The graveyard of mountains lies in the northernmost part of the Land of Iron.
Returning to Konoha from here, with Orochimaru's current Six Paths level strength, even if he still couldn't use any space-time ninjutsu, he could reach it in an instant.
But among those accompanying him was a disciple whose strength was pathetically weak. In normal condition, Hozuki Mangetsu only possessed Chunin-level strength.
To appease his junior disciple's emotions, Orochimaru had to slow down and leisurely proceed towards the Land of Fire.
There was still some time before the Joint Chunin Exams, so returning to Konoha later would not delay any important matters.
Coincidentally, the travel time could also be used to study Mangetsu's current condition.
After a thorough examination by Orochimaru, he finally gained some new understanding of the Karma planted in Hozuki Mangetsu by Otsutsuki Isshiki.
"To imprint a seed bearing one's own soul and power onto a vessel..."
"This method..."
A profoundly bizarre expression suddenly appeared on Orochimaru's face.
"The Otsutsuki clan's method of planting Karma on humans actually serves a similar purpose to the Cursed Seals I planted on those in the Hidden Mist Village."
"This is truly..."
"A pleasant surprise!"
A smile flickered in Orochimaru's eyes as he slowly reached out and placed his hand on Hozuki Mangetsu's chest.
"It seems that no matter when, power..."
"Even when transcending the boundaries between races, its original purpose cannot be changed!"
"Since it's an imprint that carries memories and souls, Karma holds no mystery for me anymore!"
The primary reason Orochimaru was so eager to seize Indra's chakra from Uchiha Madara before was the potential threat from Otsutsuki Isshiki.
His own strength was stuck at an awkward level; while top-tier in the ninja world, it was difficult for him to maintain his usual confidence against the Otsutsuki clan, who were generally at Six Paths level or above, beyond the ninja world.
But after achieving Six Paths level and carefully examining the principles of Karma, he realized that the Otsutsuki clan's methods were nothing special.
They merely possessed greater power than someone like himself, who had just entered the Six Paths realm, and could utilize a wider variety of powers.
However, these Otsutsuki, who couldn't even be called gods, employed a simple and brutal approach to power, relying entirely on overwhelming force.
The reincarnation principle of Karma was similar in nature to the chakra reincarnation of the Indra brothers. Essentially, it was the soul's power being sufficiently strong to retain its consciousness during long periods of slumber or reincarnation.
As for other aspects...
Apologies, but Orochimaru truly found nothing else.
With this thought, Orochimaru's palm on Hozuki Mangetsu's chest sank slightly, and three black tomoe patterns instantly appeared on the Karma planted by Otsutsuki Isshiki.
The surrounding natural energy moved at his will, surging towards the newly formed Cursed Seal.
The Cursed Seal emitted waves of azure light, instantly connecting with all the chakra within Hozuki Mangetsu's body and enveloping it.
"Mangetsu, can you transform your body into pure water-style chakra using the Water Transformation Jutsu?"
Orochimaru asked seriously as he looked at Hozuki Mangetsu, who appeared to be in slight pain.
Hozuki Mangetsu attempted to control the chakra enveloped by Sage Mode power and found it even smoother than usual. He immediately nodded with full confidence.
"Teacher, I can do it!"
Orochimaru smiled with satisfaction.
"Good!"
"The essence of the Otsutsuki clan's power is still Yin-Yang Release. I will use Sage Mode to thoroughly refine your chakra and soul, expelling all of Otsutsuki Isshiki's invading power back into the Karma."
"Follow my command and immediately enter a fully liquefied state. Together, we will forcibly peel the Karma from your body."
Hozuki Mangetsu showed no reluctance towards the power of the Karma and nodded vigorously.
"Yes!"
Seeing that Hozuki Mangetsu understood his next task, Orochimaru wasted no more time. He carefully controlled his Six Paths level Sage Mode power, cleansing Hozuki Mangetsu's chakra from head to toe.
"Now!"
Hozuki Mangetsu endured the pleasant sensation of his body being washed by Sage Mode power, gritted his teeth with a muffled groan, and with a splash, transformed into a puddle of water.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. His terrifying spiritual power erupted, controlling the Sage Mode power within Hozuki Mangetsu's body to instantly form an impenetrable net within him, capturing all power that did not belong to Hozuki Mangetsu.
Controlling the Sage Mode net, he pulled outwards forcefully. The Karma, which still adhered to Hozuki Mangetsu's body even after he entered a liquefied state, was immediately ripped out.
A sharp glint flashed in Orochimaru's eyes. He cupped his hand, holding the Sage Mode net containing the Karma. The power of Yin-Yang Release and Sage Mode surged from his palm, and an unprecedentedly powerful seal was immediately applied to Otsutsuki Isshiki's Karma.
"Six Paths - Sealing Technique - Four Violet Flames Formation!"
With a low cry, the Yin-Yang Release power in Orochimaru's palm, influenced by Sage Mode power, instantly transformed as if affected by the Reanimation Jutsu on a lifeless object.
Four small dragons, black within and pale blue without, roared into existence in Orochimaru's palm.
