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{{Infobox}}
 
{{Infobox}}
{{translation|'''Orochimaru'''|大蛇丸|Orochimaru}} served as the central antagonist for the majority of the series during Part I but later became a secondary antagonist during Part II. Recognised as one of the most powerful ninja [[Konohagakure]] ever produced and one of the {{translation|"'''Three Legendary Shinobi'''"|伝説の三忍|Densetsu no [[Sannin]]}}, he operated as an [[ANBU]] [[shinobi]] within the [[Root]] faction prior to his defection from the village in pursuit of his own self-serving ambitions. Initially [[Sword of Totsuka|sealed]] away during the battle between [[Sasuke]] and [[Itachi Uchiha]] by the latter, he was later [[Evil Unsealing Method|revived]] by the former using his own genetic material that was within his underling [[Kabuto Yakushi]] and the portion of consciousness he stored within [[Anko Mitarashi]]'s [[Cursed Seal of Heaven]].
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{{translation|'''Orochimaru'''|大蛇丸|Orochimaru}} is one of [[Konohagakure]]'s legendary [[Sannin]]. With a life-ambition to learn all of the world's secrets, Orochimaru seeks immortality so that he might live all of the lives necessary to accomplish his task. After being caught red-handed performing unethical experiments on his fellow citizens for the sake of this immortality, Orochimaru defected from Konoha rather than be persecuted for his ambitions, and for many years sought the village's destruction in order to take revenge and demonstrate what he had learned. After several apparent deaths in the pursuit of his goals, Orochimaru realises his approach is flawed through [[Kabuto Yakushi]], his former associate, and begins monitoring the choices and actions of his former apprentice, [[Sasuke Uchiha]].
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
 
[[File:Orochimaru As A Kid.PNG|thumb|left|Orochimaru as a child.]]
 
[[File:Orochimaru As A Kid.PNG|thumb|left|Orochimaru as a child.]]
Orochimaru was an orphan who became a pupil of [[Hiruzen Sarutobi]] alongside [[Jiraiya]] and [[Tsunade]]. Compared to the more laid back Jiraiya, Orochimaru stood out as a genius — his talents, knowledge, and determination were considered by Hiruzen to be that of a prodigy seen once in a generation.<ref name="c122p7">''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 7</ref> According to Tsunade, Orochimaru had a twisted personality even as a child. His sadistic attitude was presumably due to the death of his parents. At some point after losing them, Orochimaru found a white snake near his parents' grave, with Hiruzen explaining that it represents fortune and rebirth inspiring Orochimaru to study [[kinjutsu]] and obtain knowledge of all techniques.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 344, pages 16-17</ref> Jiraiya theorised that Orochimaru went down this path in an attempt to forget his painful memories.
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Orochimaru was an orphan who became a pupil of [[Hiruzen Sarutobi]] alongside [[Jiraiya]] and [[Tsunade]]. Compared to the more laid back Jiraiya, Orochimaru stood out as a genius — his talents, insight, and determination were considered by Hiruzen to be that of a prodigy seen only once in a generation.<ref name="c122p7">''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 7</ref> According to Tsunade, Orochimaru had a twisted personality even as a child. His sadistic attitude was presumably due to the death of his parents. At some point after losing them, Orochimaru found a white [[snake]] near his parents' grave, with Hiruzen's explanation of it representing fortune and rebirth inspiring Orochimaru to study [[kinjutsu]] and obtain knowledge of all techniques.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 344, pages 16-17</ref> Jiraiya theorised that Orochimaru went down this path in an attempt to forget his painful memories.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 416, page 7</ref>
   
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{{ImgRight|Hanzo and Sannin.png|Orochimaru and his team being dubbed the "Sannin" by Hanzō.}}
During the [[Second Shinobi World War]], Orochimaru joined Jiraiya and Tsunade in fighting [[Hanzō]], who gave them the title of Konoha's {{translation|"Three Legendary Shinobi"|伝説の三忍|Densetsu no Sannin}} as a reward for surviving their battle with him, while the rest of their group were easily slaughtered in the process.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 369, pages 11-12</ref> On their way back to Konoha, they encountered three [[Ame Orphans|Amegakure orphans]], with Orochimaru proposing a mercy killing before Jiraiya chose to train them instead.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 372, page 11</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 446, page 4</ref> In the anime, Orochimaru orchestrated the last known rampage of the [[Eight-Tails]] in [[Kumogakure]] by infiltrating the village while disguised as a Kumo-nin and posing as [[Fukai]]'s doctor in order to trick him into taking special [[Genjutsu Pill|genjutsu inducing pills]] to bring forth the Eight-Tails to attack Kumogakure. After the rampage, Orochimaru obtained that severed horn of the Eight-Tails's horn and harvested Fukai's DNA from it.<ref name="ship318">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref>
 
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During the [[Second Shinobi World War]], Orochimaru joined Jiraiya and Tsunade in fighting [[Hanzō]], who gave them the title of Konoha's {{translation|"Three Legendary Shinobi"|伝説の三忍|Densetsu no Sannin}} as a reward for surviving their battle with him, while the rest of their group were easily slaughtered in the process.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 369, pages 11-12</ref> On their way back to Konoha, they encountered three [[Amegakure]] [[Ame Orphans|orphans]], with Orochimaru proposing a mercy killing before Jiraiya chose to train them instead.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 372, page 11</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 446, page 4</ref> In the anime, Orochimaru orchestrated the last known rampage of the [[Eight-Tails]] in [[Kumogakure]] by infiltrating the village while disguised as a Kumo-nin and posing as [[Blue B]]'s doctor in order to trick him into taking special [[Genjutsu Pill|genjutsu inducing pills]], allowing him to extract the tailed beast. After its rampage, Orochimaru obtained the severed horn of the Eight-Tails and harvested Blue B's DNA from it.<ref name="NS318">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 318</ref>
   
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Orochimaru would go on to fight in the [[Third Shinobi World War]], with his performance in the war being so great that he was considered as a candidate for [[Fourth Hokage]] alongside fellow war hero [[Minato Namikaze]].<ref>''Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light'' page 11-14</ref>
[[File:Orochimaru and Anko.png|thumb|Orochimaru and his student, Anko.]]
 
Some time after Team Hiruzen was disbanded, Orochimaru became an [[ANBU]] member and joined [[Root]] to work directly under [[Danzō Shimura]], while also becoming a mentor to [[Anko Mitarashi]]. It was during that time that Orochimaru met [[Kabuto Yakushi]] while accompanying Danzō in forcing the boy's guardian [[Nonō]] into a mission.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 583, page 1-8</ref> While Orochimaru's ambitions did include becoming the [[Fourth Hokage]], he intended to use the title for his own agenda.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 7</ref> Though Hiruzen knew the potential evil his former pupil had in him, he hoped to stir Orochimaru from the path before slowly realising that he was beyond anyone's help.<ref name="c122p7"/>
 
   
[[File:Kabuto and Orochimaru meet again.png|left|thumb|Orochimaru encounters Kabuto again after he retreated from Iwagakure.]]
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[[File:Kabuto joins Root.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru working under Danzō as a Root operative.]]
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Some time after Team Hiruzen was disbanded, Orochimaru became an [[Anbu]] member and joined [[Root]] to work directly under [[Danzō Shimura]], while also mentoring future legendary shinobi such as [[Anko Mitarashi]].<ref name="Orochimaru Birthday">[https://naruto-official.com/en/news/01_1629 Orochimaru Birthday Column]</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 16</ref> It was during that time that Orochimaru met Kabuto Yakushi while accompanying Danzō in forcing the boy's guardian, [[Nonō]], into a mission.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 583, page 1-8</ref> While Orochimaru's ambitions did include becoming the [[Fourth Hokage]], he intended to use the title for his own agenda.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 7</ref> Though Hiruzen knew the potential evil his former pupil had in him, he hoped to stir Orochimaru from the path before slowly realising that he was beyond anyone's help.<ref name="c122p7" /> When Hiruzen finally named Minato his successor, Orochimaru saw no more reason to remain in Konoha and began to be less discreet with his actions,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 116, pages 3-4</ref> resulting in him beginning to experiment on humans to further his research.<ref name="Orochimaru Birthday" /> This led to his implanting of [[Hashirama Senju]]'s DNA into sixty children he kidnapped to recreate the First's [[Wood Release]], having help from Danzō.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 351</ref> Believing it to be a failure, Orochimaru was unaware that [[Yamato|one child]] had survived his Wood Release experiment. He later refined the process enough to inject Hashirama's cells into the [[Sharingan]]-infused right arm of [[Shin Uchiha]], which he transplanted to Danzō.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 291, pages 14-15</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 478, pages 10-11</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 700+7</ref> Orochimaru also learned the [[Second Hokage]]'s forbidden [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]] during this time.
Orochimaru was later sent on a mission by Danzō to [[Iwagakure]] to ensure that both Kabuto and Nonō, the former having joined Root as a spy, killed each other as they had become major risks. Orochimaru, instead, spirited Kabuto to his hideout, what would become part of his personal hidden village, [[Otogakure]], and revealed Root's intent for Kabuto's life and the role he was to play in it. Though Orochimaru revealed that he was also sent to kill the one who survived this ordeal, he told Kabuto that he saw a bit of himself in the boy and decided killing him would be a waste of great talent. Therefore, Orochimaru offered Kabuto a position as his right hand and spy with the promise of an identity.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 583, page 17-20</ref>
 
   
With Kabuto's assistance, he performed various experiments on his prisoners, some being fellow Konoha shinobi he kidnapped. He uses them as human guinea pigs to develop techniques that would grant him immortality, the end result being [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]]. Some time later, Orochimaru was at the outskirts of [[Kirigakure]] as he found [[Kimimaro]], the sole survivor of the [[Kaguya Clan]]. Soon after, thanks in part to Kimimaro, Orochimaru's research on the source of [[Jūgo]]'s powers led him to find the [[Ryūchi Cave]] and master [[senjutsu]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 579, page 17</ref> Unable to enter [[Sage Mode]] because of the fragility of his host body, Orochimaru instead developed an alternate method of harnessing his senjutsu chakra through [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|cursed seals]], which he tested on Anko and several others before eventually using the finalised versions on [[Kimimaro]] and the [[Sound Four]].
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Orochimaru performed various experiments on his prisoners, some being fellow Konoha shinobi he kidnapped. He used them as human guinea pigs to develop techniques that would grant him immortality, the end result being [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]]. Some time later, Orochimaru was at the outskirts of [[Kirigakure]] as he found [[Kimimaro]], the sole survivor of the [[Kaguya clan]]. Soon after, thanks in part to Kimimaro, Orochimaru's research on the source of [[Jūgo]]'s powers led him to find the [[Ryūchi Cave]] and master [[senjutsu]].<ref name="c579p17">''Naruto'' chapter 579, page 17</ref> Unable to enter [[Sage Mode]] because of the fragility of his host body, Orochimaru instead developed an alternate method of harnessing his senjutsu chakra through [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|cursed seals]], which he tested on Anko and several others before eventually using the finalised versions on Kimimaro and the [[Sound Four]]. In the anime, Orochimaru found the [[Iburi clan]] living underground near Konoha. Taking an interest in their ability to [[Iburi Clan's Kekkei Genkai|become smoke]], Orochimaru took advantage of the clan's fear of their imperfect and potentially fatal transformation by partially stabilising it with his cursed seals. Telling them that he needed more research to perfect the process, the clan willingly gave Orochimaru test subjects.<ref name="NS352">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 352</ref> In the anime, Orochimaru witnessed [[Itachi Uchiha]] performing a training run normally meant for older and more experienced users due to the danger of it. After the young Uchiha flawlessly completed it, Orochimaru instantly became amazed and excited at Itachi's advanced growth rate. In the anime, he also allied himself with [[Amachi]] out of interest for creating [[Kaima Form|a shinobi capable of underwater combat]], kidnapping [[Land of the Sea]] villagers for their experiments, while introducing Anko to the project. Sometime after, Orochimaru lost interest in the project, and ordered Amachi to cancel it, while also seeing Anko as a lost cause for her refusal to use the cursed seal, and wiped her memories as she left him.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 171</ref>
   
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Orochimaru was later sent on a mission by Danzō to [[Iwagakure]] to ensure that both Kabuto and Nonō, the former having joined Root as a spy, killed each other as they had become major liabilities. Orochimaru instead brought Kabuto to his [[Orochimaru's Hideouts#Island Laboratory|hideout]], which would become part of his personal hidden village, [[Otogakure]], and revealed Root's intent for Kabuto's life and the role he was to play in it. Though Orochimaru revealed that he was also sent to kill the one who survived this ordeal, he told Kabuto that he saw a bit of himself in the boy and decided killing him would be a waste of great talent. Therefore, Orochimaru offered Kabuto a position as his right hand man and spy with the promise of an identity.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 583, page 17-20</ref>
When Hiruzen finally retired and named [[Minato Namikaze]] his successor, Orochimaru saw no more reason to remain in Konoha and began to be less discreet with his actions.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 116, pages 3-4</ref> This led to his experimentation on the cultivation of [[Hashirama Senju]]'s DNA with sixty children he kidnapped to recreate the First's [[Wood Release]] techniques, having already done so with Danzō, while also endowing the elder with multiple [[Sharingan]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 291, pages 14-15</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 478, pages 10-11</ref> However, as his test subjects began to die off, Orochimaru was caught red-handed by Hiruzen, who knew it was his duty to kill him yet lacked the will to do so.<ref>''Naruto'' chapters 121-122</ref> Leaving Konoha and his emotionally broken mentor, with Jiraiya's pleas for him to reconsider falling on deaf ears, Orochimaru was unaware that [[Yamato|one child]] had survived his experiment.
 
   
[[File:Orochimaru attacks Itachi.png|thumb|Orochimaru attacks Itachi.]]
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[[File:Orochimaru Caught.png|thumb|Hiruzen discovers Orochimaru's criminal activities.]]
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As his test subjects began to die off, Orochimaru was caught red-handed by Hiruzen. Though he knew it was his duty, Hiruzen lacked the will to kill his student, allowing him to escape.<ref>''Naruto'' chapters 121-122</ref> In the anime, during his escape, Orochimaru was found by [[Kakashi Hatake]]. Despite the young prodigy's best efforts, Orochimaru swiftly defeated him. Letting his guard down at the approach of a snake, Orochimaru was greatly injured by an [[explosive tag]] concealed in the snake's mouth. Cursing Hiruzen for ruining his plans, though greatly injured, Orochimaru quickly regained his composure. He then resumed his retreat from the country, leaving a terrified Kakashi frozen in place from his [[Killing Intent|malicious glare]] alone.<ref name="NS352" /> Seriously wounded, Orochimaru visited the cave where the Iburi clan lived and killed them all, trying to restore his power. Upon the arrival of the youngest member, [[Yukimi]], Orochimaru pursued her while being chased by Kakashi Hatake and [[Kinoe]]. Eventually, he managed to take a sample of Yukimi's blood, intending to inject it into himself to temporarily gain her ability and slip across the border, but he was attacked before he could do so and quickly escaped.<ref name="NS354">''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 354</ref> Orochimaru managed to destroy most of his research facilities and booby-trap the rest.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 355</ref>
Orochimaru soon joined the elite criminal organisation [[Akatsuki]], his role in which was unclear, although he was partnered with [[Sasori]], whom he did much good for the Akatsuki with.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 267, page 4</ref> However, when [[Itachi Uchiha]] joined Akatsuki after conducting the [[Uchiha clan massacre]], Orochimaru saw his opportunity to steal his body to gain possession of the Sharingan. Itachi used his Sharingan to stop him from doing so, while also cutting Orochimaru's left hand off to prevent him from breaking the [[genjutsu]] he was under, which lead to him leaving Akatsuki to acquire a new body.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 345</ref> For Orochimaru's defection, Sasori developed a grudge against him and used Kabuto, whom Orochimaru had sent to serve as his spy within Akatsuki, to counter spy as his [[Memory-Concealing Manipulative Sand Technique|sleeper agent]]. However, Orochimaru discovered and undid the technique Sasori had used on him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 290, page 14</ref> Orochimaru had also been on a life-long search for the [[Totsuka Sword]], an ethereal sword, but was unaware that it was in the possession of Itachi's [[Susanoo]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 392, pages 16-17</ref>
 
   
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[[File:Orochimaru attacks Itachi.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru attacks Itachi.]]
== Personality ==
 
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Orochimaru ultimately escaped Konoha, leaving his emotionally broken mentor, with Jiraiya's plea for him to reconsider falling on deaf ears. Orochimaru soon became affiliated with and joined the elite criminal organisation [[Akatsuki]]. Orochimaru was then partnered with [[Sasori]], with whom he did much good for the organisation.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 267, page 4</ref> He later watched in amazement when Itachi Uchiha joined the organisation. Later, when Orochimaru saw his opportunity to steal his body to gain possession of the Sharingan after gaining intel on him through Sasori via Kabuto,<ref name="Orochimaru Birthday" /> Itachi used his Sharingan to stop him from doing so, while also cutting Orochimaru's left hand off to prevent him from breaking the [[Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes|genjutsu]] he was under, which lead to him leaving Akatsuki to acquire a new body.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 345</ref> For Orochimaru's defection, Sasori developed a grudge against him and used Kabuto, whom Orochimaru had sent to serve as his spy within Akatsuki, to counter spy as his [[Memory-Concealing Manipulative Sand Technique|sleeper agent]]. However, Orochimaru discovered and undid the technique Sasori had used on him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 290, page 14</ref> In the anime, when tipped off by Kabuto that Sasori was on his trail, Orochimaru chose to use this as an opportunity to test his development of the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation. Against Sasori's [[Third Kazekage (puppet)|Third Kazekage]] [[puppet]], Orochimaru summoned the actual [[Third Kazekage]] through his technique. While proving his reincarnated ninja being stronger than the [[human puppet]], the technique ultimately proved incomplete as the Third Kazekage was able to regain control and break the summoning contract.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 457</ref>
Orochimaru possesses a complex personality, but more often than not, however, he was often described as ''twisted'' by a large number of people, including [[Tsunade]]. [[Jiraiya]] speculated that this was due to the fact that both of his parents died when he was at a very young age, along with his horror for Tsunade losing [[Nawaki]] and later shedding tears when she lost [[Dan]], imply that Orochimaru grew to disdain the fragility of human life and how it affected those still living, which led him to desire immortality. To that end, the primary purpose of Orochimaru's human experimentation is to test what modifications the human body can endure and harness a subject's unique abilities for himself. Once accomplishing this goal, Orochimaru had hoped to be worthy of the title of "''ultimate being''", unable to die and able to achieve his secondary goal to learn every ninja technique in the world, which would normally take many lifetimes to obtain.
 
 
According to Sasuke, becoming cruel with any good he had as a member of Team Hiruzen gone, Orochimaru's agenda made him develop a [[Wikipedia:God complex|god complex]] and valued himself while delighting in striking terror in his first impressions. Though causing conflict to ease his boredom, Orochimaru seems to have no interest in wars started by others.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 593, pages 9-10</ref> His charisma also attracts a number of followers, many of which he would not hesitate to send on potential suicide missions if for his own personal benefit, expressing some remorse if they're unable to properly complete a task, having no sentimental attachments to any of them despite their values. Despite this, Orochimaru has genuine interest in the development of his underlings and experiments.
 
   
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After leaving the Akatsuki, Orochimaru continued to build up his network of hideouts, eventually culminating in the formation of Otogakure which greatly grew in influence after just a few years.<ref name="Orochimaru Birthday" />
Taking Sasuke as an apprentice, seeing him as a prodigy like himself, Orochimaru intended to take the youth's body to obtain the [[Sharingan]] to reach another step in his goal of immortality and learning every technique in the world. This goal has developed to the point of obsession. However, despite knowing that Sasuke was willing to do anything for revenge, including sacrificing his own body, Orochimaru did anticipate treachery from his disciple and showed only a small level of surprise when it actually occurred. What truly surprised Orochimaru was Sasuke's decision to follow his own path and ultimately choosing defend the village he initially swore to destroy, one that Orochimaru openly approved and curious to see what the end result it.
 
   
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Orochimaru had also been on a life-long search for the [[Sword of Totsuka]], an ethereal sword, but was unaware that it was in the possession of Itachi's [[Susanoo]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 392, pages 16-17</ref> In the anime, Orochimaru witnessed [[Mizuki]] killing a comrade during a mission. Under the pretence as a gift for Mizuki's bold actions, Orochimaru granted him a [[Animal Cursed Seal|specialised cursed seal]]. In truth however, it was an incomplete experimental tool that would destroy whoever used it, to which Orochimaru was merely curious as to how the effects would happen on Mizuki.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 147</ref>
He also had an initial disdain toward [[Naruto Uzumaki]], believing him to be a poor excuse for a ninja until he defeated Kabuto with the Rasengan. Despite attempting to kill Naruto at the time after coming to the realisation that he would become a threat to him in the future, Orochimaru became interested in Naruto's development, provoking Naruto during their battle to see his full abilities at the time. Though coming to hate his home village, orchestrating a few attempts to destroy it, Orochimaru despised his former Akatsuki colleagues more. Throughout Part II, if Orochimaru was not busy with Sasuke's development, he would try to cripple the Akatsuki's operations, seen in the "Sai and Sasuke Arc" as well as the "Three-Tails Arc". He expresses delight over the death of Sasori and later convinced Sasuke from killing Team Kakashi so they would thin out the Akatsuki membership.
 
   
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== Personality ==
An aspect of Orochimaru's personality is also his greatest weakness: his arrogance. He truly believed he is an invincible immortal at times, attacking recklessly against powerful opponents such as his former teacher and [[Itachi Uchiha]]. Both times he was left crippled in some way since he either wanted to make his opponent suffer, like against Hiruzen, or because he was too uninformed to face his opponent, like against Itachi. Despite his distinct lack of morals, Orochimaru seems to be well-versed in human psychology and displays insightful wisdom when disparaging Tobirama for the actions resulting from his policies.
 
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[[File:Orochimaru cries.png|thumb|Orochimaru crying over Tsunade's loss.]]
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Orochimaru possesses a complex personality; however, more often than not, he was described as "twisted" by a large number of people, including Tsunade. Jiraiya speculated that the death of his parents while he was young, along with his horror for Tsunade losing [[Nawaki]] and later shedding tears when she lost [[Dan]], implies that Orochimaru grew to disdain the fragility of human life and how it affected those still living, which led him to desire immortality. To that end, the primary purpose of Orochimaru's human experimentation is to test what modifications the human body can endure and harness a subject's unique abilities for himself. Once accomplishing this goal, Orochimaru had hoped to be worthy of the title of "''ultimate being''", unable to die and able to achieve his secondary goal to learn every ninja technique in the world, which would normally take many lifetimes to obtain.
   
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[[File:Orochimaru Intimidating.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru's intimidating behaviour.]]
After being revived by Sasuke, his personality changed a bit. While he still wished that he could gain Sasuke's body, he acknowledged that he was too weak at the time. He also realised that copying someone completely was a mistake from his observation of Kabuto and displayed interest in Sasuke's "different path". Later, he felt sentimental over his failed candidacy for being Hokage, though this may be because he was in front of his master and the Fourth. Wanting to see Sasuke's path, he chose to fight alongside the Uchiha instead of ignoring Madara's war like he planned, and even made it a priority to heal Tsunade and the other Kage after their defeat before hurrying to the battlefield. Orochimaru also shows a sick sense of humour at the time, from using the memory of Sasuke stabbing him to convince Karin to aid the youth again to his comical method of threatening her and Suigetsu into cooperating to heal Tsunade. Orochimaru has also shown signs of regret, seemingly saddened by his childhood friend Jiraiya's death.
 
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According to Sasuke, becoming cruel with any good he had as a member of Team Hiruzen long gone, Orochimaru's agenda made him develop a [[Wikipedia:God complex|god complex]] and highly value himself while delighting in striking terror in his first impressions. Though causing conflict to ease his boredom, Orochimaru seems to have no interest in wars started by others.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 593, pages 9-10</ref> He is also somewhat of a perfectionist, always striving to make his various projects succeed, and likewise looks down on those who are sloppy and/or reckless in their own projects.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 175</ref> His charisma also attracts a number of followers, many of which he would not hesitate to send on potential suicide missions if for his own personal benefit, expressing some remorse if they're unable to properly complete a task, and having no sentimental attachments to any of them despite their value to his goals. Despite this, Orochimaru has genuine interest in the development of his underlings and experiments. Likewise, Orochimaru is treacherous by nature, unhesitant in double-crossing any allies if it would benefit him, having assassinated the [[Fourth Kazekage]] to impersonate him so as to making it easier to manipulate [[Sunagakure]], while using [[Akatsuki]] to help further his own goals and abandoning them once he failed to take [[Itachi Uchiha]]'s body.
   
