I have crazier things for you,” Nagasawa said.

Although he wouldn’t give Orochimaru his cells, he could provide him Otsutsuki Clan’s cells. Kaguya was still sealed, so when the time was right, he could release her, collect some materials, and seal her back.

”Crazier things?” Orochimaru, who was initially disappointed as he couldn’t study Nagasawa’s cells, now showed an interested look on his face.

What was crazier than Hashirama Cells?

”That’s right. It’s safe to say that it’s superior Hashirama Cells.” Nagasawa nodded. Both the Senju and Uchiha were descendants of the Otsutsuki Clan, so stating that the Otsutsuki Cells were superior to Hashirama Cells was entirely justified.

When Orochimaru sought more information, Nagasawa suddenly turned into the Riddler, speaking in allusions and myths. Nagasawa refused to disclose more information, leaving Orochimaru puzzled. Nagasawa then brought up the issue of the Sharingan.

”Negative emotions can stimulate the activation and evolution of the Sharingan. What about positive emotions?” Nagasawa inquired.

After pondering for a moment, Orochimaru replied, ”I conducted experiments related to this when attempting to stimulate the evolution of the Mangekyo Sharingan in test subjects. Although the Sharingan does exhibit some fluctuations with positive emotions, they are much smaller compared to the emotional distress caused by pain and sadness, insufficient to stimulate its evolution.”

”Under normal circumstances, it’s almost impossible to evolve Sharingan to Mangekyo Sharingan solely through positive emotions,” Orochimaru concluded.

”I see...” Nagasawa said thoughtfully.

Indeed, if positive emotions had the same effect as negative ones, the Uchiha Clan wouldn’t have so few Mangekyo Sharingan users.

”However, while evolving to Mangekyo Sharingan may be impossible, positive emotions should be enough to awaken the Sharingan. If your disciple reaches a level where he can awaken the Sharingan, that should suffice,” Orochimaru added while organizing the data and handing it to Nagasawa.

From Orochimaru’s perspective, it wouldn’t be difficult for Nagasawa’s disciple to awaken Mangekyo Sharingan. With several test subjects and the Three Tomoe Sharingan, he could probably achieve it within a month, even though the process might be crude, it would be effective.

...

After leaving Orochimaru’s base, Nagasawa looked for Itachi, who was in the midst of training, and handed over the information about Sharingan.

”This is information about the Sharingan, Uchiha Clan’s Kekkei Genkai. Take a look at it if you have some time; it might be helpful to awaken your Sharingan,” Nagasawa said as he gave the data to Itachi.

After wiping sweat from his forehead, Itachi accepted the information and bowed to Nagasawa, expressing gratitude. ”Thank you very much for the data, sensei. I will study it seriously.”

”Do your best! Considering how talented you are, you will awaken the Sharingan sooner or later,” Nagasawa said with a smile.

”However, you should be careful. Read this information yourself and don’t share it with others,” Nagasawa advised after some thought.

While it might sound amusing, the current Uchiha Clan knew less about the Sharingan than Orochimaru, an outsider.

”I understand,” Itachi nodded. He planned to store the information in a scroll and destroy it once he read it, reducing the risk of it leaking out.

”Is there any problems with your training recently? And why aren’t you training with Kabuto today?” Nagasawa casually asked.

”Because the next stage of the exam is only a few days away, and since he might become an opponent, I need to conceal some information to a certain extent,” Itachi replied seriously.

Nagasawa ruffled Itachi’s hair and chuckled. ”It seems like you really want to win this time.”

”Yes, as you said, understanding the principles is crucial. Still, having the strength to make others listen quietly to your reasoning is equally important. If I can defeat Kabuto and take the first place, it means my efforts in training have yielded some results,” Itachi explained.

”That’s a good idea. Strength is indeed crucial. To achieve your goals, your strength should at least surpass mine,” Nagasawa praised Itachi.

”Next, I’ll teach you an explosive technique. Be sure to learn it well and do your best to defeat Kabuto and become the winner,” Nagasawa encouraged.

Itachi’s eyes widened slightly, showing some surprise. He asked, ”Isn’t Kabuto your younger brother?”

He didn’t expect Nagasawa to encourage him to defeat Kabuto and provide him with an explosive technique.

”It’s precisely because he’s my younger brother that I treat him this way,” Nagasawa said as if there was nothing wrong with that.

”Kabuto’s life has been too smooth. Due to my excellent guidance, he became a genius admired by everyone in the Academy and even overshadowed older students. After graduating, Kabuto received many privileges in the Special Combat Division class due to being my brother. He also performed well in the Forest of Death, earning praise from many. Now, he needs a failure; this is a trial. If he can get through it, his life in the future will be smoother.”

