Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 306 Preparing to Begin

During this month, Orochimaru, Kabuto, Kimimaro, and the others immersed themselves in adjusting their condition and focusing on enhancing their soul power. They knew that the challenges ahead would be extremely difficult, so everyone prepared with all their might.

Despite possessing the largest amount of chakra, Orochimaru did not fall behind the others. On the contrary, he remained calm and focused, devoting all his energy to adjusting his state and enhancing his soul power. He knew that only in his optimal state could he unleash his full potential.

Throughout this process, Orochimaru displayed astonishing perseverance and determination. He constantly challenged himself, pushed his limits, and strived to maximize the enhancement of his soul power. At the same time, he also kept a close eye on those around him, such as Kabuto Yakushi and Kimimaro, providing them with necessary guidance and support.

After a long period of effort, Orochimaru finally completed all the preparations. He had now reached his peak condition, and his soul power had been greatly enhanced. He believed that with this strength, he would be able to meet the challenges to come.

However, Orochimaru did not let his guard down. He knew that the real difficulties had only just begun, and many more awaited them. But he firmly believed that as long as he held fast to his convictions, he would surely overcome all obstacles and achieve his goals.

Orochimaru, as the leader of the group, is not only incredibly powerful but also exceptionally intelligent. He is always able to quickly understand and grasp complex situations and make wise decisions. During this training camp, he was also the first to complete all the preparations, demonstrating his outstanding abilities and high efficiency.

He was keenly aware of his heavy responsibility. As the core figure of the team, he had to lead by example and guide everyone to success. Therefore, he decided to be the first to refine the chakra within his body, which required not only courage and determination but also absolute control over his own power.

Orochimaru knew that his actions would serve as a role model for others, inspiring them to forge ahead. At the same time, he also hoped to provide his subordinates with valuable experience and lessons through his own practice, enabling them to better cope with difficulties.

At this crucial moment, Orochimaru stood at the forefront, demonstrating the true meaning of leadership through his actions. His determination and perseverance would influence the entire team, leading them towards victory.

Orochimaru, his face grave, embarked on the path to his secluded training ground, his steps firm and resolute. He knew this might be his last meeting with Hyuga Kanan, and therefore, he needed to seek his advice and guidance. When he finally arrived before the training chamber, an indescribable sense of unease welled up within him. Despite his usual self-confidence, he couldn't completely shake off the deep-seated anxiety he felt at the impending life-or-death ordeal. Standing before the closed door, Orochimaru took a deep breath and gently pushed it open.

A musty, ancient atmosphere permeated the room, as if time itself had stood still. Orochimaru's gaze fell upon Hyuga Kanan, who sat there silently, like a sleeping statue. Orochimaru approached slowly, his footsteps echoing in the quiet room. He stared at Kanan, trying to find comfort and support in his calm expression. However, Kanan's face remained expressionless, revealing nothing. Orochimaru stood silently before Kanan, his eyes revealing a resolute determination. He knew this adventure would be a pivotal turning point in his life; success would grant him unprecedented power; failure would mean eternal oblivion. Despite his anxieties, Orochimaru remained steadfast in his choice. He believed that only through this challenge could he truly realize his ideals and ambitions.

After a moment of silence, Orochimaru finally spoke: "Hyuga Kanan, I've come." His voice was deep and powerful, as if declaring his resolve. Hyuga Kanan slightly raised his head, his gaze deep and mysterious, making Orochimaru feel a sense of oppression. But Orochimaru did not back down; instead, he straightened his spine, ready to accept Hyuga Kanan's final suggestion.

Hyuga Kanan's gaze was fixed on Orochimaru with an almost tangible intensity, and time seemed to freeze in that moment. He remained silent, simply watching Orochimaru, as if trying to see into the depths of his heart through those eyes. After a long while, Hyuga Kanan finally spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Since you chose to come here, you must have been fully prepared to face the potential threat of death. Regarding what lies ahead, I can only offer you one piece of advice—no matter what happens, you must steadfastly protect your inner world, and absolutely not waver in the slightest."