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Taking Sasuke as an apprentice, and seeing him as a prodigy like himself, Orochimaru intended to take the youth's body to obtain the Sharingan to reach another step in his goal of immortality and learning every technique in the world. This goal has developed to the point of obsession. However, despite knowing that Sasuke was willing to do anything for revenge, including sacrificing his own body, Orochimaru did anticipate treachery from his disciple and showed only a small level of surprise when it actually occurred. What truly surprised Orochimaru was Sasuke's decision to follow his own path and his eventual decision to defend the village he initially swore to destroy, one that Orochimaru openly approved of and was curious to see what would be the end result of.
== Appearance ==
 
[[File:Orochimaru full.png|thumb|Orochimaru.]]
 
Originally, Orochimaru was a tall man with extremely pale skin and waist-length black hair. He had a long face with pronounced cheekbones, golden eyes with slits in his pupils and purple markings around his eyes — a reference to his snake-like nature. Although he has taken on new bodies repeatedly, he has modified them each to resemble his original form, minus the height differences. He apparently used his [[Vanishing Facial Copy Technique]] on his original body so he can wear it over his hosts' faces as a mask.
 
   
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He also had an initial disdain toward [[Naruto Uzumaki]], believing him to be a poor excuse for a ninja until he defeated Kabuto with the Rasengan. Despite attempting to kill Naruto at the time after coming to the realisation that he would become a threat to him in the future, Orochimaru became interested in Naruto's development, provoking Naruto during their battle to draw out his full abilities at the time. During the [[Fourth Shinobi World War|war]] seeing Naruto's indomitable willpower and his memories with Jiraiya caused Orochimaru to begin to respect him. Though coming to hate his home village, orchestrating a few attempts to destroy it, Orochimaru despised his former Akatsuki colleagues more. Throughout Part II, if Orochimaru was not busy with Sasuke's development, he would try to cripple Akatsuki's operations, as seen in the "Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission" arc and "Three-Tails' Appearance" arc. He expresses delight over the death of Sasori and later convinced Sasuke against killing Team Kakashi so they would thin out Akatsuki's membership.
[[File:Orochimaru's Summoning Tattoo.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru's summoning tattoo.]]
 
Orochimaru is sometimes seen sporting different attires. He usually wears plain grey garbs with black pants and a thick purple rope belt tied in a large knot behind his back and blue [[tomoe]]-shaped earrings. He is seen wearing a black polo neck under it. As a young child, he wore long white robes with purple lining embroidered with black or yellow tomoe markings, tied with a purple ribbon forming a bow in the front, as well as white leggings and black open-toed shoes, and mesh top with a purple lining under it. In various flashbacks, he is also seen wearing the Oto ninja uniform and forehead protector, as well as the Konoha ninja uniform. During his time in Konoha, his casual wear usually consisted of a dark kimono shirt with violet lining over a mesh shirt, bandages that he uses as a sash, dark pants, and armour around his hips. On his left hand, he has an intricate tattoo that he uses to summon snakes. On one occasion, in which he proposed the request for Tsunade to heal his arms, he was seen wearing long purple robes with a loose pink vest, as well as a off-grey kimono with a polo neck in Zaku's flashback. On few occasions, for instance in Kimimaro's childhood flashbacks, Orochimaru is also seen wearing a pale yellowish furisode-style kimono, with a black polo neck underneath tied with a dark brown sash, and flat dark-coloured zōri sandals.
 
   
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An aspect of Orochimaru's personality is also his greatest weakness: his arrogance. He truly believed he was immortal at times, attacking recklessly against powerful opponents such as his former teacher and Itachi Uchiha. Both times, he was left crippled in some way since he either wanted to make his opponent suffer, like against Hiruzen, or because he was too uninformed to face his opponent, like against Itachi. Despite his distinct lack of morals, Orochimaru seems to be well-versed in psychological warfare and displays insightful wisdom when disparaging Tobirama for the actions resulting from his policies. He is also amusingly afraid of insects and bugs as seen during Naruto and Hinata's wedding.
[[File:Orochimaru of the Akatsuki.png|thumb|Orochimaru's Akatsuki attire.]]
 
During his time with the Akatsuki, he wore the standard red and black Akatsuki robes. Orochimaru wore his slate blue Akatsuki ring, which bears the kanji for {{translation|"sky" or "void"|空|kū}}, on his left little finger. In his room, he is sometimes seen wearing a mahogany shirt with a design of two white snakes on the back of the sleeves to the back on both sides, as well as black pants.
 
   
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After being revived by Sasuke, his personality changed a bit. While he’s still as self-serving as ever, he also realised that copying someone completely was a mistake from his observation of Kabuto and displayed interest in Sasuke's "different path". Wanting to see Sasuke's path, he chose to fight alongside the Uchiha instead of ignoring Madara's war like he planned, and even made it a priority to heal Tsunade and the other Kage after their defeat before hurrying to the battlefield. Orochimaru also seems to genuinely care about Sasuke's wellbeing, as he originally thought it was best to take his time figuring out how to battle Tobi but quickly decided against taking his time when Karin sensed Sasuke was on the verge of death. Orochimaru has also shown signs of regret, seemingly saddened by his childhood friend Jiraiya's death. In the anime, he was one of people who congratulated Naruto and Hinata on their wedding.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 500</ref>
After countless experiments with his body, his true form became a giant snake ("The Great White Serpent") made up of a multitude of smaller snakes, with long and spiky black hair, a scaled face with snake-like teeth and a long tongue, black eye markings, and a pointed chin.
 
   
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Years later, while still as driven as ever to uncover the greatest secrets of life, he apparently now does so in a relatively more humane manner, including reforming his personal shinobi village. Also, while his relationship with the rest of the world is still dubious at best, he has at least developed a relatively trusting relationship between the higher-ups of Konohagakure, and was likewise able to have a "casual" parent-teacher conference about Mitsuki. He is willingly aiding Konoha in research on pressing matters and likewise feels responsible enough to make amends for past mistakes.<ref name="BE35">''Boruto'' episode 35</ref> He apparently is on amicable terms with Konoha by sending his son, [[Mitsuki]], to the village. In the anime, he also feels indebted to Naruto as the Hokage for watching over Mitsuki.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 22</ref> Orochimaru's experiences also resulted in him wishing Mitsuki to make his own decisions, admitting that he has high hopes for the boy's natural growth, though he at times used manipulation and deception to put him in a situation where important decisions must be made. He also shows some interest in the respective children of Naruto and Sasuke, particularly intrigued by Boruto sharing the same unwavering spirit and loyalty as his father. Ultimately, his changes have made even the [[White Snake Sage]] view Orochimaru as going "soft".
After being resurrected by Sasuke, Orochimaru donned a black cloak and hood somewhere between his rebirth and arriving to Konoha.
 
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== Abilities ==
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== Appearance ==
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Orochimaru's most conspicuous characteristic is his snake-like appearance: he has very pale skin, golden eyes with slitted pupils, purple markings around his eyes and fang-like teeth. He also has pronounced cheekbones and straight waist-length black hair with some locks covering and framing his face or to his shoulders. The various bodies he takes over have each been modified to resemble his original form, except for the height differences. In ''Naruto Gaiden'', Orochimaru's facial features soften and somewhat androgynous with his eye markings becoming black. He also wears his hair in a ponytail, allowing two locks to frame the sides of his face. In the manga, his skin-tone becomes noticeably fairer in complexion.<ref>''Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring'' volume cover</ref>
Being one of the legendary [[Sannin]], as well as a former member of the [[S-rank]] criminal organisation [[Akatsuki]], Orochimaru is an extraordinarily powerful ninja, being [[Kage]]-level in his own right. He was considered as a child prodigy that appeared only once a generation. His skills were so great that during the time of his invasion of [[Konoha]], the [[Third Hokage]] feared no one in the village would be able to defeat him or even fight on equal footing with him, even himself, and that Orochimaru was strong enough to take down an entire small nation on his own. Even [[Kakashi Hatake]], one of Konoha's greatest shinobi, was filled with tremendous fear when he met him during the Chūnin Exams, and himself admitted that he wouldn't even stand a chance against his level of power. [[Sasuke Uchiha]] and [[Suigetsu Hōzuki]] also stated that the former's victory over Orochimaru was only because the latter was already severely weakened prior to their confrontation.
 
   
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<gallery type="slideshow" position="right" widths="240" hideaddbutton="true">
During his battle against the Third Hokage, his arms were [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|sealed]] by the latter, preventing Orochimaru from forming hand signs and effectively stripping him of most of his technique arsenal. Despite this, he was able to hold his own against a [[Version 2|four-tailed]] [[Naruto]], plus while his body was greatly weakened. Even with the danger Naruto imposed, Orochimaru found the battle highly entertaining, even playing with Naruto's initial three forms. Even when his body gave in, he expressed regret that he couldn't complete the battle. Even among the Sannin, he was the one who originally stood out for individual ability. Due to him rarely being shown fighting, he has only displayed a limited amount of techniques, though his fighting style is very fluid and it stands to reason that in his efforts to learn all existing techniques, his array of abilities has probably become larger than any other single person and that he has vast knowledge on all forms of techniques. After acquiring the Uzumaki's [[Shinigami Mask|mask of the Shinigami]], he was able to break the seal on his arms, regaining his former strength.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 618, page 10</ref>
 
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Orochimaru's Original Attire.png|Orochimaru's original appearance.
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Orochimaru's Akatsuki Attire.png|Orochimaru's Akatsuki appearance.
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Orochimaru's New Era Attire.png|Orochimaru's New Era appearance.
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</gallery>
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Orochimaru usually wears plain grey garbs with a black polo and pants underneath, a thick purple rope belt tied in a large knot behind his back, blue [[tomoe]]-shaped earrings, and shinobi sandals with bandages around his calves. He is seen wearing a kimono with different colours on several occasions, shown usually in flashbacks or inside his hideouts. During his time with [[Akatsuki]], he wore the standard red and black Akatsuki robes with a slate blue ring, which bears the kanji for {{translation|"sky" or "void"|空|kū}}, on his left pinky finger. After countless experiments with his body, his true form became a giant white snake made up of many smaller snakes, with longer, spikier hair, a scaled face with snake-like teeth and a long tongue, black eye markings, and a pointed chin. Years later, he wears a white robe tied at his waist by a dark-coloured sash and a purple rope, blue pants and shirt.
   
=== Ninjutsu ===
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== Abilities ==
[[File:Oral Rebirth.jpg|thumb|Orochimaru shedding his body.]]
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[[File:Eight Branches Technique.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru using his most powerful technique, the Eight Branches Technique.]]
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Orochimaru is an exceptional shinobi, recognised as one of the strongest to ever exist. One of the only people who could compete against [[Hanzō]] in his prime, he became a [[Sannin]]. At the same time, amongst his team, Orochimaru stood out the most in sheer aptitude as a natural prodigy and the best of his generation,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 7</ref> earning praise from even [[Hashirama Senju]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, pages 10-11</ref> Easily [[Kage]]-calibre, Orochimaru was once a candidate to be Fourth Hokage. His power is feared throughout the world, such that [[Akatsuki]], which he was once a member, saw him as a threat.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 353, page 14</ref> Following the [[Konoha Crush|Konoha invasion]], while failing, Orochimaru's actions left the village crippled for years and the Third Hokage dead. Even crippled and gradually weakening, Orochimaru remained extremely formidable, able to compete against either of his fellow Sannin and even toy with a [[Version 2]] [[jinchūriki]] respectively. In the anime, he easily overwhelmed an [[Victor|Inner]] of [[Kara]], despite their monstrous might and [[Shinobi-Ware]] modifications.<ref name="BE175">''Boruto'' episode 175</ref>
Wishing to obtain all of the techniques in the world, Orochimaru has a vast arsenal of techniques at his disposal, ranging from simple offensive ones, which nonetheless become deadly when performed by him, to higher ranking, more complicated ones. Orochimaru is also very adept with [[Transformation Technique|transformation]], as he was able to view Sasuke's battle with [[Yoroi Akadō]] during the [[Chūnin Exams]] without any suspicion. He was also able to [[Vanishing Facial Copy Technique|pose]] as the Fourth Kazekage for weeks, fooling the entire village of [[Sunagakure]], including its elite shinobi and the ones closest to the dead Kazekage.
 
   
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=== Chakra and Physical Prowess ===
He is also able to use [[Wind Release: Great Breakthrough]], through which he can level a wide area with a powerful gust of wind. In terms of defensive techniques, Orochimaru uses both [[Summoning: Rashōmon]] and [[Summoning: Triple Rashōmon]], in which he summons a varying number of large demonic gates that are capable of enduring even the most intense forms of damage. Orochimaru can also use a technique to [[Attack Prevention Technique|avoid damage]], and another to [[Temporary Paralysis Technique|temporarily paralyse an opponent]]. In the anime, of the few techniques he was seen using is the [[Earth Release Shadow Clone]], which creates a copy of himself out of mud that can attack on his behalf.
 
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[[File:Kakashi being afraid of Orochimaru.png|thumb|Orochimaru's killing intent was powerful enough to paralyze Kakashi with fear.]]
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Orochimaru has large reserves of strong chakra, powerful enough to stir up winds and crack stone.<ref>''[[Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution]]'', OVA cutscene</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 117</ref> Likewise, the intensity of his [[killing intent]] can reduce most foes petrified in fear. He can [[Chakra Absorption Technique|absorb chakra]] through physical contact, which also grants him their skills and knowledge.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 593, page 16</ref> His chakra control is very advanced, excelling in various chakra applications. Even with his hands [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal|sealed]], leaving him unable to perform handsigns, he can use various powerful techniques with ease. Orochimaru is very adept in taijutsu, able to overwhelm Sasuke in Part I despite his Sharingan-enhanced clarity. He is very strong, able to knock down a tree with a single kick,<ref>''Naruto'' episode 88</ref> and temporarily stunned a Four-Tailed Naruto with his punch.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 294, page 9</ref> He is also blazingly fast, able to move with such sudden change in direction to leave his opponent's disoriented.
   
==== Fūinjutsu ====
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==== Body Modifications ====
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In his quest for immortality and the perfect body, Orochimaru gained numerous modifications over the years. He can heal from most damage in short periods of time. For more grievous injuries, like bisection, he can [[Snake Reconnection Technique|reconnect himself]] or [[Orochimaru-Style Body Replacement Technique|regurgitate a new, fully-healed body]]. Orochimaru's body is also able to [[Soft Physique Modification|stretch and manipulate its form]] for greater manoeuvrability. His durability allows him to endure being stabbed by the giant Sword of Totsuka and shrug the damage off, and even resist multiple solidly-landed [[Chakra Enhanced Strength|enhanced]] punches from the already-super strong [[Tsunade]] essentially unharmed.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 171, pages 1-4</ref>
[[File:Gogyo.jpg|thumb|left|Orochimaru using the Five Elements Seal.]]
 
Although downplayed for much of the series, Orochimaru is also very skilled in the use of [[fūinjutsu]], even in the midst of battle. Most notably, he has been seen using the [[Five Elements Seal]], to seal off another's access to chakra and thus, rendering them useless. Using this technique, Orochimaru was not only land a seal on an enraged Naruto, but also completely subdue the Nine-Tails' chakra. In the anime, he was shown capable of using its counterpart, the [[Five Elements Unseal]]. His prowess with it, was great enough to release the seal and extract a [[tailed beast]] from its [[jinchūriki]].<ref name="ship318"/>
 
   
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[[File:Orochimaru's True Form.PNG|left|thumb|Orochimaru's true form after many experiments.]]
==== Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation ====
 
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Orochimaru's modifications have resulted in his true form becoming a [[Power of the White Snake|giant white snake]] and a body composed of many smaller snakes that can attack. Its blood is poisonous, evaporating in the air to paralyse all who inhales it. This form is used for the [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]], letting him transfer his [[soul]] and physical essence into a new body by swallowing that person whole, thereby gaining control of all the new body's abilities while retaining his previous abilities and extending his lifespan. This can only be used once every three years. The souls of the bodies he has taken remain in Orochimaru's subconscious and he can modify his body as he sees fit.
[[File:Episode 69.png|thumb|Orochimaru reincarnates Hashirama and Tobirama.]]
 
Orochimaru is one of the three people capable of performing [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]], further perfecting the technique developed by the Second Hokage, [[Tobirama Senju]]. In his first shown use, he reincarnated both the technique's creator and Hashirama Senju to fight against his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Though Hiruzen sealed the part of his soul that represented his arms to bare him from using Impure World Reincarnation, Orochimaru used the [[Shinigami Mask]] during the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]] to spiritually restore himself and summoned all four Hokage at once.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 618, pages 9-15</ref> His prowess with this technique seems to have increased, as Tobirama noted that the reincarnated Hokage were now nearly to their full power as opposed to his previous attempt.
 
   
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After Orochimaru physically died, as Kabuto heavily modified his body with various genetic sources, including Orochimaru himself, Sasuke used some of Kabuto's flesh as a basis to reconstitute Orochimaru. This gave Orochimaru the added benefit of heightened chakra reserves and access to the various techniques and unique abilities Kabuto acquired. This included the [[Sound Five]] and [[Taka]]'s respective skills; [[Sakon and Ukon's Kekkei Genkai]], [[Jūgo's Clan's Kekkei Genkai]], [[Kimimaro]]'s [[Shikotsumyaku]], a [[Body Fluid Shedding Technique|variation]] of [[Suigetsu Hōzuki]]'s [[Hydrification Technique]], as well [[Karin]]'s [[Uzumaki Clan#Abilities|Uzumaki life-force and healing powers]]. He also later gained the abilities of a [[Parasite Clone|White Zetsu clone]], which was modified with Hashirama's [[Hashirama's Artificial Body|DNA]], after taking over its body in a slightly different snake form; this included [[Regeneration Ability|accelerated healing]], [[Substitute Technique|perfect shapeshifting into others]], and no need of nourishment.<ref name="D4">Fourth Databook</ref> Some point after the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]], Orochimaru's body became able to [[Self-Healing Technique|instantly regenerate]] his lost anatomy unfazed.<ref name="BE175" />
After Orochimaru [[Living Corpse Reincarnation|took over]] a White Zetsu [[Spore Technique|spore clone]] and acquired [[Hashirama Senju]]'s cells, he was able to strengthen his control over the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation|reincarnated]] [[Hokage]],<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 618, page 14</ref><ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, page 11</ref> as seen when he was able to completely immobilise Tobirama who was resisting control for a brief time, though Hashirama was still able to easily break Orochimaru's restraint.
 
   
==== Immortality Techniques ====
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=== Ninjutsu ===
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Orochimaru's depth of knowledge and skill in ninjutsu is greater than any other shinobi in history,<ref>''Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise'' chapter 3</ref> leading to him wielding a vast and unmatched arsenal of styles and techniques. His proficiency with the [[Transformation Technique]] can let him stay undetected for long periods; his [[fūinjutsu]] skill includes the ability to use the [[Five Elements Seal]] to seal off a person's chakra; he can summon [[Summoning: Rashōmon|Rashōmon]] [[Summoning: Triple Rashōmon|gates]] to protect himself from enemy attacks; he can [[Hiding in Surface Technique|hide within surfaces]] to avoid damage, or use [[juinjutsu]] to temporarily paralyse targets.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 663, page 11</ref> The anime shows Orochimaru's advanced prowess in [[clone techniques]],<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 361</ref> [[medical ninjutsu]],<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 113</ref> [[space–time ninjutsu]],<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 303</ref> and [[barrier ninjutsu]].<ref name="BE175" />
Through the use of his "''true form''" is with his [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]], Orochimaru can transfer his soul to another body and extend his life indefinitely. To use this technique, Orochimaru must leave his former body. Once he has done this, he swallows the new body and transports its current inhabitant to a dimension within himself where he absorbs them, thus allowing him to take over their body. Orochimaru can only perform this technique once every three years, which is also around the time that his new body begins to reject him and forces him to find a new host. Although he might leave their bodies behind, the souls of those whose bodies he has taken always remain within Orochimaru's subconscious. After taking over another body, Orochimaru modifies it to suit his theme of snakes. He can also [[Vanishing Facial Copy Technique|alter the face]] of his host bodies to look like his original form.
 
   
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Orochimaru is masterful in [[Kenjutsu|wielding]] the legendary [[Sword of Kusanagi (Orochimaru)|Sword of Kusanagi]], able to compete against his former teacher while wielding his [[Monkey King: Enma|mighty bo-staff]]. The blade is able to extend great distances, cut through almost anything, and even be [[Sword of Kusanagi: Longsword of the Sky|remotely controlled]]. He normally keeps the blade within a snake's mouth inside his own throat and retrieves it by having it turn into a snake after use.
Orochimaru's other method of immortality are the [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|cursed seals]] he developed. In addition to his senjutsu chakra, each cursed seal contains a portion of Orochimaru's consciousness, which allows him to share the senses of those who bear his seals. In the event that he is killed or sealed, he can be revived through one of his cursed seals if an individual presses flesh containing his DNA up to the cursed seal and uses the [[Evil Releasing Method]]. Through this process, Orochimaru can be completely resurrected any number of times, as long as there are enough remaining cursed seals and pieces of his DNA.
 
   
==== Snake Techniques ====
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==== Nature Transformation ====
[[File:Mandara noJin1.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru using his Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes technique.]]
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[[File:Orochimaru's Wind Release.png|thumb|Orochimaru using Wind Release.]]
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Orochimaru can use all five basic [[nature transformation]]s, along with [[Yin]] and [[Yang Release]].<ref name="d4" /> With [[Wind Release]], he can create a powerful [[Wind Release: Great Breakthrough|gust of wind]] and with [[Earth Release]] can [[Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique|travel underground]]. In the anime, he can create [[Earth Release: Shadow Clone|mud-based clones]].<ref>''Naruto'' episode 30</ref> With [[Fire Release]] he can easily unleash powerful fire streams. After taking over the body of a White Zetsu clone, modified with Hashirama's DNA, Orochimaru gained access to the latter's [[Wood Release]] — a simultaneous mixture of earth and [[water]].<ref name="D4"/>
Orochimaru's trademark trait is his affinity with snakes that, in addition to impacting the appearance and composition of his true form, and granting him the ability to extend his limbs to abnormal lengths and to take on snake-like traits in battle, caused him to learn a number of snake-related abilities, including learning [[Sage Mode]]. His snake-related techniques have been referred to as [[Power of the White Snake]]. One such ability is being able to [[Summoning Technique|summon]] giant snakes to fight alongside him in battle, made possible by the summoning contract tattooed on his arm. This allows him to summon snakes within his vicinity, as opposed to having to place his hand on a surface.<ref name="ep30">''Naruto'' episode 30</ref> If need be, Orochimaru can morph into a giant snake, despite being slightly smaller in size to his larger summonings.<ref name="ep30"/> His signature summon was [[Manda]], a colossal snake which was described as the largest in the world, with immense fighting capabilities. With [[Hidden Shadow Snake Hands]], Orochimaru can instantly call forth snakes from his sleeves and mouth to attack his opponents in large numbers with venomous bites. A stronger variation of this technique was the [[Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands]], in which the summoned snakes grow noticeably in both numbers and size.
 
   
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==== Summoning ====
[[File:Eight Branches Technique.JPG|thumb|right|Orochimaru's Eight Branches Technique.]]
 
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[[File:Manda Summoned.png|left|thumb|Orochimaru summons Manda.]]
Another usage of snakes comes in the form of his signature weapon, the [[Sword of Kusanagi (Orochimaru)|Sword of Kusanagi]], the [[Wikipedia:Kusanagi|Kusanagi]] of Japanese legend. The sword, kept within the mouth of a snake within his own throat, is able to extend to great lengths to attack enemies that are very far away, can be [[Sword of Kusanagi: Longsword of the Sky|controlled remotely]] by Orochimaru, and can return to him by turning in a snake. Although he is capable of wielding the sword normally with great proficiency, it's not uncommon for him to use it without ever removing it from his mouth. The sword is stated to be able to cut through almost anything, and despite failing to penetrate four-tailed Naruto's chakra shroud, did push him back an incredible length. In the anime, he is also capable of [[Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes|having numerous Kusanagi-like blades sprout from the mouths of the snakes he summons]].
 