”Ah, I see,” Itachi said, feeling enlightened after Nagasawa explained. He began to reflect on whether he had spoiled his younger brother too much. He had always fulfilled Sasuke’s requests, as long as they were reasonable. This made him contemplate if Sasuke might have developed an excessive dependency on him.

”I will do my best to defeat Kabuto,” Itachi said, feeling a heavy responsibility. For the sake of his friend, he must win this time!

Nagasawa nodded, displaying a pleased smile. ”That’s the spirit. Let me demonstrate it for you first, pay close attention.”

Nagasawa then began the teaching process, guiding Itachi in practicing the Breathing Technique and addressing some questions regarding Nature Transformation.

After almost three hours teaching Itachi, Nagasawa finally left.

Before leaving, he told Itachi, ”By the way, don’t tell Kabuto about this. After all, he’s my brother, and if he knows that I specifically asked you to defeat him, he might get upset.”

Itachi nodded, assuring that he wouldn’t disclose the information.

Watching Nagasawa’s departing figure, Itachi was in awe. Nagasawa was truly a great elder brother—putting so much effort into for the sake of his younger brother.

He made a decision. He would double his efforts in the next seven days, for himself, for Nagasawa, and for Kabuto.

...

Afterward, Nagasawa looked for Kabuto.

”Why are you practicing alone today?” Nagasawa approached Kabuto with a beaming smile.

Kabuto stopped his training and looked at Nagasawa with a puzzled expression. He didn’t understand why Nagasawa seemed so happy; this gave him a bad feeling.

If you asked him how he knew this, Kabuto could only say it was from experience.

”Isn’t the third stage supposed to be individual battle? Practicing alone allows me to learn a trump card that Itachi doesn’t know about,” Kabuto explained, similar to what Itachi had said.

”I see. So it seems like you really want to win against Itachi,” Nagasawa’s smile became even brighter.

”Yes, I really want to win against Itachi. So, is there something you need, Nagasawa-nii?” Kabuto asked cautiously. Seeing Nagasawa so joyous made him suspect that something bad might be about to happen.

”I’m here to help with your training. What else would I be here for?” Nagasawa said confidently. ”If you can defeat Itachi, it would be a good thing.”

”Why?” Kabuto asked, feeling puzzled.

Although he was Nagasawa’s brother, Itachi was Nagasawa’s disciple. Kabuto didn’t think his relationship with Nagasawa alone would justify Nagasawa’s reason to root for him.

”Sigh.” Nagasawa sighed and then said, ”You are so familiar with Itachi; you should know it already. Itachi’s life has been too smooth.”

”His father is the head of the Uchiha Clan, receiving excellent education from a young age. Combined with his outstanding talent, even as a child, he had remarkable strength.”

Kabuto nodded in agreement. It was true; Itachi was a year younger than him, yet he often felt that Itachi surpassed him in certain aspects.

”As a result, Itachi already learned everything by the time he entered the Academy, so he used Shadow Clones to attend classes. He graduated in half a year, more popular than you, and eventually become my disciple. His journey has been too smooth; I fear that if he faces failure one day, he might never recover. Having at least one failure as you grow up is a good experience.”

Kabuto felt something was off in the back of his mind but also found Nagasawa’s words made sense.

”Kabuto,” Nagasawa placed both hands on Kabuto’s shoulders, looking at him seriously. ”Consider it my request. Give your all to defeat Itachi and let him taste the bitterness of defeat.”

Kabuto contemplated for a moment and then said, ”I will do my best, but Itachi is also very strong. I can’t say that I’ll win for sure.”

Nagasawa waved his hand dismissively. ”It’s okay; just do your best.”

”As a teacher, I will also help him in my own way. Next, I’ll teach you a breathing technique to enhance your explosive power. Even water can become a surging wave, not just a small stream.”

Although Nagasawa’s words were a bit contradictive, Kabuto was happy that Nagasawa was willing to teach him.

Nagasawa helped Kabuto with his training for almost three hours.

After the lesson, Nagasawa encouraged him once again, saying, ”By the way, don’t tell Itachi about this. I don’t want him to think I’m biased toward you.”

Kabuto nodded in agreement.

Seemingly satisfied, Nagasawa left. Watching his departing figure, Kabuto felt that maybe he had misunderstood something.

”Whatever, let’s focus on training.” Kabuto decided to concentrate on his training. He made up his mind to make the most of the seven days to improve and then defeat Itachi in the exam.

Glancing from a distance at Kabuto, Nagasawa nodded silently.

In this day and age, there weren’t many responsible teachers and brothers like him.