"What did you say?"
In a hidden location somewhere in Konoha, where the sole window overlooked Konoha's bustling district, most of the room was shrouded in shadow. Only the faint light filtering through the window illuminated an area no larger than the window itself. From the deepest shadows came a rather startled thought.
"Hisss..."
That startled voice caught the attention of the little white snake on the windowsill, which had been flicking out its tongue. The snake tilted its head and, seemingly puzzled, turned its gaze toward the source of the voice—the deepest shadows.
Within its vertical pupils beneath black eyeshadow, traces of alarm and suspicion seemed to emerge.
It seemed not to have expected that there would be someone in those shadows.
"Hada Ichiba has been injured."
At the same time, a hoarse voice slowly rose beside the windowsill, seemingly answering the shadowed person's question.
"Tell me the details. I want to know everything."
Upon hearing this, the figure in the shadows spoke in a tone that allowed no room for negotiation.
"The White Scale Clone I helped you develop should be able to relay the entire process to you."
At the end of the sentence, the rustle of clothing came from the shadows. It seemed that the person within had sat back down.
The implication was clear: this was going to be a long discussion.
This guy...
Hearing this and noticing the movement in the shadows, Orochimaru, who had been facing away from the little white snake and appeared ready to leave, narrowed his eyes slightly and halted his raised foot.
"Of course."
However, Orochimaru showed no dissatisfaction. He obediently turned around and spoke with an unreadable smile.
Hmph! It seems Taki Chiba has become this guy's nightmare... no, his psychological shadow.
*Whenever anything involving Taki Chiba comes