chapter 101 part 3
"It's simply because these two clans happen to be blocking my path forward," Tsukasa Kaede said.
In truth, Tsukasa Kaede had indeed considered whether to choose the Senju and Uchiha, or the Hyuga Clan.
As everyone knows, Kaguya Otsutsuki left two bloodline branches in this world. One was Hagoromo Otsutsuki, also known as the Sage of Kaedex Paths, who in turn left two sub-branches: Indra and Asura.
These two sub-branches eventually evolved into the Uchiha Clan, Senju Clan, and Uzumaki Clan, inheriting the power of the God Tree's Rinnegan lineage.
The other bloodline branch left by Kaguya Otsutsuki was Hamura Otsutsuki. Hamura left descendants on The Moon and in the Shinobi World, and these descendants inherited the power of the Byakugan lineage.
The inherent power of the Otsutsuki Clan Members is the Byakugan power line. Only after devouring the power of the God Tree do they unlock the Rinnegan power line.
In other words, the Byakugan belongs to the Otsutsuki lineage, while the Rinnegan leans towards the God Tree lineage.
The two brothers, Hagoromo and Hamura, essentially divided their mother Kaguya's power, perfectly "splitting" the two forces that had been intertwined.
So Tsukasa Kaede, in cultivating a new body, faced a choice: whether to lean towards the Otsutsuki or the God Tree. Tsukasa Kaede's answer was the God Tree. Sharingan and Hashirama Cells were readily available, and Tailed Beasts were clearly visible. Ascending along this path would undoubtedly be more convenient.
Furthermore, he had even seized a finger from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, possessing uniquely favorable conditions.
As for the Otsutsuki lineage... it was too convoluted, and the objective conditions were insufficient.
Tsukasa Kaede had already planted a seed within the Hyuga Branch House. If operated well, it was indeed possible to create internal problems within the clan, eventually taking root and fostering antagonism between the Branch House and the Main House.
It was even entirely possible for the Hyuga Clan to erupt into civil war, like Hamura's descendants on The Moon, with the Branch House ultimately annihilating the Main House.
Even if he succeeded, dealing with the aftermath would be troublesome. Tsukasa Kaede couldn't guarantee that after digging out all the eyes of the Hyuga Clan, he would obtain a Tenseigan comparable to the Rinnegan. If the Hyuga Clan wasn't enough, he would have to set his sights on Hamura's descendants on The Moon.
Yet he lacked the ability to fly to The Moon, and even if he did, he couldn't withstand the ultimate attack of the Giant Tenseigan; he'd be instantly defeated.
The reason the Otsutsuki Branch Family on The Moon was so quiet was not only because they had all removed their Byakugan, but also because they were awaiting the birth of a sufficiently talented newborn, namely Toneri Otsutsuki.
In the future, once Toneri Otsutsuki acquired Hanabi Hyuga's eyes, he would awaken the Tenseigan in one fell swoop. A single Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion could split The Moon, let alone his ability to control the power of the Giant Tenseigan to launch long-range attacks on the Shinobi World.
Tsukasa Kaede was also very interested in the power of the Otsutsuki lineage and would certainly target it in the future, but not now.
First, he needed to find a way to reach Kage Level, then directly attain Super Kage-level. If he got stuck again in the future, it wouldn't be too late to return and assimilate the power of the Otsutsuki lineage.
Therefore, Tsukasa Kaede had Orochimaru cultivate a body for him that possessed both Hashirama Cells and Sharingan.
"Alright, Tsukasa-kun, since you've made up your mind, I'll fully cooperate. Should we proceed with the surgery now? With your power, even if Hashirama Cells spread rampantly through your body, you should be able to suppress them, right?"
Tsukasa Kaede would undoubtedly become an even more perfect experimental subject than Toka Senju. The mere thought of this made Orochimaru tremble with excitement, his eyes blazing with fervent light.
Originally, he had been racking his brain over how to get what he wanted from Tsukasa Kaede, but now he no longer had that concern.
"...No, that's not it. I mean, you are to cultivate an entirely new body for me, not merely patch up this frail one."
Tsukasa Kaede lowered his gaze to his hands. This Earthling body had its limits, a fact Tsukasa Kaede was feeling with increasing clarity.
Putting aside some objective realities, simply having a Native Body would allow him to display greater strength and have a higher ceiling for future development than he currently possessed.
"You're going to transfer your Soul?!"
Orochimaru was immediately startled, looking at Tsukasa Kaede with disbelief. "You already possess a body that grants Immortality, so why would you discard it? Why do you still desire more?"
"I am quite greedy, Orochimaru. You just haven't truly discovered my objective all this time."
Tsukasa Kaede's expression was calm.
Orochimaru silently watched Tsukasa Kaede. For a moment, he almost thought Tsukasa Kaede had somehow detected his research into the Forbidden Jutsu, Immortal Reincarnation Jutsu.
But upon careful consideration, he decided it was impossible. The Immortal Reincarnation Jutsu was not yet perfected; no matter how desperately he worked, it would likely require several more years of development to be successfully usable.
So how would Tsukasa Kaede change bodies?
Corpse Release... no matter how he looked at it, it was a Secret Technique for controlling the body. Furthermore, Tsukasa Kaede's displayed abilities had always been physical. Could it achieve Soul-level transfer? Orochimaru couldn't be sure.
"Orochimaru, why are you crying?"
"Ah, just a sudden rush of emotion. I've encountered a true 'kindred spirit.' On the path to pursuing eternity, we actually align without planning." Orochimaru wiped away a tear from the corner of his eye. "The difference is, you've already achieved Immortality yet remain unsatisfied, while I am still on the road, chasing your silhouette."
Orochimaru had originally believed his research into the Soul was superior to Tsukasa Kaede's, but now he was uncertain. He suspected the Corpse Release Secret Technique might still hold undiscovered potential related to the Soul, but this seemed too far-fetched.
Tsukasa Kaede gave a noncommittal answer: "...You're being too abstract."