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Orochimaru has an affinity for snakes, using the unique arm tattoo to quickly [[Summoning Technique|summon]] them for assistance, his largest and strongest being [[Manda]]. He can eject snakes from [[Hidden Shadow Snake Hands|his sleeves]] or [[Formation of Ten Thousand Snakes|mouth]] to strike with; the snakes can sprout blades from their own mouths for deadlier effect.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 294, page 3</ref> He can even turn his lower body into a [[Slithering Snake Mode|snake's tail]], increasing his speed and mobility in battle.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 47, page 19</ref> Orochimaru's ultimate snake-related technique is the [[Eight Branches Technique]], where he transforms into an eight-headed, eight-tailed giant serpent with size superior to that of Manda.
   
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[[File:Hokage reincarnated.png|thumb|Orochimaru reincarnates the deceased Hokage.]]
His strongest technique is the [[Eight Branches Technique]], which allows him to transform into an eight-headed, eight-tailed giant serpent bigger than the already colossal [[Manda]], another [[Wikipedia: Yamata no Orochi|reference]] to the Japanese myth. This was described as the ultimate snake-related technique, which turned the user into an immensely powerful "Dragon God".
 
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Orochimaru can perform the [[Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation]], having further refined the [[kinjutsu]] developed by [[Tobirama Senju]]. Upon reviving the dead, he can implant them with special tags that erase their personalities and/or free will, granting him complete control over their actions. Originally, despite improving this technique's quality compared to its creator, Orochimaru's reincarnated soldiers were still considerably diminished in overall capacities compared to when alive. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, after Orochimaru's own capacities and knowledge of the technique were further augmented from Kabuto's essence, his prowess was also increased, as he revived all four previous Hokage with nearly their full power and could use Hashirama's cells to strengthen his control.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 620, page 10-11</ref>
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=== Senjutsu ===
 
=== Senjutsu ===
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[[File:Orochimaru's juinjutsu.png|left|thumb|Orochimaru's juinjutsu.]]
During his research on Jūgo's clan, Orochimaru eventually tracked down the source of their power when he discovered the [[Ryūchi Cave]] and [[senjutsu]]. Here, he attempted to learn senjutsu as well as [[Sage Mode]]. However he was unable to use this power to its full potential due to being unable to find a host body that could bear such an ability, making it an unsuitable option for battle altogether.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 579, page 17</ref> However he does have enough knowledge to both release another person's Sage Mode and absorb the senjutsu chakra inside them as seen with Kabuto.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 593, pages 15-17</ref>
 
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During his research of [[Jūgo's clan]], Orochimaru eventually tracked down the power source at the [[Ryūchi Cave]] and [[senjutsu]]. Although his host body was not strong enough to enter [[Sage Mode]],<ref name="c579p17" /> Orochimaru developed another use for senjutsu chakra: his [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|cursed seals]].<ref name="c593p9">''Naruto'' chapter 593, page 9</ref> These seals contain some of Orochimaru's senjutsu chakra mixed with the enzyme produced by Jūgo, triggering a change similar to [[Sage Transformation]], but with different side-effects. These cursed seals also enhance the power of one's techniques,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 17</ref> and serve as an extension of and anchor to Orochimaru's consciousness, allowing him to observe events through anyone branded by the seal. He can even be revived any number of times from a cursed seal by using the [[Evil Releasing Method]], provided there is a proper DNA source as a basis.<ref name="c593p9" /> He also created the [[Mind Awakening Pill]] to help speed up the cursed seal's progression.
 
To compensate for this flaw, Orochimaru developed other novel uses for his [[senjutsu]] chakra: the [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|cursed seals]].<ref name="chpt593">''Naruto'' chapter 593, page 9</ref> Combining this chakra with the enzyme produced by Jūgo, he was able to create these unique seals, which triggered a change near-identical to that of the [[Sage Transformation]], but with different benefits and drawbacks. The senjutsu chakra locked in these seals is naturally quite powerful as Kabuto was amazed at a portion of Orochimaru's chakra he absorbed from Anko,<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 521, page 17</ref> even after he assimilated the collective DNA of team Taka, the Sound Five and of Orochimaru himself. These seals also carried the additional benefit of acting as anchors to Orochimaru's consciousness, allowing him to observe events through anyone branded by the seal and even revive him any number of times under the right circumstances.<ref name="chpt593"/>
 
   
 
=== Intelligence ===
 
=== Intelligence ===
  +
[[File:Orochimaru's experimentation.png|thumb|Orochimaru performing an experiment to study jutsu.]]
From his childhood days, Orochimaru was identified as a genius shinobi and a once-in-a-generation prodigy. During his lifetime, his associations with powerful shinobi and groups, such as his tutoring by the Third Hokage and his stints with both the Root and Akatsuki organisations, as well as his later solo exploits into gaining knowledge, allowed him to develop and gain access to vast amounts of information.
 
  +
Orochimaru has acquired a vast amount of information of the shinobi world from his time with organisations such as [[Root]] and [[Akatsuki]], having set up a network of fully supplied hideouts throughout various countries. He has great charisma, enough to manipulate people into becoming his willing servants, providing insight into their past and promising them power in order to gain their loyalty. In battle, he can quickly deduce the workings of an enemy's fighting style and respond accordingly.
   
  +
Wanting to decipher all of the world's secrets, Orochimaru has conducted extensive research and numerous experiments on himself and the DNA of other individuals to comprehend, attain, or reproduce their abilities. Research of abilities such as [[Hashirama Senju]]'s [[Wood Release]] and [[Jūgo]]'s [[Sage Transformation]] have allowed him to recreate those same abilities, or at least produce [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|techniques]] based off of them, into [[Yamato|other]] [[Danzō Shimura|people]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 478, page 10</ref><ref name="c593p9" /> From experimentation on [[Shin Uchiha]], Orochimaru has become more knowledgeable of human genetics, facilitating his overall research in developing perfect [[Wikipedia:Human cloning|clones]] of himself, which he considers to be of a higher class than the [[Shadow Clone Technique]] as they cannot be dispersed.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 700+7, pages 13-14</ref> This research eventually resulted in genetically perfect [[Mitsuki|synthetic]] [[Log|humans]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 700+7, pages 10-13</ref> Designed to be stronger than normal humans, these synthetic humans were produced with unique capabilities: heightened immune systems,<ref>''Boruto'' episode 159</ref> accelerated healing<ref>''Boruto'' episode 13</ref> and regeneration,<ref name="BE175" /> self-sustaining,<ref>''Boruto'' episode 69</ref> infrared ray detection, low-frequency hearing,<ref>''Boruto'' chapter 18, page 16</ref> and animal communication.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 145</ref> He has also devised a [[juinjutsu]] in order to conceal the secrets of their composition.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 73</ref>
Orochimaru is a master planner and manipulator. For years, he evaded capture from both Konoha and the Akatsuki, all the while setting up a network of fully supplied hideouts throughout various countries. He was also able to manipulate the entire village of Sunagakure into invading Konoha, by posing as the Fourth Kazekage without anyone noticing, having killed the real one weeks before the invasion. He was capable of manipulating multiple people into becoming his willing pawns and guinea pigs for his experiments, using a combination of manipulation, insight into a victim's past and the promise of power to gain their loyalty. The greatest examples of this are Kabuto and Kimimaro, who idolised the Sannin and showed nothing but absolute loyalty and respect for him. He even developed a fail-safe in case he was ever killed or sealed in the form of his cursed seals. At some point in time, Orochimaru and Kabuto learned that Tobi was not the real [[Madara Uchiha]], although it would ultimately be Kabuto who would use this knowledge to his full advantage.
 
   
  +
In the anime, based on his research of the [[Demonic Statue of the Outer Path]], Orochimaru designed build a [[Mecha-Naruto|sophisticated robot]] with advanced weaponry and the ability to consume tailed beast chakra.<ref>''Naruto: Shippūden'' episode 376</ref> He could also create [[Genjutsu Pill|genjutsu pills]] that can subdue a jinchūriki and their tailed beast simultaneously, and even cultivate cells of the tailed beast to create pseudo-jinchūriki.<ref name="NS318" />
This wealth of research has proven to have devastating effects long after Orochimaru's sealing, as seen through Kabuto's performances during the [[Fourth Shinobi World War]]. Due to this research, he is easily capable of deducing the workings of an enemy's techniques and fighting style.
 
 
=== Body Modifications ===
 
Over the years, Orochimaru has conducted various experiments on his own body, thus modifying it greatly. This in turn has granted him an exponential increase in his bodies physical durability, speed, strength, and survival capabilities. It is also because of these experiments, Orochimaru is completely invulnerable to conventional techniques. He has endured a flurry of punches from [[Tsunade]]'s monstrous superhuman strength, a direct attack from Naruto's three-tailed state, and a direct hit from Sasuke's [[Dragon Fire Technique]],<ref name="ep30"/> all of which were able to only damage his face mask. Even being bisected by a four-tailed Naruto was unable to slow him down, as he simply [[Gathering of the Snakes|reconnected himself]].Other modifications include [[Soft Physique Modification|manipulating the shape of his body]] and [[Orochimaru-Style Body Replacement Technique|shedding himself of it]], to completely recreate and heal injuries. Thus, even if Orochimaru is unable to transfer bodies, he can easily heal and evade attacks, rendering him virtually immortal in battle. These abilities are otherwise known as, The [[Power of the White Snake]].
 
 
[[File:Orochimaru's True Form.PNG|thumb|Orochimaru's true form after many experiments.]]
 
In his quest to gain immortality, Orochimaru has made even more gruesome modifications to his body, resulting in his natural form taking on the appearance of a giant, white snake composed of many smaller snakes. The snakes that compose Orochimaru's body can extend themselves to strike and bind targets, and if Orochimaru is sliced to pieces, the body can instantly reform, making him very difficult to kill. Additionally, the blood that is released by killing the snakes is poisonous, evaporating into the air and paralysing anyone who has breathed it in, something that makes long lasting fights against him a bad choice.
 
 
==== Experimentation ====
 
[[File:Orochimaru-Gyuki-DNA.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru showing Kabuto one of his experiments.]]
 
Due to his desire to obtain all known ninja techniques, Orochimaru developed extensive research work throughout his years, performing experiments on multiple individuals and on himself to comprehend their abilities or develop new ones. Such examples include him discovering the workings of Jūgo's clan's abilities and his subsequent development of the cursed seal, the modifications done to his own body, the extensive research done to Hashirama Senju's cells as well as integrating them into Danzō Shimura, amongst many other test subjects. Most notably, Orochimaru was able to rewrite [[Yamato]]'s DNA to that of Hashirama's in the attempt to recreate his considerable powers. Although Yamato survived the procedure, he was a success among many failures. Kabuto once noted, that Orochimaru could even protect the cellular structure of his experiments, preventing anyone from gaining knowledge from them.<ref> ''Naruto'' chapter 290, page 3</ref> In the anime it was revealed that even from a very small sample, Orochimaru could cultivate the cells to recreate the original over time, as shown with what he did with the horn of [[Gyūki]].<ref name="ship318"/> The horn itself not only grew to its original size, but also produced vast amounts of chakra, identical to the latter. Although later put into use by Kabuto, the extracted chakra was potent enough to create a [[pseudo-jinchūriki]], with power equal to that of a true [[jinchūriki]] .<ref name="ship318"/>
 
 
With his expertise in the medical field, Orochimaru was able to concoct a series of drugs with any desired effect, each designed to aid him in what ever he's doing. At one point in time, Orochimaru created [[Genjutsu Pill|genjutsu pills]] that were strong enough to subdue a jinchūriki and their tailed beast simultaneously. In another, Orochimaru created the [[Mind Awakening Pill]], to help speed up the [[Orochimaru's Juinjutsu|cursed seal]]'s progression.
 
 
=== Other Skills ===
 
He also has immense strength in the anime, as when he was walking to Tanzaku Quarters, he was immensely frustrated by the pain he was in and used only a kick to knock down a tree.<ref>''Naruto'' episode 88</ref> In another instance he was able to strike with enough force to destroy a large tree, despite being a distance away from it.<ref name="ep30"/> He is also skilled in [[kenjutsu]], which he uses in conjunction with the unique properties of his [[Sword of Kusanagi (Orochimaru)|Sword of Kusanagi]]. Much like [[Yoroi Akadō]], he can quickly [[Chakra Absorption Technique|absorb chakra]] through hand contact, as shown when absorbed all of his chakra back from Kabuto instantly; using the chakra to strengthen himself. However, unlike Yoroi, Orochimaru is also able to absorb any information from the one whose chakra he's absorbing. He is also has adept skill in [[Space–Time Ninjutsu]], having designed a [[Space–Time Technique Formula: Underworld Turnover|technique]] to imprison a target's soul. He also possesses immense skills at subterfuge, escapism, espionage, and tracking, being able to track [[Kabuto Yakushi]] for years unnoticed by everyone all while he trained him to be a more powerful [[shinobi]] under his tutelage.
 
   
 
=== Stats ===
 
=== Stats ===
Line 116: Line 103:
   
 
== Part I ==
 
== Part I ==
=== Chūnin Exam Arc ===
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=== Chūnin Exams ===
  +
{{main|Chūnin Exams (Arc)|l1=Chūnin Exams}}
[[File:OrochimaruGrass.jpg|thumb|left|Orochimaru disguised as Shiore.]]
 
  +
[[File:Sasuke receives curse seal.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru branding Sasuke.]]
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For a while, since leaving Konoha, Orochimaru left his hometown alone until the chance to destroy it presented itself. The opportunity presented itself when he forms a partnership with the [[Fourth Kazekage]] of [[Sunagakure]], who desired Konoha's destruction like him, planning their invasion during the [[Chūnin Exams]]. Orochimaru also used the invasion as an opportunity to test [[Sasuke Uchiha]], Itachi's younger brother, if he can be of use as a vessel. Prior to the commencement of the second part of the Chūnin Exams, Orochimaru murdered a team of [[Kusagakure]] genin to impersonate its leader [[Shiore]] and infiltrate the [[Forest of Death]]. Using a snake summon to separate Naruto from [[Team Kakashi|Team 7]], the disguised Orochimaru subjected Sasuke to his [[Killing Intent]] with the youth unable to fight due to the fear instilled into him. However, the fear subsided with Naruto's timely appearance and convincing Sasuke to muster his courage before Orochimaru interferes with the [[jinchūriki]]'s seal while knocking him out for the duration of the fight. After being subjected to Sasuke's [[Dragon Fire Technique]] as it partially burned off his disguise, Orochimaru expresses pride in Sasuke's abilities before branding his target with his [[Cursed Seal of Heaven]] and taking his leave.
   
  +
As he sends Team Dosu as sacrificial lambs to test Sasuke, having Kabuto accompany Team 7 to witness Sasuke use the curse seal's power, Orochimaru is confronted by Anko as he tells her that the Konoha will continue the exams under threat of his retaliation if they cancel it. During the preliminary rounds of the Chūnin Exams, Orochimaru disguised himself as the leader of his genin team to watch Sasuke's performance against [[Yoroi Akadō]] and more obsessive upon seeing him suppress the Cursed Seal with sheer will. After [[Kakashi]] was able to seal away the mark on Sasuke, Orochimaru confronted him. He made no attempt to hide his envy of Kakashi's Sharingan, and noted before leaving that Sasuke will eventually come to him seeking power.
For a while, since leaving Konoha, Orochimaru left his hometown alone until the chance to destroy it presented itself. The opportunity presented itself when he forms a partnership with the [[Fourth Kazekage]] of [[Sunagakure]], who desired Konoha's destruction, planning their invasion during the [[Chūnin Exams]]. Orochimaru also used the invasion as an opportunity to test [[Sasuke Uchiha]], Itachi's younger brother, if he can be of use as a vessel. Prior to the commencement of the second part of the Chūnin Exams, Orochimaru murdered a team of [[Kusagakure]] genin to impersonate its leader [[Shiore]] and infiltrate the [[Forest of Death]]. Using a snake summon to separates Naruto from [[Team 7]], the disguised Orochimaru subjected Sasuke to his [[Killing Intent]] with the youth unable to fight due to the fear instilled into him. However, the fear subsided with Naruto's timely appearance and convincing Sasuke to muster his courage before Orochimaru interferes with the [[jinchūriki]]'s seal while knocking him out for the duration of the fight. After being subjected to Sasuke's [[Dragon Fire Technique]] as it partially burned off his disguise, Orochimaru expresses pride in Sasuke's abilities before branding his target with his [[Cursed Seal of Heaven]] and taking his leave. As he sends Team Dosu as sacrificial lambs to test Sasuke, having Kabuto accompany Team 7 to witness Sasuke use the curse seal's power, Orochimaru is confronted by Anko as he tells her that the Konoha will continue the exams under threat of his retaliation if they cancel it.
 
   
  +
=== Konoha Crush ===
[[File:Orochimaru disguised as a Sound Jōnin.JPG|thumb|Orochimaru disguised as an Otogakure jōnin.]]
 
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{{main|Konoha Crush (Arc)|l1=Konoha Crush}}
During the preliminary rounds of the Chūnin Exams, Orochimaru disguised himself as the leader of his genin team to watch Sasuke's performance against [[Yoroi Akadō]] and more obsessive upon seeing him suppress the Cursed Seal with sheer will. After [[Kakashi]] was able to seal away the mark on Sasuke, Orochimaru confronted him. He made no attempt to hide his envy of Kakashi's Sharingan, and noted before leaving that Sasuke will eventually come to him seeking power.
 
  +
[[File:Summoning Impure World Reincarnation.png|thumb|Orochimaru summons Hashirama and Tobirama.]]
  +
Eventually, some time before the day of the final round matches, with all attack preparations complete, Orochimaru murdered the [[Fourth Kazekage]] and assumed his identity to sit next to Hiruzen to oversee the proceedings. However, the [[Konoha Crush]] began, Orochimaru makes his move to kill his former master. Having the Sound Four discard the guises of the Kazekage's bodyguards, Orochimaru has them erect a barrier to hold the other Konoha ninja back to prevent any interference. Having regretting letting Orochimaru escape years earlier, Hiruzen agrees to battle his former pupil. Exhilarated that he could finally fight his former teacher, Orochimaru used [[Impure World Reincarnation]] to summon [[Hashirama Senju]] and his brother [[Tobirama]] to have the first two Hokage to attack their successor. During the fight, Orochimaru reveals to Hiruzen the fruits of his labour from mastering [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]] with the host body he took after his brush-in with Itachi and his intention to make Sasuke into his next host.
   
  +
[[File:Hiruzen Cuts Arms.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru's arms being sealed by Hiruzen.]]
=== Invasion of Konoha Arc ===
 
[[File:A Mistake from the Past A Face Revealed!.JPG|thumb|left|Orochimaru revealing his female host body.]]
 
Eventually, on the day of the final round matches, with all attack preparations complete, Orochimaru murdered the [[Fourth Kazekage]] and assumed his identity to sit next to Hiruzen to oversee the proceedings. However, the [[invasion of Konoha]] began, Orochimaru makes his move to kill his former master. Having the Sound Four discard the guises of the Kazekage's bodyguards, Orochimaru has them erect a barrier to hold the other Konoha ninja back to prevent any interference. Having regretting letting Orochimaru escape years earlier, Hiruzen agrees to battle his former pupil. Exhilarated that he could finally fight his former teacher, Orochimaru used [[Impure World Reincarnation]] to summon [[Hashirama Senju]] and his brother [[Tobirama Senju|Tobirama]] to have the first two Hokage to attack their successor. During the fight, Orochimaru reveals to Hiruzen the fruits of his labour from mastering [[Living Corpse Reincarnation]] with the host body he took after his brush-in with Itachi and his intention to make Sasuke into his next host.
 
 
[[File:Hiruzen Sealing Orochimaru.jpg|thumb|Orochimaru fighting Hiruzen.]]
 
 
Horrified on how far Orochimaru has truly went, with both his age and the regenerative abilities of the two first Hokage placing him in a grand disadvantage, Hiruzen resolves to stop Orochimaru with the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]], sealing away the souls of the two Hokage prior to going after Orochimaru himself. Not wishing to join the three Hokages' souls in being trapped within the Reaper's stomach, Orochimaru stabbed Hiruzen through the back of his chest with his [[Sword of Kusanagi (Orochimaru)|Sword of Kusanagi]] before the weakened Hiruzen resolves to only seal the part of Orochimaru's soul within his arms. Cursing the dying Hiruzen for robbing him of his use of ninjutsu, Orochimaru is carried off by the Sound Four with the invasion halted. Afterwards, Sunagakure broke ties with Orochimaru upon discovering the corpse of the Fourth Kazekage.
 
Horrified on how far Orochimaru has truly went, with both his age and the regenerative abilities of the two first Hokage placing him in a grand disadvantage, Hiruzen resolves to stop Orochimaru with the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]], sealing away the souls of the two Hokage prior to going after Orochimaru himself. Not wishing to join the three Hokages' souls in being trapped within the Reaper's stomach, Orochimaru stabbed Hiruzen through the back of his chest with his [[Sword of Kusanagi (Orochimaru)|Sword of Kusanagi]] before the weakened Hiruzen resolves to only seal the part of Orochimaru's soul within his arms. Cursing the dying Hiruzen for robbing him of his use of ninjutsu, Orochimaru is carried off by the Sound Four with the invasion halted. Afterwards, Sunagakure broke ties with Orochimaru upon discovering the corpse of the Fourth Kazekage.
   
=== Search for Tsunade Arc ===
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=== Search for Tsunade ===
  +
{{main|Search for Tsunade}}
[[File:Jiraiya vs Orochimaru.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru vs. Jiraiya.]]
 
  +
[[File:Jiraiya battles Orochimaru.png|thumb|Orochimaru battling Jiraiya.]]
After barely being able to stand the pain from his rotting arms, Orochimaru plans to have his condition healed by appealing Tsunade with the offer to reincarnate her [[Nawaki]] and [[Dan Katō|Dan]] to win her cooperation. However, though she seemed to agreed, Tsunade had actually intended to kill him to ensure he never attacks Konoha again. Kabuto intervened before she could do so, intending to force her to help before Jiraiya, Shizune and Naruto soon arrived to her aid. While Orochimaru and Jiraiya (having earlier been drugged by Tsunade and thus unable to properly perform techniques) faced off, Kabuto battled Naruto before being defeated. Seeing this and seeing a potential threat, Orochimaru resolves to kill Naruto before Tsunade teams up with Jiraiya to face their former teammate. Despite summoning [[Manda]], managing to hide his condition from the giant serpent as he fights Gamabunta, Orochimaru is forced to give up healing his arms and just take a new host body.
 
  +
After barely being able to stand the pain from his rotting arms, Orochimaru plans to have his condition healed by appealing Tsunade with the offer to reincarnate her [[Nawaki]] and [[Dan Katō|Dan]] to win her cooperation. However, though she seemed to agree, Tsunade had actually intended to kill him to ensure he never attacks Konoha again. Kabuto intervened before she could do so, intending to force her to help before Jiraiya, Shizune and Naruto soon arrived to her aid. While Orochimaru and Jiraiya (having earlier been drugged by Tsunade and thus unable to properly perform techniques) faced off, Kabuto battled Naruto before being defeated. Seeing this and seeing a potential threat, Orochimaru resolves to kill Naruto before Tsunade teams up with Jiraiya to face their former teammate. Despite summoning [[Manda]], managing to hide his condition from the giant serpent as he fights Gamabunta, Orochimaru is forced to give up healing his arms and just take a new host body.
   
=== Sasuke Retrieval Arc ===
+
=== Sasuke Recovery Mission ===
  +
{{main|Sasuke Recovery Mission}}
[[File:The Vessel Arrives Too Late.JPG|thumb|Orochimaru's body rotting.]]
 
  +
[[File:The Vessel Arrives Too Late.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru's body rotting.]]
 
Even though he had hoped to wait for Sasuke to grow older, Orochimaru sent his Sound Four to retrieve and bring Sasuke to him. He held out for as long as he could, anticipating Sasuke's arrival, but the pain in his arms became too unbearable so he is given no choice but to take the body of [[Gen'yūmaru]], whom Kabuto had prepared earlier. After agreeing to release Gen'yūmaru's clansmen in return for his sacrifice, Orochimaru proceeds to use Living Corpse Reincarnation on his new host. Though the act undid most of the damage caused by the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]], it still left Orochimaru incapable of using techniques requiring hand seals.
 
