In the different dimension.
The boundless root system forest still emitted an oppressive and mysterious glow.
The vast tree shadows resembled an inverted starry sea, with the massive World Tree standing silently at the center, its roots entangled and branches winding.
Shiroishi stood before the tree roots, gazing at the corpse suspended and bound in midair.
The Rain Ninja Captain's body had long lost its warmth, now pierced and enveloped by countless emerald branches.
The branches wriggled, slowly devouring his flesh and Chakra bit by bit.
"It's over."
Shiroishi murmured softly.
The Rain Ninja Captain's figure gradually melted, transforming into a translucent stream of energy that was absorbed into the main trunk of the World Tree along the roots.
Following this came a deep, resonant vibration, like a heartbeat or the breath of the deep sea.
Thump.
Thump.
The World Tree's luster grew deeper, and the patterns at its roots flickered with a strange golden-green light.
Inside the trunk, new life began to take form.
Shiroishi reached out and touched the glowing bark. It felt slightly cool, but he could sense the turbulent flow of Chakra within.
After devouring the Ten-Tails, the World Tree had gained the Authority to recreate life.
Every soul and body it consumed would be transformed into a new form of Pokémon.
Nourished by Chakra and souls, they were essentially no different from Tailed Beasts.
If particularly powerful, these Pokémon could even undergo Jinchuriki Transformation.
This was also the reason Yahiko and the others could learn the skills of Ninja Beasts.
The roots writhed, and several circular light cocoons rose from the ground.
Shiroishi watched quietly as they gradually solidified into fifteen warm Sprite Eggs.
Each egg bore the imprint of life.
"Fifteen... it seems the energy was sufficient this time."
He counted softly, his expression calm but unable to conceal the thoughtfulness in his eyes.
He took out a specially made sealing scroll, recited the incantation, and sealed the fifteen Sprite Eggs into the scroll one by one.
As the sealing technique completed, the entire space trembled slightly. The tree trunk grew quiet again, leaving only the void where the Rain Ninja Captain had vanished.
Shiroishi's gaze darkened as he turned and left.
The moment he stepped out of the different dimension, the light and shadow twisted, and the World Tree's breathing gradually faded into the sound of rain.
Outside the Breeding House, the night rain continued.
Jiraiya sat under the eaves, with Mudkip perched on his head. Both man and beast stared blankly at the curtain of rain.
"It seems you've handled it."
Jiraiya looked up, a wry smile on his lips.
Shiroishi wiped the rainwater from his hands. "There's still some cleanup work."
He gave a slight bow and turned to leave.
At that moment, Eevee jumped down, let out a soft cry as a greeting to Jiraiya on Shiroishi's behalf, and quickly followed Shiroishi.
As for Poipole, it flashed a smile before floating away.
Jiraiya watched Shiroishi and the two Ninja Beasts depart, his brow slightly furrowed.
That child was even more profound than he had imagined.
Too mature, and it made him a bit unlikable.
"That kid..."
He muttered to himself, rainwater trickling down his mask, mingling with a sigh.
Shiroishi didn't go far.
He followed the mountain path, tracing the flow of rainwater, until he reached a secluded stream.
The stream rushed swiftly, reflecting the night sky and flashes of lightning.
He stopped and spoke calmly, "You can come out now, Mr. Orochimaru."
A faint rustling sound came from the air.
A moment later, a low, amused voice emerged from the darkness.
"Oh? You knew I was here?"
Accompanying the voice, a man draped in a black cloak slowly emerged from the shadows.
His pale face and golden vertical pupils carried a chilling smile.
"I've heard Teacher Jiraiya mention you often."
Shiroishi's tone remained calm.
"Teacher Jiraiya?"
Orochimaru slightly raised an eyebrow, understanding everything in that instant.
He let out a soft chuckle: "Heh... I see. So that guy took a disciple in the Land of Rain, no wonder he didn't want to return to Konoha."
Shiroishi said nothing more, simply taking out a scroll and tossing it toward him.
The scroll landed steadily in Orochimaru's hand. Looking down, he saw it was a sealing scroll.
"Fifteen Breeding Eggs."
Shiroishi stated plainly.
"They resonate with the Chakra of their incubator. If resonance fails, they'll randomly hatch into ordinary Ninja Beasts. If resonance succeeds, they'll birth the exact Ninja Beast you need."
Orochimaru's vertical pupils contracted slightly, "How... fascinating."
The corners of his lips curled into a serpentine smile.
"Consider these eggs payment for helping me last time."
Shiroishi's voice was cold. "If you need more in the future, the price remains one thousand ryo per egg."
Orochimaru thoughtfully ran his fingertips over the scroll's surface.
"You don't sound like you're conducting business."
"Just maintaining balance."
Shiroishi's voice remained detached,
"You get what you want, and I secure necessary resources."
A brief silence fell.
Rainwater slid down leaves, creating tiny splashes between them.
"Very well."
Orochimaru smiled as he stored the scroll,
"I accept your terms, however."
His gaze shifted, tone turning inquisitive, "I'm curious how you knew I'd appear in the Land of Rain?"
Shiroishi gave him a deep look before smiling.
"Because I can sense you."
He paused, his voice cooling, "And Mr. Orochimaru, there's no need to probe for information. If you want to know something, bring the appropriate chips to exchange."
Orochimaru blinked in surprise, then laughed aloud.
Shiroishi merely smiled faintly in response, his expression neutral and tone unwavering.
"Then I'll take my leave."
With that, he turned, his cloak fluttering lightly in the rain,
his footsteps fading silently into the mist and rainfall.
Orochimaru watched the retreating figure, his lips slowly curving upward.
His vertical pupils gleamed with an eerie light in the gloom,
then he lowered his head and murmured softly: "What a cautious and dangerous child..."
He ran his tongue over his lips,
his gaze turning toward where Shiroishi had departed.
Within his sensory range, the Eevee was silently concealed in the forest shadows, ears perked and ready to attack.
Further in the sky, the silver Poipole hovered high above,
its Poison Needles quivering slightly as they released faint toxic mist.
"Heh... I see."
Compared to Hanzo, Orochimaru found these fascinating Ninja Beast Eggs far more intriguing.
His eyes burning with intensity, he raised his hand and unsealed the scroll.
"Pop!"
Fifteen Ninja Beast Eggs radiating life energy appeared in sequence.
All bore basic white patterns.
These patterns would resonate with the breeder's Chakra before hatching new life.
A truly remarkable ability.
Orochimaru slowly crouched, his fingertip hovering above one of the eggs.
"Let's see... what surprises you have for me?"
He reached out his hand, his fingertips lightly touching the eggshell.
In an instant!
The resonance was so intense it nearly made his heart race.
A faint glow enveloped the egg, and the shell developed unusual patterns.
As if responding to his will.
Orochimaru's vertical pupils abruptly contracted, followed by a fanatical smile.
"Hahaha..."
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