Any source of power, even those deemed righteous, possesses the capacity to lead individuals astray. However, the path of the dark powers is exponentially perilous.
For someone like Orochimaru, who had been flirting with the edge of corruption, sinking into the kind of mindless decay he had just experienced would have been a relatively mild fate—a simple loss of consciousness and diminished intelligence. The more likely scenario for a weaker soul would be absolute annihilation, falling into an abyss of eternal torment.
Orochimaru listened to Shen Mo's words, absorbing the cosmic warning.
He realized now that his actions had often deviated from his core purpose. He had killed out of whim, impatience, or simple moodiness, actions that only served to fuel the inner darkness he was now fighting.
He looked at Shen Mo, and the scene recalled the rare moments when Hiruzen Sarutobi had genuinely taught him. Yet, this "teacher" was vastly superior; he realized that if the "student" failed to show sufficient potential, this merchant would abandon him without a hint of mercy.
This is a marvelous, essential lesson.
When Orochimaru opened the 352nd Jar, a sphere of light entirely different from the others materialized inside. It was completely pitch black, emanating an air of powerful malevolence, but not of the chaotic, corrupting kind.
"A skill orb from the Necromancer Series," Shen Mo stated, recognizing the item immediately. "It seems fate has not entirely abandoned you after all. To pull this particular skill from a Tier Two Jar is a significant Grand Prize."
This was Orochimaru's second major prize, after the disastrous armband. If Hiruzen Sarutobi knew the luck of his former student, he would weep.
"I swallowed." Kabuto Yakushi's throat tightened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Is it... dangerous, like that armband?"
The discarded armband lay on the ground, a silent, chilling testament to the terrifying reality of this new world.
"Kabuto, the armband is not what is truly terrifying," Orochimaru corrected, a genuine, albeit spectral, smile gracing his pale face as he looked at Shen Mo. "Our own fragile will is what is scary."
With that pronouncement, a testament to his newfound resolve, he reached out and grasped the black sphere. His determination was absolute. He would not fail this test of potential again.
The black light dissolved into mist and merged into Orochimaru's body. Unprecedented information flooded his mind, settling into his consciousness like an innate instinct.
The skill was: Bone Resurrection.
Description: Consumes energy and stamina to transform a fresh or preserved corpse into an Undead creature. The resulting transformation's quality and stability are dependent on the energy supplied and the ritualistic components used.
Orochimaru's eyes widened with profound astonishment.
"Like the Impure World Reincarnation?" he whispered, before immediately denying it. "No! This is not merely a soul tether; it is a transformation into a new, potentially self-improving immortal entity! And I can apparently utilize it instantly."
He realized why this was a Grand Prize.
This was not merely a spell; it was an innate, high-level ability. He possessed it directly, requiring no external knowledge, no cumbersome seals, and no prior experience. It was now an instinct.
"This is an exceptionally useful skill," Shen Mo confirmed, admiring the Sannin's luck. "Especially for you. Many of the materials you have already drawn can be combined with this skill and used to enhance your created undead. The kind of monstrosities you can construct depends entirely on your ingenuity and the rarity of your materials."
With this single ability, all the previously unusable materials—the strange tissues, the demonic blood, the cursed bones—were instantly rendered valuable research components. A powerful Sorcerer could use this skill to raise an army.
"What a terrifying capability," Orochimaru murmured, licking his dry lips.
And this is only the Grand Prize of a Tier Two Jar. What unimaginable power lay waiting in a Tier Three Jar, which cost ten times as much?
"Continue," he commanded, quickly suppressing his excitement.
Orochimaru was attempting to operate at the level of a focused apprentice, attempting to maintain an air of absolute calm. This transformation—from the arrogant Legendary Sannin to a humble, resolute student—was a measure of the overwhelming power he had witnessed.
Despite Orochimaru's focused, corrected mindset, his initial bout of recklessness seemed to have exhausted his luck.
The next hundred-plus Jars yielded no further Grand Prizes. Crucially, the Job Change Item, which possessed a higher probability of appearing in the last ten Tier Two Jars, failed to materialize.
"It appears your essential Job Change item is destined to be a Tier Three acquisition," Shen Mo observed, not blinking. "That is ultimately a positive development, as the items are significantly more powerful."
Shen Mo knew the minimum required Job Change materials he had tailored for Orochimaru exceeded the cost of a standard Tier Two Jar by five times.
The situation was dire. Orochimaru had to secure that item. If he left now, in his near-death state, he was finished. All his hope now rested on the Jars.
He had to find something else to sell.
"Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto Yakushi spoke up, adjusting his cracked glasses. "Would you consider selling my knowledge, my memories, and my Ninjutsu?"
Orochimaru slowly turned, fixing Kabuto with his gaze. "Your loyalty is deeply moving. But Kabuto, you are my most talented assistant. I will require your skills for all my future research."
Kabuto lowered his head, accepting the denial.
"Actually," Shen Mo interrupted, "you also possess liquid currency that can be used for the transaction."
Orochimaru looked at the merchant. He was aware that money could be used, but who carries cash when going into war?
"It's no trouble at all."
As if reading Orochimaru's mind—which he was—Shen Mo waved his staff, and a small pile of currency, identified by the system as Orochimaru's wealth, materialized on the ground.
Shen Mo hadn't mentioned it before because Orochimaru had chosen to sell his Jutsu memories.
Would you like Orochimaru to continue opening the remaining Tier Two Jars with his new cash, or to break the bank and purchase a Tier Three Jar immediately?