Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"My idea is to extract the core and redesign the structure of the Scientific Ninja Tool, making it compact or enabling multi-shot capability with the same capacity." Orochimaru said excitedly.

Naruto pondered and said, "If it can be made more convenient, it's definitely worth improving."

"This is my rough design." Orochimaru said, taking out a sketch.

Looking at the draft, Naruto was slightly amazed. It was similar to the design of the repeating crossbow, which is capable of multiple shots.

"The design is good, but I have an even better idea."

Originally, Naruto thought he wouldn't be of much help, but when it came to weapon design, he had plenty of ideas.

"Oh? What's your idea?"

Orochimaru's interest was piqued immediately.

The reason he sought out Naruto was not without reason, as he genuinely wanted Naruto's input.

"Let's go to your place."

Naruto said with a sweeping gesture, and the two headed to Orochimaru's residence.

Once inside, Naruto picked up some paper and a pen from the table and started sketching his idea.

In a short while, Naruto handed the finished sketch to Orochimaru.

"What's this?"

It looked like a weapon in the shape of the number '7', and Orochimaru couldn't quite decipher it.

"Look here." Naruto explained, pointing at the sketch, "This is the grip, and you can load a small cartridge inside. Each cartridge can hold multiple small scrolls. After releasing the safety catch, you pull this small trigger beside the grip, which then pushes the scrolls into the barrel, firing them out. If you add a strong spring inside the barrel, the scrolls can be shot out at high speed, allowing for rapid long-range attacks. I call this weapon a 'gun'!"

Naruto spoke proudly. Although it was inspired by the design of a gun, it fit perfectly in this context.

Orochimaru took another look at the sketch and was deeply moved, his whole body trembling.

"A genius… this is genius thinking!"

Orochimaru exclaimed with excitement.

If something like this were created, instant long-range ninjutsu attacks would completely reshape the landscape of the Shinobi World.

Even regular people, as long as they mastered shooting techniques, could be as effective as any Shinobi.

Moreover, the black box (magazine) would be interchangeable, meaning that as long as the gun was durable, it could release numerous Ninjutsu in a short time, which is far more convenient than a crossbow with its laborious reloading process.

Naruto added: "And it doesn't even have to use Ninjutsu scrolls. By wrapping explosive tags around hollow lead bullets, it could also be highly effective. Of course, it would also work to place poison inside the lead bullets."

"Naruto-kun, you're truly a genius!" Orochimaru exclaimed.

Just a sketch was enough to make Orochimaru dizzy and fascinated.

It can't be helped, this idea is too valuable.

To put it bluntly, if the design succeeded, Orochimaru would dare to start a Shinobi World War with just a trained force of normal people. Most Shinobi would surely die after taking just a few shots. Even Elite Jonin or Kage-level Shinobi, under a barrage of Ninjutsu, would probably have no choice but to flee rather than face such an attack head-on.

"Okay, it's no big deal. Why are you so excited? If I show you something else, won't you drop dead suddenly?" Naruto said speechlessly.

"What? There's more?"

Orochimaru swallowed his saliva, visibly thrilled at what else Naruto might have to offer.

Naruto asked, "Are you sure you won't drop dead?"

Orochimaru nodded eagerly, "Don't worry, it's only one day. I could go another month without dropping."

While Shinobi have high physical resilience, a month of sleepless work was a bit of an exaggeration. Skeptical, Naruto reached into his backpack and took out a body, explaining, "This is the body of a member of the Otsutsuki Clan."

"Wha…"

Orochimaru couldn't even finish his sentence, nearly collapsing on the spot.

"Whoa, are you alright? Maybe you should rest first," Naruto said, seeing how pale Orochimaru looked, and started to put Urashiki's body back into the system inventory.

"No, no, don't put it away! I'm fine!"

Orochimaru steadied himself quickly and practically lunged for Urashiki's body, holding onto it protectively like a mother guarding her young.

It wasn't that Orochimaru was weak, it was just that he'd been conducting intense research nonstop since yesterday. His mental state was stretched to the breaking point, far worse than a typical all-nighter. The sight of an Otsutsuki's body was the final straw that broke his tightly wound nerves.

Even though he was beyond exhausted, he couldn't allow himself to rest. After all, this was the body of an Otsutsuki, and it still showed signs of cellular vitality. This kind of resource, which Naruto might have gotten it through extraordinary means, was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that he couldn't afford to miss.

The Otsutsuki were practically the origins of all Shinobi. If he could study this body thoroughly, it would answer countless unsolved mysteries. Whether it was unlocking the secret of immortality or extracting and implanting Otsutsuki's cells, Orochimaru was beside himself with excitement.

"Please let me have this body, Naruto-kun. I promise I'll study it well and not waste a single part!" Orochimaru begged fervently, nearly dropping to his knees.

"That's the plan, I was going to give it to you to study."

Naruto said. But as soon as he saw Orochimaru's fatigued state, he added, "Actually, I've decided you can't use this body for research."

"Please, Naruto-kun! Give me a chance. I swear I'll pour my heart into it."

Orochimaru pleaded, not understanding what he had done wrong but unable to bear losing such a precious specimen.

"Relax, I'm not taking it back. Don't get so worked up. The body is still yours." Naruto said, waving his hand.

Orochimaru exhaled in relief, though he was still confused, "Then what do you mean by saying I can't use it for research?"

"Are you stupid? I just used special means to erase the consciousness of this body, but the body is not completely dead yet." Naruto said speechlessly.

Hearing this, Orochimaru trembled.

Despite his mental exhaustion, Orochimaru's mind was always sharp, and he instantly picked up on Naruto's hint.

"Naruto-kun, are you suggesting that I use this body as my vessel for soul transfer?"

Naruto nodded, "Of course. Haven't you been searching for the perfect body? This one is as close to perfection as it gets."

"Am I really... worthy?"

"Could I possibly deserve this…?"

"This, this, this…"

Orochimaru was so overwhelmed by joy that he could barely speak.

If he really acquired this body, his research and his power would both reach unparalleled heights.

"Orochimaru, acting hesitant and insecure like this isn't your style. If you don't think you're worthy, I might just take it back."

Naruto teased, pretending to put Urashiki's body away.

"I'm worthy!"

Orochimaru quickly declared, "Naruto-kun, I'm not doubting you! I'm saying I am worthy!"

Afraid Naruto would change his mind, Orochimaru immediately opened his mouth wide, revealing sharp teeth, and bit down on Urashiki's neck.

Then, the Cursed Seal's mark appeared on Urashiki's neck.

"Forgive my lack of restraint, Naruto-kun!"

Orochimaru formed a series of hand seals, and then his head detached from his body, pulling his serpent-like white body with it, and lunged directly into Urashiki's body...