Countdown 43 Days...

Deep within the secret base of Orochimaru, the air hung heavy with a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere.

Spread across a long table were numerous scrolls and blueprints; these materials were not the human research or forbidden jutsu that Orochimaru usually favored, but rather literature and data related to astronomy.

The heavy metal door was pushed open slowly, and a slender, dark silhouette stepped into the room in silence.

"Sasori, you've arrived."

Orochimaru did not even look up, as if he had long anticipated the other's arrival.

Sasori nodded indifferently, his voice calm: "The observatory you requested is complete."

Only then did Orochimaru slowly raise his head: "As expected of you, your efficiency is always astonishing."

Sasori remained expressionless, letting out a cold snort: "Hmph, the subsequent work is up to you."

The two walked through the shadowed corridors to an open area at the back of the base.

An observatory, though simple in appearance, had been constructed with full functionality and precision.

The device was compact, with various instruments arranged in an orderly fashion, showcasing Sasori's precise and efficient design style.

Orochimaru's eyes flickered as he stepped forward, skillfully adjusting the angles of the telescope and rangefinder.

He began to perform precise calculations and observations on the mysterious asteroid that was about to collide with the Shinobi World.

As Orochimaru continuously flipped through the data, recording the trajectory and calculating the relevant values, his expression gradually grew grave.

His previously somewhat nonchalant demeanor had shifted into one of extreme seriousness.

Sasori observed Orochimaru's reaction quietly from the side: "Judging by your expression, what the leader said earlier is true?"

Orochimaru took a deep breath, his voice becoming low and solemn: "I fear... it is true."

Sasori was slightly taken aback: "How bad is the situation?"

Orochimaru slowly spat out a stifling number: "Based on my current calculations, the exact time until that asteroid impacts the Shinobi World is only 43 days."

Both men fell silent, their hearts shaken to the core by this cruel figure.

Orochimaru continued: "If we sit idly by and let this planetoid strike the Shinobi World, it will directly result in the extinction of over 90% of all life."

The impact would cause large-scale fracturing and upheaval of the surface layer, and the crust would undergo violent shifts and reshaping.

The subsequent volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, acid rain, and extreme global climate changes would plunge the entire Shinobi World into total annihilation.

Sasori remained silent, his heart growing heavier. He knew very well that Orochimaru's calculations and deductions never deviated significantly.

"Are there any other consequences?" Sasori asked.

"I cannot fully predict other, more specific details at the moment, but what is certain is that this is by no means a disaster the Shinobi World can easily handle. The Rinnegan is powerful, but against a celestial disaster of this scale, there is a limit to what can be done," Orochimaru responded calmly.

The two remained silent for a long time, the air thick with intense unease.

Sasori looked up, breaking the silence: "Then, what do you intend to do next?"

Orochimaru turned his head to gaze at Sasori: "People like you and me—would we ever hand over our lives and fates to others without reservation?"

"Have you already made contact with Konoha?"

Orochimaru smiled noncommittally, then countered: "And what about you? Are you planning to return to Sunagakure to take a look?"

Sasori's nerves were touched by this remark; a face both familiar and strange suddenly surfaced in his mind...

Old woman Chiyo...

He quickly recovered his habitual indifference and, without answering Orochimaru's question, turned and walked toward the door.

"I am returning to the Akatsuki organization to report the specific situation of the planetoid to the leader."

He tossed the words over his shoulder, his silhouette quickly vanishing into the darkness of the corridor.

Orochimaru watched Sasori's retreating back, a mocking smile appearing on his face.

Like him, Sasori would never easily entrust his life or hope to anyone, including that leader of the Akatsuki who styled himself as a god.

Yakushi Kabuto quietly emerged from the shadows to the side and asked softly: "Lord Orochimaru, how shall we prepare next?"

Orochimaru suppressed his smile and turned to look at Kabuto, his tone filled with resolution and decisiveness...

"This base is no longer safe. Move all core research data, critical experimental samples, and important supplies and equipment to the more stable, hidden facility underground."

Kabuto's eyes sharpened: "Understood, I will arrange it immediately."

Orochimaru nodded and continued to instruct: "And we need to establish a more complete self-sustaining system..."

"Including underground farms and survival supply reserves, to ensure that even years after the asteroid impact, we still have sufficient resources and space to continue our research and survival."

The ninjas of the Shinobi World were highly efficient; as long as they prepared in advance, they could complete this infrastructure work very quickly.

Kabuto recorded it promptly: "I will get to work immediately."

Orochimaru looked back toward the observatory in the distance: "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 turned deep and chilling, his golden snake-like pupils flickering with intense interest and anticipation.

"Once this world-ending catastrophe concludes, what lives will actually survive? And what kind of brand-new Shinobi World system will be born from it?"

Kabuto listened quietly from the side, his gaze filled with absolute obedience and reverence for Orochimaru's decisions.

Subsequently, Orochimaru fixed his gaze upon a scroll, which contained the sealed cells of several former Hokage he had obtained from Konoha...

He was still hesitating...

Whether he needed to borrow the power of those individuals...

After all... this unprecedented disaster would inevitably shatter the old order of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

However, before that, Orochimaru had one more thing to do...

He had to return to Konoha in person to investigate that mysterious clansman named Uchiha Yuan.

This Uchiha, who had awakened power sufficient to destroy the entire Shinobi World on the night of the clan's annihilation, had stirred his intense curiosity and desire for research.

Power capable of triggering such a disaster must surely exceed the scope of conventional knowledge known to him.

And just as Orochimaru was secretly calculating, a ninja from Konoha's Root suddenly appeared at the entrance of the base.

He respectfully conveyed to Orochimaru: "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Danzo hopes to meet with you."

Hearing the name of Danzo, the smile on Orochimaru's face deepened a fraction, unable to hide the joy in his heart.

"I happen to want to return to Konoha as well."

"Go,"

Orochimaru waved his hand, the arc of his lips becoming increasingly cold and sinister.

"Tell Danzo that I will come to visit very soon."

Watching the disappearing back of the Root ninja, Orochimaru let out a cold laugh.

This meeting with Danzo would surely bring about new gains and variables.

Uchiha Yuan...

The world-ending Sharingan; Danzo and Konoha should possess more detailed intelligence and data.

Perhaps Danzo was seeking him out precisely for this matter.