Even though he had hoped to wait for Sasuke to grow older, Orochimaru sent his Sound Four to retrieve and bring Sasuke to him. He held out for as long as he could, anticipating Sasuke's arrival, but the pain in his arms became too unbearable so he is given no choice but to take the body of [[Gen'yūmaru]], whom Kabuto had prepared earlier. After agreeing to release Gen'yūmaru's clansmen in return for his sacrifice, Orochimaru proceeds to use Living Corpse Reincarnation on his new host. Though the act undid most of the damage caused by the [[Dead Demon Consuming Seal]], it still left Orochimaru incapable of using techniques requiring hand seals.
   
[[File:OrochimaruGenyumaru.jpg|thumb|left|Orochimaru after possessing Gen'yūmaru.]]
+
[[File:Orochimaru new body.png|thumb|Orochimaru after possessing Gen'yūmaru.]]
 
While still waiting for Sasuke, bandaged up within his new host with Kabuto by his side, Orochimaru comments that either [[Jirōbō]] or [[Kidōmaru]] would be slowing down the group, but expressed doubts about [[Sakon]]'s strength, which Kabuto brings up, stating [[Tayuya]] was just as strong, and [[Kimimaro]], lamenting that the latter's illness made it impossible to have him as a perfect vessel as originally intended. But with Kimimaro's death, Orochimaru stated that he no longer cared about his previous protégé and instead commented his desire for Sasuke. As he is stuck in Gen'yūmaru's body for the next three years, Orochimaru decided to start training Sasuke once he finally arrived, hoping to shape him into the ideal host while being highly impressed and excited by the chakra that Sasuke revealed in response to Kabuto's threat for not giving Orochimaru his respect.
 
While still waiting for Sasuke, bandaged up within his new host with Kabuto by his side, Orochimaru comments that either [[Jirōbō]] or [[Kidōmaru]] would be slowing down the group, but expressed doubts about [[Sakon]]'s strength, which Kabuto brings up, stating [[Tayuya]] was just as strong, and [[Kimimaro]], lamenting that the latter's illness made it impossible to have him as a perfect vessel as originally intended. But with Kimimaro's death, Orochimaru stated that he no longer cared about his previous protégé and instead commented his desire for Sasuke. As he is stuck in Gen'yūmaru's body for the next three years, Orochimaru decided to start training Sasuke once he finally arrived, hoping to shape him into the ideal host while being highly impressed and excited by the chakra that Sasuke revealed in response to Kabuto's threat for not giving Orochimaru his respect.
{{-L}}
 
 
=== Pre-Shippūden Filler Arcs ===
 
Orochimaru's background is expanded upon in the anime, delving into parts of his past not addressed in the manga.
 
 
In the [[Land of Rice Fields Arc]], he was shown to have recruited some of the members of the [[Fūma Clan (Land of Sound)|Fūma clan]] to become [[Otogakure]] ninja, by promising to restore them to their former glory. Later, [[Arashi]] disguised himself as Orochimaru, killed his fellow clansmen to gain power before being killed himself.
 
 
In the [[Land of the Sea Arc]], Orochimaru's time with [[Anko Mitarashi]] is expanded upon. It is also revealed during his time in Konoha, he secretly built many experiment facilities in many countries, including Land of the Sea and gather many human guineapigs over ten years. Orochimaru, Anko, and nine others came to the [[Land of the Sea]], where he branded them with cursed seals. When Anko was the only one to survive, he arrived at the ten percent survival rate of the process. However, Anko lacked the personality to properly utilise its power, and as such, proved to not be very useful to Orochimaru. Although she believed he had abandoned her, she remembered during the arc that she chose to leave him. In addition, he is also shown to have previously had an interest in creating an army capable of breathing and operating underwater. Realising it would take too much time on his own, Orochimaru contracted with a rogue scientist named [[Amachi]], and began experimenting on the country's citizens, notably [[Isaribi]]. He eventually lost interest in the program and demanded it be discontinued, but Amachi continued regardless.
 
   
 
== Part II ==
 
== Part II ==
=== Sasuke and Sai Arc ===
+
=== Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission ===
  +
{{main|Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission}}
[[File:Gathering of the Snakes.PNG|thumb|Orochimaru vs. Naruto.]]
 
Two and a half years later, Yamato-led [[Team Kakashi]], hoping to find Sasuke, learned of an opportunity from a dying [[Sasori]] that he was meeting with his spy, Kabuto. Posing as Sasori within his Hiruko puppet, the group's temporary leader [[Yamato]] meets with Kabuto while the others watch. However, Orochimaru arrives as Kabuto destroys the Hiruko, Orochimaru clarifying to a confused Kabuto that Sasori never came as the rest of Team Kakashi reveal themselves to fight the two ninja. Although he was surprised to see Yamato has survived his experiments involving Hashirama's DNA, Orochimaru was more interested to see if Naruto has become as strong as "his Sasuke". As Naruto assumes his [[Version 1|three-tailed form]] in response, Orochimaru is able to elude Naruto, finding the battle extremely enjoyable while provoking Naruto further.
+
Two and a half years later, a [[Yamato]]-led [[Team Kakashi]], hoping to find Sasuke, learned of an opportunity from a dying Sasori that he was meeting with his spy, Kabuto. Posing as Sasori within his [[Hiruko]] puppet, the group's temporary leader Yamato met with Kabuto while the others watched. However, Orochimaru arrived as Kabuto destroyed the Hiruko, with Orochimaru clarifying to a confused Kabuto that Sasori never came as the rest of Team Kakashi reveal themselves to fight the two ninja. Although he was surprised to see Yamato has survived his experiments involving Hashirama's DNA, Orochimaru was more interested to see if Naruto had become as strong as "his Sasuke". When Naruto assumed his [[Version 1|three-tailed form]] in response, Orochimaru eluded Naruto, enjoying the battle while provoking Naruto further.
   
[[File:Sanjuu Rashomon.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru's three Rashōmon gates.]]
+
[[File:Orochimaru fighting Naruto.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru vs. Naruto.]]
It was only after Naruto submitted to Kurama's influence and entered his mindless [[Version 2|four-tailed form]], Orochimaru took the fight more seriously due to both Naruto now able to kill him and his host body beginning to reject him after he used his Kusanagi to force Naruto away. While he briefly recuperated, Orochimaru was approached by [[Sai]], who made an offer on behalf of [[Danzō]] to work together in destroying Konoha. Intrigued, Orochimaru and Kabuto took him back to their base. Later, after the rest of Team Kakashi arrived at the lair and Sai teamed up with them, Orochimaru confronted Sai and Naruto to question Sai about his loyalties. He fled before he could be drawn into another fight, and later kept Sasuke from killing the team, noting that they might kill another Akatsuki member like they had done with Sasori.
+
It was only after Naruto submitted to Kurama's influence and entered his mindless [[Version 2|four-tailed form]] that Orochimaru took the fight seriously due to Naruto now being able to kill him and his host body beginning to reject him after he used his Kusanagi to force Naruto away. While he briefly recuperated, Orochimaru was approached by [[Sai]], who made an offer on behalf of [[Danzō]] to work together in destroying Konoha. Intrigued, Orochimaru and Kabuto took him back to their base. Later, after the rest of Team Kakashi arrived at the lair and Sai teamed up with them, Orochimaru confronted Sai and Naruto to question Sai about his loyalties. He fled before he could be drawn into another fight and later kept Sasuke from killing the team, noting that they might kill another Akatsuki member like they had done with Sasori.
{{-}}
 
   
=== Three-Tails Arc ===
+
=== Three-Tails' Appearance ===
{{Main|Three-Tails Arc}}
+
{{Main|Three-Tails' Appearance}}
  +
[[File:Orochimaru Tests Sasuke.png|thumb|Orochimaru tests Sasuke's abilites against a hundred men.]]
In the anime, sensing that the time was close approaching to change vessels, Orochimaru sent Kabuto to find [[Guren]], so that she could help with preparations for the process. During this time, Orochimaru was also experimenting on a child named [[Yūkimaru]], with unusual powers. Orochimaru eventually decided it was time to test Sasuke's abilities, and watched in awe as he defeated an army of ninja, without killing any, and without receiving a scratch. As Sasuke walked off, Orochimaru admitted that while he used to be recognised as a genius, Sasuke's powers far surpassed his own when he was Sasuke's age.
 
  +
In the anime, sensing that the time was close approaching to change vessels, Orochimaru sent Kabuto to find [[Guren]], so that she could help with preparations for the process. During this time, Orochimaru was also experimenting on [[Yūkimaru]], a child with unusual powers. Orochimaru eventually decided it was time to test Sasuke's abilities and watched in awe as he defeated an army of ninja, without killing any, and without receiving a scratch. As Sasuke walked off, Orochimaru admitted that while he used to be recognised as a genius, Sasuke's powers far surpassed his own when he was Sasuke's age.
   
  +
[[File:Guren meets with Orochimaru.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru offers Guren a chance to prove herself.]]
Noticing that Guren was watching, he offered her another chance to prove herself worthy as Orochimaru's next vessel, to which she was delighted. Orochimaru teamed her up with Yūkimaru, noting that their two abilities should work well together. Later, it was revealed that Orochimaru also chose Guren because he knew she would eventually grow attached to Yūkimaru, which he appeared to have a use for. He ordered Kabuto to be ready to eliminate her should she betray him.
 
  +
Noticing that Guren was watching, he offered her another chance to prove herself worthy as Orochimaru's next vessel, which she was delighted with. Orochimaru teamed her up with Yūkimaru, noting that their two abilities should work well together. Later, it was revealed that Orochimaru also chose Guren because he knew she would eventually grow attached to Yūkimaru, which he appeared to have used for. He ordered Kabuto to be ready to eliminate her should she betray him.
   
Later, after receiving word that the Konoha shinobi were complicating things, Orochimaru decided he might have to intervene personally. Later, after Yūkimaru lost his abilities and Guren supposedly died, Kabuto reported back to his master about the failed operation. Orochimaru dismissed it as nothing more than a minor setback, saying once he had Sasuke's body, it wouldn't make any difference.
+
Later, after receiving word that the Konoha shinobi were complicating things, Orochimaru decided he might have to intervene personally. After Yūkimaru's loss of his abilities and Guren's supposed death, Kabuto reported back to his master about the failed operation. Orochimaru dismissed it as nothing more than a minor setback, saying that once he had Sasuke's body, it wouldn't make any difference.
   
=== Itachi Pursuit Arc ===
+
=== Itachi Pursuit Mission ===
  +
{{main|Itachi Pursuit Mission}}
[[File:Chidori Sharp Spear.png|thumb|Sasuke attacks Orochimaru.]]
 
  +
[[File:Chidori Sharp Spear.png|thumb|right|Sasuke attacks Orochimaru.]]
On the verge of being rejected by his current body, Orochimaru contemplated how best to take Sasuke's body. Also, in the anime only, he and Kabuto recapped all the events that led to Sasuke defecting, and how much he had improved since. Before he could formulate his plan, Sasuke attacks him, having decided that Orochimaru was unworthy of having an Uchiha's body, and tries to kill him with [[Chidori Sharp Spear]], but only succeeds in piercing his arm. Orochimaru proceeded to reveal his true body, a large white snake made of a multitude of smaller snakes, in order to initiate the body-switch process.
 
  +
On the verge of being rejected by his current body, Orochimaru contemplated about the best way to take Sasuke's body. In the anime, he and Kabuto recapped all the events that led to Sasuke defecting and how much he had improved since. Before he could formulate his plan, however, Sasuke attacked him, having decided that Orochimaru was unworthy of having an Uchiha's body, and tried to kill him with [[Chidori Sharp Spear]] but only succeeds in piercing his arm. Orochimaru proceeded to reveal his true body, a large white snake made of a multitude of smaller snakes in order to initiate the body-switch process.
   
 
[[File:Sasuke Defeats Orochimaru.PNG|thumb|left|Sasuke defeats Orochimaru.]]
 
[[File:Sasuke Defeats Orochimaru.PNG|thumb|left|Sasuke defeats Orochimaru.]]
Sasuke however cuts up Orochimaru's large snake body, only to realise that the vaporising blood is turning into a poison and Orochimaru successfully starts the body-switch process. Sasuke however stops the process like Itachi had done years earlier, but took it a step further by turning the switch against Orochimaru, absorbing him into his own body. Sasuke gained access to some of Orochimaru's abilities, but at the same time had to dedicate some of his chakra to suppressing Orochimaru.
+
Sasuke, however, cuts up Orochimaru's large snake body, only to realise that the vaporising blood was turning into a paralysis-type poison. Orochimaru then successfully started the body-switch process. Sasuke stopped the process like Itachi had done years earlier but took it a step further by turning the switch against Orochimaru, absorbing him into his own body. Sasuke gained access to some of Orochimaru's abilities but, at the same time, had to dedicate some of his chakra to suppressing Orochimaru. Kabuto later took Orochimaru remains and transfused his blood into himself, giving him access to Orochimaru's abilities.
   
  +
=== Fated Battle Between Brothers ===
[[File:Orochimaru Pierced By Susanoo.jpg|thumb|Orochimaru pierced by the Totsuka Sword.]]
 
  +
{{main|Fated Battle Between Brothers}}
During his battle with Itachi, Sasuke ran out of chakra, and Orochimaru was able to emerge through his signature [[Eight Branches Technique]]. He marvelled at the fact that he would finally have the chance to take Sasuke's body, but was immediately pierced through by Itachi's Susanoo. At first Orochimaru boasted that it would take more than that to kill him, but he suddenly realised something was wrong and that he was pierced by the Totsuka Sword that he himself had been searching for. Orochimaru was then sealed away by Itachi's [[Susanoo]], as well as removing the cursed seal from Sasuke. A single white snake escaped from Susanoo, but was later killed by [[Amaterasu]]'s black flames.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 394, page 3</ref>
 
  +
[[File:Orochimaru Pierced By Susanoo.png|thumb|right|Orochimaru pierced by the Totsuka Sword.]]
  +
During the battle with Itachi, Sasuke ran low on chakra and Orochimaru was able to emerge from his cursed seal using his signature [[Eight Branches Technique]]. He marvelled at the fact that he would finally have the chance to take over Sasuke's body, but was immediately pierced through by the blade held by Itachi's [[Susanoo]]. At first Orochimaru boasted that it would take more than that to kill him, but he soon realised that he had been pierced by the [[Totsuka Sword]] that he himself had been searching for. Orochimaru was then sealed away by Itachi's Susanoo, which had the effect of removing Sasuke's cursed seal in the process. Three white snakes escaped from Orochimaru's body as he was sealed, but at least one of these snakes was subsequently killed by the black flames of [[Amaterasu]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 394, page 3</ref>
   
=== Ten-Tails Revival Arc ===
+
=== Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax ===
  +
{{main|Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax}}
[[File:Evil Releasing Method.PNG|thumb|left|Sasuke revives Orochimaru.]]
 
  +
[[File:Kaija Hōin.png|thumb|left|Sasuke revives Orochimaru.]]
 
Following Kabuto's defeat, and his reunion with [[Suigetsu Hōzuki]] and [[Jūgo]], Sasuke learns of the scroll they found at one of Orochimaru's hideouts and resolves to revive him for answers following what he learned from Itachi. Sasuke succeeds in reviving Orochimaru by pulling his consciousness out of Anko's cursed seal and transferring it into the physical form Jūgo provided by absorbing some of Kabuto's modified flesh. Despite Suigetsu's fears of his next action as he reclaims the rest of his chakra that Kabuto took from him, Orochimaru explains that he is neither interested in Tobi's war nor strong enough to even attempt to take Sasuke's body if he wanted to. However, Orochimaru, noting the change in his former student, does agree to take Sasuke to one who has the answers he wants.
 
Following Kabuto's defeat, and his reunion with [[Suigetsu Hōzuki]] and [[Jūgo]], Sasuke learns of the scroll they found at one of Orochimaru's hideouts and resolves to revive him for answers following what he learned from Itachi. Sasuke succeeds in reviving Orochimaru by pulling his consciousness out of Anko's cursed seal and transferring it into the physical form Jūgo provided by absorbing some of Kabuto's modified flesh. Despite Suigetsu's fears of his next action as he reclaims the rest of his chakra that Kabuto took from him, Orochimaru explains that he is neither interested in Tobi's war nor strong enough to even attempt to take Sasuke's body if he wanted to. However, Orochimaru, noting the change in his former student, does agree to take Sasuke to one who has the answers he wants.
   
[[File:Souls released from Shinigami.png|thumb|Orochimaru releases the sealed souls from the Shinigami.]]
+
[[File:Dead Demon Consuming Seal - Release.png|thumb|Orochimaru releases the sealed souls from the Shinigami.]]
Arriving in [[Konohagakure]], Orochimaru and the others sense [[Naruto]]'s chakra from a great distance away. Noting that Sasuke was annoyed by this, Orochimaru pressed on with the group at the young man's behest. He lead them to the [[Uzumaki Clan's Mask Storage Temple]] to pick up a mask from the ruins, and then takes the group to the underground hall in the [[Naka Shrine]]. Orochimaru proceeded to don the mask which invoked the [[Shinigami]] to possess his body. Orochimaru then proceeded to cut open the Shinigami's stomach, a wound reflected on his own body, to release the trapped contents inside the Shinigami.
+
Arriving in [[Konohagakure]], Orochimaru and the others sense [[Naruto]]'s chakra from a great distance away. Noting that Sasuke was annoyed by this, Orochimaru pressed on with the group at the young man's behest. He led them to the [[Uzumaki Clan's Mask Storage Temple]] to pick up a mask from the ruins, and then takes the group to the underground hall in the [[Naka Shrine]]. Orochimaru proceeded to don the mask which invoked the [[Shinigami]] to possess his body. Orochimaru then proceeded to cut open the Shinigami's stomach, a wound reflected on his own body, to release the trapped contents inside the Shinigami.
   
[[File:Orochimaru edo tensei.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru casts the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation technique.]]
+
[[File:Orochimaru prepares Edo Tensei.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru prepares to summon the four deceased Hokage.]]
With his arms restored as well, Orochimaru performed the [[Impure World Reincarnation]] using four of the six White Zetsu clone [[Spore Technique|spores]] that Jūgo activated from Sasuke's body. Ordering Suigetsu and Jūgo hold two of the Zetsu down, the remaining four Zetsu are used as the bodies for the reincarnation of the previous four [[Hokage]]. To escape death, Orochimaru transferred his being in the White Zetsu Suigetsu was holding down. Once the Hokage were reincarnated, revealing he researched the means to undo the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, Orochimaru explained that his reasons for bringing them back were for them to aid Sasuke by giving him the information he desired. When Orochimaru accused the [[Second Hokage]] of being the one to cause the coup d'etat to surface, he was rebuffed by the Hokage who later explained that he had tried to save the Uchiha from [[Curse of Hatred|themselves]]. When Tobirama later declared that he was heading to the battlefield, Orochimaru's new vessel provided him with access to Hashirama's cells, allowing him to bind the Hokage. Noting that Hashirama had broke his control over him, Orochimaru is told by the First that he would first free Sasuke from the darkness which surrounded him. During this course of events, Sasuke had a flashback about a conversation he and Orochimaru had as they made their way to Konoha where Sasuke stated that he does not believe Orochimaru's reasons to destroy Konoha were on a whim.
+
With his arms restored as well, Orochimaru performed the [[Impure World Reincarnation]] using four of the six White Zetsu clone [[Spore Technique|spores]] that Jūgo activated from Sasuke's body. Ordering Suigetsu and Jūgo hold two of the Zetsu down, the remaining four Zetsu are used as the bodies for the reincarnation of the previous four [[Hokage]]. To escape death, Orochimaru transferred his being in the White Zetsu Suigetsu was holding down by slithering into its mouth. Once the Hokage were reincarnated, revealing he researched the means to undo the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, Orochimaru explained that his reasons for bringing them back were for them to aid Sasuke by giving him the information he desired. When Orochimaru accused the [[Second Hokage]] of being the one to cause the coup d'etat to surface, he was rebuffed by the Hokage who later explained that he had tried to save the Uchiha from [[Curse of Hatred|themselves]]. When Tobirama later declared that he was heading to the battlefield, Orochimaru's new vessel provided him with access to Hashirama's cells, allowing him to bind the Hokage. Noting that Hashirama had broken his control over him, Orochimaru is told by the First that he would first free Sasuke from the darkness which surrounded him. During this course of events, Sasuke had a flashback about a conversation he and Orochimaru had as they made their way to Konoha where Sasuke stated that he does not believe Orochimaru's reasons to destroy Konoha were on a whim.
   
 
After hearing Sasuke's decision to protect the village, Orochimaru announces that he will also help in the war effort against Madara. When Hiruzen asks him after why he changed his mind after all these years, Orochimaru explains that he made an error in judgement from watching Kabuto act in his stead and is now interested to see the result of Sasuke's "different path" of not letting those who sacrificed themselves for the village go to waste.
 
After hearing Sasuke's decision to protect the village, Orochimaru announces that he will also help in the war effort against Madara. When Hiruzen asks him after why he changed his mind after all these years, Orochimaru explains that he made an error in judgement from watching Kabuto act in his stead and is now interested to see the result of Sasuke's "different path" of not letting those who sacrificed themselves for the village go to waste.
   
  +
=== Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki ===
[[File:Orochimaru enters the battlefield.png|thumb|Orochimaru and his group arrive to the battlefield.]]
 
  +
{{main|Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki}}
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[[File:Orochimaru arrives to the battlefield.png|thumb|Orochimaru and his group arrive to the battlefield.]]
 
Later, Orochimaru arrived to the place where Tsunade and the other Kage were left severely wounded, alongside [[Suigetsu]] and [[Karin]], commenting that Tsunade was in a rather bad shape. He broke up the arguing Karin and Suigetsu, and ordered them to help [[Katsuyu]] heal Tsunade. Later, Orochimaru, along with the five Kage, Suigetsu, and Karin, arrive at the battlefield, where the entire Allied Shinobi Forces are struggling against [[Obito Uchiha]], who recently became the [[jinchūriki]] of the [[Ten-Tails]]. As Obito began the final stages of his and Madara's grand plan: "Infinite Tsukuyomi", Hashirama had [[Ino Yamanaka]] telepathically link everyone via the [[Mind Body Transmission Technique]] to inform everyone about the plan as well as try and rally the shinobi to continue fighting. While Hashirama's words fail to inspire them, Naruto's memories are conveyed to them via Ino's telepathy. The Sannin looked on solemnly as Naruto remembered the [[Jiraiya's Memorial|memorial]] he erected for Jiraiya.
 
Later, Orochimaru arrived to the place where Tsunade and the other Kage were left severely wounded, alongside [[Suigetsu]] and [[Karin]], commenting that Tsunade was in a rather bad shape. He broke up the arguing Karin and Suigetsu, and ordered them to help [[Katsuyu]] heal Tsunade. Later, Orochimaru, along with the five Kage, Suigetsu, and Karin, arrive at the battlefield, where the entire Allied Shinobi Forces are struggling against [[Obito Uchiha]], who recently became the [[jinchūriki]] of the [[Ten-Tails]]. As Obito began the final stages of his and Madara's grand plan: "Infinite Tsukuyomi", Hashirama had [[Ino Yamanaka]] telepathically link everyone via the [[Mind Body Transmission Technique]] to inform everyone about the plan as well as try and rally the shinobi to continue fighting. While Hashirama's words fail to inspire them, Naruto's memories are conveyed to them via Ino's telepathy. The Sannin looked on solemnly as Naruto remembered the [[Jiraiya's Memorial|memorial]] he erected for Jiraiya.
   
  +
As Sasuke had Jūgo transfer some of his [[natural energy]] into the Uchiha, who immediately channelled it into his complete [[Susanoo]], Orochimaru watched on, greatly impressed at how far Sasuke has come and notes that he still had much room to grow. Later, while asserting that he had no interest in the war, Orochimaru noted that Obito's plan would interfere with his experiments, he then decided to heed his former sensei's urgings and participate in the war. With his [[Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands|assistance]], Hiruzen was able to [[Adamantine Staff|destroy]] the branches of the Ten-Tails into pieces. As Naruto began his great tug-of-war against Obito, Orochimaru alongside Hiruzen watched on as the tree's flower halted its blooming.
[[File:Orochimaru fights.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru attacks the Shinju with his snakes.]]
 
As Sasuke had Jūgo transfer some of his [[natural energy]] into the Uchiha, who immediately channelled it into his complete [[Susanoo]], Orochimaru watched on, greatly impressed at how far Sasuke has come and notes that he still had much room to grow.
 
