I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 385 The most common misconception among students is that learning is for the sake of others.

"Magic! This is not the place for magic!"

"Magic! The Naraku-Seeing Technique!"

"Magical! Tree Binding Kill!"

During a break in the experiment, Orochimaru tested Tatsuma's progress in genjutsu. Watching Tatsuma play with the Rubik's Cube without any hindrance, and although his chakra surged from time to time, he was not truly affected by the genjutsu, and Orochimaru finally believed him to some extent.

Watching Tatsuma solve the Rubik's Cube without using any formulas, relying solely on his image and spatial processing abilities, Orochimaru said, "You've improved a lot. Would you mind telling me about it?"

Tatsuma nodded and said, "I was taught a lesson by the Third Mizukage Genmi using genjutsu and almost didn't make it back. However, by some twist of fate, I also found some tricks when his chakra invaded me."

"A water shadow skilled in illusion? How interesting."

Orochimaru nodded and said, "Use genjutsu against me. Your resistance to genjutsu is already quite remarkable. Let me see how much progress you've made in casting genjutsu."

Upon hearing this, Chenma looked troubled and said, "Uh, I haven't improved."

The most direct explanation for increased resistance to illusions is an improved understanding of various illusions, or a deeper understanding of the commonalities among various illusions. Therefore, it should also provide a significant boost to the performance of casting spells.

However, Tatsuma's resistance to genjutsu is a talent. In fact, his "insight" alone is not enough to allow him to resist genjutsu of Orochimaru's level of skill. After all, Tatsuma's genjutsu level is too low. But talent does not exist independently.

[Insight] is also affected by other talents. [Divine Insight] and [Strategic Planning] can also accelerate [Insight]'s analysis of the illusions it has been subjected to and help it find a way to break them.

Tatsuma was actually affected by Orochimaru's genjutsu, but the effect lasted only a very short time. In addition, Orochimaru was only testing the technique and did not use his full strength, which created the illusion that Tatsuma was completely unaffected.

Orochimaru also fell silent, looking at Tatsuma with a strange expression, sighed, and said, "The problem of being unbalanced in one subject is still not solved."

"I think this is already quite good. As long as illusion magic isn't my weakness, that's enough. Maybe I really don't have a talent for illusion magic."

Tatsuma himself was quite satisfied because his expectations for his genjutsu were different from Orochimaru's. Orochimaru's expectations for Tatsuma were too high; in his view, Tatsuma shouldn't have any weaknesses.

Even if he does have it, it must be completed, because in Orochimaru's view, Tatsuma has the talent. As for Tatsuma's current contentment, Orochimaru sees it as nothing short of self-degradation!

Hearing Tatsuma's self-deprecating words, Orochimaru said with dissatisfaction, "Complacency only breeds laziness. You are still young, and you must have expectations and desires for everything. Now is not the time to stop."

People's thinking can change. If you find illusion magic difficult now, perhaps you're just thinking in a wrong direction. Maintain your enthusiasm for exploration, and maybe one day you'll find learning illusion magic as easy as you find resisting it now.

"I understand."

Tatsuma felt somewhat persuaded. It has to be said that Orochimaru actually has a real talent for being a teacher. His conversations are very infectious, and even Tatsuma, after spending so much time with him, is still occasionally influenced by them.

Furthermore, Orochimaru was quite dedicated. He answered almost every question Tatsuma asked, and he even diligently studied the theoretical knowledge of various taijutsu techniques with his legitimate disciple.

The idea was that when Might Guy was no longer able to answer Nawaki's questions, he, as the legitimate teacher, could once again guide his disciple forward. Unfortunately, Nawaki spent two years but still couldn't empty Might Guy's pockets.

This rendered Orochimaru's preparations useless.

Seeing Tatsuma's current expression, Orochimaru knew that his instructions had not been in vain. He nodded and stopped lecturing him. After all, Tatsuma was not like others; he knew how to think.

The laboratory fell silent again, with only the sounds of the machines operating. Tatsuma changed the subject, saying, "Orochimaru-sama, you've been at the Ninja Academy lately, did you find any suitable candidates?"

"no."

Speaking of this, Orochimaru's face once again showed a look of disgust, and he said, "Those kids are obviously more interested in iron and fire. If we were a blacksmith, we could hire them, but I don't want to waste my time on them again."

Iron and fire. That probably refers to ninja tools and ninjutsu. As for why fire, Tatsuma also experienced it. During his time at the ninja academy, the teachers often used fire-style techniques to motivate the children to learn.

Because Fire Release is cool enough, other ninjutsu are not as effective as Fire Release. Earth Release is too ugly, Wind Release is not appreciated by children, and Water Release... most ninjutsu teachers are not skilled enough to freely shape Water Release.

As for Lightning Release, it is too dangerous. It spreads very easily, and if not controlled properly, it could harm innocent people. In addition, Konoha's research and development of Lightning Release is not very good, and very few teachers in the Ninja Academy have mastered Lightning Release.

Therefore, Fire Release became the best choice. Fire Release doesn't require much shaping and is enough to attract the attention of those short-sighted children. After all, the natural swaying of flames is quite beautiful.

Tatsuma frowned, thinking of someone—Orochimaru's other disciple. Had he not met him yet, or was it simply not the right time to meet him?

