My Techniques are a bit off

Land of Rice Fields, Orochimaru's Base

"Even with a new pair of hands, the seal issue remains unresolved."

"Based on observations, once sealed, any attempt to form hand signs triggers the seal, causing it to spread throughout the body..."

Kabuto Yakushi, smiling faintly, explained his research on the Five Elements Seal.

"This seal essentially uses certain natural energies to disrupt chakra flow. When the body's control over chakra exceeds a certain threshold during hand signs, the seal activates."

"It not only blocks jutsu formation but permanently reduces the body's chakra control each time an attempt is made."

Pushing up his glasses, Kabuto concluded, "Lord Orochimaru, if you continue experimenting with this body without switching, you may lose the ability to use ninjutsu altogether."

Orochimaru's mismatched arms, distinctly different in color from the rest of his skin, hung limply at his sides. The glowing Five Elements Seal on his palms gradually dimmed as his newly transplanted hands failed again.

Yet he seemed unfazed. "To think one could manipulate natural energy with such precision..."

A peculiar light flickered in his eyes. What began as a mere desire to "acquire" Link had now intensified into a resolve that he "must have him."

Sage Mode merely temporarily enhances the body by combining natural energy with chakra. But Link's technique bypassed this entirely, directly utilizing natural energy in the environment.

It was an entirely different system—one without risk, with minimal energy expenditure, and with effects seemingly dictated by intention.

"Hehehe…" Orochimaru's low laughter filled the air. Neither the agony caused by the seal nor the necessity of an early body swap could dampen his excitement.

A new world, an alternate system of ninjutsu, beckoned to him. Breaking free from the limits imposed by the flesh, he could tap into the endless energy of nature itself.

"Prepare for the Living Corpse Reincarnation, Kabuto."

"As you wish, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto replied, bowing respectfully.

…

Konoha Village, Link's House

"..."

Link's expression was stern as he stared at his shadow. His face reflected a scientist's uncompromising pursuit of precision.

Under his silent urging, the shadow moved with rigor and professionalism, completing its task after multiple trials. Finally, Link's annual personal milestone was concluded.

"No way…"

Staring at the results, Link trembled with frustration. Despite the midsummer heat, cold sweat drenched his body, and his hands and feet felt icy.

A month ago, he had measured his height. Now, after another month... he was still 144 centimeters tall.

"The ruler must be broken!"

In a moment of scientific rigor, he placed all the blame on the shadow, demanding it bear the burden of this unacceptable outcome.

Five minutes later, his face calm, Link began walking to Training Ground Seven.

A mature man doesn't let minor setbacks affect him.

In his past life, he was 179 centimeters tall. This time, his late father stood at 177, and his mother, while not particularly tall, was nearly 170.

[What's a little shortness? It's merely the calm before the storm of growth.]

Resolved, Link threw himself into rigorous training at the grounds.

His ultimate goal remained unchanged: to wield the power to control his destiny. But the journey required careful planning, broken into stages.

Graduating from the Academy was the first. Becoming a genin was the second. Achieving chūnin was the third—his current position.

The next stages were becoming a jōnin, then a Kage, and ultimately mastering all ninjutsu. Along the way, finding an external "power bank"—a nine-tailed friend—was also part of the plan.

But now, he added a new objective: defeat Orochimaru.

He didn't consider himself petty, but Orochimaru needed to die—a complete and utter destruction. If possible, he'd drag the slippery snake out of the Pure Land and obliterate its soul.

To achieve this, he needed triple the effort and just a pinch of luck.

After completing his training routine, Link sat back at his usual spot and began experimenting with summoning Stand abilities.

With no immediate tasks and training fatigue setting in, he often passed time by summoning Stands to exhaust his chakra.

Three years and thousands of summons had taught him the randomness of Stand summoning. There were no guarantees, only duplicates aplenty. Some powerful Stands had yet to appear.

He'd never once drawn Golden Experience Requiem, Made in Heaven, Star Platinum: Over Heaven, or D4C: Love Train.

Even Stands he did summon needed development. Killer Queen, for instance, initially only allowed him to turn objects into bombs. Only after repeated summons did he unlock its Second Bomb, Sheer Heart Attack. Third Bomb, Bites the Dust, still felt out of reach.

But he refused to give up. If summoning a god-tier Stand like Made in Heaven was possible, he'd gladly transform into an Otsutsuki-level being. Why grind when you could cheat?

"Boss!"

"Boss!"

The synchronized voices of Iris and Ami brought him back to reality.

"You two…" Link looked up, stopping his hand seals.

Scratching his head, Iris grinned sheepishly. "Ah, the village assigned us to new teams, so we spent some time getting to know our teammates..."

"Sorry for being late, boss," Ami apologized naturally.

As always, after a mission, they took one day off before rejoining him for training.

Iris added excitedly, "I heard from the hospital that Ensui-sensei woke up yesterday morning. Let's visit him later!"

Still as chatty as ever.

"You two…" Link sighed, standing up. "Now that you're in new teams, don't embarrass me, alright?"

"And since you're late today, training is doubled." He spoke lightly, but the intent was clear.

"Ahhhh!"

Both groaned in protest.

~~~

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