   
  +
[[File:Orochimaru Attacks Tobi.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru immobilises Tobi.]]
Later, while asserting that he had no interest in the war, Orochimaru noted that Obito's plan would interfere with his experiments, he then decided to heed his former sensei's urgings and participate in the war. With his [[Many Hidden Shadow Snake Hands|assistance]], Hiruzen was able to [[Adamantine Staff|destroy]] the Shinju's branches into pieces. As Naruto began his great tug-of-war against Obito, Orochimaru alongside Hiruzen watched on as the Shinju's flower halted its blooming.
 
  +
After a momentary lull in the battle after Obito is defeated, the Allied Forces were attacked by [[Tobi (Zetsu)|Tobi]], who created an [[Kanzeon Lotus King|enormous wooden statue]] to assault them. Orochimaru teamed up with his former subordinates to effectively subdue their attacker in order to make a break for Sasuke's location. He was then impressed by Karin's ability to use the chakra chains and he was reminded of [[Kushina Uzumaki]]. As they raced towards where Karin last senses Sasuke, Orochimaru noticed that the young woman was expending herself. Contemplating the situation, he wondered solemnly if this was really the end for Sasuke.
  +
  +
[[File:Infinite Tsukuyomi Victims 1.png|thumb|Orochimaru and Jūgo trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi.]]
  +
Upon reaching Sasuke, they found Kabuto merging with Sasuke, seemingly to assimilate the Uchiha. When asking his former right-hand man why he came, Kabuto simply explained that his experience under the effects of [[Izanami]] made him rediscover his true identity as simply Kabuto Yakushi and acknowledged what he always sought was back at the Konoha orphanage. Wanting to make up for his mistakes, starting with healing Sasuke through his medical ninjutsu and instructions from Tobirama. Eventually, Kabuto succeeded in healing Sasuke, who quickly returned to his feet and was ready to resume the battle. Orochimaru was later caught in Madara's [[Infinite Tsukuyomi]].
  +
  +
=== Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes ===
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{{main|Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes}}
  +
Ultimately, he and the rest of the world are freed from the genjutsu by Naruto and Sasuke after they ended the war.
  +
  +
== Blank Period ==
  +
After the war's conclusion, Orochimaru would return to conducting his genetic experiments. He also formed a truce with Konoha and the Five Great Nations that he would be pardoned for his crimes under the condition he is placed under strict 24-hour surveillance by Konoha [[jōnin]]. Despite the strict watch, Orochimaru was allowed to move freely as the shinobi that watched over Orochimaru were ordered not to make any form of contact with him until he made a move against Konoha or did anything suspicious. He was even allowed to move freely in and out of Konoha.
  +
  +
=== Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise ===
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{{main|Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise|Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise (Arc)|l1=Sasuke Shinden (novel)|l2=Sasuke Shinden (anime)}}
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Orochimaru meets with Sasuke, who is gathering information on the [[Dark Thunder Group]], for the first time in a few years since the war. Orochimaru tells Sasuke to meet with [[En Oyashiro]], who is a [[medical-nin]] but is a notorious [[kekkei genkai]] collector, because he may have connections to the group since its leader is a kekkei genkai owner. They take a boat to En's "Coliseum", where a tournament is being hosted with En's clients attending to purchase the winning shinobi. Orochimaru reveals to him that Sasuke is a kekkei genkai owner himself, causing Sasuke to be forced into participating in the tournament.
  +
  +
== New Era ==
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[[File:Orochimaru & Log.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru and Log discussing Mitsuki.]]
  +
In the following years, between gaining a new appreciation for natural development of people and forming a truce between Konohagakure, Orochimaru ultimately reestablished [[Otogakure]] as a legitimate shinobi village.<ref>''Boruto'' episode 5</ref> At some point, Orochimaru created multiple synthetic humans such as [[Log]] and [[Mitsuki]] using his genetic source with new cloning technology.<ref>''Boruto'' chapter 25, page 38-39</ref> Later, Orochimaru and Log orchestrated a test for Mitsuki to unknowingly participate in, which was devised for his son to find a third option that neither Orochimaru or Log presented him. Having failed the test fives times, Orochimaru used a drug each time to remove Mitsuki's memories. On the sixth attempt, Mitsuki passed the test by rebelling against the pair to forge his own destiny himself, resulting in him wanting to migrate to Konoha.<ref>''Naruto Gaiden: The Road Illuminated by the Full Moon''</ref> Supporting his decision, Orochimaru asked Naruto to take his son in, which the Hokage allowed, as it was believed Orochimaru's research would prove useful to Konoha in time,<ref>''Boruto'' episode 73</ref> as well as being critical to the shinobi world when the time came to battle the [[Ōtsutsuki clan]].<ref>''Boruto'' episode 72</ref>
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  +
=== Sarada Uchiha Arc ===
  +
{{Main|Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring}}
  +
Fifteen years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Orochimaru revealed himself to Sasuke and Naruto when the former demanded to meet him, wanting to inquire about [[Shin Uchiha]]. Naruto commented on his youthful looks, to which Orochimaru replied to "not stress on the details". After a talk, he explained that Shin was, in fact, an experiment of his in cloning technology and that he would be glad if they took him off his hands. He then went on to lecture about the ethics of cloning. Once he finished his story, Orochimaru happily decided to tell Sasuke all he knew about Shin's whereabouts in the hope of the true Uchiha killing Shin. Later on, Orochimaru commented on the possibility of [[Sakura Uchiha]] being already dead, to which Sasuke disagreed.
  +
  +
=== School Trip Arc ===
  +
{{Main|School Trip Arc}}
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In the anime, when learning of civil unrest in Kirigakure and rumours of the [[Sixth Mizukage]] killing off people against the peaceful expansion of his village, Orochimaru sent Suigetsu to investigate, hoping to find useful new allies. Ultimately, Suigetsu reported that the horrific rumours on Chōjūrō were in fact done by [[Shizuma Hoshigaki]], who used the Mizukage as a diversion for his plans at a coup d'état, which were stopped with the aid of [[Boruto Uzumaki]]. Orochimaru surmised that Chōjūrō decided to keep the actions quiet in fear of regressing the village to its darker times. While realising that Suigetsu got directly involved in exposing Shizuma's actions, he decided to keep quiet about it, instead marvelling at how much Boruto was like his father.
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=== Graduation Exams Arc ===
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{{Main|Graduation Exams Arc}}
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[[File:Orochimaru Meets Naruto.png|thumb|Orochimaru meets with Naruto.]]
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In the anime, as Konoha's [[Academy]] classes began preparing for graduation exams, Orochimaru [[Vanishing Facial Copy Technique|stealthily]] came to the village with Yamato, to avoid any commotion from villagers still uneasy about his presence. Meeting with Naruto in his [[Hokage's Office|office]], they discussed Danzō's [[Nue|research]] he was analysing and Mitsuki. Afterwards, he attended Mitsuki's parent-teacher conference, where he and his son met with [[Shino Aburame]]. Wanting to become a Konoha shinobi, Orochimaru allowed Mitsuki to stay in the village to become one.
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  +
=== Versus Momoshiki Arc ===
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{{Main|Boruto: Naruto the Movie|Versus Momoshiki Arc}}
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In the anime, having contacted Mitsuki through their snakes, Orochimaru instructed him to not reveal his true strength, as Mitsuki wouldn't be able to remain in Konoha. Upon [[Team Konohamaru]] capturing a bear within Konoha, Orochimaru overlooked the genin completing their mission from atop a building.
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  +
=== Sasuke Shinden: The Teacher's Star Pupil ===
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{{Main|Sasuke Shinden: The Teacher's Star Pupil}}
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On a moonlit night, Orochimaru decides to visit Mitsuki in Konoha. When he finds Mitsuki, Mitsuki is in the middle of practicing with the [[Lorentz Gun]]. Although Mitsuki isn't able to perform it successfully, Orochimaru is nevertheless impressed by his progress, believing such skill is proof of being Orochimaru's son. Mitsuki is not comforted by this, as his Lorentz Gun still pales in comparison to Sasuke's, who taught it to him in the first place. Orochimaru stirs at the mention of Sasuke and tries to casually offer to accompany Mitsuki the next time he trains with Sasuke. Mitsuki tells Orochimaru to stop.
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=== Chōchō Arc ===
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{{Main|Chōchō Arc}}
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[[File:Orochimaru Vs Mitsuki.png|thumb|left|Orochimaru training Mitsuki.]]
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In the anime, Mitsuki brought Orochimaru a scroll for him to sign so he could partake in an upcoming mission. Before which, they had a sparring session. While Orochimaru decisively won, he applauded Mitsuki's improvement. When Mitsuki asked if he should refer to Orochimaru as his father or mother, Orochimaru said it was irrelevant as he has been all kinds of entities over the years and all that matters is one's core.
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=== Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc ===
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{{Main|Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc}}
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In the anime, when Mitsuki apparently betrayed and deserted Konohagakure, Orochimaru was confronted by Yamato about it. Orochimaru insisted he was clueless about the situation. Later, Orochimaru found [[Boruto Uzumaki]] and [[Sarada Uchiha]] sneaking into his base. The boy wanted to ask Orochimaru about a last message from Mitsuki through a snake, which simply stated that "It is his will". After doing tests on the snake, Orochimaru concluded that there was no apparent hidden message, but suggested going to [[White Snake Sage]] who might know more. After all this, Orochimaru was left intrigued, both by his son's random actions and Boruto's unwavering loyalty to Mitsuki like Naruto's to Sasuke from years ago.
  +
  +
Afterwards, knowing that Konohagakure would send a team to retrieve Boruto and Sarada, Orochimaru sent Suigetsu (while concealing his identity) to stall the two genin's pursuers long enough for them to reach [[Ryūchi Cave]]. Later, learning about [[Ōnoki]]'s passing and Mitsuki confirmed loyalty to Konohagakure by working to stop the [[Fabrication]]s, Orochimaru was pleased to see how well Mitsuki was developing as a person in finding more about his true self. At the same time, Orochimaru was concerned when learning that the investigation into the development of the Fabrications was covered up by an unknown person, leading Orochimaru to wonder who else besides himself could create artificial humans that advanced.
  +
  +
=== Jūgo Arc ===
  +
{{Main|Jūgo Arc}}
  +
In the anime, when Jūgo abruptly left the base to deal with a mysterious outbreak of cursed seals infecting wildlife, Orochimaru tasked Suigetsu and Karin with retrieving him.
  +
  +
Later, Mitsuki came to Orochimaru to discuss his recent memories about [[Ōnoki]] and how they began flashing through his mind as dreams. The Sannin scanned his son's mind to research the memories with Log. There, they learned about how Mitsuki went through great personal discoveries about his being, wondering what choices are really his own and if he is on the right path. While Orochimaru was proud to see how much he was maturing into a true human being, he was concerned how the still-raw child was reacting to such personal loss. Log voiced his disapproval of erasing Mitsuki's memories after how far they had come. Ultimately, they gave Mitsuki a choice to continue enduring these painful memories or have his mind reset to before he ever even knew about Boruto. Mitsuki decided to keep his memories and move ahead, impressing Orochimaru.
  +
  +
=== Kara Actuation Arc ===
  +
{{Main|Kara Actuation Arc}}
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In the anime, after pressured into using his [[Sage Mode]] [[Sage Transformation|Transformation]] to save his team-mates against [[Deepa]], Mitsuki's body began breaking down from over-usage. He was brought to Log and Orochimaru for treatment. Orochimaru was dismayed at the severity of Mitsuki's condition, noting that various organs would have to replaced from scratch. Log noted that Orochimaru was very concerned for Mitsuki, who simply said that he has invested so much time and resources into creating Mitsuki, not wanting it to be a wasted effort.
  +
  +
Later, Log investigated and learned that the Hashirama Cell Kara acquired was actually stolen from one of Orochimaru's old laboratories. Despite this news, Orochimaru simply said not to bother taking any action, as the First Hokage's genes weren't easily harnessed. When Mitsuki regained consciousness, he asked the boy if it was worth the risk of dying to save his friends, testing Mitsuki's resolve.
  +
  +
Later, Orochimaru found Suigetsu detaining the genin of [[Team 5]]. Orochimaru stopped the battle, not wanting his equipment to get any more damage. He asked what they wanted from him, truly intrigued by why such inexperienced genin would approach him. His intrigue quickly turned to shock and dismay as they simply requested for his autograph. While finding the request trivial and annoyed at the stats the trading card had on him, Orochimaru agreed to it. As he left, the genin asked about Mitsuki's condition, to which Orochimaru said he would be fine. Noting to himself that Mitsuki had made more friends than just Boruto, Orochimaru was pleased at his son's development in Konohagakure.
  +
  +
As Mitsuki's replacement organs were almost viable, Suigetsu returned with news of Mitsuki's team. He revealed they all returned the [[Land of Valleys]]. While the genin and jōnin respectively went for different reasons, Suigetsu suspected that there was a connection between the two. As Suigetsu's speculations roused Mitsuki into leaving prematurely, an annoyed Orochimaru decided to punish Suigetsu for his reckless words by using him as a test subject for another experiment.
  +
  +
Later, after Mitsuki's recovery was sped up by Log donating his own organs, Orochimaru decided to investigate matters in the Land of Valleys personally with Mitsuki. Upon arriving, he discovered the the sprouting of the [[God Tree]] created by [[Victor]]. He found [[Mugino]] attempting to leave the country safely with the unconscious [[Valleys Daimyō]]. He was stopped by a [[Kara]] [[Victor's Secretary|Outer]], who was instantly defeated by Orochimaru after his sudden appearance.
  +
  +
[[File:Orochimaru Vs Victor.png|thumb|Orochimaru fighting Victor.]]
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Orochimaru confronted Victor as he was battled Konohamaru. While Konohamaru was shocked by his arrival, Orochimaru insisted that he was only here to make Victor pay for stealing from him. Victor remained defiant and attacked Orochmaru, showing off his advanced skill set. Orochimaru however easily repelled Victor's efforts, pressuring him into seeking the God Tree's fruit for more power. Victor's efforts ultimate backfired as the God Tree ensnared him. Orochimaru mocked Victor's scientific efforts and obliviousness, noting that Victor's God Tree was a crude imitation, unable to actually produce fruit. Orochimaru proceeded to destroy the God Tree. After succeeding and the enemies defeated, Orochimaru decided to leave, noting that he already informed Naruto about the events.
   
 
== Influence ==
 
== Influence ==
 
Orochimaru apparently kept tabs on [[Akatsuki]], as Kabuto was knowledgeable about [[Zetsu]], and Tobi's machination to revive the [[Ten-Tails]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 512, page 6</ref> Even when removed from reality by Itachi, being an extensive researcher, the notes he left behind were still coveted as vast stores of knowledge to those fortunate enough to come across them, as seen when one of his hidden rooms is found by Suigetsu and Jūgo, the former of which finds information he believes can impact the war.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 574, pages 6-7</ref>
 
Orochimaru apparently kept tabs on [[Akatsuki]], as Kabuto was knowledgeable about [[Zetsu]], and Tobi's machination to revive the [[Ten-Tails]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 512, page 6</ref> Even when removed from reality by Itachi, being an extensive researcher, the notes he left behind were still coveted as vast stores of knowledge to those fortunate enough to come across them, as seen when one of his hidden rooms is found by Suigetsu and Jūgo, the former of which finds information he believes can impact the war.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 574, pages 6-7</ref>
  +
  +
In [[Power (Arc)|the anime]], Kabuto used Orochimaru's cells in order to create [[Clone Snakes|special snakes]] which could multiply at a rapid rate and merge into either [[Body Recreation Technique|a clone of another living being using a genetic sample]] or [[Clone Snakes: Serpent Technique|a larger serpent]] for combat. The clone snakes are first used to create a clone of [[Hidan]], and then later [[Nine-Tailed Naruto Clone|a clone of Naruto with Kurama's chakra]].
   
 
In his absence, Kabuto used Orochimaru's remains from his battle with Sasuke to integrate his master's DNA into himself in order to surpass him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 584, pages 16-17</ref> Having also assimilated the DNA of [[Sakon and Ukon]] to procure their abilities, Kabuto uses the twins' [[Attack of the Twin Demons]] to produce a construct of Orochimaru that transforms into his White Snake form and lunges at an opponent. However, Orochimaru lived on, in a sense, through [[cursed seal]]s and Kabuto after the latter integrated Orochimaru's DNA into himself.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 627, page 13</ref> Knowing the nature of the seal to contain parts of Orochimaru's consciousness, Sasuke revived Orochimaru by transferring a portion of Orochimaru's DNA which was retrieved from Kabuto's modified body into Anko's [[Cursed Seal of Heaven]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 593, pages 6-7</ref>
 
In his absence, Kabuto used Orochimaru's remains from his battle with Sasuke to integrate his master's DNA into himself in order to surpass him.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 584, pages 16-17</ref> Having also assimilated the DNA of [[Sakon and Ukon]] to procure their abilities, Kabuto uses the twins' [[Attack of the Twin Demons]] to produce a construct of Orochimaru that transforms into his White Snake form and lunges at an opponent. However, Orochimaru lived on, in a sense, through [[cursed seal]]s and Kabuto after the latter integrated Orochimaru's DNA into himself.<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 627, page 13</ref> Knowing the nature of the seal to contain parts of Orochimaru's consciousness, Sasuke revived Orochimaru by transferring a portion of Orochimaru's DNA which was retrieved from Kabuto's modified body into Anko's [[Cursed Seal of Heaven]].<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 593, pages 6-7</ref>
   
== Movies ==
+
== In Other Media ==
=== Naruto Shippūden 2: Bonds ===
+
=== Movies ===
  +
==== Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds ====
  +
{{main|Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds}}
 
Orochimaru made a small appearance along with Kabuto. Feeling that his time was running out before he had to transfer his soul again, but fearing that the repeated use of his techniques was starting to be too taxing, he ordered Sasuke to retrieve a man named [[Shinnō]], who had developed his own immortality technique. In the end, Sasuke failed to get the man, but did retrieve the scroll containing the technique's information. Orochimaru noticed that Sasuke's demeanour seemed shaken from the mission.
 
Orochimaru made a small appearance along with Kabuto. Feeling that his time was running out before he had to transfer his soul again, but fearing that the repeated use of his techniques was starting to be too taxing, he ordered Sasuke to retrieve a man named [[Shinnō]], who had developed his own immortality technique. In the end, Sasuke failed to get the man, but did retrieve the scroll containing the technique's information. Orochimaru noticed that Sasuke's demeanour seemed shaken from the mission.
   
== Video Games ==
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=== Video Games ===
 
{{playable in}}
 
{{playable in}}
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=== Live Action ===
  +
==== Live Spectacle Naruto ====
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{{Main|Live Spectacle Naruto}}
  +
Hiro Yūmi plays as Orochimaru in this stage play adaption.
   
 
== Creation and Conception ==
 
== Creation and Conception ==
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== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
  +
{{youthwiki|Orochimaru}}
* Orochi means "Great Snake" and Maru is a common suffix in male names.
 
  +
* The name "Orochi" literally means {{translation|"great snake"|大蛇}} while {{translation|"maru"|丸}} is a common suffix in male names.
  +
** It is possible that Orochimaru has a last name, since both of his parent's names are written with two words. However, reading them is impossible due to the [[wikipedia:Kanji|kanji]]'s bad quality.
 
* Orochimaru borrows heavily from Japanese myth and literature:
 
* Orochimaru borrows heavily from Japanese myth and literature:
** Literature — Orochimaru's name, as well as those of Jiraiya and Tsunade, come from the {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Jiraiya|"The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya"]]|児雷也豪傑物語|Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari}}. The Orochimaru in that story was originally a student of Jiraiya's called Yashagorō, until he was corrupted by snake magic and took on the name Orochimaru.
+
** Literature — Orochimaru's name, as well as those of [[Jiraiya]] and [[Tsunade]], come from the {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Jiraiya|"The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya"]]|児雷也豪傑物語|Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari}}. The Orochimaru in that story was originally a student of Jiraiya's called Yashagorō, until he was corrupted by snake magic and took on the name Orochimaru.
 
** Myth — {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Yamata no Orochi|Yamata-no-Orochi]]|八岐大蛇|Eight-forked Giant Snake}}, a giant eight-tailed, eight-headed snake killed with the Totsuka Sword by the god [[Wikipedia:Susanoo|Susanoo-no-Mikoto]], who found the [[Wikipedia:Kusanagi|Kusanagi Sword]] in one of its tails. This mirrors almost exactly how Itachi Uchiha using Totsuka Sword wielding [[Susanoo]] sealed Orochimaru, while in his [[Eight Branches Technique|Yamata]] form, and wielding the [[Sword of Kusanagi: Longsword of the Sky|Kusanagi Sword]] kept inside of him.
 
** Myth — {{translation|[[Wikipedia:Yamata no Orochi|Yamata-no-Orochi]]|八岐大蛇|Eight-forked Giant Snake}}, a giant eight-tailed, eight-headed snake killed with the Totsuka Sword by the god [[Wikipedia:Susanoo|Susanoo-no-Mikoto]], who found the [[Wikipedia:Kusanagi|Kusanagi Sword]] in one of its tails. This mirrors almost exactly how Itachi Uchiha using Totsuka Sword wielding [[Susanoo]] sealed Orochimaru, while in his [[Eight Branches Technique|Yamata]] form, and wielding the [[Sword of Kusanagi: Longsword of the Sky|Kusanagi Sword]] kept inside of him.
  +
[[File:Orochimaru's Signature.png|thumb|Orochimaru's signature.]]
 
* In the English VIZ translation of [[Coward…!!|chapter 49]], Orochimaru introduces himself to Sasuke as "Orochimaru, the Giant Snake". This was not present in the original version.
 
* In the English VIZ translation of [[Coward…!!|chapter 49]], Orochimaru introduces himself to Sasuke as "Orochimaru, the Giant Snake". This was not present in the original version.
 
* The symbolism of Orochimaru's snake affiliation can be also tied to how many cultures, Eastern and Western, perceived snakes as symbols of immortality and rebirth via the shedding of their skin.
 
* The symbolism of Orochimaru's snake affiliation can be also tied to how many cultures, Eastern and Western, perceived snakes as symbols of immortality and rebirth via the shedding of their skin.
* Orochimaru shares his blood type with his former team-mates, Jiraiya and Tsunade.
+
* Orochimaru shares his blood type with his former teammates, Jiraiya and Tsunade.
* After the preliminaries conclude, he is never shown again wearing an Otogakure headband.
+
* After the preliminaries conclude, he is never shown again wearing an Otogakure [[forehead protector]].
  +
* Studio Pierrot's Settei sheets of Orochimaru show that he was 153&nbsp;cm when he was part of Hiruzen's genin team, and as an adult he is always 179.5 cm even after taking bodies, even though the databook puts him as 179.4 cm.
 
* According to the databook(s):
 
* According to the databook(s):
 
** Orochimaru's hobby is creating techniques.
 
** Orochimaru's hobby is creating techniques.
 
** Orochimaru wishes to fight those with techniques that can be used in the future.
 
** Orochimaru wishes to fight those with techniques that can be used in the future.
** Orochimaru's favourite food are [[Wikipedia:Egg (food)|eggs]], while his least favourites are anything cold.
+
** Orochimaru's favourite food are [[Wikipedia:Egg (food)|eggs]] (likely a gag to his snake motif), while his least favourites are anything cold.
 
** During his time as a Konoha-nin, Orochimaru has completed 1,468 official missions in total: 16 D-rank, 332 C-rank, 521 B-rank, 491 A-rank, 108 S-rank.
 
** During his time as a Konoha-nin, Orochimaru has completed 1,468 official missions in total: 16 D-rank, 332 C-rank, 521 B-rank, 491 A-rank, 108 S-rank.
** Orochimaru's favourite words are {{Translation|"destroy"|破壊|hakkai}} and {{Translation|"chaos"|混沌|konton}}.
+
** Orochimaru's favourite words are {{Translation|"destroy"|破壊|hakai}} and {{Translation|"chaos"|混沌|konton}}.
  +
* In the [[Jin no Sho|fourth databook]], kekkei genkai is not listed among Orochimaru's special characteristics, despite his current [[Parasite Clone|host]] granting him [[Wood Release]].
* Orochimaru appears in the anime adaptation of ''[[Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden]]'' as the comedic main antagonist. Like the main series, he plans to destroy Konoha, but after his début, he aims more at seeking revenge on [[Team Guy]] for foiling his plans.
 
  +
* In ''[[Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds]]'', Orochimaru claimed that [[Shinnō]] had taught him many [[Reincarnation Ninjutsu]].
  +
* Throughout the [[Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding (Arc)|anime adaption]] of ''[[Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding]]'', Orochimaru makes comedic cameos throughout Konoha while being pursued by Yamato.
   
