radicalducati Chapter 309 Sober
Chapter 309 Sober
Time flies like an arrow, and a week has passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Hyuga Kanan has been working hard to recover his depleted power while waiting for Orochimaru to awaken. However, as the days go by, Orochimaru remains motionless, lying quietly in the center of the formation like a lifeless doll, as if his soul has already left this world.
During this time, Orochimaru's subordinates came to visit their leader, but each of them wore a worried expression, clearly concerned about Orochimaru's condition. They tried to get some information about Orochimaru's illness from Hyuga Kanan, but faced with this situation, Hyuga Kanan could only shake his head helplessly, indicating that he was equally at a loss.
Despite this, Hyuga Kanan did not give up hope. He firmly believed that once Orochimaru's life force was fully restored, the latter would eventually awaken again. After all, this once invincible Konoha rogue ninja possessed unwavering conviction and still had many things to accomplish. During this long wait, Hyuga Kanan also constantly pondered how to deal with the various unforeseen events that might occur when the others refined their chakra.
Orochimaru's subordinates were filled with worry and unease upon learning of his misfortune. They couldn't understand why someone as resolute and powerful as Orochimaru would fall into such a predicament. Orochimaru had always been their idol and leader; their worship and reverence for him were as deep as their faith. But now, that faith seemed to be wavering.
They couldn't help but begin to doubt their own judgment and their trust in Orochimaru. If even Orochimaru could encounter such enormous problems, how were they supposed to face the future? This anxiety gradually eroded their hearts, making their once firm beliefs fragile.
Kabuto and the others even began to question whether the methods Hyuga Kanan had told them could truly give them a chance of success. They wondered if even Orochimaru couldn't solve his own problems, how could they possibly have a chance to succeed? This thought left them feeling lost and confused, unsure of what to do next.
Furthermore, Orochimaru's misfortune made his subordinates realize that even the strongest person is not invincible. They understood that there is no absolute safety or guarantee in the world, and only through continuous effort can they cope with various challenges. Therefore, they began to reflect on their own strength and abilities, and to think about how to improve themselves to deal with potential crises.
Despite their concerns, Orochimaru's subordinates did not abandon their support for him. They believed Orochimaru possessed sufficient wisdom and strength to overcome the current difficulties and regain his former glory. At the same time, they resolved to intensify their own training and growth to better assist Orochimaru in weathering the storm.
Orochimaru's sudden change in fortune deeply worried and shaken his subordinates. However, they still firmly believed in his abilities and hoped he could quickly overcome his predicament and continue leading them forward. This experience also taught them a valuable lesson: no matter how powerful a person is, they need to remain vigilant and work hard to cope with life's challenges.
Hyuga Kanan observed the situation of Orochimaru's subordinates, but he didn't offer any words of comfort. He knew that without a strong enough will and conviction, these people would have no chance of successfully transitioning to a new power system. Even if they did succeed, they would need time to adapt to the new power system and continuously improve their strength. Only then could they potentially become Hyuga Kanan's capable assistants. Therefore, Hyuga Kanan chose silence, letting them face the challenges on their own. This was a test, and only those who passed it could continue to grow stronger.
In this suffocatingly oppressive atmosphere, Orochimaru, whose bodily functions were gradually recovering, finally regained consciousness after a week in a coma. A trace of color returned to his paper-pale face, and his previously tightly closed eyes slowly opened, revealing a hint of confusion and exhaustion. With the return of consciousness, Orochimaru began to perceive his surroundings. The pain and weakness in his body caused him to furrow his brow, but he tried to remain calm and clear his mind.
Orochimaru's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately sensed the changes in his body, which brought a hint of joy to his face. He discovered that he felt as if he had returned to his childhood, his body completely empty, devoid of any chakra. This meant that his plan had succeeded! He had truly refined all his chakra into spiritual roots. Although he had lost all his power, this was not a problem for Orochimaru. On the contrary, he was filled with anticipation and excitement for the future. Because he knew that from this moment on, he had embarked on a completely new path, a path that truly belonged to him.
However, the wave of emptiness emanating from his body made Orochimaru feel extremely uncomfortable. It was as if his body had been hollowed out, as if all his strength and life force had left him. Each breath became difficult and heavy, making him feel suffocated and powerless.
