Cursed Seals
As a form of control, the Sound ninja Orochimaru will place cursed seals on those he wishes to grant more power. Orochimaru developed the enzyme to create the cursed seal from a young man named Juugo who sought help from him. Juugo's body naturally entered into this "Level 1" and "Level 2" state, which caused him to lose control and enter a state of powerful blood lust. Orochimaru experimented with this ability and developed a way to grant this power to other normal ninja. Once the seal is placed on a ninja the chance of surviving is one in ten.
Once in place the seal will grant the wearer the ability to access their real power. By releasing chakra, the seal becomes active and begins to forcibly pull out even more chakra. When the wearer releases the cursed seal to activate the extra chakra, they will lose their free will permanently over time, transforming the user into Orochimaru's slave.
When a user first receives the cursed seal on their body, they are only able to access the "Level 1" power. With time the infection can spread and gain a "Level 2" power. The Level 2 form will dramatically increase the wearer's power. When initiated, the Level 2 power will also manifest physical changes in the wearer. The seal will end up covering their entire body, the skin color will change and protrusions will begin to sprout from different parts of the body. The changes inherent in the different forms resemble the changes undergone by Juugo as well.
The spread of the Level 2 power can come in two fashions: 1) The natural spread of the infection over time. 2) The drinking of the Seishingan drug, which places the individual into a near death state. By ingesting the drug, the enzyme infection will forceful spread and cause the body to die. However, the use of the Four Sounds barrier jutsu will reduce the side effect of the curse and allow the body time to adjust to the level of infection without the individual expiring. Once the body is able to handle the infection, the users Level 2 power will then be fully activated.
Experimental PrisonersLevel of Infection Displayed: Level OneOnce in place the seal will grant the wearer the ability to access their real power. By releasing chakra, the seal becomes active and begins to forcibly pull out even more chakra. When the wearer releases the cursed seal to activate the extra chakra, they will lose their free will permanently over time, transforming the user into Orochimaru's slave.
When a user first receives the cursed seal on their body, they are only able to access the "Level 1" power. With time the infection can spread and gain a "Level 2" power. The Level 2 form will dramatically increase the wearer's power. When initiated, the Level 2 power will also manifest physical changes in the wearer. The seal will end up covering their entire body, the skin color will change and protrusions will begin to sprout from different parts of the body. The changes inherent in the different forms resemble the changes undergone by Juugo as well.
The spread of the Level 2 power can come in two fashions: 1) The natural spread of the infection over time. 2) The drinking of the Seishingan drug, which places the individual into a near death state. By ingesting the drug, the enzyme infection will forceful spread and cause the body to die. However, the use of the Four Sounds barrier jutsu will reduce the side effect of the curse and allow the body time to adjust to the level of infection without the individual expiring. Once the body is able to handle the infection, the users Level 2 power will then be fully activated.
Numerous prisoners were experimented on with curse seals at Orochimaru's northern base. After hearing of Orochimaru's death, the prisoners rebelled and tried to flee the compound.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
In their Level 2 state, the prisoners take on their own unique forms, which can include horns, wings and other extending growths.
Mitarashi AnkoLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal
The seal on Anko's neck was placed there by Orochimaru at some point in the past, probably while he was her Jounin master. Though Orochimaru taught Anko many of his forbidden techniques, he was merely using her, holding no personal care for her well being.
Uchiha SasukeLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal
Orochimaru saw Sasuke as the next vessel to hold his soul. To that end he decided to grant Sasuke some of his power to determine the potential the young Uchiha possessed.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level One
When Sasuke participated in the Chuunin Exam in the Forest of Death, Orochimaru placed the cursed seal upon his neck by biting him. When he activates his Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in a raging, flame-like pattern.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
After Sakon gave Sasuke the Seishingan drug, the Four Sounds placed Sasuke into a container which they then sealed with their powers. After ingesting the drug, Sasuke in a sense died and his body was able to forcefully grow accustomed to the Level 2 power. In his Level 2 state, Sasuke's hair greatly increases in length and he is able to extend wings from his back. In this form he is able to utilize a more powerful, dark Chidori.
JiroubouLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal & Level One
One of the Four Sounds, Jiroubou uses his cursed seal to increase his strength. It is unknown what cursed seal he has or when Orochimaru gave it to him. When he activates his Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in a jagged, triangle shaped pattern.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
When Jiroubou initiates his Level 2 cursed seal, he attains ten times his original strength.
KidoumaruLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal
Note: Seal design comes from anime, unrevealed in manga
One of the Four Sounds, Kidoumaru uses his cursed seal to further his spider jutsus. It is unknown what cursed seal he has or when Orochimaru gave it to him. When he activates his Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in a flowing, vine-like pattern.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level One
When Kidoumaru activates his Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in a flowing, vine-like pattern. He summons his giant spider while in this form.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
When Kidoumaru activates his Level 2 cursed seal, a third eye opens on his forehead. This third eye heightens his attack accuracy and power when he uses his bow and arrow made out of his Kumo-Nenkin (spider-thread).
SakonLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal
Sakon and his brother appear to share the same seal. However, it is unknown what cursed seal he has or when Orochimaru gave it to him. Sakon's seal is hidden under his hair on the right side of his forehead.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level One
When Sakon activates his Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in a spotty, bacteria-like pattern.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two and Level One Joiner with Level Two Ukon
The extent of Sakon's Level 2 powers are not known at this time. However, both he and his brother summon the Rashoumon gate in this form.
UkonLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal and Level One
Ukon is the older brother of the Four Sounds Sakon. Both he and his brother appear to share the same seal. However, it is unknown what cursed seal he has or when Orochimaru gave it to him. Sakon's seal is hidden under his hair on the right side of his forehead, it is possible Ukon's seal is under his hair on the left side of his forehead. When he activates his Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in a spotty, bacteria-like pattern.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
When Ukon acitvates his Level 2 cursed seal, he is able to take great control of his body on a molecular level and then insert himself into a foe. Used primarily for assassination purposes, this technique allows him to alter the cells and proteins of his target at will. When he is done, he can exit his opponents body and reconstruct himself back together.
TayuyaLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal
One of the Four Sounds, Tayuya uses music to control her chakra Doki.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level One
It is unknown what cursed seal she has or when Orochimaru gave it to her. When she activates her Level 1 seal, the seal spreads in an arcing, lightning-like pattern.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
When Tayuya activates her Level 2 cursed seal, she is able to utilize dozens of more Genjutsu techniques, including Demonic Flute: Illusion Harmony.
KimimaroLevel of Infection Displayed: Unactivated Seal
Kimimaro was given the "Gaia" seal by Orochimaru, it is said to be equal in power to the "Heaven" seal given to Anko and Sasuke.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level One
When Kimimaro activates his Level 1 seal, the seal first spreads in a tearing, rip-like pattern, but it grows more abstract as it moves over the body. He gains the ability to better use his bloodline bone manipulation ability. This allows him to remove bones at will, and also extend bones from any point on his body. When he removes a bone, his body will simply regenerate the missing bone.
Level of Infection Displayed: Level Two
When Kimimaro activates his Level 2 seal, his body takes on a more spiked appearance. Large portruding bone spikes emerge from his shoulder blades and a long spiked tail extends from his tail bone. While in this form he can also remove his spinal column to form a large flexible staff.