Naruto: Reborn as Neji Hyuga After Dying in One Piece-Chapter 38. Kimimaro… If Anyone Can Survive This, It’s You

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After the Third Hokage departed, Guy turned to his excitable team. Tenten was already nudging Lee with enthusiasm.

"Lee, try using the [Transformation Jutsu] and [Substitution Jutsu]! Let's see if it works!"

Scratching the back of his head, Lee nodded. With a focused expression, he weaved the hand signs. A puff of smoke later there stood a perfect impersonation of Guy.

"This... this is the power of youth!"

He flashed a sparkling grin and gave a thumbs-up. The imitation was so spot-on that even Tenten and Neji burst into laughter.

Clearly, Lee had a mischievous side too.

Ahem!

The real Guy cleared his throat, prompting Lee to quickly return to normal with a sheepish smile. But instead of scolding him, Guy smiled.

"You've done well. Keep practicing the [Three Basic Jutsu]. They're more important than most people realize."

He continued with a firm tone.

"[Substitution Jutsu] can save your life. [Transformation Jutsu] isn't just for disguise. It's useful for hiding as objects, too. Not every ninja has a Byakugan, Sharingan, or [Sensory Jutsu]."

Neji nodded in agreement. "[Shadow Clone Jutsu] works the same way. It confuses the enemy's sight, increases your odds of landing a hit, and reduces your own exposure."

"Yes, Guy-sensei! I'll continue to train hard!"

Lee beamed. Being able to finally use [Ninjutsu] even a little meant everything to him.

If only he could use it while in the [Eight Gates]...

"Lee," Neji warned, "The chakra your tattoo allows you to control is just enough for the [Three Basic Jutsu]. In normal conditions, that is. Once you enter the [Eight Gates], you'll be unable to use any [Ninjutsu]."

That burst Lee's bubble. He had hoped otherwise.

Still, he steadied himself. "It's fine. I'm already grateful. Thank you, Neji, for keeping me grounded."

"I want to try it," Lee said suddenly.

"You mean... using [Ninjutsu] while in [Eight Gates] mode?"

Lee nodded and turned to Guy, who approved with a nod.

"Go ahead, Lee. But remember let your YOUTHFUL spirit drive you forward. Neji hasn't finished his research yet. Someday, this might work!"

"YES, SIR!"

It was a slogan he borrowed from Neji he said Lee's old catchphrases weren't powerful enough, so Lee tried this one instead.

The others backed away as Lee began channeling chakra. His face turned red from exertion as energy surged around him.

Chakra was funneled through the acupuncture nodes under his tattoo. It was minimal but controlled.

As Lee began forming hand signs for the [Shadow Clone Jutsu], the overwhelming pressure of the [Eight Gates] cut off his chakra flow.

Poof!

The technique fizzled, and his enhanced state collapsed.

Neji and the others rushed forward.

"As expected," Neji said after a quick scan. "Your Technique was interrupted. The chakra bounced back into your system, causing temporary shock. You'll be fine after some rest."

The tattoo worked by tapping into the turbulent chakra stream and extracting a small, manageable portion. But if you tried to force it while under extreme conditions like the [Eight Gates], the system rejected it then backfired. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Neji even had a name for it: [Recoil Warrior Syndrome].

"Well, as long as you're okay."

Guy gave Lee a pat. The kid was solid literally. With no lingering injuries, Guy finally relaxed and turned to Neji.

"Lord Hokage saw the whole thing. He's authorized higher clearance for your research and left behind Tsunade's medical notes to help you."

"That's a huge help. Please thank the Lord Hokage on my behalf."

Neji had already overheard but manners were important.

"Huh? Lord Hokage already left?" Tenten finally noticed the room was emptier.

"He left while you were all celebrating," Guy said with a chuckle.

Tenten laughed, embarrassed. But honestly, they were just happy Lee made progress.

Once Lee had recovered enough, Guy helped him to his feet.

"You've all grown. Now that this mission is over, you get a few days off. Use them well either rest or train. I'll call you when the next assignment arrives."

"Yes, sir!"

The team dispersed with renewed energy.

---

Meanwhile, in the Hidden Sound Village, within a darkened laboratory in the Land of Fields...

Orochimaru stood entranced, examining a mysterious serum.

"I never expected such a substance to exist... [Hormones]? But why does it fail?"

He had extracted what he thought was identical, yet the results didn't match.

It was as if the laws of nature themselves rejected his imitation.

Still, the effects were clear just as described on the parchment.

Had Neji seen Orochimaru's frustration, he might have laughed.

That's the difference between worlds. These weren't just [Hormones] these were born from the powers of [Devil Fruits]. Even in the One Piece world, their secrets defied duplication.

So Orochimaru's struggle was futile. These substances obeyed a different set of laws [Rules] if you will.

Kabuto stood silently nearby, while Kimimaro lay quietly on the lab bed.

Eventually, Orochimaru calmed. It had been years since anything rattled him like this.

"Inject the [Regeneration Hormone] into Kimimaro," he ordered. "And lock him in the most secure chamber. The pain will be excruciating."

Kabuto flinched at the intensity in Orochimaru's snake-like eyes but obeyed.

Orochimaru approached Kimimaro the last living remnant of the Kaguya clan.

"You heard everything just now, didn't you?"

"My life belongs to you, Lord Orochimaru."

Kimimaro's voice was tranquil. He had long abandoned the notion of personal survival. If Orochimaru willed it, he accepted it without hesitation.

"Good. But I'm not ready to lose you yet."

"There's only a one to two percent chance this [Treatment] will work. And it'll take ten years off your life. The pain will be unlike anything you've ever experienced."

"But... if it's you, I believe you'll survive."

Their eyes locked. Kimimaro's expression remained serene and resolute.

Orochimaru gave a cold smile and waved to Kabuto.

Everything was ready.

Kimimaro was placed in a reinforced cell, shackled in heavy chains. The needle gleamed under the sterile light and then pierced his flesh.

Pain tore through his body. His eyes flushed crimson with agony.

But he didn't scream.

He endured.

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