Moreover, he could feel his body was incredibly weak, unable even to move slightly. He tried to raise his arms, but found that his muscles had lost all strength, and they hung limply at his sides. His legs were also unresponsive, as if they had turned into two noodles, completely unable to support his weight.
Orochimaru tried to concentrate, but found a sharp, throbbing pain in his brain. This pain, like sharp needles, constantly irritated his nerves, making it difficult for him to think. This proved that his current strength was at its lowest point, and he needed time to recover and rebuild his power.
In this state, Orochimaru realized he had to be extremely cautious. Any small mistake could have disastrous consequences. He needed to rely on his wisdom and experience to overcome his current predicament and find an opportunity to rise again. Although he knew it would be a difficult path, he firmly believed that with enough time and resources, he could become a powerful being once more.
Orochimaru was deeply absorbed in his own perception of his current state when, in that instant, a familiar yet unfamiliar voice suddenly entered his ears: "You've finally regained consciousness... I was worried it might be a long time before I saw something like this. Come to think of it, you're lucky you survived; I really thought you were beyond saving." The voice belonged to Hyuga Kanan, and it sounded somewhat surprised and relieved. Orochimaru paused slightly, slowly opening his eyes, his gaze falling on Hyuga Kanan standing before him. His eyes were filled with doubt, but he quickly regained his composure, as if he had long been accustomed to this unexpected turn of events.
Orochimaru's eyes flashed with relief and gratitude as he said sincerely, "It really was a very lucky thing! If you hadn't come to my aid at the most critical moment, I probably wouldn't have had any chance of survival. I was able to escape death this time entirely thanks to your help."
Having said that, Orochimaru's gaze was fixed on Hyuga Kanan, his voice hoarse and weary, but his eyes revealed a strong sense of anticipation. He desperately wanted a definite answer from the other, to confirm whether he had truly succeeded. After all, he didn't want to have gone through so many hardships and dangers, even facing the threat of death, only to fail to achieve his goal in the end.
Orochimaru waited silently for Hyuga Kanan's response, his heart filled with anxiety and unease. He knew this moment would determine whether all his past efforts had been in vain. Regardless of the outcome, he was prepared to take over. However, deep down, he still hoped to hear the good news that would put his mind at ease.
"Of course you succeeded. Can't you sense it? The chakra seed within your body has been completely refined. However, your body has suffered severe damage and will need some time to recover. I didn't expect the chakra seed within your body to be so tenacious; it far exceeded my expectations. After all, Hyuga Neji completed this process very easily back then, without causing such great harm to his body." Hyuga Kanan nodded with a smile, his tone slightly teasing.
Orochimaru breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the news, but was also somewhat puzzled. He knew his physical condition was poor, but he hadn't expected it to be this severe. He couldn't help but ask, "Why is my chakra seed so tenacious? Is there something special about it?"
Hyuga Kanan smiled slightly and explained, "Actually, everyone's chakra seed is unique. Some people may refine it more easily, while others find it relatively difficult. The reason your chakra seed is so tenacious may be related to your physique and mental strength. In addition, there is another possibility, that is, the chakra seed in your body contains even greater power."
Orochimaru's eyes widened in surprise. "More powerful? You mean my chakra seed is more powerful than others'?"
Hyuga Kanan nodded and said, "That's right. Although I can't be sure of the specifics, this possibility exists. Perhaps it's because the chakra seed within you contains even greater power that it's so difficult to refine. But once you successfully refine it, you will gain even greater power."
Orochimaru felt a surge of anticipation upon hearing Hyuga Kanan's words. He recalled the various difficulties he had faced in battle; possessing greater power might allow him to better protect those around him and achieve his goals. He declared firmly, "No matter what, I'm willing to pay any price to become stronger!"
Looking at Orochimaru's determined eyes, Hyuga Kanan nodded in satisfaction and said, "You have an unwavering heart, which will help you overcome many difficulties in the future. Next, you need to rest well and let your body recover as soon as possible. After you recover, you will begin new training."
Orochimaru understood immediately, nodded, then closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing, entering a recovery state. Hyuga Kanan stood aside, quietly observing Orochimaru, inwardly sighing, "Orochimaru, I hope you can become a cultivator soon and become an important help to me."