 
== Quotes ==
 
== Quotes ==
 
* (To [[Kabuto]]) "''You just don't have enough information to explain yourself yet. Your glasses, your name, being someone's child is not something that can show who really you are. But that is fine. If you're not happy on what you have now… you can just find new things to find up. …You see, I also want to find who I really am. That's why I'm collecting a bit of everything.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 584, page 10</ref>
 
* (To [[Kabuto]]) "''You just don't have enough information to explain yourself yet. Your glasses, your name, being someone's child is not something that can show who really you are. But that is fine. If you're not happy on what you have now… you can just find new things to find up. …You see, I also want to find who I really am. That's why I'm collecting a bit of everything.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 584, page 10</ref>
 
* (To [[Hiruzen]]) "''I want to obtain all the techniques and gain a true understanding of everything in this world. The first one to mix blue and yellow called the new colour "green". I want to do something similar to that. If blue is the chakra, then yellow is the seal, and green is the technique… Just as there is no end to the variety of colours, there are so many thousands… tens of thousands of techniques in the world as well. But in order to obtain every possible technique and truth, it would require an eternity. Only one who understands everything after spending such time on this can be fittingly called the Ultimate Being.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 12</ref>
 
* (To [[Hiruzen]]) "''I want to obtain all the techniques and gain a true understanding of everything in this world. The first one to mix blue and yellow called the new colour "green". I want to do something similar to that. If blue is the chakra, then yellow is the seal, and green is the technique… Just as there is no end to the variety of colours, there are so many thousands… tens of thousands of techniques in the world as well. But in order to obtain every possible technique and truth, it would require an eternity. Only one who understands everything after spending such time on this can be fittingly called the Ultimate Being.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 121, page 12</ref>
* (To Hiruzen) "''What nonsense! In the grand scheme of time, you're nothing more than a trivial footnote in the brief history of a cluster of huts called "Konoha"! In time, the Hokage Stone Faces will crumble and be worn down to nothing…''"<ref>''Naruto''chapter 122, page 15</ref>
+
* (To Hiruzen) "''What nonsense! In the grand scheme of time, you're nothing more than a trivial footnote in the brief history of a cluster of huts called "Konoha"! In time, the Hokage Stone Faces will crumble and be worn down to nothing…''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 122, page 15</ref>
 
* (To a young [[Kimimaro]]) "''Maybe, just maybe, there is no purpose in life. But if you linger a while longer in this world, you might discover something of value in it, like how you discovered that flower. Or, how I discovered you one fateful night.''"<ref>''Naruto'' episode 126</ref>
 
* (To a young [[Kimimaro]]) "''Maybe, just maybe, there is no purpose in life. But if you linger a while longer in this world, you might discover something of value in it, like how you discovered that flower. Or, how I discovered you one fateful night.''"<ref>''Naruto'' episode 126</ref>
 
* (To Kabuto, talking about [[Tsunade]]) "''The best medicines always taste bitter.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 153, page 13</ref>
 
* (To Kabuto, talking about [[Tsunade]]) "''The best medicines always taste bitter.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 153, page 13</ref>
Line 242: Line 316:
 
* (To Sasuke) "''I refuse… to let this happen! I am Orochimaru! I am immortal! I will not die here! Destined to discover the true meaning behind everything! Destined to take control of everything in this world!!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 346, page 6</ref>
 
* (To Sasuke) "''I refuse… to let this happen! I am Orochimaru! I am immortal! I will not die here! Destined to discover the true meaning behind everything! Destined to take control of everything in this world!!''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 346, page 6</ref>
 
* (To [[Suigetsu]] about Sasuke) "''It's just like the time when I planned on crushing the Konohagakure… He has chosen a divergent path from the village… But even so, it'll always have some sentimental value. He's soaking that all in and coming to terms with… The consequences of his future actions and reaffirming his resolve.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 618, page 6</ref>
 
* (To [[Suigetsu]] about Sasuke) "''It's just like the time when I planned on crushing the Konohagakure… He has chosen a divergent path from the village… But even so, it'll always have some sentimental value. He's soaking that all in and coming to terms with… The consequences of his future actions and reaffirming his resolve.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 618, page 6</ref>
* (To [[Tsunade]]) "''People change. It's just a matter of whether they die before it happens. Although [[Jiraiya|he]] died just the way he was.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 635, page 9</ref>
+
* (To [[Tsunade]], about Jiraiya) "''People change. It's just a matter of whether they die before it happens. Although [[Jiraiya|he]] died just the way he was.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 635, page 9</ref>
* (To Hiruzen) "''Fine, let's bring back the memories… of when I was your student.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 650, page 4</ref>
+
* (To Hiruzen) "''Fine, let's bring back the memories… of when I was your student.''"<ref>''Naruto'' chapter 650, page 4</ref>
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 06:02, 12 March 2024

editOrochimaru Camera font awesome Browse Information[1][2][3][4]
大蛇丸 Orochimaru
Debut
Manga Naruto Chapter #45
Anime Naruto Episode #27
Novel Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise
Movie Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds
Game Naruto: Ninja Council
OVA Hidden Leaf Village Grand Sports Festival!
Appears in Anime, Manga, Novel, Game, Movie
Voice Actors
Japanese
English
Personal
Birthdate Astrological Sign Scorpio October 27
Sex File:Gender Various.svg Various
Age
  • Part I: 50–51
  • Part II: 54
Height
  • Part I: 179.4 cm1.794 m <br />5.886 ft <br />70.63 in <br />172 cm1.72 m <br />5.643 ft <br />67.717 in <br />
  • Part II: 172 cm1.72 m <br />5.643 ft <br />67.717 in <br />
  • New Era: 179.5 cm1.795 m <br />5.889 ft <br />70.669 in <br />
Weight
  • Part I: 63.9 kg140.875 lb <br />57.3 kg126.325 lb <br />
  • Part II: 57.3 kg126.325 lb <br />
Blood type B
Kekkei Genkai
Classification
Occupation
  • Scientist
Affiliation
Team
Partner
Rank
Ninja Rank
Ninja Registration 002300
Academy Grad. Age 6
Family
Nature Type
Unique Traits
Jutsu

  • Snakes Reconnection Technique

Tools

Orochimaru (大蛇丸) is one of Konohagakure's legendary Sannin. With a life-ambition to learn all of the world's secrets, Orochimaru seeks immortality so that he might live all of the lives necessary to accomplish his task. After being caught red-handed performing unethical experiments on his fellow citizens for the sake of this immortality, Orochimaru defected from Konoha rather than be persecuted for his ambitions, and for many years sought the village's destruction in order to take revenge and demonstrate what he had learned. After several apparent deaths in the pursuit of his goals, Orochimaru realises his approach is flawed through Kabuto Yakushi, his former associate, and begins monitoring the choices and actions of his former apprentice, Sasuke Uchiha.

Background

Orochimaru As A Kid

Orochimaru as a child.

Orochimaru was an orphan who became a pupil of Hiruzen Sarutobi alongside Jiraiya and Tsunade. Compared to the more laid back Jiraiya, Orochimaru stood out as a genius — his talents, insight, and determination were considered by Hiruzen to be that of a prodigy seen only once in a generation.[5] According to Tsunade, Orochimaru had a twisted personality even as a child. His sadistic attitude was presumably due to the death of his parents. At some point after losing them, Orochimaru found a white snake near his parents' grave, with Hiruzen's explanation of it representing fortune and rebirth inspiring Orochimaru to study kinjutsu and obtain knowledge of all techniques.[6] Jiraiya theorised that Orochimaru went down this path in an attempt to forget his painful memories.[7]

Hanzo and Sannin

Orochimaru and his team being dubbed the "Sannin" by Hanzō.

During the Second Shinobi World War, Orochimaru joined Jiraiya and Tsunade in fighting Hanzō, who gave them the title of Konoha's "Three Legendary Shinobi" (伝説の三忍, Densetsu no Sannin) as a reward for surviving their battle with him, while the rest of their group were easily slaughtered in the process.[8] On their way back to Konoha, they encountered three Amegakure orphans, with Orochimaru proposing a mercy killing before Jiraiya chose to train them instead.[9][10] In the anime, Orochimaru orchestrated the last known rampage of the Eight-Tails in Kumogakure by infiltrating the village while disguised as a Kumo-nin and posing as Blue B's doctor in order to trick him into taking special genjutsu inducing pills, allowing him to extract the tailed beast. After its rampage, Orochimaru obtained the severed horn of the Eight-Tails and harvested Blue B's DNA from it.[11]

Orochimaru would go on to fight in the Third Shinobi World War, with his performance in the war being so great that he was considered as a candidate for Fourth Hokage alongside fellow war hero Minato Namikaze.[12]

Kabuto joins Root

Orochimaru working under Danzō as a Root operative.

Some time after Team Hiruzen was disbanded, Orochimaru became an Anbu member and joined Root to work directly under Danzō Shimura, while also mentoring future legendary shinobi such as Anko Mitarashi.[13][14] It was during that time that Orochimaru met Kabuto Yakushi while accompanying Danzō in forcing the boy's guardian, Nonō, into a mission.[15] While Orochimaru's ambitions did include becoming the Fourth Hokage, he intended to use the title for his own agenda.[16] Though Hiruzen knew the potential evil his former pupil had in him, he hoped to stir Orochimaru from the path before slowly realising that he was beyond anyone's help.[5] When Hiruzen finally named Minato his successor, Orochimaru saw no more reason to remain in Konoha and began to be less discreet with his actions,[17] resulting in him beginning to experiment on humans to further his research.[13] This led to his implanting of Hashirama Senju's DNA into sixty children he kidnapped to recreate the First's Wood Release, having help from Danzō.[18] Believing it to be a failure, Orochimaru was unaware that one child had survived his Wood Release experiment. He later refined the process enough to inject Hashirama's cells into the Sharingan-infused right arm of Shin Uchiha, which he transplanted to Danzō.[19][20][21] Orochimaru also learned the Second Hokage's forbidden Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation during this time.

Orochimaru performed various experiments on his prisoners, some being fellow Konoha shinobi he kidnapped. He used them as human guinea pigs to develop techniques that would grant him immortality, the end result being Living Corpse Reincarnation. Some time later, Orochimaru was at the outskirts of Kirigakure as he found Kimimaro, the sole survivor of the Kaguya clan. Soon after, thanks in part to Kimimaro, Orochimaru's research on the source of Jūgo's powers led him to find the Ryūchi Cave and master senjutsu.[22] Unable to enter Sage Mode because of the fragility of his host body, Orochimaru instead developed an alternate method of harnessing his senjutsu chakra through cursed seals, which he tested on Anko and several others before eventually using the finalised versions on Kimimaro and the Sound Four. In the anime, Orochimaru found the Iburi clan living underground near Konoha. Taking an interest in their ability to become smoke, Orochimaru took advantage of the clan's fear of their imperfect and potentially fatal transformation by partially stabilising it with his cursed seals. Telling them that he needed more research to perfect the process, the clan willingly gave Orochimaru test subjects.[23] In the anime, Orochimaru witnessed Itachi Uchiha performing a training run normally meant for older and more experienced users due to the danger of it. After the young Uchiha flawlessly completed it, Orochimaru instantly became amazed and excited at Itachi's advanced growth rate. In the anime, he also allied himself with Amachi out of interest for creating a shinobi capable of underwater combat, kidnapping Land of the Sea villagers for their experiments, while introducing Anko to the project. Sometime after, Orochimaru lost interest in the project, and ordered Amachi to cancel it, while also seeing Anko as a lost cause for her refusal to use the cursed seal, and wiped her memories as she left him.[24]

Orochimaru was later sent on a mission by Danzō to Iwagakure to ensure that both Kabuto and Nonō, the former having joined Root as a spy, killed each other as they had become major liabilities. Orochimaru instead brought Kabuto to his hideout, which would become part of his personal hidden village, Otogakure, and revealed Root's intent for Kabuto's life and the role he was to play in it. Though Orochimaru revealed that he was also sent to kill the one who survived this ordeal, he told Kabuto that he saw a bit of himself in the boy and decided killing him would be a waste of great talent. Therefore, Orochimaru offered Kabuto a position as his right hand man and spy with the promise of an identity.[25]

Orochimaru Caught

Hiruzen discovers Orochimaru's criminal activities.

As his test subjects began to die off, Orochimaru was caught red-handed by Hiruzen. Though he knew it was his duty, Hiruzen lacked the will to kill his student, allowing him to escape.[26] In the anime, during his escape, Orochimaru was found by Kakashi Hatake. Despite the young prodigy's best efforts, Orochimaru swiftly defeated him. Letting his guard down at the approach of a snake, Orochimaru was greatly injured by an explosive tag concealed in the snake's mouth. Cursing Hiruzen for ruining his plans, though greatly injured, Orochimaru quickly regained his composure. He then resumed his retreat from the country, leaving a terrified Kakashi frozen in place from his malicious glare alone.[23] Seriously wounded, Orochimaru visited the cave where the Iburi clan lived and killed them all, trying to restore his power. Upon the arrival of the youngest member, Yukimi, Orochimaru pursued her while being chased by Kakashi Hatake and Kinoe. Eventually, he managed to take a sample of Yukimi's blood, intending to inject it into himself to temporarily gain her ability and slip across the border, but he was attacked before he could do so and quickly escaped.[27] Orochimaru managed to destroy most of his research facilities and booby-trap the rest.[28]

Orochimaru attacks Itachi

Orochimaru attacks Itachi.

Orochimaru ultimately escaped Konoha, leaving his emotionally broken mentor, with Jiraiya's plea for him to reconsider falling on deaf ears. Orochimaru soon became affiliated with and joined the elite criminal organisation Akatsuki. Orochimaru was then partnered with Sasori, with whom he did much good for the organisation.[29] He later watched in amazement when Itachi Uchiha joined the organisation. Later, when Orochimaru saw his opportunity to steal his body to gain possession of the Sharingan after gaining intel on him through Sasori via Kabuto,[13] Itachi used his Sharingan to stop him from doing so, while also cutting Orochimaru's left hand off to prevent him from breaking the genjutsu he was under, which lead to him leaving Akatsuki to acquire a new body.[30] For Orochimaru's defection, Sasori developed a grudge against him and used Kabuto, whom Orochimaru had sent to serve as his spy within Akatsuki, to counter spy as his sleeper agent. However, Orochimaru discovered and undid the technique Sasori had used on him.[31] In the anime, when tipped off by Kabuto that Sasori was on his trail, Orochimaru chose to use this as an opportunity to test his development of the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation. Against Sasori's Third Kazekage puppet, Orochimaru summoned the actual Third Kazekage through his technique. While proving his reincarnated ninja being stronger than the human puppet, the technique ultimately proved incomplete as the Third Kazekage was able to regain control and break the summoning contract.[32]

After leaving the Akatsuki, Orochimaru continued to build up his network of hideouts, eventually culminating in the formation of Otogakure which greatly grew in influence after just a few years.[13]

Orochimaru had also been on a life-long search for the Sword of Totsuka, an ethereal sword, but was unaware that it was in the possession of Itachi's Susanoo.[33] In the anime, Orochimaru witnessed Mizuki killing a comrade during a mission. Under the pretence as a gift for Mizuki's bold actions, Orochimaru granted him a specialised cursed seal. In truth however, it was an incomplete experimental tool that would destroy whoever used it, to which Orochimaru was merely curious as to how the effects would happen on Mizuki.[34]

Personality

Orochimaru cries

Orochimaru crying over Tsunade's loss.

Orochimaru possesses a complex personality; however, more often than not, he was described as "twisted" by a large number of people, including Tsunade. Jiraiya speculated that the death of his parents while he was young, along with his horror for Tsunade losing Nawaki and later shedding tears when she lost Dan, implies that Orochimaru grew to disdain the fragility of human life and how it affected those still living, which led him to desire immortality. To that end, the primary purpose of Orochimaru's human experimentation is to test what modifications the human body can endure and harness a subject's unique abilities for himself. Once accomplishing this goal, Orochimaru had hoped to be worthy of the title of "ultimate being", unable to die and able to achieve his secondary goal to learn every ninja technique in the world, which would normally take many lifetimes to obtain.

Orochimaru Intimidating

Orochimaru's intimidating behaviour.

According to Sasuke, becoming cruel with any good he had as a member of Team Hiruzen long gone, Orochimaru's agenda made him develop a god complex and highly value himself while delighting in striking terror in his first impressions. Though causing conflict to ease his boredom, Orochimaru seems to have no interest in wars started by others.[35] He is also somewhat of a perfectionist, always striving to make his various projects succeed, and likewise looks down on those who are sloppy and/or reckless in their own projects.[36] His charisma also attracts a number of followers, many of which he would not hesitate to send on potential suicide missions if for his own personal benefit, expressing some remorse if they're unable to properly complete a task, and having no sentimental attachments to any of them despite their value to his goals. Despite this, Orochimaru has genuine interest in the development of his underlings and experiments. Likewise, Orochimaru is treacherous by nature, unhesitant in double-crossing any allies if it would benefit him, having assassinated the Fourth Kazekage to impersonate him so as to making it easier to manipulate Sunagakure, while using Akatsuki to help further his own goals and abandoning them once he failed to take Itachi Uchiha's body.

Taking Sasuke as an apprentice, and seeing him as a prodigy like himself, Orochimaru intended to take the youth's body to obtain the Sharingan to reach another step in his goal of immortality and learning every technique in the world. This goal has developed to the point of obsession. However, despite knowing that Sasuke was willing to do anything for revenge, including sacrificing his own body, Orochimaru did anticipate treachery from his disciple and showed only a small level of surprise when it actually occurred. What truly surprised Orochimaru was Sasuke's decision to follow his own path and his eventual decision to defend the village he initially swore to destroy, one that Orochimaru openly approved of and was curious to see what would be the end result of.

He also had an initial disdain toward Naruto Uzumaki, believing him to be a poor excuse for a ninja until he defeated Kabuto with the Rasengan. Despite attempting to kill Naruto at the time after coming to the realisation that he would become a threat to him in the future, Orochimaru became interested in Naruto's development, provoking Naruto during their battle to draw out his full abilities at the time. During the war seeing Naruto's indomitable willpower and his memories with Jiraiya caused Orochimaru to begin to respect him. Though coming to hate his home village, orchestrating a few attempts to destroy it, Orochimaru despised his former Akatsuki colleagues more. Throughout Part II, if Orochimaru was not busy with Sasuke's development, he would try to cripple Akatsuki's operations, as seen in the "Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission" arc and "Three-Tails' Appearance" arc. He expresses delight over the death of Sasori and later convinced Sasuke against killing Team Kakashi so they would thin out Akatsuki's membership.

An aspect of Orochimaru's personality is also his greatest weakness: his arrogance. He truly believed he was immortal at times, attacking recklessly against powerful opponents such as his former teacher and Itachi Uchiha. Both times, he was left crippled in some way since he either wanted to make his opponent suffer, like against Hiruzen, or because he was too uninformed to face his opponent, like against Itachi. Despite his distinct lack of morals, Orochimaru seems to be well-versed in psychological warfare and displays insightful wisdom when disparaging Tobirama for the actions resulting from his policies. He is also amusingly afraid of insects and bugs as seen during Naruto and Hinata's wedding.

After being revived by Sasuke, his personality changed a bit. While he’s still as self-serving as ever, he also realised that copying someone completely was a mistake from his observation of Kabuto and displayed interest in Sasuke's "different path". Wanting to see Sasuke's path, he chose to fight alongside the Uchiha instead of ignoring Madara's war like he planned, and even made it a priority to heal Tsunade and the other Kage after their defeat before hurrying to the battlefield. Orochimaru also seems to genuinely care about Sasuke's wellbeing, as he originally thought it was best to take his time figuring out how to battle Tobi but quickly decided against taking his time when Karin sensed Sasuke was on the verge of death. Orochimaru has also shown signs of regret, seemingly saddened by his childhood friend Jiraiya's death. In the anime, he was one of people who congratulated Naruto and Hinata on their wedding.[37]

Years later, while still as driven as ever to uncover the greatest secrets of life, he apparently now does so in a relatively more humane manner, including reforming his personal shinobi village. Also, while his relationship with the rest of the world is still dubious at best, he has at least developed a relatively trusting relationship between the higher-ups of Konohagakure, and was likewise able to have a "casual" parent-teacher conference about Mitsuki. He is willingly aiding Konoha in research on pressing matters and likewise feels responsible enough to make amends for past mistakes.[38] He apparently is on amicable terms with Konoha by sending his son, Mitsuki, to the village. In the anime, he also feels indebted to Naruto as the Hokage for watching over Mitsuki.[39] Orochimaru's experiences also resulted in him wishing Mitsuki to make his own decisions, admitting that he has high hopes for the boy's natural growth, though he at times used manipulation and deception to put him in a situation where important decisions must be made. He also shows some interest in the respective children of Naruto and Sasuke, particularly intrigued by Boruto sharing the same unwavering spirit and loyalty as his father. Ultimately, his changes have made even the White Snake Sage view Orochimaru as going "soft".

Appearance

Orochimaru's most conspicuous characteristic is his snake-like appearance: he has very pale skin, golden eyes with slitted pupils, purple markings around his eyes and fang-like teeth. He also has pronounced cheekbones and straight waist-length black hair with some locks covering and framing his face or to his shoulders. The various bodies he takes over have each been modified to resemble his original form, except for the height differences. In Naruto Gaiden, Orochimaru's facial features soften and somewhat androgynous with his eye markings becoming black. He also wears his hair in a ponytail, allowing two locks to frame the sides of his face. In the manga, his skin-tone becomes noticeably fairer in complexion.[40]

Orochimaru usually wears plain grey garbs with a black polo and pants underneath, a thick purple rope belt tied in a large knot behind his back, blue tomoe-shaped earrings, and shinobi sandals with bandages around his calves. He is seen wearing a kimono with different colours on several occasions, shown usually in flashbacks or inside his hideouts. During his time with Akatsuki, he wore the standard red and black Akatsuki robes with a slate blue ring, which bears the kanji for "sky" or "void" (, ), on his left pinky finger. After countless experiments with his body, his true form became a giant white snake made up of many smaller snakes, with longer, spikier hair, a scaled face with snake-like teeth and a long tongue, black eye markings, and a pointed chin. Years later, he wears a white robe tied at his waist by a dark-coloured sash and a purple rope, blue pants and shirt.

Abilities

Eight Branches Technique

Orochimaru using his most powerful technique, the Eight Branches Technique.

Orochimaru is an exceptional shinobi, recognised as one of the strongest to ever exist. One of the only people who could compete against Hanzō in his prime, he became a Sannin. At the same time, amongst his team, Orochimaru stood out the most in sheer aptitude as a natural prodigy and the best of his generation,[41] earning praise from even Hashirama Senju.[42] Easily Kage-calibre, Orochimaru was once a candidate to be Fourth Hokage. His power is feared throughout the world, such that Akatsuki, which he was once a member, saw him as a threat.[43] Following the Konoha invasion, while failing, Orochimaru's actions left the village crippled for years and the Third Hokage dead. Even crippled and gradually weakening, Orochimaru remained extremely formidable, able to compete against either of his fellow Sannin and even toy with a Version 2 jinchūriki respectively. In the anime, he easily overwhelmed an Inner of Kara, despite their monstrous might and Shinobi-Ware modifications.[44]

Chakra and Physical Prowess

Kakashi being afraid of Orochimaru

Orochimaru's killing intent was powerful enough to paralyze Kakashi with fear.

Orochimaru has large reserves of strong chakra, powerful enough to stir up winds and crack stone.[45][46] Likewise, the intensity of his killing intent can reduce most foes petrified in fear. He can absorb chakra through physical contact, which also grants him their skills and knowledge.[47] His chakra control is very advanced, excelling in various chakra applications. Even with his hands sealed, leaving him unable to perform handsigns, he can use various powerful techniques with ease. Orochimaru is very adept in taijutsu, able to overwhelm Sasuke in Part I despite his Sharingan-enhanced clarity. He is very strong, able to knock down a tree with a single kick,[48] and temporarily stunned a Four-Tailed Naruto with his punch.[49] He is also blazingly fast, able to move with such sudden change in direction to leave his opponent's disoriented.

