Deep within Orochimaru's secret base, an eerie, oppressive atmosphere hung in the air.
A great many scrolls and blueprints were spread across the long table. These were not Orochimaru's usual research materials on human experimentation and forbidden techniques, but documents and data related to astronomy.
The heavy metal doors slowly swung open, and a slender black figure silently stepped into the room.
"Sasori, you're here."
Orochimaru did not even look up, as though he had long anticipated Sasori's arrival.
Sasori nodded coldly, his voice calm. "The observatory you wanted has been completed."
Only then did Orochimaru slowly raise his head. "As expected of you. Your efficiency is always astonishing."
Sasori remained expressionless and gave a cold snort. "Hmph. The rest is up to you."
The two passed through corridors tangled in shadow and arrived at an open area at the rear of the base.
An observation platform had already been built. Though crude, it was practical and precise.
The device was compact in design, with its instruments arranged in perfect order, displaying Sasori's precise and efficient style.
Orochimaru's eyes flickered as he stepped forward and skillfully adjusted the angles of the telescope and rangefinder.
He began making precise calculations and observations of the mysterious asteroid that was about to strike the Shinobi World.
As Orochimaru continuously reviewed the data, recorded its trajectory, and calculated the relevant figures, his expression gradually turned grave.
His previously casual demeanor had become exceptionally serious.
Sasori quietly observed Orochimaru's reaction from the side. "From that look on your face, what the leader said before was true?"
Orochimaru drew a deep breath, his voice low and solemn. "I'm afraid... it is."
Sasori was slightly stunned. "How bad is it?"
Orochimaru slowly spoke a grim number. "Based on my current calculations, there are only 43 days until that asteroid strikes the Shinobi World."
Both fell silent, their hearts violently shaken by that cruel number.
Orochimaru continued, "If we stand by and allow this celestial body to strike the Shinobi World, it will directly lead to the extinction of more than 90 percent of all life."
The impact would cause widespread ruptures and uplift across the surface, while the crust would undergo violent changes and reshaping.
The volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, acid rain, and global extreme climate shifts that followed would plunge the entire Shinobi World into complete destruction.
Sasori said nothing, his heart growing even heavier. He knew very well that Orochimaru's calculations and deductions were never far off.
"What other consequences will there be?" Sasori asked.
"More specific circumstances cannot yet be fully predicted, but one thing is certain: this is by no means a disaster the Shinobi World can handle easily. The Rinnegan may be powerful, but there is only so much it can do against a celestial disaster on this scale."
Orochimaru responded calmly.
The two remained silent for a long while, and the air was thick with unease.
Sasori raised his head and broke the silence. "Then what do you plan to do next?"
Orochimaru turned his head and gazed at Sasori. "Would people like you and me entrust our lives and fates to someone else without reservation?"
"You've already made contact with Konoha?"
Orochimaru smiled noncommittally, then countered, "And you? Are you planning to return to Sunagakure and take a look?"
The words struck a nerve in Sasori, and a face both familiar and unfamiliar suddenly surfaced before his eyes...
That old woman Chiyo...
He quickly returned to his usual coldness. Rather than answer Orochimaru's question, he turned and walked toward the door.
"I'm returning to Akatsuki to report the specifics of the asteroid to the leader."
He left those words behind, and his figure swiftly vanished into the darkness of the corridor.
Orochimaru watched Sasori's departing back and revealed a mocking smile.
Like him, Sasori would not easily entrust his life and hopes to anyone, including Akatsuki's leader, who styled himself a god.
Yakushi Kabuto quietly emerged from the shadows nearby and asked softly, "Lord Orochimaru, how should we prepare next?"
Orochimaru's smile faded. He turned to Kabuto, his tone resolute and decisive...
"This base is no longer safe. Move all core research materials, critical experimental samples, important supplies, and equipment to a more secure concealed facility underground."
Kabuto's eyes sharpened. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements immediately."
Orochimaru nodded and continued, "And we need to establish a more complete self-sufficiency system..."
"Underground farms, reserves of survival supplies—enough to ensure that we still have sufficient resources and space to conduct research and survive for several years after the asteroid strikes."
Shinobi in the Shinobi World were highly efficient. As long as preparations were made in advance, this infrastructure could be completed quickly.
Kabuto swiftly wrote it down. "I'll begin at once."
Orochimaru looked once more toward the distant observatory. "Knowledge... is the foundation of our survival. The destruction of the Shinobi World is not terrifying. What is terrifying is failing to make sufficient preparations and countermeasures."
"This time, I want to witness it with my own eyes."
Orochimaru's voice became deep and chilling, while intense interest and anticipation gleamed in his golden snake eyes.
"After this world-ending catastrophe ends, what kinds of life will survive? And what kind of entirely new Shinobi World order will arise?"
Kabuto listened quietly from the side, his gaze filled with absolute obedience and reverence for Orochimaru's decisions.
Orochimaru then turned his gaze to a scroll containing the cells of several previous Hokage that he had obtained from Konoha...
He was still hesitating...
Whether he needed to borrow the strength of those people...
After all... this unprecedented disaster would inevitably shatter the old order of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
But before that, Orochimaru still had one more matter to attend to...
He had to personally return to Konoha and investigate that mysterious clansman named Uchiha Yuan.
This Uchiha, who had awakened a power on the night of the clan massacre capable of destroying the entire Shinobi World, had stirred his intense curiosity and desire for research.
A power capable of causing such a disaster had to lie beyond the limits of conventional understanding as he knew it.
Just as Orochimaru was quietly making his calculations, a shinobi from Konoha's Root suddenly appeared at the entrance to the base.
He respectfully conveyed a message to Orochimaru. "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Danzo wishes to meet with you."
Upon hearing Danzo's name, the smile on Orochimaru's face deepened, unable to conceal his inner delight.
"I was just planning to return to Konoha myself."
"Go."
Orochimaru waved a hand, the curve of his lips growing ever colder and more sinister.
"Tell Danzo that I will pay him a visit soon."
Watching the Root shinobi's retreating figure disappear, Orochimaru let out a cold laugh.
This meeting with Danzo was bound to bring new gains and new variables.
Uchiha Yuan...
The world-destroying Sharingan. Danzo and Konoha should have more detailed intelligence and records.
Perhaps Danzo was seeking him out precisely because of this.
Before you continue