Chapter 121 exposes the grim truth behind Orochimaru's survival as the aging Hiruzen prepares a final gambit during the assault on the Leaf. A peeled-away face reveals a stolen body, and the Third Hokage's memories fill in the rest of his former pupil's descent into forbidden science.
Summary
Moments before the Third Hokage can unleash his last technique, Orochimaru strips off his own face, exposing the features of a young woman beneath. The revelation confirms that the rogue ninja has mastered the art of transplanting his consciousness into fresh bodies as a path to endless life. Sarutobi's mind drifts backward to the day he uncovered why his student had to leave the village, recalling that he had discovered Orochimaru performing cruel trials on fellow Leaf shinobi in pursuit of that same immortality.
Key Events
Orochimaru's disguise falls away, proving his body-swapping method a success. Hiruzen remembers the experiments that once forced the snake user into exile from the Leaf. Knowing his old apprentice covets Sasuke, the Hokage concludes aloud that the entire invasion of the village was set in motion so Orochimaru could claim the Sharingan for himself.
Notes
The chapter belongs to the Konoha Crush arc and sits in the fourteenth volume. Viz publishes the title as The Terrible Experiment. It supplies crucial backstory that ties Orochimaru's immortality research directly to his interest in the Uchiha bloodline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experiments did Orochimaru do?
In "The Horrible Experiment...!!", it is revealed that Orochimaru performed cruel trials on fellow Leaf shinobi in pursuit of immortality, research that culminated in his ability to transplant his own consciousness into fresh bodies.
How does Orochimaru achieve immortality in this chapter?
Orochimaru strips off his own face to expose the features of a young woman underneath, confirming that he has mastered transplanting his consciousness into fresh bodies as a path to endless life.
Why was Orochimaru exiled from the Leaf Village?
The Third Hokage recalls discovering that Orochimaru had been conducting forbidden experiments on fellow Leaf shinobi in his quest for immortality, which is why his former student had to leave the village.
Why did Orochimaru invade the Hidden Leaf Village?
Knowing that Orochimaru covets Sasuke, the Third Hokage concludes that the entire invasion of the village was set in motion so Orochimaru could claim the Sharingan for himself.
What arc and volume is 'The Horrible Experiment…!!' part of?
This chapter belongs to the Konoha Crush arc and sits in the fourteenth volume of the manga.
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Rights holders
- Created byMasashi Kishimoto
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byStudio Pierrot
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