Orochimaru's Magic Lamp
In the fifty-first year of the Leaf, later known as the “Beginning of the Shinobi World Reformation” and the “First Year of Renewal,” Orochimaru made an indelible contribution. It all began when he be
Under the dim chandelier, a gaunt figure gripped a scalpel, mechanically parting flesh and muscle, his face half-shrouded in shadow.
“Hah…”
Orochimaru’s gaze was dull and weary as he gently exhaled. Another precious body of a ninja with inherited bloodline had been wasted; barring any miracles, tonight would again yield nothing.
Boom, boom…
Suddenly, the underground laboratory beneath the Root base shook violently.
Orochimaru’s body trembled; his scalpel traced a deep wound across the still-beating heart of his subject, blood spurting forth. From the shadows came a chorus of serpentine hisses—excited by the thick, metallic scent—only to fall silent in the next moment.
As Orochimaru focused on correcting his mistake, a strange atmosphere began to spread through the laboratory.
“Hm?!”
He set down his scalpel, his narrow serpent eyes sweeping the room, quickly locking onto the source of the disturbance.
On the bedside table beside the patient, a golden long-spouted lamp had appeared out of nowhere, nestled among the instruments, glowing softly.
Orochimaru recognized it at once: this was a lamp, called the Aladdin Lamp, capable of granting wishes to its owner.
It was not his scholarly acumen that revealed this, but rather the bold, golden letters floating above the lamp:
“I am the Aladdin Lamp. Touch the lamp’s surface to awaken the Genie and grant your wish!!!”
A straightforward, alluring… trap.
Orochimaru’s eyes narrowed.
He was certain the table had lacked this item moments ago, and