Body Modifications

In his quest for immortality and the perfect body, Orochimaru gained numerous modifications over the years. He can heal from most damage in short periods of time. For more grievous injuries, like bisection, he can reconnect himself or regurgitate a new, fully-healed body. Orochimaru's body is also able to stretch and manipulate its form for greater manoeuvrability. His durability allows him to endure being stabbed by the giant Sword of Totsuka and shrug the damage off, and even resist multiple solidly-landed enhanced punches from the already-super strong Tsunade essentially unharmed.[50]

Orochimaru's True Form

Orochimaru's true form after many experiments.

Orochimaru's modifications have resulted in his true form becoming a giant white snake and a body composed of many smaller snakes that can attack. Its blood is poisonous, evaporating in the air to paralyse all who inhales it. This form is used for the Living Corpse Reincarnation, letting him transfer his soul and physical essence into a new body by swallowing that person whole, thereby gaining control of all the new body's abilities while retaining his previous abilities and extending his lifespan. This can only be used once every three years. The souls of the bodies he has taken remain in Orochimaru's subconscious and he can modify his body as he sees fit.

After Orochimaru physically died, as Kabuto heavily modified his body with various genetic sources, including Orochimaru himself, Sasuke used some of Kabuto's flesh as a basis to reconstitute Orochimaru. This gave Orochimaru the added benefit of heightened chakra reserves and access to the various techniques and unique abilities Kabuto acquired. This included the Sound Five and Taka's respective skills; Sakon and Ukon's Kekkei Genkai, Jūgo's Clan's Kekkei Genkai, Kimimaro's Shikotsumyaku, a variation of Suigetsu Hōzuki's Hydrification Technique, as well Karin's Uzumaki life-force and healing powers. He also later gained the abilities of a White Zetsu clone, which was modified with Hashirama's DNA, after taking over its body in a slightly different snake form; this included accelerated healing, perfect shapeshifting into others, and no need of nourishment.[51] Some point after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Orochimaru's body became able to instantly regenerate his lost anatomy unfazed.[44]

Ninjutsu

Orochimaru's depth of knowledge and skill in ninjutsu is greater than any other shinobi in history,[52] leading to him wielding a vast and unmatched arsenal of styles and techniques. His proficiency with the Transformation Technique can let him stay undetected for long periods; his fūinjutsu skill includes the ability to use the Five Elements Seal to seal off a person's chakra; he can summon Rashōmon gates to protect himself from enemy attacks; he can hide within surfaces to avoid damage, or use juinjutsu to temporarily paralyse targets.[53] The anime shows Orochimaru's advanced prowess in clone techniques,[54] medical ninjutsu,[55] space–time ninjutsu,[56] and barrier ninjutsu.[44]

Orochimaru is masterful in wielding the legendary Sword of Kusanagi, able to compete against his former teacher while wielding his mighty bo-staff. The blade is able to extend great distances, cut through almost anything, and even be remotely controlled. He normally keeps the blade within a snake's mouth inside his own throat and retrieves it by having it turn into a snake after use.

Nature Transformation

Orochimaru's Wind Release

Orochimaru using Wind Release.

Orochimaru can use all five basic nature transformations, along with Yin and Yang Release.[4] With Wind Release, he can create a powerful gust of wind and with Earth Release can travel underground. In the anime, he can create mud-based clones.[57] With Fire Release he can easily unleash powerful fire streams. After taking over the body of a White Zetsu clone, modified with Hashirama's DNA, Orochimaru gained access to the latter's Wood Release — a simultaneous mixture of earth and water.[51]

Summoning

Manda Summoned

Orochimaru summons Manda.

Orochimaru has an affinity for snakes, using the unique arm tattoo to quickly summon them for assistance, his largest and strongest being Manda. He can eject snakes from his sleeves or mouth to strike with; the snakes can sprout blades from their own mouths for deadlier effect.[58] He can even turn his lower body into a snake's tail, increasing his speed and mobility in battle.[59] Orochimaru's ultimate snake-related technique is the Eight Branches Technique, where he transforms into an eight-headed, eight-tailed giant serpent with size superior to that of Manda.

Hokage reincarnated

Orochimaru reincarnates the deceased Hokage.

Orochimaru can perform the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, having further refined the kinjutsu developed by Tobirama Senju. Upon reviving the dead, he can implant them with special tags that erase their personalities and/or free will, granting him complete control over their actions. Originally, despite improving this technique's quality compared to its creator, Orochimaru's reincarnated soldiers were still considerably diminished in overall capacities compared to when alive. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, after Orochimaru's own capacities and knowledge of the technique were further augmented from Kabuto's essence, his prowess was also increased, as he revived all four previous Hokage with nearly their full power and could use Hashirama's cells to strengthen his control.[60]

Senjutsu

Orochimaru's juinjutsu

Orochimaru's juinjutsu.

During his research of Jūgo's clan, Orochimaru eventually tracked down the power source at the Ryūchi Cave and senjutsu. Although his host body was not strong enough to enter Sage Mode,[22] Orochimaru developed another use for senjutsu chakra: his cursed seals.[61] These seals contain some of Orochimaru's senjutsu chakra mixed with the enzyme produced by Jūgo, triggering a change similar to Sage Transformation, but with different side-effects. These cursed seals also enhance the power of one's techniques,[62] and serve as an extension of and anchor to Orochimaru's consciousness, allowing him to observe events through anyone branded by the seal. He can even be revived any number of times from a cursed seal by using the Evil Releasing Method, provided there is a proper DNA source as a basis.[61] He also created the Mind Awakening Pill to help speed up the cursed seal's progression.

Intelligence

Orochimaru's experimentation

Orochimaru performing an experiment to study jutsu.

Orochimaru has acquired a vast amount of information of the shinobi world from his time with organisations such as Root and Akatsuki, having set up a network of fully supplied hideouts throughout various countries. He has great charisma, enough to manipulate people into becoming his willing servants, providing insight into their past and promising them power in order to gain their loyalty. In battle, he can quickly deduce the workings of an enemy's fighting style and respond accordingly.

Wanting to decipher all of the world's secrets, Orochimaru has conducted extensive research and numerous experiments on himself and the DNA of other individuals to comprehend, attain, or reproduce their abilities. Research of abilities such as Hashirama Senju's Wood Release and Jūgo's Sage Transformation have allowed him to recreate those same abilities, or at least produce techniques based off of them, into other people.[63][61] From experimentation on Shin Uchiha, Orochimaru has become more knowledgeable of human genetics, facilitating his overall research in developing perfect clones of himself, which he considers to be of a higher class than the Shadow Clone Technique as they cannot be dispersed.[64] This research eventually resulted in genetically perfect synthetic humans.[65] Designed to be stronger than normal humans, these synthetic humans were produced with unique capabilities: heightened immune systems,[66] accelerated healing[67] and regeneration,[44] self-sustaining,[68] infrared ray detection, low-frequency hearing,[69] and animal communication.[70] He has also devised a juinjutsu in order to conceal the secrets of their composition.[71]

In the anime, based on his research of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, Orochimaru designed build a sophisticated robot with advanced weaponry and the ability to consume tailed beast chakra.[72] He could also create genjutsu pills that can subdue a jinchūriki and their tailed beast simultaneously, and even cultivate cells of the tailed beast to create pseudo-jinchūriki.[11]

Stats

Databook Ninjutsu Taijutsu Genjutsu Intelligence Strength Speed Stamina Hand seals Total
Third 5 3.5 5 5 3.5 4.5 3.5 5 35

Part I

Chūnin Exams

Main article: Chūnin Exams

Sasuke receives curse seal

Orochimaru branding Sasuke.

For a while, since leaving Konoha, Orochimaru left his hometown alone until the chance to destroy it presented itself. The opportunity presented itself when he forms a partnership with the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, who desired Konoha's destruction like him, planning their invasion during the Chūnin Exams. Orochimaru also used the invasion as an opportunity to test Sasuke Uchiha, Itachi's younger brother, if he can be of use as a vessel. Prior to the commencement of the second part of the Chūnin Exams, Orochimaru murdered a team of Kusagakure genin to impersonate its leader Shiore and infiltrate the Forest of Death. Using a snake summon to separate Naruto from Team 7, the disguised Orochimaru subjected Sasuke to his Killing Intent with the youth unable to fight due to the fear instilled into him. However, the fear subsided with Naruto's timely appearance and convincing Sasuke to muster his courage before Orochimaru interferes with the jinchūriki's seal while knocking him out for the duration of the fight. After being subjected to Sasuke's Dragon Fire Technique as it partially burned off his disguise, Orochimaru expresses pride in Sasuke's abilities before branding his target with his Cursed Seal of Heaven and taking his leave.

As he sends Team Dosu as sacrificial lambs to test Sasuke, having Kabuto accompany Team 7 to witness Sasuke use the curse seal's power, Orochimaru is confronted by Anko as he tells her that the Konoha will continue the exams under threat of his retaliation if they cancel it. During the preliminary rounds of the Chūnin Exams, Orochimaru disguised himself as the leader of his genin team to watch Sasuke's performance against Yoroi Akadō and more obsessive upon seeing him suppress the Cursed Seal with sheer will. After Kakashi was able to seal away the mark on Sasuke, Orochimaru confronted him. He made no attempt to hide his envy of Kakashi's Sharingan, and noted before leaving that Sasuke will eventually come to him seeking power.

Konoha Crush

Main article: Konoha Crush

Summoning Impure World Reincarnation

Orochimaru summons Hashirama and Tobirama.

Eventually, some time before the day of the final round matches, with all attack preparations complete, Orochimaru murdered the Fourth Kazekage and assumed his identity to sit next to Hiruzen to oversee the proceedings. However, the Konoha Crush began, Orochimaru makes his move to kill his former master. Having the Sound Four discard the guises of the Kazekage's bodyguards, Orochimaru has them erect a barrier to hold the other Konoha ninja back to prevent any interference. Having regretting letting Orochimaru escape years earlier, Hiruzen agrees to battle his former pupil. Exhilarated that he could finally fight his former teacher, Orochimaru used Impure World Reincarnation to summon Hashirama Senju and his brother Tobirama to have the first two Hokage to attack their successor. During the fight, Orochimaru reveals to Hiruzen the fruits of his labour from mastering Living Corpse Reincarnation with the host body he took after his brush-in with Itachi and his intention to make Sasuke into his next host.

Hiruzen Cuts Arms

Orochimaru's arms being sealed by Hiruzen.

Horrified on how far Orochimaru has truly went, with both his age and the regenerative abilities of the two first Hokage placing him in a grand disadvantage, Hiruzen resolves to stop Orochimaru with the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, sealing away the souls of the two Hokage prior to going after Orochimaru himself. Not wishing to join the three Hokages' souls in being trapped within the Reaper's stomach, Orochimaru stabbed Hiruzen through the back of his chest with his Sword of Kusanagi before the weakened Hiruzen resolves to only seal the part of Orochimaru's soul within his arms. Cursing the dying Hiruzen for robbing him of his use of ninjutsu, Orochimaru is carried off by the Sound Four with the invasion halted. Afterwards, Sunagakure broke ties with Orochimaru upon discovering the corpse of the Fourth Kazekage.

Search for Tsunade

Main article: Search for Tsunade

Jiraiya battles Orochimaru

Orochimaru battling Jiraiya.

After barely being able to stand the pain from his rotting arms, Orochimaru plans to have his condition healed by appealing Tsunade with the offer to reincarnate her Nawaki and Dan to win her cooperation. However, though she seemed to agree, Tsunade had actually intended to kill him to ensure he never attacks Konoha again. Kabuto intervened before she could do so, intending to force her to help before Jiraiya, Shizune and Naruto soon arrived to her aid. While Orochimaru and Jiraiya (having earlier been drugged by Tsunade and thus unable to properly perform techniques) faced off, Kabuto battled Naruto before being defeated. Seeing this and seeing a potential threat, Orochimaru resolves to kill Naruto before Tsunade teams up with Jiraiya to face their former teammate. Despite summoning Manda, managing to hide his condition from the giant serpent as he fights Gamabunta, Orochimaru is forced to give up healing his arms and just take a new host body.

Sasuke Recovery Mission

Main article: Sasuke Recovery Mission

The Vessel Arrives Too Late

Orochimaru's body rotting.

Even though he had hoped to wait for Sasuke to grow older, Orochimaru sent his Sound Four to retrieve and bring Sasuke to him. He held out for as long as he could, anticipating Sasuke's arrival, but the pain in his arms became too unbearable so he is given no choice but to take the body of Gen'yūmaru, whom Kabuto had prepared earlier. After agreeing to release Gen'yūmaru's clansmen in return for his sacrifice, Orochimaru proceeds to use Living Corpse Reincarnation on his new host. Though the act undid most of the damage caused by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, it still left Orochimaru incapable of using techniques requiring hand seals.

Orochimaru new body

Orochimaru after possessing Gen'yūmaru.

While still waiting for Sasuke, bandaged up within his new host with Kabuto by his side, Orochimaru comments that either Jirōbō or Kidōmaru would be slowing down the group, but expressed doubts about Sakon's strength, which Kabuto brings up, stating Tayuya was just as strong, and Kimimaro, lamenting that the latter's illness made it impossible to have him as a perfect vessel as originally intended. But with Kimimaro's death, Orochimaru stated that he no longer cared about his previous protégé and instead commented his desire for Sasuke. As he is stuck in Gen'yūmaru's body for the next three years, Orochimaru decided to start training Sasuke once he finally arrived, hoping to shape him into the ideal host while being highly impressed and excited by the chakra that Sasuke revealed in response to Kabuto's threat for not giving Orochimaru his respect.

Part II

Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission

Main article: Tenchi Bridge Reconnaissance Mission Two and a half years later, a Yamato-led Team Kakashi, hoping to find Sasuke, learned of an opportunity from a dying Sasori that he was meeting with his spy, Kabuto. Posing as Sasori within his Hiruko puppet, the group's temporary leader Yamato met with Kabuto while the others watched. However, Orochimaru arrived as Kabuto destroyed the Hiruko, with Orochimaru clarifying to a confused Kabuto that Sasori never came as the rest of Team Kakashi reveal themselves to fight the two ninja. Although he was surprised to see Yamato has survived his experiments involving Hashirama's DNA, Orochimaru was more interested to see if Naruto had become as strong as "his Sasuke". When Naruto assumed his three-tailed form in response, Orochimaru eluded Naruto, enjoying the battle while provoking Naruto further.

Orochimaru fighting Naruto

Orochimaru vs. Naruto.

It was only after Naruto submitted to Kurama's influence and entered his mindless four-tailed form that Orochimaru took the fight seriously due to Naruto now being able to kill him and his host body beginning to reject him after he used his Kusanagi to force Naruto away. While he briefly recuperated, Orochimaru was approached by Sai, who made an offer on behalf of Danzō to work together in destroying Konoha. Intrigued, Orochimaru and Kabuto took him back to their base. Later, after the rest of Team Kakashi arrived at the lair and Sai teamed up with them, Orochimaru confronted Sai and Naruto to question Sai about his loyalties. He fled before he could be drawn into another fight and later kept Sasuke from killing the team, noting that they might kill another Akatsuki member like they had done with Sasori.

Three-Tails' Appearance

Main article: Three-Tails' Appearance

Orochimaru Tests Sasuke

Orochimaru tests Sasuke's abilites against a hundred men.

In the anime, sensing that the time was close approaching to change vessels, Orochimaru sent Kabuto to find Guren, so that she could help with preparations for the process. During this time, Orochimaru was also experimenting on Yūkimaru, a child with unusual powers. Orochimaru eventually decided it was time to test Sasuke's abilities and watched in awe as he defeated an army of ninja, without killing any, and without receiving a scratch. As Sasuke walked off, Orochimaru admitted that while he used to be recognised as a genius, Sasuke's powers far surpassed his own when he was Sasuke's age.

Guren meets with Orochimaru

Orochimaru offers Guren a chance to prove herself.

Noticing that Guren was watching, he offered her another chance to prove herself worthy as Orochimaru's next vessel, which she was delighted with. Orochimaru teamed her up with Yūkimaru, noting that their two abilities should work well together. Later, it was revealed that Orochimaru also chose Guren because he knew she would eventually grow attached to Yūkimaru, which he appeared to have used for. He ordered Kabuto to be ready to eliminate her should she betray him.

Later, after receiving word that the Konoha shinobi were complicating things, Orochimaru decided he might have to intervene personally. After Yūkimaru's loss of his abilities and Guren's supposed death, Kabuto reported back to his master about the failed operation. Orochimaru dismissed it as nothing more than a minor setback, saying that once he had Sasuke's body, it wouldn't make any difference.

Itachi Pursuit Mission

Main article: Itachi Pursuit Mission

Chidori Sharp Spear

Sasuke attacks Orochimaru.

On the verge of being rejected by his current body, Orochimaru contemplated about the best way to take Sasuke's body. In the anime, he and Kabuto recapped all the events that led to Sasuke defecting and how much he had improved since. Before he could formulate his plan, however, Sasuke attacked him, having decided that Orochimaru was unworthy of having an Uchiha's body, and tried to kill him with Chidori Sharp Spear but only succeeds in piercing his arm. Orochimaru proceeded to reveal his true body, a large white snake made of a multitude of smaller snakes in order to initiate the body-switch process.

Sasuke Defeats Orochimaru

Sasuke defeats Orochimaru.

Sasuke, however, cuts up Orochimaru's large snake body, only to realise that the vaporising blood was turning into a paralysis-type poison. Orochimaru then successfully started the body-switch process. Sasuke stopped the process like Itachi had done years earlier but took it a step further by turning the switch against Orochimaru, absorbing him into his own body. Sasuke gained access to some of Orochimaru's abilities but, at the same time, had to dedicate some of his chakra to suppressing Orochimaru. Kabuto later took Orochimaru remains and transfused his blood into himself, giving him access to Orochimaru's abilities.

Fated Battle Between Brothers

Main article: Fated Battle Between Brothers

Orochimaru Pierced By Susanoo

Orochimaru pierced by the Totsuka Sword.

During the battle with Itachi, Sasuke ran low on chakra and Orochimaru was able to emerge from his cursed seal using his signature Eight Branches Technique. He marvelled at the fact that he would finally have the chance to take over Sasuke's body, but was immediately pierced through by the blade held by Itachi's Susanoo. At first Orochimaru boasted that it would take more than that to kill him, but he soon realised that he had been pierced by the Totsuka Sword that he himself had been searching for. Orochimaru was then sealed away by Itachi's Susanoo, which had the effect of removing Sasuke's cursed seal in the process. Three white snakes escaped from Orochimaru's body as he was sealed, but at least one of these snakes was subsequently killed by the black flames of Amaterasu.[73]

Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Main article: Fourth Shinobi World War: Climax

Kaija Hōin

Sasuke revives Orochimaru.

Following Kabuto's defeat, and his reunion with Suigetsu Hōzuki and Jūgo, Sasuke learns of the scroll they found at one of Orochimaru's hideouts and resolves to revive him for answers following what he learned from Itachi. Sasuke succeeds in reviving Orochimaru by pulling his consciousness out of Anko's cursed seal and transferring it into the physical form Jūgo provided by absorbing some of Kabuto's modified flesh. Despite Suigetsu's fears of his next action as he reclaims the rest of his chakra that Kabuto took from him, Orochimaru explains that he is neither interested in Tobi's war nor strong enough to even attempt to take Sasuke's body if he wanted to. However, Orochimaru, noting the change in his former student, does agree to take Sasuke to one who has the answers he wants.

Dead Demon Consuming Seal - Release

Orochimaru releases the sealed souls from the Shinigami.

Arriving in Konohagakure, Orochimaru and the others sense Naruto's chakra from a great distance away. Noting that Sasuke was annoyed by this, Orochimaru pressed on with the group at the young man's behest. He led them to the Uzumaki Clan's Mask Storage Temple to pick up a mask from the ruins, and then takes the group to the underground hall in the Naka Shrine. Orochimaru proceeded to don the mask which invoked the Shinigami to possess his body. Orochimaru then proceeded to cut open the Shinigami's stomach, a wound reflected on his own body, to release the trapped contents inside the Shinigami.

Orochimaru prepares Edo Tensei

Orochimaru prepares to summon the four deceased Hokage.

With his arms restored as well, Orochimaru performed the Impure World Reincarnation using four of the six White Zetsu clone spores that Jūgo activated from Sasuke's body. Ordering Suigetsu and Jūgo hold two of the Zetsu down, the remaining four Zetsu are used as the bodies for the reincarnation of the previous four Hokage. To escape death, Orochimaru transferred his being in the White Zetsu Suigetsu was holding down by slithering into its mouth. Once the Hokage were reincarnated, revealing he researched the means to undo the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, Orochimaru explained that his reasons for bringing them back were for them to aid Sasuke by giving him the information he desired. When Orochimaru accused the Second Hokage of being the one to cause the coup d'etat to surface, he was rebuffed by the Hokage who later explained that he had tried to save the Uchiha from themselves. When Tobirama later declared that he was heading to the battlefield, Orochimaru's new vessel provided him with access to Hashirama's cells, allowing him to bind the Hokage. Noting that Hashirama had broken his control over him, Orochimaru is told by the First that he would first free Sasuke from the darkness which surrounded him. During this course of events, Sasuke had a flashback about a conversation he and Orochimaru had as they made their way to Konoha where Sasuke stated that he does not believe Orochimaru's reasons to destroy Konoha were on a whim.

After hearing Sasuke's decision to protect the village, Orochimaru announces that he will also help in the war effort against Madara. When Hiruzen asks him after why he changed his mind after all these years, Orochimaru explains that he made an error in judgement from watching Kabuto act in his stead and is now interested to see the result of Sasuke's "different path" of not letting those who sacrificed themselves for the village go to waste.

Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki

Main article: Birth of the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki

Orochimaru arrives to the battlefield

Orochimaru and his group arrive to the battlefield.

Later, Orochimaru arrived to the place where Tsunade and the other Kage were left severely wounded, alongside Suigetsu and Karin, commenting that Tsunade was in a rather bad shape. He broke up the arguing Karin and Suigetsu, and ordered them to help Katsuyu heal Tsunade. Later, Orochimaru, along with the five Kage, Suigetsu, and Karin, arrive at the battlefield, where the entire Allied Shinobi Forces are struggling against Obito Uchiha, who recently became the jinchūriki of the Ten-Tails. As Obito began the final stages of his and Madara's grand plan: "Infinite Tsukuyomi", Hashirama had Ino Yamanaka telepathically link everyone via the Mind Body Transmission Technique to inform everyone about the plan as well as try and rally the shinobi to continue fighting. While Hashirama's words fail to inspire them, Naruto's memories are conveyed to them via Ino's telepathy. The Sannin looked on solemnly as Naruto remembered the memorial he erected for Jiraiya.

As Sasuke had Jūgo transfer some of his natural energy into the Uchiha, who immediately channelled it into his complete Susanoo, Orochimaru watched on, greatly impressed at how far Sasuke has come and notes that he still had much room to grow. Later, while asserting that he had no interest in the war, Orochimaru noted that Obito's plan would interfere with his experiments, he then decided to heed his former sensei's urgings and participate in the war. With his assistance, Hiruzen was able to destroy the branches of the Ten-Tails into pieces. As Naruto began his great tug-of-war against Obito, Orochimaru alongside Hiruzen watched on as the tree's flower halted its blooming.

Orochimaru Attacks Tobi

Orochimaru immobilises Tobi.

After a momentary lull in the battle after Obito is defeated, the Allied Forces were attacked by Tobi, who created an enormous wooden statue to assault them. Orochimaru teamed up with his former subordinates to effectively subdue their attacker in order to make a break for Sasuke's location. He was then impressed by Karin's ability to use the chakra chains and he was reminded of Kushina Uzumaki. As they raced towards where Karin last senses Sasuke, Orochimaru noticed that the young woman was expending herself. Contemplating the situation, he wondered solemnly if this was really the end for Sasuke.

Infinite Tsukuyomi Victims 1

Orochimaru and Jūgo trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Upon reaching Sasuke, they found Kabuto merging with Sasuke, seemingly to assimilate the Uchiha. When asking his former right-hand man why he came, Kabuto simply explained that his experience under the effects of Izanami made him rediscover his true identity as simply Kabuto Yakushi and acknowledged what he always sought was back at the Konoha orphanage. Wanting to make up for his mistakes, starting with healing Sasuke through his medical ninjutsu and instructions from Tobirama. Eventually, Kabuto succeeded in healing Sasuke, who quickly returned to his feet and was ready to resume the battle. Orochimaru was later caught in Madara's Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes

Main article: Kaguya Ōtsutsuki Strikes Ultimately, he and the rest of the world are freed from the genjutsu by Naruto and Sasuke after they ended the war.