His words struck Orochimaru like a hammer blow, creating an invisible pressure. Then, Hyuga Kanan continued, "In the final refining process, you need to forget all distractions and concentrate entirely on the refining before you. Only in this way can you ensure a high success rate. With your talent and temperament, I believe the chance of success is at least over 70%. But this is not absolute, because any negligence or wavering could lead to failure, or even endanger your life."

After saying this, Hyuga Kanan remained silent, stepping aside to let Orochimaru process his words. A hush fell over the room as Orochimaru immersed himself in thought, trying to understand and remember Kanan's advice. He knew the upcoming refining process would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but if he could stay true to himself and give it his all, perhaps a new turning point would be possible.

Orochimaru took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, repeating this several times until his eyes became incredibly resolute, as if made of steel. The last trace of worry in his heart vanished with each exhaled breath.

This was his most persistent pursuit in life, and his most cherished dream. No matter how rugged the road ahead, no matter how many difficulties and obstacles he encountered, he would never give up easily. Because this was not just an obsession, but a part of his life. He wanted to explore and understand the mysteries of this world in his own way, and to pursue endless power and wisdom.

Orochimaru took a deep breath, clearing his mind of all distractions, and focused intently on channeling his chakra, carefully examining every cell and meridian to ensure they were in optimal condition. As time passed, he felt his body gradually fill with power, and his mental state became exceptionally sharp. Finally, he slowly opened his eyes, a determined glint in them, and nodded slightly to Hyuga Kanan, indicating that he was fully prepared and ready to proceed with the next step at any time.

Seeing this, Hyuga Kanan's lips curled into a satisfied smile. He knew Orochimaru had returned to his peak condition, and all that was left was to proceed according to plan. Without further ado, he stood up and led Orochimaru deeper into the secluded chamber.

The two arrived at the deepest part of the secluded training chamber, where a formation meticulously arranged by Hyuga Kanan was located. A mysterious aura permeated the area around the formation, the ground was covered with intricate runes, and the walls were inlaid with various precious gems, emitting a faint glow. The entire space appeared exceptionally tranquil and solemn.

Hyuga Kanan pointed to the center of the formation and said to Orochimaru, "This is the place I prepared especially for you. Everything inside has been specially treated and is incredibly sturdy, capable of withstanding enormous pressure and energy impacts. Moreover, this formation also has the effect of dissipating energy impacts, which can help you consume the vast amount of chakra within your body more quickly."

Orochimaru listened, secretly admiring Hyuga Kanan's thoughtfulness. He knew what this formation meant to him; without such a safe and reliable environment, he found it hard to imagine how he could successfully complete his next steps. Thinking this, he gave Hyuga Kanan a grateful look before stepping into the formation.

Hyuga Kanan stared intently at Orochimaru, who had entered the formation, and said in a deep voice, "Now, what you need to do is use the ninjutsu that consumes the most chakra, reducing your chakra reserves as much as possible. You can only stop when you feel your chakra is completely depleted. Note that I said completely depleted, to the point where you can no longer use even the most basic ninjutsu. Next, I will activate another function of the formation, plunging you into an endless dream world. During this process, you only need to maintain your inner resolve, concentrate on refining the last bit of chakra within your body, and not think about anything else. Understand?" His voice was full of authority and determination, as if he were issuing an inviolable command to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru nodded solemnly in understanding, then immediately began implementing Hyuga Kanan's plan. He focused intently on using a series of ninjutsu that consumed vast amounts of chakra, aiming his attacks at the structures within the formation. The entire process was swift and efficient, but less than ten minutes later, Orochimaru began to breathe heavily, his body trembling uncontrollably. He could clearly feel his body being drained, even the strength to stand had vanished, and his mind was gradually becoming heavy and confused. He knew this was the consequence of excessive chakra consumption, to the point where it had even begun to drain his life force. At this moment, he could barely sense any chakra within his body.