Dealing with a powerful figure like Orochimaru, it was nearly impossible for Itachi to control him with genjutsu silently. Neither his ocular prowess nor his chakra reserves allowed for such a feat.
Killing someone and controlling someone were two entirely different concepts.
Therefore, his genjutsu merely amplified Orochimaru's desire for the Sharingan, creating an inexplicable obsession with Sasuke.
This alteration was subtle, even Orochimaru himself couldn't detect it.
Because he already harbored a desire for the Sharingan, it was just not that intense.
With this obsession in place, Itachi's plan could be realized.
He used Orochimaru as a pawn, letting him target Sasuke as his vessel, then taking advantage of the three-year cooldown of the Living Corpse Reincarnation, giving Sasuke ample time to grow.
During this period, Orochimaru, in pursuit of a more powerful body, would naturally spare no effort in aiding Sasuke's development.
This was Itachi's goal.
And to prevent any unforeseen events, Itachi must have left some sort of technique on Sasuke, akin to Tsukuyomi or Amaterasu, that would activate if Sasuke couldn't withstand Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation.
Just like how he left Amaterasu in Sasuke's eyes to counter Obito in the future.
These were Kimimaro's thoughts upon sensing the genjutsu on Orochimaru, and everything unfolding before his eyes confirmed his suspicions.
Come to think of it, without any safeguards, would Itachi, the doting brother, truly leave Sasuke with Orochimaru for three years without worry?
He'd probably lose sleep every night.
Orochimaru's heart chilled upon hearing this.
Everything was as Kimimaro said, he had been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Itachi.
"Well played, Uchiha Itachi."
Orochimaru let out a cold laugh, feeling even more wary of that aloof man.
Having roamed the ninja world for years, this was the first time he had been so thoroughly manipulated.
It was almost like facing a natural predator.
All of Orochimaru's tricks were useless against Itachi, and they were completely countered.
Despite his exceptional genjutsu skills, he was instantly defeated by Itachi's genjutsu, and it wasn't even a unique Mangekyo Sharingan technique, how humiliating.
A terrifying secret technique like the Eight Branches Technique was also instantly countered by Itachi, again, humiliating.
Against any other opponent, it wouldn't have been this disastrous.
Reality proved that Orochimaru's true form couldn't handle Itachi, it was time for the Edo Tensei to make its entrance.
"Now, do you still want Sasuke to be your vessel?"
Kimimaro inquired.
Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, then a smirk crept onto his lips.
"Isn't this quite an interesting turn of events?"
"Hmm?"
"I don't know why Itachi defected from Konoha, but him doing so much for Sasuke indicates that Sasuke is valuable to him, and quite significantly so. Holding such a bargaining chip, dealing with Itachi becomes a very intriguing prospect."
A cold glint flashed in Orochimaru's golden eyes, a new plan forming in his mind.
He had already lost two rounds in his game against Itachi, so he had to win the next one!
This wasn't simply about winning or losing, nor was it about revenge, it was about uncovering the secrets of the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Orochimaru was very interested in Itachi's ultimate goal.
Having Sasuke in his grasp was a valuable chip.
He certainly wouldn't refuse such a gift delivered to his doorstep.
Knowing Itachi's intentions gave him the upper hand.
And a considerable one at that.
Seeing that Orochimaru had other plans, Kimimaro didn't press further.
They were both intelligent individuals, there was no need to spell everything out.
Half an hour later, Kabuto returned.
It seemed like Kimimaro and Orochimaru had just finished discussing something.
Kabuto was curious but didn't ask.
As a spy, he knew what to say and what not to say.
"Lord Orochimaru, everything is ready. The new vessel is Gen'yumaru, he's the strongest among the current vessels."
"Good, let's begin. Keep this matter confidential, don't tell anyone."
"Yes!"
With everything prepared, Kabuto brought in the cleaned Gen'yumaru and placed him on the bed.
Kimimaro helped Orochimaru put on the Shinigami mask.
The next moment, the dance began!
Orochimaru performed a mysterious dance in front of everyone.
Powerful chakra erupted from his body.
"Ah!"
Orochimaru let out a scream, and the Shinigami's shadow appeared behind him.
The Shinigami drew the short sword from its mouth and sliced open its own abdomen!
Simultaneously, a cut appeared on Orochimaru's abdomen, blood splattering instantly.
Next, blue orbs of energy emerged from the Shinigami's abdomen and landed on Orochimaru.
Those were the souls of his hands.
"They're back!"
Orochimaru felt the power returning to his hands, quickly removing the mask with a joyful expression.
Unlike the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, only the caster could see the Shinigami.
Now, with the seal undone, everyone present could witness it.
Kimimaro's gaze fell upon the Shinigami, recalling the Shinigami from another world.
The difference between the two was truly vast.
Kimimaro could also see many blue orbs within the Shinigami's abdomen.
Those were the souls bound by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
All the previous Hokage were in there.
Orochimaru didn't seem interested in these souls, after retrieving his hands, he began the transfer.
He opened his mouth, and a black-haired, golden-eyed snake emerged, landing directly on Gen'yumaru.
The Living Corpse Reincarnation!
"Gen'yumaru" struggled for a bit, then went still.
The Shinigami looked at the now empty shell, a hint of anger flashing in its eyes.
Damn it, all that work for nothing!
The Shinigami stared intently at Orochimaru, seemingly wanting to memorize his appearance, then its form dissipated.
"Success!"
Kabuto was overjoyed, and also deeply shocked.
Such a technique surpassed the comprehension of ordinary people.
"Gen'yumaru" got up from the bed, his eyes now a dark gold.
He looked at his hands as if admiring a piece of art.
"Lord Orochimaru, how do you feel?"
Kabuto asked.
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"I feel great, my hands are back. That old man Hiruzen trying to take away my techniques was so naive. Hehehehe."
Orochimaru chuckled, his body still somewhat weak.
The Living Corpse Reincarnation still wasn't perfect.
"Kimimaro, Kabuto, I'll rest for a while to adapt to this body. During this time, Kimimaro will be in charge of Otogakure's affairs.
Once Konoha's guard is down, send someone to bring Sasuke back. Tell the outside world that my injuries haven't healed yet."
"Yes! Lord Orochimaru (Sir)."
The Living Corpse Reincarnation was undone, but Orochimaru didn't discard the remaining masks, instead storing them away.
Especially the Shinigami mask.
One day, he would use it again.
(End of Chapter)