After their roars, the four small dragons coiled and ascended, completely enveloping the Karma's power before dispersing with a boom, forming a small azure-black cage and completely sealing it within.
Orochimaru flipped his hand and a sealing scroll instantly appeared in his hand. He then neatly placed the sealed Karma inside.
"Alright, the threat of the Karma has been resolved. You can revert to your original form."
Hozuki Mangetsu rejoiced and immediately regained human form, standing up from the ground.
He hopped a couple of times, feeling incredibly light, as if he could fly at any moment.
"Teacher, I have an indescribable feeling."
"It's like... it's like power is continuously drilling into my body..."
This was not his illusion.
His entire chakra had been cleansed by Orochimaru's Six Paths level Sage Mode chakra. Hozuki Mangetsu's current body could be said to be naturally born for cultivating Sage Mode.
"Hmm!"
"It's just some residual natural energy from the removal of the Karma. Right now, you're just passively absorbing it. To master it, with your current temperament, you'll likely need further training."
"Work hard!"
"When I deem it appropriate, I will teach you the Sage Mode of Ryuchi Cave."
"Only then will you truly have the foundation to become a strong individual."
Orochimaru's warm encouragement filled Hozuki Mangetsu with immense joy. He cheered, grabbed the Three-Tails, and ran to the side, even waking it from its sleep to share the good news with his first non-human friend.
"What a child!"
Watching Hozuki Mangetsu run away, Uchiha Madara's eyes held a hint of nostalgia, yet he muttered dismissively.
Orochimaru's mood also lightened as he had resolved the hidden danger for his disciple.
"Senior Madara must have had friends he was eager to share his joy with back then, right?"
"Hmph! Boring!"
Uchiha Madara haughtily turned his head, appearing disdainful of arguing with a junior.
Just as Orochimaru was about to tease him further, a fluctuation of a Reverse Summoning Jutsu suddenly pulsed through his mind.
"Might Bunta want to Reverse Summon me to Ryuchi Cave?"
"What happened in Ryuchi Cave?"
Orochimaru muttered to himself in confusion and quickly formed the hand seals for the summoning jutsu.
"Bang!"
The gigantic, mountain-like body of Might Bunta appeared. Its sheer size and the power contained within it caused even the well-traveled Uchiha Madara to show a slight flicker of surprise.
"This brat has such a powerful Summoning Beast..."
Might Bunta remembered its master's dislike for it appearing in human form in front of him. Therefore, after receiving Orochimaru's summons, it had rushed directly from Ryuchi Cave in its true form.
"Lord Orochimaru, your strength..."
After sensing Orochimaru's presence, Might Bunta, who was about to state its purpose, suddenly felt a chilling sensation, and its voice trembled slightly as it asked.
Orochimaru stood calmly on Might Bunta's head and simply hummed softly, casually answering Might Bunta's confusion about his sudden increase in strength.
"Hmm, just a bit of fortune."
"Bunta, did you want to Reverse Summon me back to Ryuchi Cave? Why?"
Might Bunta dared not delay. It quickly spat out a small piece of paper, almost invisible, and gently held it up with its snake tongue, presenting it on its head.
"Lord Orochimaru, your teacher has sent you some intelligence from Konoha. Please peruse it personally."
Orochimaru felt a slight doubt in his heart. What kind of intelligence could make Hiruzen Sarutobi go to such lengths to have Might Bunta deliver it personally?
"Leader of Takigakure is absent, Seven-Tails is without a master. Proceed quickly!"
Orochimaru read Hiruzen Sarutobi's handwriting on the paper in his hand and couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.
"Teacher Sarutobi is truly..."
"Well, so be it!"
"I must meet the Seven-Tails eventually. Since there's still plenty of time, I'll make a detour to Takigakure Village!"
"Bunta, thank you for your trouble. You may return now."
Orochimaru casually dispelled Might Bunta's summon and descended from the air to Uchiha Madara's side.
"Senior Madara, do you know if there was a powerful individual from Takigakure back then who fought the First Hokage and managed to retreat unharmed?"
Uchiha Madara was stunned, frowned, and thought for a moment before slowly shaking his head.
"Such a person from that small Takigakure Village?"
"Why haven't I heard of them?"
Orochimaru nodded affirmatively.
"Yes!"
"That expert not only survived the battle with the First Hokage but has lived until now."
"His mental state is even far better than yours is now!"
Uchiha Madara's interest was piqued.
"There's still such a powerful individual in the ninja world?"
"Then I must go and see for myself!"
"Let's go!"
Orochimaru nodded with a mischievous smile, beckoning the Nine-Tails, who was deliberately avoiding Uchiha Madara, and Hozuki Mangetsu, who was shaking Isamu in the distance, to follow Uchiha Madara's footsteps.
For someone like Madara, if you don't provide him with an opponent he's inferior to in some aspect, he truly won't feel any motivation.
Orochimaru deliberately withheld the fact that Kakuzu was not currently in Takigakure Village.
Leaving Madara with suspense and a goal he could pursue indefinitely would be more important.
As for inexplicably attracting a terrifyingly powerful opponent for Kakuzu, what did that have to do with Orochimaru?
He wasn't interested in Earth Grudge Fear or anything like that.