Blank Period

After the war's conclusion, Orochimaru would return to conducting his genetic experiments. He also formed a truce with Konoha and the Five Great Nations that he would be pardoned for his crimes under the condition he is placed under strict 24-hour surveillance by Konoha jōnin. Despite the strict watch, Orochimaru was allowed to move freely as the shinobi that watched over Orochimaru were ordered not to make any form of contact with him until he made a move against Konoha or did anything suspicious. He was even allowed to move freely in and out of Konoha.

Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise

Main articles: Sasuke Shinden (novel) and Sasuke Shinden (anime) Orochimaru meets with Sasuke, who is gathering information on the Dark Thunder Group, for the first time in a few years since the war. Orochimaru tells Sasuke to meet with En Oyashiro, who is a medical-nin but is a notorious kekkei genkai collector, because he may have connections to the group since its leader is a kekkei genkai owner. They take a boat to En's "Coliseum", where a tournament is being hosted with En's clients attending to purchase the winning shinobi. Orochimaru reveals to him that Sasuke is a kekkei genkai owner himself, causing Sasuke to be forced into participating in the tournament.

New Era

Orochimaru & Log

Orochimaru and Log discussing Mitsuki.

In the following years, between gaining a new appreciation for natural development of people and forming a truce between Konohagakure, Orochimaru ultimately reestablished Otogakure as a legitimate shinobi village.[74] At some point, Orochimaru created multiple synthetic humans such as Log and Mitsuki using his genetic source with new cloning technology.[75] Later, Orochimaru and Log orchestrated a test for Mitsuki to unknowingly participate in, which was devised for his son to find a third option that neither Orochimaru or Log presented him. Having failed the test fives times, Orochimaru used a drug each time to remove Mitsuki's memories. On the sixth attempt, Mitsuki passed the test by rebelling against the pair to forge his own destiny himself, resulting in him wanting to migrate to Konoha.[76] Supporting his decision, Orochimaru asked Naruto to take his son in, which the Hokage allowed, as it was believed Orochimaru's research would prove useful to Konoha in time,[77] as well as being critical to the shinobi world when the time came to battle the Ōtsutsuki clan.[78]

Sarada Uchiha Arc

Main article: Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring Fifteen years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Orochimaru revealed himself to Sasuke and Naruto when the former demanded to meet him, wanting to inquire about Shin Uchiha. Naruto commented on his youthful looks, to which Orochimaru replied to "not stress on the details". After a talk, he explained that Shin was, in fact, an experiment of his in cloning technology and that he would be glad if they took him off his hands. He then went on to lecture about the ethics of cloning. Once he finished his story, Orochimaru happily decided to tell Sasuke all he knew about Shin's whereabouts in the hope of the true Uchiha killing Shin. Later on, Orochimaru commented on the possibility of Sakura Uchiha being already dead, to which Sasuke disagreed.

School Trip Arc

Main article: School Trip Arc In the anime, when learning of civil unrest in Kirigakure and rumours of the Sixth Mizukage killing off people against the peaceful expansion of his village, Orochimaru sent Suigetsu to investigate, hoping to find useful new allies. Ultimately, Suigetsu reported that the horrific rumours on Chōjūrō were in fact done by Shizuma Hoshigaki, who used the Mizukage as a diversion for his plans at a coup d'état, which were stopped with the aid of Boruto Uzumaki. Orochimaru surmised that Chōjūrō decided to keep the actions quiet in fear of regressing the village to its darker times. While realising that Suigetsu got directly involved in exposing Shizuma's actions, he decided to keep quiet about it, instead marvelling at how much Boruto was like his father.

Graduation Exams Arc

Main article: Graduation Exams Arc

Orochimaru Meets Naruto

Orochimaru meets with Naruto.

In the anime, as Konoha's Academy classes began preparing for graduation exams, Orochimaru stealthily came to the village with Yamato, to avoid any commotion from villagers still uneasy about his presence. Meeting with Naruto in his office, they discussed Danzō's research he was analysing and Mitsuki. Afterwards, he attended Mitsuki's parent-teacher conference, where he and his son met with Shino Aburame. Wanting to become a Konoha shinobi, Orochimaru allowed Mitsuki to stay in the village to become one.

Versus Momoshiki Arc

Main articles: Boruto: Naruto the Movie and Versus Momoshiki Arc In the anime, having contacted Mitsuki through their snakes, Orochimaru instructed him to not reveal his true strength, as Mitsuki wouldn't be able to remain in Konoha. Upon Team Konohamaru capturing a bear within Konoha, Orochimaru overlooked the genin completing their mission from atop a building.

Sasuke Shinden: The Teacher's Star Pupil

Main article: Sasuke Shinden: The Teacher's Star Pupil On a moonlit night, Orochimaru decides to visit Mitsuki in Konoha. When he finds Mitsuki, Mitsuki is in the middle of practicing with the Lorentz Gun. Although Mitsuki isn't able to perform it successfully, Orochimaru is nevertheless impressed by his progress, believing such skill is proof of being Orochimaru's son. Mitsuki is not comforted by this, as his Lorentz Gun still pales in comparison to Sasuke's, who taught it to him in the first place. Orochimaru stirs at the mention of Sasuke and tries to casually offer to accompany Mitsuki the next time he trains with Sasuke. Mitsuki tells Orochimaru to stop.

Chōchō Arc

Main article: Chōchō Arc

Orochimaru Vs Mitsuki

Orochimaru training Mitsuki.

In the anime, Mitsuki brought Orochimaru a scroll for him to sign so he could partake in an upcoming mission. Before which, they had a sparring session. While Orochimaru decisively won, he applauded Mitsuki's improvement. When Mitsuki asked if he should refer to Orochimaru as his father or mother, Orochimaru said it was irrelevant as he has been all kinds of entities over the years and all that matters is one's core.

Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc

Main article: Mitsuki's Disappearance Arc In the anime, when Mitsuki apparently betrayed and deserted Konohagakure, Orochimaru was confronted by Yamato about it. Orochimaru insisted he was clueless about the situation. Later, Orochimaru found Boruto Uzumaki and Sarada Uchiha sneaking into his base. The boy wanted to ask Orochimaru about a last message from Mitsuki through a snake, which simply stated that "It is his will". After doing tests on the snake, Orochimaru concluded that there was no apparent hidden message, but suggested going to White Snake Sage who might know more. After all this, Orochimaru was left intrigued, both by his son's random actions and Boruto's unwavering loyalty to Mitsuki like Naruto's to Sasuke from years ago.

Afterwards, knowing that Konohagakure would send a team to retrieve Boruto and Sarada, Orochimaru sent Suigetsu (while concealing his identity) to stall the two genin's pursuers long enough for them to reach Ryūchi Cave. Later, learning about Ōnoki's passing and Mitsuki confirmed loyalty to Konohagakure by working to stop the Fabrications, Orochimaru was pleased to see how well Mitsuki was developing as a person in finding more about his true self. At the same time, Orochimaru was concerned when learning that the investigation into the development of the Fabrications was covered up by an unknown person, leading Orochimaru to wonder who else besides himself could create artificial humans that advanced.

Jūgo Arc

Main article: Jūgo Arc In the anime, when Jūgo abruptly left the base to deal with a mysterious outbreak of cursed seals infecting wildlife, Orochimaru tasked Suigetsu and Karin with retrieving him.

Later, Mitsuki came to Orochimaru to discuss his recent memories about Ōnoki and how they began flashing through his mind as dreams. The Sannin scanned his son's mind to research the memories with Log. There, they learned about how Mitsuki went through great personal discoveries about his being, wondering what choices are really his own and if he is on the right path. While Orochimaru was proud to see how much he was maturing into a true human being, he was concerned how the still-raw child was reacting to such personal loss. Log voiced his disapproval of erasing Mitsuki's memories after how far they had come. Ultimately, they gave Mitsuki a choice to continue enduring these painful memories or have his mind reset to before he ever even knew about Boruto. Mitsuki decided to keep his memories and move ahead, impressing Orochimaru.

Kara Actuation Arc

Main article: Kara Actuation Arc In the anime, after pressured into using his Sage Mode Transformation to save his team-mates against Deepa, Mitsuki's body began breaking down from over-usage. He was brought to Log and Orochimaru for treatment. Orochimaru was dismayed at the severity of Mitsuki's condition, noting that various organs would have to replaced from scratch. Log noted that Orochimaru was very concerned for Mitsuki, who simply said that he has invested so much time and resources into creating Mitsuki, not wanting it to be a wasted effort.

Later, Log investigated and learned that the Hashirama Cell Kara acquired was actually stolen from one of Orochimaru's old laboratories. Despite this news, Orochimaru simply said not to bother taking any action, as the First Hokage's genes weren't easily harnessed. When Mitsuki regained consciousness, he asked the boy if it was worth the risk of dying to save his friends, testing Mitsuki's resolve.

Later, Orochimaru found Suigetsu detaining the genin of Team 5. Orochimaru stopped the battle, not wanting his equipment to get any more damage. He asked what they wanted from him, truly intrigued by why such inexperienced genin would approach him. His intrigue quickly turned to shock and dismay as they simply requested for his autograph. While finding the request trivial and annoyed at the stats the trading card had on him, Orochimaru agreed to it. As he left, the genin asked about Mitsuki's condition, to which Orochimaru said he would be fine. Noting to himself that Mitsuki had made more friends than just Boruto, Orochimaru was pleased at his son's development in Konohagakure.

As Mitsuki's replacement organs were almost viable, Suigetsu returned with news of Mitsuki's team. He revealed they all returned the Land of Valleys. While the genin and jōnin respectively went for different reasons, Suigetsu suspected that there was a connection between the two. As Suigetsu's speculations roused Mitsuki into leaving prematurely, an annoyed Orochimaru decided to punish Suigetsu for his reckless words by using him as a test subject for another experiment.

Later, after Mitsuki's recovery was sped up by Log donating his own organs, Orochimaru decided to investigate matters in the Land of Valleys personally with Mitsuki. Upon arriving, he discovered the the sprouting of the God Tree created by Victor. He found Mugino attempting to leave the country safely with the unconscious Valleys Daimyō. He was stopped by a Kara Outer, who was instantly defeated by Orochimaru after his sudden appearance.

Orochimaru Vs Victor

Orochimaru fighting Victor.

Orochimaru confronted Victor as he was battled Konohamaru. While Konohamaru was shocked by his arrival, Orochimaru insisted that he was only here to make Victor pay for stealing from him. Victor remained defiant and attacked Orochmaru, showing off his advanced skill set. Orochimaru however easily repelled Victor's efforts, pressuring him into seeking the God Tree's fruit for more power. Victor's efforts ultimate backfired as the God Tree ensnared him. Orochimaru mocked Victor's scientific efforts and obliviousness, noting that Victor's God Tree was a crude imitation, unable to actually produce fruit. Orochimaru proceeded to destroy the God Tree. After succeeding and the enemies defeated, Orochimaru decided to leave, noting that he already informed Naruto about the events.

Influence

Orochimaru apparently kept tabs on Akatsuki, as Kabuto was knowledgeable about Zetsu, and Tobi's machination to revive the Ten-Tails.[79] Even when removed from reality by Itachi, being an extensive researcher, the notes he left behind were still coveted as vast stores of knowledge to those fortunate enough to come across them, as seen when one of his hidden rooms is found by Suigetsu and Jūgo, the former of which finds information he believes can impact the war.[80]

In the anime, Kabuto used Orochimaru's cells in order to create special snakes which could multiply at a rapid rate and merge into either a clone of another living being using a genetic sample or a larger serpent for combat. The clone snakes are first used to create a clone of Hidan, and then later a clone of Naruto with Kurama's chakra.

In his absence, Kabuto used Orochimaru's remains from his battle with Sasuke to integrate his master's DNA into himself in order to surpass him.[81] Having also assimilated the DNA of Sakon and Ukon to procure their abilities, Kabuto uses the twins' Attack of the Twin Demons to produce a construct of Orochimaru that transforms into his White Snake form and lunges at an opponent. However, Orochimaru lived on, in a sense, through cursed seals and Kabuto after the latter integrated Orochimaru's DNA into himself.[82] Knowing the nature of the seal to contain parts of Orochimaru's consciousness, Sasuke revived Orochimaru by transferring a portion of Orochimaru's DNA which was retrieved from Kabuto's modified body into Anko's Cursed Seal of Heaven.[83]

In Other Media

Movies

Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds

Main article: Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds Orochimaru made a small appearance along with Kabuto. Feeling that his time was running out before he had to transfer his soul again, but fearing that the repeated use of his techniques was starting to be too taxing, he ordered Sasuke to retrieve a man named Shinnō, who had developed his own immortality technique. In the end, Sasuke failed to get the man, but did retrieve the scroll containing the technique's information. Orochimaru noticed that Sasuke's demeanour seemed shaken from the mission.

Video Games

Orochimaru is a playable character in the following video games:

Game nameJapanese releaseEnglish release
Jump Ultimate Stars23 November 2006
Naruto Mobile20162016
Naruto RPG 2: Chidori vs. Rasengan14 July 2005
Naruto Shippūden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 317 November 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 229 November 2007
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! EX 327 November 2008
Naruto Shippūden: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! Special2 December 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 224 April 200815 September 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ninja Destiny 328 April 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Shinobi Rumble22 April 20108 February 2011
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 45 April 200724 March 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja 520 December 200727 November 2009
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Blazing14 July 201624 August 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 310 December 200911 May 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 221 October 201019 October 2010
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 318 April 20135 March 2013
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 44 February 20169 February 2016
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations23 February 201213 March 2012
Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution11 September 201416 September 2014
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker30 August 201831 August 2018
Naruto x Boruto: Ninja TribesJune 2019June 2019
Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage22 November 201722 November 2017
Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections16 November 202317 November 2023
Naruto: Clash of Ninja 24 December 200326 September 2006
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution23 October 2007
Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 221 October 2008
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 320 November 2004
Naruto: Gekitō Ninja Taisen! 421 November 2005
Naruto: Konoha Senki12 September 2003
Naruto: Ninja Council 327 April 200622 May 2007
Naruto: Ninja Destiny14 December 200620 March 2008
Naruto: Path of the Ninja 213 July 200614 October 2008
Naruto: Rise of a Ninja30 October 2007
Naruto: Shinobi Collection2014
Naruto: Shinobi Collection Shippū Ranbu27 July 2015
Naruto: The Broken Bond18 November 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja23 October 200326 June 2006
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 230 September 200412 June 2007
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 322 December 200525 March 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes28 August 2007
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 2: The Phantom Fortress30 March 200624 June 2008
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Online14 April 201320 July 2016
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm15 January 20094 November 2008

Live Action

Live Spectacle Naruto

Main article: Live Spectacle Naruto Hiro Yūmi plays as Orochimaru in this stage play adaption.

Creation and Conception

As one of the villains in the story, Kishimoto created Orochimaru as an antithesis to the protagonists' values. His snake-like appearance and related features were intended to make it easier for the reader to recognise that he is a villain. In an interview, Kishimoto asserted that making the villains "flamboyant" was one of his "guiding principles", and attributed this to his desire to have the villains possess a "powerful aura".

Following this theme of distinguishing villains, Kishimoto attempted to make Orochimaru's face appear "pasty and sickly," which serves to emphasise the "scary looks" that Kishimoto frequently has Orochimaru performing in the manga. As these occurrences are his "trademark", Kishimoto modifies Orochimaru's appearance and the scene to focus on Orochimaru's face; for instance, highlights that are normally added to Orochimaru's hair are removed and the background is blanked out to create a "creepy atmosphere".

Trivia

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  • The name "Orochi" literally means "great snake" (大蛇) while "maru" () is a common suffix in male names.
    • It is possible that Orochimaru has a last name, since both of his parent's names are written with two words. However, reading them is impossible due to the kanji's bad quality.
  • Orochimaru borrows heavily from Japanese myth and literature:
    • Literature — Orochimaru's name, as well as those of Jiraiya and Tsunade, come from the "The Tale of the Gallant Jiraiya" (児雷也豪傑物語, Jiraiya Goketsu Monogatari). The Orochimaru in that story was originally a student of Jiraiya's called Yashagorō, until he was corrupted by snake magic and took on the name Orochimaru.
    • Myth — Yamata-no-Orochi (八岐大蛇, Eight-forked Giant Snake), a giant eight-tailed, eight-headed snake killed with the Totsuka Sword by the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who found the Kusanagi Sword in one of its tails. This mirrors almost exactly how Itachi Uchiha using Totsuka Sword wielding Susanoo sealed Orochimaru, while in his Yamata form, and wielding the Kusanagi Sword kept inside of him.
Orochimaru's Signature

Orochimaru's signature.

  • In the English VIZ translation of chapter 49, Orochimaru introduces himself to Sasuke as "Orochimaru, the Giant Snake". This was not present in the original version.
  • The symbolism of Orochimaru's snake affiliation can be also tied to how many cultures, Eastern and Western, perceived snakes as symbols of immortality and rebirth via the shedding of their skin.
  • Orochimaru shares his blood type with his former teammates, Jiraiya and Tsunade.
  • After the preliminaries conclude, he is never shown again wearing an Otogakure forehead protector.
  • Studio Pierrot's Settei sheets of Orochimaru show that he was 153 cm when he was part of Hiruzen's genin team, and as an adult he is always 179.5 cm even after taking bodies, even though the databook puts him as 179.4 cm.
  • According to the databook(s):
    • Orochimaru's hobby is creating techniques.
    • Orochimaru wishes to fight those with techniques that can be used in the future.
    • Orochimaru's favourite food are eggs (likely a gag to his snake motif), while his least favourites are anything cold.
    • During his time as a Konoha-nin, Orochimaru has completed 1,468 official missions in total: 16 D-rank, 332 C-rank, 521 B-rank, 491 A-rank, 108 S-rank.
    • Orochimaru's favourite words are "destroy" (破壊, hakai) and "chaos" (混沌, konton).
  • In the fourth databook, kekkei genkai is not listed among Orochimaru's special characteristics, despite his current host granting him Wood Release.
  • In Naruto Shippūden the Movie: Bonds, Orochimaru claimed that Shinnō had taught him many Reincarnation Ninjutsu.
  • Throughout the anime adaption of Konoha Hiden: The Perfect Day for a Wedding, Orochimaru makes comedic cameos throughout Konoha while being pursued by Yamato.

Quotes

  • (To Kabuto) "You just don't have enough information to explain yourself yet. Your glasses, your name, being someone's child is not something that can show who really you are. But that is fine. If you're not happy on what you have now… you can just find new things to find up. …You see, I also want to find who I really am. That's why I'm collecting a bit of everything."[84]
  • (To Hiruzen) "I want to obtain all the techniques and gain a true understanding of everything in this world. The first one to mix blue and yellow called the new colour "green". I want to do something similar to that. If blue is the chakra, then yellow is the seal, and green is the technique… Just as there is no end to the variety of colours, there are so many thousands… tens of thousands of techniques in the world as well. But in order to obtain every possible technique and truth, it would require an eternity. Only one who understands everything after spending such time on this can be fittingly called the Ultimate Being."[85]
  • (To Hiruzen) "What nonsense! In the grand scheme of time, you're nothing more than a trivial footnote in the brief history of a cluster of huts called "Konoha"! In time, the Hokage Stone Faces will crumble and be worn down to nothing…"[86]
  • (To a young Kimimaro) "Maybe, just maybe, there is no purpose in life. But if you linger a while longer in this world, you might discover something of value in it, like how you discovered that flower. Or, how I discovered you one fateful night."[87]
  • (To Kabuto, talking about Tsunade) "The best medicines always taste bitter."[88]
  • (About Naruto) "This child… intrigues me to no end!"[89]
  • (About Sasuke) "When I watch this boy, I look back to the time I was called a genius, and think how ridiculous it was."[90]
  • (About Yūkimaru) "When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."[91]
  • (To Sasuke) "I refuse… to let this happen! I am Orochimaru! I am immortal! I will not die here! Destined to discover the true meaning behind everything! Destined to take control of everything in this world!!"[92]
  • (To Suigetsu about Sasuke) "It's just like the time when I planned on crushing the Konohagakure… He has chosen a divergent path from the village… But even so, it'll always have some sentimental value. He's soaking that all in and coming to terms with… The consequences of his future actions and reaffirming his resolve."[93]
  • (To Tsunade, about Jiraiya) "People change. It's just a matter of whether they die before it happens. Although he died just the way he was."[94]
  • (To Hiruzen) "Fine, let's bring back the memories… of when I was your student."[95]

References

  1. First Databook, pages 46-49
  2. Second Databook, pages 57-61
  3. Third Databook, pages 52-55
  4. 4.0 4.1 Fourth Databook, page 72
  5. 5.0 5.1 Naruto chapter 122, page 7
  6. Naruto chapter 344, pages 16-17
  7. Naruto chapter 416, page 7
  8. Naruto chapter 369, pages 11-12
  9. Naruto chapter 372, page 11
  10. Naruto chapter 446, page 4
  11. 11.0 11.1 Naruto: Shippūden episode 318
  12. Itachi Shinden: Book of Bright Light page 11-14
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Orochimaru Birthday Column
  14. Naruto chapter 122, page 16
  15. Naruto chapter 583, page 1-8
  16. Naruto chapter 121, page 7
  17. Naruto chapter 116, pages 3-4
  18. Naruto: Shippūden episode 351
  19. Naruto chapter 291, pages 14-15
  20. Naruto chapter 478, pages 10-11
  21. Naruto chapter 700+7
  22. 22.0 22.1 Naruto chapter 579, page 17
  23. 23.0 23.1 Naruto: Shippūden episode 352
  24. Naruto episode 171
  25. Naruto chapter 583, page 17-20
  26. Naruto chapters 121-122
  27. Naruto: Shippūden episode 354
  28. Naruto: Shippūden episode 355
  29. Naruto chapter 267, page 4
  30. Naruto chapter 345
  31. Naruto chapter 290, page 14
  32. Naruto: Shippūden episode 457
  33. Naruto chapter 392, pages 16-17
  34. Naruto: Shippūden episode 147
  35. Naruto chapter 593, pages 9-10
  36. Boruto episode 175
  37. Naruto: Shippūden episode 500
  38. Boruto episode 35
  39. Boruto episode 22
  40. Naruto Gaiden: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring volume cover
  41. Naruto chapter 122, page 7
  42. Naruto chapter 620, pages 10-11
  43. Naruto chapter 353, page 14
  44. 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 Boruto episode 175
  45. Naruto Shippūden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution, OVA cutscene
  46. Naruto chapter 117
  47. Naruto chapter 593, page 16
  48. Naruto episode 88
  49. Naruto chapter 294, page 9
  50. Naruto chapter 171, pages 1-4
  51. 51.0 51.1 Fourth Databook
  52. Sasuke Shinden: Book of Sunrise chapter 3
  53. Naruto chapter 663, page 11
  54. Naruto: Shippūden episode 361
  55. Naruto: Shippūden episode 113
  56. Naruto: Shippūden episode 303
  57. Naruto episode 30
  58. Naruto chapter 294, page 3
  59. Naruto chapter 47, page 19
  60. Naruto chapter 620, page 10-11
  61. 61.0 61.1 61.2 Naruto chapter 593, page 9
  62. Naruto chapter 521, page 17
  63. Naruto chapter 478, page 10
  64. Naruto chapter 700+7, pages 13-14
  65. Naruto chapter 700+7, pages 10-13
  66. Boruto episode 159
  67. Boruto episode 13
  68. Boruto episode 69
  69. Boruto chapter 18, page 16
  70. Boruto episode 145
  71. Boruto episode 73
  72. Naruto: Shippūden episode 376
  73. Naruto chapter 394, page 3
  74. Boruto episode 5
  75. Boruto chapter 25, page 38-39
  76. Naruto Gaiden: The Road Illuminated by the Full Moon
  77. Boruto episode 73
  78. Boruto episode 72
  79. Naruto chapter 512, page 6
  80. Naruto chapter 574, pages 6-7
  81. Naruto chapter 584, pages 16-17
  82. Naruto chapter 627, page 13
  83. Naruto chapter 593, pages 6-7
  84. Naruto chapter 584, page 10
  85. Naruto chapter 121, page 12
  86. Naruto chapter 122, page 15
  87. Naruto episode 126
  88. Naruto chapter 153, page 13
  89. Naruto chapter 293, page 15
  90. Naruto chapter 343, page 3
  91. Naruto: Shippūden episode 105
  92. Naruto chapter 346, page 6
  93. Naruto chapter 618, page 6
  94. Naruto chapter 635, page 9
  95. Naruto chapter 650, page 4