"It wasn't particularly difficult. Where is Orochimaru-san?"
Uzumaki nma raised an eyebrow slightly and waved his hand as he spoke.
Originally, the objective of this operation had simply been to deliver Sasuke Uchiha safely to Orochimaru and secure the benefits that ca with that cooperation.
But the outco had exceeded expectations.
From Hatake Kakashi, nma had obtained a far more valuable prize the Mangekyō Sharingan that once belonged to Obito Uchiha.
That was a harvest completely outside the original plan.
In nma's view, this was ultimately Obito's own mistake.
If Obito had truly been as cold and calculating as he presented himself, he should have reclaid that eye years ago.
The risk of identity exposure could never justify leaving such a powerful dōjutsu in another person's possession.
More than a decade had passed since the Nine Tails Attack on Konoha.
In all that ti, Obito could easily have devised a thod to retrieve the eye without revealing himself.
For an Uchiha, possessing both eyes was crucial.
Only a complete pair could unlock the full potential of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Obito's Kamui was especially dangerous when used with both eyes offense and defense perfectly synchronized.
Losing one of them created a vulnerability.
A fatal weakness.
Which ant there was only one reasonable explanation.
Obito had hesitated.
Whether because of lingering mories or so complicated attachnt toward Kakashi, he had allowed the situation to persist.
nma smiled faintly.
Whatever the reason, it had benefited him.
Inside his clothing, the small preservation container holding the Mangekyō Sharingan felt almost warm against his chest.
A rare treasure.
"Lord Orochimaru is waiting inside," said Kabuto Yakushi with a polite chuckle, pushing up his glasses.
"Sasuke-kun can co with . As for nma-kun, you should return and rest after such a long journey."
"There's no need," nma replied calmly.
"I would like to see Orochimaru-san as well."
Kabuto's expression changed subtly.
Although nma had previously stated he would not take excessive risks for Sasuke, within reasonable limits he was still willing to provide support.
Helping Orochimaru secure Sasuke had been part of their agreent.
More importantly, Sasuke represented a valuable future ally.
Against Konohagakure, against the Akatsuki, and against the countless enemies that might erge later, Sasuke's potential combat power was extraordinary.
nma knew that by the end of Sasuke's journey in the original tiline, his strength would reach the very pinnacle of the shinobi world.
More importantly, Sasuke was soone whose convictions could evolve.
Soone who could ultimately be persuaded.
For that reason alone, nma had no intention of allowing unexpected complications to arise here.
Of course, nma was unaware that Orochimaru had already used Living Corpse Reincarnation recently.
From his perspective, Orochimaru would still be waiting patiently for Sasuke to mature before attempting to claim his body.
nma's presence had already altered many events.
If Orochimaru suddenly decided to take Sasuke as a vessel imdiately, that would be a significant loss for him.
"nma-kun… that might be a little inappropriate," Kabuto began cautiously.
His tone carried a faint warning.
But when he t nma's calm, indifferent gaze
The words died in his throat.
For a mont Kabuto felt an inexplicable chill.
"…Let's go, Sasuke."
nma turned and walked forward as though nothing had happened.
Sasuke did not even glance at Kabuto.
He followed nma directly.
Left behind, Kabuto's expression shifted several tis before he finally sighed and hurried after them.
Inside the underground facility, the familiar atmosphere returned.
Cold.
Dark.
Silent.
At the far end of the chamber stood a stone throne.
Seated upon it was a tall figure whose body was wrapped in bandages.
The mont nma stepped into the room, he sensed the subtle difference.
The chakra signature was familiar.
Yet not entirely the sa.
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
So that's how it is…
The thought had only just ford when his eyes landed on Orochimaru's current appearance.
Confirmation ca instantly.
"Orochimaru-san," nma said with a faint smile, "you truly exceeded my expectations."
"To temporarily escape the effects of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal in this way… that's quite impressive."
His gaze lingered aningfully on Orochimaru's hands.
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed almost imperceptibly.
But his expression remained composed.
"nma-kun truly deserves the reputation of the Uzumaki clan's bloodline," Orochimaru replied in his familiar hoarse voice.
"You noticed it imdiately."
"I imagine Mito Uzumaki might have been capable of the sa."
Each encounter with nma forced Orochimaru to reevaluate him.
At first he had considered the boy rely interesting.
Now
He was beginning to wonder whether nma was truly as simple as he appeared.
No matter how gifted a prodigy might be, nma's insight and behavior were difficult to explain.
After all, he was only twelve years old.
"That comparison is far too generous," nma replied with a soft chuckle.
"Mito-sama stood beside the Hashirama Senjuhimself. I'm still far from that level."
He casually took a seat on a nearby stone bench.
"The Uzumaki clan is simply more sensitive to chakra. Our vitality and perception are sowhat unusual."
"Your hands, Orochimaru-san… before, their chakra presence was extrely obvious."
"Like torches in the dark."
"Now that the condition has changed, noticing it was quite natural."
nma spoke lightly, as though the matter were trivial.
But inwardly, the last of his concerns disappeared.
If Orochimaru had already changed bodies through Living Corpse Reincarnation, there was no chance he would imdiately attempt to possess Sasuke.
That saved nma considerable trouble.
Originally, he had prepared contingency plans.
If Orochimaru insisted on claiming Sasuke's body right away, nma would have needed to intervene either through negotiation or by offering valuable information in exchange for ti.
It would have been dangerous.
Now that risk no longer existed.
nma was genuinely relieved.
"I see," Orochimaru replied slowly.
Whether he believed nma's explanation or not was impossible to tell.
But one thing was certain.
Treating this boy as an ordinary child would be a fatal mistake.
Caution was necessary.
"So then," Orochimaru continued, shifting his gaze slightly.
"This mission must have been quite demanding for you, nma-kun."
"The promised supplies and research materials will be delivered to you soon."
"If there are additional resources you require, you may inform Kabuto."
nma smiled.
"That is very generous of you, Orochimaru-san."
"In fact… there is one small request."
His eyes glead faintly.
"I would like access to so of your research regarding the Sharingan, as well as studies concerning Yin-nature chakra."
"I wonder if Orochimaru-san would be willing to share that knowledge."
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