Whether Pokémon or Ninja Beasts...
In this world centered around Chakra, they are essentially the new generation of Tailed Beasts.
Their life structure—rooted in Chakra and driven by spirit—shares the same origin as Tailed Beasts.
The only difference is that Tailed Beasts were created when the Sage of Six Paths split the Ten-Tails in the old era.
Whereas the Ninja Beasts known as Pokémon are lifeforms transformed by Shiroishi using the World Tree and the Ten-Tails.
Fundamentally, every ninja who uses a Pokémon has effectively become a new type of Jinchuriki.
Whether it's Eevee, Bulbasaur, Poipole, or Squirtle, the strength of these creatures is constrained by their energy limits.
In other words, the Ninja Beast Eggs currently created by Shiroishi are still Version 1.0—to put it in simpler terms:
They cannot yet create Ninja Beasts with higher Species Values, let alone legendary ones.
Unless the World Tree can devour and absorb more massive Chakra sources, these Ninja Beasts will eventually hit their growth ceiling.
But now, Orochimaru has broken this pattern.
Though accidental, he directly hatched a fully evolved form.
He didn't rely on external forces but leveraged Flapple's bizarre life traits—a composite lifeform based on shared multiple consciousnesses—to forcibly construct a form that breaks the framework.
This was something Shiroishi hadn't anticipated.
Among all the systems he created, this was the first time someone made a Ninja Beast inversely affect the creation rules.
Flapple's multi-core consciousness resonance structure almost carved a new path beyond the World Tree's simulation system.
From a biological perspective, Orochimaru achieved what Shiroishi could only accomplish through energy systems.
Among the three current enhancement methods, Orochimaru's is the most peculiar.
The second method is the most steady approach taken by the Kanto Starters—reconnecting with their World Tree, absorbing and converting Chakra to complete evolution.
Jiraiya follows the final method.
The host's strength forcibly enhances Mudkip's potential.
Among the first batch of Ninja Beasts hatched by Shiroishi, Jiraiya's Mudkip evolved successfully without undergoing secondary energy conversion by the World Tree. Even Wide Guard, in Jiraiya's hands, is almost becoming a Zhongli shield-style technique.
Shiroishi slowly exhaled.
Ninja Beasts and their hosts influence each other...
Even evolutionary forms are affected by the host's spirit and Chakra characteristics.
Moreover, since they're essentially Jinchuriki, does that mean these Ninja Beasts could also use Tailed Beast Mode to reside within ninjas?
At that moment, Orochimaru turned around, his expression so gentle it was almost deceptive: "Shiroishi-kun, are you planning to establish a Ninja Beast Egg sales point in Konoha?"
Shiroishi's eyes flickered slightly.
"Yes. The Land of Fire is the most stable and prosperous among the Five Great Nations. Konoha is the top ninja village. Once they recognize this new type of Ninja Beast, it will spread throughout the Shinobi World at the fastest pace."
The words sounded calm but concealed ambition.
Once the entire continent relies on these lifeforms, he and the World Tree could become the new energy hub.
Orochimaru narrowed his serpent-like eyes and chuckled lowly.
"Heh... I see. It seems you need more massive materials, correct?"
Though Shiroishi didn't explicitly state it, Orochimaru had accurately deduced his intention.
"The energy structure of these Ninja Beast Eggs has reached its limit."
Jiraiya's tone was even, yet carried a dangerous playfulness.
"To continue advancing, we must acquire more materials to convert into chakra."
Shiroishi remained silent for a moment before finally nodding.
"Being able to reconstruct life systems beyond chakra... heh... truly a rare Bloodline Ability."
For Orochimaru, selling Ninja Beast Eggs in Konoha was practically a godsend.
Not only would it solidify his position within the village's research system, but it would also give him legitimate access to more experimental samples.
He had already crafted his explanation in his mind.
These eggs came from the Land of Rain, recovered through breeding house channels controlled by Hanzo.
At the same time, that fool Jiraiya could be brought in to provide additional backing.
Just then, Shiroishi suddenly spoke, his tone still as calm and detached as ever.
"Orochimaru-san, can you withstand the pressure from the Third Hokage and Danzo?"
The question was too direct, too impudent.
Orochimaru narrowed his serpent-like eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.
After a long pause, he lazily uttered: "Not for now."
It wasn't that he lacked ambition, but he knew all too well how troublesome those two were.
After all, it was currently Year 38 of Konoha, and both were in their prime, at the peak of their power.
Shiroishi merely adjusted his glasses in response, the lenses reflecting a cold gleam.
"Therefore,"
"The sales channel for Ninja Beast Eggs must have a clever entry point."
"Oh?"
Orochimaru showed an intrigued smile, "Does Shiroishi-kun have any particular ideas?"
Shiroishi looked at him, his voice indifferent yet carrying strategic depth:
"The Ninja Academy."
Orochimaru froze for a moment. The Ninja Academy?
Shiroishi continued: "Implement a reward system where Ninja Beast Eggs are distributed according to student performance. Top students receive them as gifts, while average students can purchase them."
"This way," Shiroishi adjusted his glasses, "all parties benefit."
Orochimaru fell silent.
He understood perfectly the true meaning behind this.
The Ninja Academy was Konoha's foundation.
Nearly all children from ninja clans received their education here.
There were even numerous civilian students.
By integrating Ninja Beast Eggs into the academy system, they would naturally create ties with Konoha's major ninja clans.
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
The laughter started light, then deepened, finally transforming into cold appreciation.
"Heh... Shiroishi-kun, you're truly dangerous."
Shiroishi didn't respond, merely watching him calmly.
"Konoha is simply too large, with too many ninja clans. Only by using the academy as our entry point can we establish a foothold."
After obtaining a batch of Ninja Beast Eggs from Shiroishi, Orochimaru returned to Konoha almost without delay.
The Ninja Academy was currently headed by Akimichi Torifu as principal.
Orochimaru himself held a position at the academy, nominally as a special advisor but actually wielding authority over certain curriculum matters.
The first thing he did upon returning was directly knock on the principal's office door and propose what appeared to be a routine suggestion to Akimichi Torifu.
"I believe we should conduct a comprehensive year-end simulation exam."
"Simulation exam?"
Akimichi Torifu seemed somewhat hesitant.
Although the Great Shinobi War had just ended, the situation remained unstable, and many children might need to be mobilized into reserve forces at any time.
Having them adapt to combat pressure in advance might not be entirely inappropriate.
Orochimaru's lips curled slightly, revealing his characteristic cold smile: "Heh, rest assured, Headmaster. For this examination, I've prepared some special little gifts for the outstanding students... to help them grow faster."
Akimichi Torifu gazed into his narrow serpent-like eyes and agreed after a moment of silence.
"...Very well. It's time they began adapting to this."