Chapter 89
Evolution
Chapter 89 Evolution
In the space of consciousness, the most dazzling golden light finally slowly bloomed under Naruto's gaze.
[S-Rank Treasure Chest Opening Now —]
There were no earth-shattering phenomena, nor any world-destroying chakra infusion.
Naruto only felt that something was subtly changing in his body, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
Congratulations on obtaining: Gene Lock
[Description: There are countless "locks" hidden in the human body. They limit strength, but also protect the body.]
Unlocking the genetic code means breaking this protective mechanism and releasing the fighting instincts and computational abilities hidden deep within the human body.
This is the ultimate path of life's evolution, the key to breaking through biological limitations and entering the realm of the gods.
Effect: You have acquired the gene lock.
Tier 1: Restores the original fighting instincts of humans.
Second stage: Able to freely control one's own body and unleash 100% of one's potential power.
Third stage: Developing the brain, simulating thinking, and reaching the limits of human wisdom.
Fourth level: Microscopic, rewriting its own essence at the genetic level.
Fifth Order: Controlling the conversion of energy and matter, which is "God"
Naruto slowly opened his eyes, feeling the throbbing deep within his genes.
Although his appearance has not changed at all, his chakra has not increased in the slightest.
But he could vaguely sense that the door that stood between mortals and the extraordinary, between ants and gods, had already appeared within his body.
Pushing it aside is the beginning of evolution.
"The genetic lock—is this the ultimate answer to life?"
Naruto muttered to himself, pushed up his glasses, and a glint of fanaticism flashed in his eyes.
Combined with the newly acquired Hogyoku, this is practically a broad road leading to the end of life.
Just then, the sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts.
Naruto turned his head and saw Orochimaru slowly walking towards him.
The once arrogant Sannin looked at Naruto with a mixture of fervor and an indescribable ambiguity.
Just now, at the moment Naruto fused with the S-rank reward, perhaps because of the controlled soul fragment, or perhaps because of Orochimaru's keen intuition, in any case, his subconscious told him that the life level of the boy in front of him seemed to have undergone an indescribable transformation.
That was the ultimate answer to life that he had been searching for, searching for, through countless dissections of corpses and countless experiments, yet which he could never reach.
"What's wrong? Is something the matter?"
Naruto asked calmly.
puff.
Without the slightest hesitation, Orochimaru knelt down on one knee three steps away from Naruto and bowed his head deeply.
"Naruto-kun—no, Naruto-sama."
Orochimaru's voice was as hoarse as ever, yet it carried an unprecedented humility and longing: "Please—completely dominate me."
The doctor standing to the side was stunned, staring at him in shock.
No, it wasn't just him; everyone present, including Karin, the Sound Four, and all the surviving elites, was stunned.
That's the legendary Sannin, the leader who single-handedly founded Otogakure, Lord Orochimaru!
He actually bowed so deeply like a teenager, completely showing his submission?
Orochimaru ignored the stares of those around him.
He raised his head, his golden vertical pupils filled with fanaticism: "In the forest before, you only took a fragment of my soul. That connection was too weak, too unstable..."
"I beseech you—grant me the complete chains of my soul, so that I may become a part of your will."
Naruto looked at Orochimaru with an unreadable expression.
"Orochimaru, you are a person who will stop at nothing to achieve your goals."
"Why would you willingly give up your individuality and want to be completely controlled by me? Wouldn't it be better to retain some freedom?"
"free?"
Orochimaru's eyes blazed with an even more intense light: "After witnessing the heights of the mountains, the so-called freedom is nothing but the wishful thinking of ants."
"I see it—I see the end of truth in you."
"Rather than being a collaborator who could be betrayed or abandoned at any time, I would rather follow you forever on the path to the truth."
Orochimaru pressed his head to the ground: "Please grant me—that trust."
Naruto quietly watched Orochimaru.
Originally, after utilizing the resources of the Sound Ninja, he did intend to purge this group of equally corrupt old clique members.
But now—
Orochimaru's behavior was a bit too sensible and pragmatic.
He was like a seeker of truth. After seeing the hope of true evolution, he resolutely chose to sacrifice himself and his freedom in exchange for becoming one of his "own people".
As everyone knows, Naruto has always been somewhat protective of his own people.
"Since you're so aware of this—I'll give you a chance."
Naruto raised his hand, and a semi-transparent chain of control emerged from his palm, instantly plunging into Orochimaru's chest.
Orochimaru offered no resistance whatsoever, and even opened his heart, willingly welcoming the chains into his home.
The soul contract is formed instantly.
Orochimaru trembled all over and let out a satisfied sigh.
He felt that his empty soul had finally found an anchor, and was completely bound to the path leading to evolution and truth.
"Congratulations, Orochimaru, you made the right choice."
Naruto said calmly.
Upon seeing this, Karin and Kabuto's expressions changed.
Karin rushed over and tried to kneel down as well: "Naruto, Naruto—I'm willing too! Whatever you ask me to do, even if it means becoming a puppet—"
Naruto reached out and gently pressed on Karin's shoulder, stopping her from kneeling.
He looked into Karin's red eyes and smiled gently: "Karin, you don't need that."
"You've always been one of my own; you don't need chains to prove your loyalty."
Karin was stunned, her eyes instantly reddening. She nodded vigorously, stepped aside, and felt a sweet sense of being trusted.
After dealing with Karin, Naruto shifted his gaze to the other side.
There, Kabuto Yakushi was kneeling on one knee, head bowed, his eyes flashing with longing and a hint of deeply hidden jealousy.
"Lord Naruto, I am also willing to offer everything, please accept it too—"
Before Kabuto could finish speaking, Naruto interrupted him.
"Senior Dou, the seats you've secured are very valuable."
Naruto's tone was calm, but it was like a bucket of cold water poured over Kabuto's head.
"Orochimaru possesses top-tier research capabilities; he has that value."
"And you, though intelligent, are still a little short of qualified."
Kabuto's face turned pale instantly, and his hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched tightly.
Resentment, shame, yet mixed with an even stronger desire.
"Do you want that spot?"
"Then perform well and prove your worth."
"I still have high hopes for you."
"Yes—I understand."
Dou gritted his teeth, lowered his head even further, and his eyes became complex yet resolute.
After being given a harsh lesson and then a sweet treat, Naruto closed his eyes again.
Using the Hogyoku to unlock the gene lock also requires a large amount of energy.
Therefore, he intends to address some energy issues.
Naruto's consciousness sank, and he found himself back in that dark, damp sewer.
There, a giant nine-tailed fox was waiting for him.