Although he has the authority, Tatsuma wouldn't bother checking the population information for each year's births. Therefore, he only knows a general idea about many of the original characters. Perhaps, Sweet Potato Lady is a little younger than Kakashi and the others.

"I think Lord Orochimaru, you are still too pessimistic. Just like you said, people's thinking is always changing. The child who is obsessed with iron and fire now may fall in love with silicon and carbon in the future?"

"Perhaps this group of children isn't suitable, but that doesn't mean future children won't be suitable. The outreach work still needs to continue, although we could lower its priority slightly, right?"

Hearing Tatsuma's answer, Orochimaru glanced at him and then said, "Then, six months from now, in the new school year, will you teach a few classes for me?"

Tatsuma's eye twitched. Sure enough, some things are easy to say but incredibly difficult when they actually happen to you.

Chenma felt he couldn't teach a group of teenagers, or even adults, so how could he possibly teach children who had just started school? Many children who have just started school, or even current students, have a misconception.

That is, they are learning for others.

It's as if they don't benefit from learning knowledge and getting good grades; they might even justify saying things like, "This knowledge is useless in the real world, so isn't it just for others to learn?"

However, this knowledge, which may not be useful after entering the workforce, is merely a stepping stone, allowing you to access truly useful professional knowledge. Life is not just about buying vegetables at the market; it's also about striving to make a name for yourself at a summit.

Chenma has seen a lot in his past life and has seen quite a lot in this life as well, especially in the so-called "elite class" where this phenomenon is rampant.

Those ninja clan members, the descendants of ninjas, often feel that they are studying for their families and elders, not for themselves. This is especially true for the heirs of certain shadow secret technique families.

Of course, these people have the right to think this way because their families have given them the resources and confidence to try and fail. But often, it is those who do not have the resources and confidence to try and fail who fall into this trap.

Sometimes, Chenma looks at him with such disdain that he's so unambitious.

Those who play with time will eventually be fooled by time. Only those who have endured hardship can smile and say, "I never imagined that we used to hate bitter melon, but today we find wisdom in it and cherish it more and more."

However, if you tell people who still hate bitter melon about its deliciousness and refreshing sweetness, they won't listen, which is why Tatsuma hates lecturing.

Seeing Tatsuma's out-of-control expression, Orochimaru shook his head with a smile. He wondered which "lucky ones" would become his students in the future; that would certainly be very interesting.

A desire that transcends life and death.

"Beep~"

The sound emitted by the instrument prompted both of them to tacitly end their conversation and return to their work.

Isolating the brown rice gene is not difficult, but it still needs to be cultivated and transformed. Unlike Kato Dan's time, this time the brown rice does not have enough internal organs for internal organ cultivation.

However, brown rice only contains a small amount of blood, so before culturing internal organs, these cells must be induced to undergo mutagenesis and be transformed into corresponding internal organ cell tissues before they can be cultured.

Orochimaru's "rudimentary" laboratory was able to handle these preliminary tasks. Once enough cells were cultivated, Orochimaru took over the work, as he needed to implant gene fragments from the Corpse Bone Vein into these cells.

This is not simple, because it is necessary to ensure the stability of the synthesized cells and their original functions, and ideally, to allow them to remain dormant for a longer period of time.

Fortunately, Orochimaru had an iron will. After three days, he finally prepared four sets of materials: two sets of cells with the original brown rice gene and two sets of cells with added technology and ruthless methods.

The good news is that the process at the Wood Release laboratory has finally been completed, and naturally, Root has finally decided on its research topic.

"You'll be in charge of the cultivation yourself. With the experience from last time, it should be much easier. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Inside the reopened Wood Release laboratory, Orochimaru looked nostalgic. This was the place a researcher should be in. If he could have this laboratory, then his original...

It doesn't matter if it's burned.

Chenma checked the various devices he hadn't used for two years and said, "Thankfully, I haven't reached the point of Alzheimer's yet."

Orochimaru nodded and asked, "Are you going on a mission next? If not, I'll add you to my team. With your Cursed Seal skill, you should be able to help me."

It's reasonable to receive an extra salary.

Chenma was somewhat tempted, after all, Gen was really willing to spend money, but he still shook his head and said, "I'm not alone, and I'm currently in my probationary period. Whether I can become a squad leader depends on my performance during this time."

"As a squad leader, do I need to lead the team?"

"I'll need it occasionally."

After Tatsuma finished speaking, Orochimaru glanced in the direction of the door, subconsciously checking with his eyes to see if anyone was there, and then lowered his voice and said, "Root has a lot of research projects to do. Even if we miss the chance to optimize the cursed seal, there will be many more opportunities."

When you have more time, it's good to have a part-time job. If you have any ideas, you can do them here. There aren't any particularly talented people here, and no one will know you're doing freelance work.

Upon hearing this, Tatsuma's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Lord Orochimaru, you seem to have experience."

Orochimaru gave a simple, farmer-like smile and said, "For the orders from Konoha Hospital, I used Root's accounts for the materials directly. They didn't even notice, so the manufacturing costs were completely eliminated, resulting in a 100% profit margin."

Inside the Root Base, Danzo looked at the latest financial report, his heart aching so much he kept clicking his teeth.

This is all hard-earned money, money that his roots earned with countless drops of blood and sweat, and now it's flowing away like the waters of the Nanhe River.

"Orochimaru, you better make a name for yourself!"

Danzo muttered through gritted teeth.

(End of this chapter)