A New Snake In The Shinobi World-Chapter 339:

"Why is it said that Orochimaru underestimated the power of Hamura's Byakugan?

Is there a difference in the power of the Byakugan?

Indeed, there is.

Even if it's just the Byakugan, its strength can vary greatly.

This was evident in the original story, where Kaguya directly told Hamura during their battle, 'My Byakugan is far above yours.'

Moreover, Hamura could create the Truth-Seeking Orbs using his Byakugan, while Orochimaru, even with his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, could not.

Even absorbing the power of the star didn't change that.

This clearly indicates one of two possibilities:

1. Hamura's Byakugan inherently possesses spiritual power superior to the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

2. Hamura's direct bloodline grants him spiritual strength far beyond Orochimaru's current capacity.

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Thus, if Orochimaru wants to create a Truth-Seeking Orb, his only options are to either absorb all the Tailed Beasts or acquire the Rinnegan.

'However,' Orochimaru thought to himself, 'the power of the Rinnegan is overwhelming. If I want to open and close it freely like the Sharingan, current technology can't accomplish that yet.'

The issue lay with the Rinnegan's inability to deactivate. The lavender ripple-shaped eyes remained constantly active after fusion. Orochimaru considered them too conspicuous, something that would undoubtedly disrupt his plans.

"Forget it. I'll deal with it later," Orochimaru muttered, comforting himself.

He was already far beyond the level of a Kage. After absorbing the star, even without the power of the nine Tailed Beasts, he was only a single step away from the Six Paths level.

That final step, he reasoned, could always be filled in later with the Rinnegan.

Therefore, Orochimaru felt no sense of urgency.

But while he was calm, others were anything but.

---

When the Star Ninjas realized that the energy of their treasured meteor had been completely absorbed by Orochimaru, their rage boiled over. Orochimaru, along with Mei and Kabuto, was quickly surrounded.

"You've gone too far!"

"How could you do this? We lent you the star in good faith!"

"Damn it! How could there be someone like you?"

The Star Ninjas were indignant, their fury even prompting the Third Hoshikage to step forward.

"The star is the foundation of our village! You owe us an explanation!"

"An explanation?" Orochimaru glanced at the dim, lifeless meteorite in his hand and chuckled indifferently. "Fine, I'll give you one."

He spoke in an almost casual tone. "The chakra in this star is too volatile. While training with it can indeed increase a ninja's chakra, ordinary bodies can't withstand it. Continued exposure will lead to nothing but death.

"By absorbing the star's energy, I've saved your village from its own self-destruction. In other words, I've done you all a favor."

Orochimaru's words were spoken with a calm detachment, but the Star Ninjas erupted in anger.

"Lies!"

"Lord Hoshikage, don't believe his nonsense!"

"Even if it costs us our lives, we must protect the star!"

Enraged, several Star Ninjas activated their Peacock Method, ready to attack.

Their anger was not without cause. The meteorite had been their village's foundation, and Orochimaru's actions had effectively destroyed that.

The fact that they hadn't attacked immediately was a testament to their restraint.

---

Orochimaru, however, had no interest in further conversation.

In a flash, using the Flying Thunder God technique, he appeared in front of one of the ninjas. Before the man could react, Orochimaru landed a sharp punch to his abdomen.

The ninja doubled over, his mouth opening in pain, but Orochimaru grabbed his hair and held him steady. Without hesitation, he pulled out a vial of restorative fluid and poured it down the man's throat.

"What are you doing?!" the others shouted, moving to intervene.

But before they could act, Orochimaru released the ninja, who had already swallowed the fluid.

"Consider that my compensation," Orochimaru said nonchalantly.

He reached into a separate space, retrieving three boxes and placing them on the ground.

"Goodbye."

Without waiting for the stunned reactions of the Star Ninjas, Orochimaru activated the Flying Thunder God technique and disappeared with Mei and Kabuto.

---

"What a bastard!" one of the Star Ninjas cursed.

"Hey, are you okay?" another asked, helping their downed comrade to his feet.

The ninja coughed a few times before replying, "I'm... fine. I feel fine."

"Damn it, what did that guy make you drink?"

"Do you feel anything strange?"

"Actually..." the ninja paused, examining himself. "Now that you mention it, I feel... better. The injuries I got from training with the star—they're gone?"

The group exchanged bewildered glances, their anger replaced by confusion as the restorative fluid's effects became apparent.

---

At the border of the Bear Country, Mei finally caught up to Orochimaru, her curiosity piqued.

"What did you put in those boxes you left behind?" she asked.

She had recognized the value of the meteorite, even with its side effects. The ability to fly alone made it incredibly valuable. She couldn't believe Orochimaru had left something more precious behind.

"Twenty vials of restorative fluid, twenty vials of strengthening fluid, and thirty basic ninjutsu scrolls," Orochimaru replied.

"Restorative fluid? The kind that heals injuries quickly?"

"Yes."

"What's strengthening fluid?" Terumi Mei asked, her curiosity growing.

Orochimaru, unwilling to waste time explaining, pulled out a vial and handed it to her. "Try it for yourself."

Mei hesitated for a moment before taking the bottle.

"What's the matter? Don't tell me you're scared," Orochimaru teased.

"Who says I'm scared?" Mei snapped, grabbing the vial. With a glare, she removed the stopper and drank the contents in one gulp.

If Orochimaru had wanted to kill her, he wouldn't need poison to do it.

"Wait... what is this?" Mei asked, frowning as a strange sensation spread through her body.

Behind them, Kabuto sighed. "There's no bath nearby..."

"Bath? Why would I need a bath?" Mei asked, confused.

Orochimaru ignored her question and asked instead, "Do you have a change of clothes?"

"Of course!"

"Good. We'll wait for you ahead."

With that, Orochimaru removed the seal that had been suppressing her power. He and Kabuto walked on, leaving her behind.

As the seal lifted, Mei felt her strength return. But before she could decide whether to escape, a sudden burning sensation coursed through her body.

"What... what is this...?" she gasped, her voice trembling.

***

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