"The difference between a Soul Shadow Clone and a regular Shadow Clone is simple," Orochimaru began.
"A Shadow Clone evenly splits your chakra, which causes heavy energy loss and weakens your overall strength. When the clone takes damage, it disappears."
"A Soul Shadow Clone, on the other hand, divides your soul and essence. It allows you to allocate specific traits to each clone. Even if one of them receives a fatal blow, it won't vanish."
"But both have serious side effects. And the side effects of the Soul Shadow Clone are even greater than those of the regular one. Are you sure you want to practice this technique?"
Orochimaru looked seriously at Tobirama Senju.
"With the abilities I've awakened, are you saying I still can't master this technique?" Tobirama frowned slightly.
After their previous battle, he didn't believe Orochimaru still failed to grasp the extent of his power.
For Tobirama, there were no secrets in ninjutsu.
Even so-called higher-level Sage Techniques were within his reach.
"I already told you," Orochimaru said, raising a finger, "this is a technique with high entry requirements and several preconditions."
"First of all, you need the ability to perform surgery on the soul. Right now, only Kagetsu's ability and my own can manage that."
"You should understand the difference between a clean operation and reckless splitting, right?"
"If you carelessly tamper with your own soul, you'll drive yourself insane."
"You can choose either me or Kagetsu to help you extract the fragments of your soul. Or, you can learn the pre-forbidden techniques yourself. But regardless of the path you take, you shouldn't create more than one Soul Shadow Clone."
"Because you don't possess my Soul Secret Arts, you won't be able to make up for the soul loss in other ways."
"I'll do it myself." Tobirama had no intention of letting others meddle with his soul.
"In that case," Orochimaru said, "you'll need to accept a curse mark from me."
"A curse mark?" Tobirama's eyes narrowed with caution.
"No need to be so tense. It's a prerequisite for training in the Soul Shadow Clone technique. You'll need my power."
Orochimaru understood Tobirama's wariness.
In the Technology Development Department, curse marks were developed too freely and recklessly.
Any ninja who had read reports on them would naturally be cautious.
Gaining power through them was real, yes—but so were the side effects.
And those... varied from person to person.
"I know about Curse Marks," Tobirama Senju said calmly. "From the intel I've read, it's a technique that injects a certain power into a shinobi's body using sealing arts. The result is something like a weaker version of a Jinchūriki, or a form similar to Sage Mode."
"When activated, it dramatically boosts a shinobi's power—but there's also a high risk of losing control."
He spoke with confidence, not wanting anything like that influencing his mind.
"That may mean the intel you saw is outdated," Orochimaru replied coolly. "Or perhaps the information has only been partially released within the Technology Development Department."
"The truth is, the biggest challenge with Curse Marks right now is that only a small number of people can actually handle them."
"Those who do survive the implantation can remain conscious for a period of time, and even when they lose control, they can still exit the Curse Mode at will."
"The current Curse Mark technology is already in its third generation. Its power has been reduced, but it's been made more stable—more accessible and safe for many more shinobi."
"That still doesn't change the core issue," Tobirama responded bluntly, ignoring Orochimaru's explanation.
Now that he had awakened the Hōgyoku Mode, he didn't need another power that gave unstable, uncontrollable strength.
"So what will you choose?" Orochimaru asked, narrowing his eyes slightly. "To train in the Soul Shadow Clone Technique, you must accept a Curse Mark that I personally apply. It's a part of my power—a requirement for allowing your soul to split according to your own will."
"Or… would you prefer me or Kagetsu to perform a soul surgery for you instead?"
Though Orochimaru did have his own goals and ambitions, he wasn't lying to Tobirama.
The Curse Mark truly was a necessary prerequisite for Soul Shadow Clones.
It was the power that allowed the Hōgyoku to divide one's soul.
"I created Edo Tensei. I've studied souls. I understand exactly what kind of thing your so-called Curse Mark is," Tobirama replied with solemn clarity. "You're not lying—but that doesn't mean I'm going to accept it."
He shook his head firmly.
"All I need from you is the full process—just the theory and inspiration will do, even if you don't share the actual technique."
"Of course, if you refuse, that's fine too. It'll just take me a bit more time."
When it came to forbidden jutsu, Tobirama never believed anyone surpassed him.
Orochimaru's Hōgyoku ability might be the key to the Soul Shadow Clone technique, but if it was just about splitting his own soul, Tobirama was confident that—with his own research and skill—he could find another way, even without any help from Orochimaru.
It was nothing more than spending a bit more time.
In the end, it might not reach the level of Orochimaru's forbidden technique, but the difference wouldn't be too great.
"What a pity."
Orochimaru said softly. His regret was neither hidden nor disguised—it was real and sincere.
After all, Tobirama Senju was also a great "incubation vessel," especially in terms of his understanding of jutsu and chakra.
He who is desperately trying to escape from the shinobi world's shackles and threats, Tobirama too could serve as nourishment for Orochimaru's further evolution if needed just like Hiruko.
But compared to Hiruko—who would've been completely consumed—Tobirama's end wouldn't be nearly as tragic.
In fact, the consequences would be relatively mild.
Still, Orochimaru didn't insist on placing a Soul Curse Seal on the Second Hokage.
That technique wasn't foolproof, especially in front of someone with exceptional talent who had also awakened the Hōgyoku's power.
"This is the scroll containing information about the Soul Shadow Clone Technique."
Orochimaru pulled a scroll, still wet with mucus, from his mouth and tossed it to Tobirama.
"I'm truly curious... how this jutsu might evolve in your hands. Perhaps it will appear in this shinobi world in a completely new form."
Faced with Tobirama's slightly surprised gaze, Orochimaru spoke honestly.
Once upon a time, the Second Hokage was someone Orochimaru admired even more than his own teacher, the Third Hokage.
Admired for his strength. Longed for his talent.
They were the same kind of people.
"Remember, when dividing your soul and power, do so based on a balanced ratio—but never too purely. If the split is too refined, your clone will become so obsessive that it'll drive everyone crazy."
"I've already had to destroy two of my own clones... I really don't want to kill one of yours in the future."
"This kind of careful division will also ensure that your main consciousness remains whole—in every possible sense."
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