Farewell

Darkness, cold, and deep numbness. The man, having regained consciousness, slowly opened his eyes.

He couldn't move at all below the neck. His field of vision was fixed, making it difficult to move, and he could only see a large expanse of incomprehensible research equipment before him.

What happened to me?

A question surfaced in his mind. His last memory was frozen on that enormous fist.

"You're awake, Third Kazekage."

A man nearby walked into view, his sinisterly handsome face studying him with a cold gaze.

"Orochimaru."

"Relax." Orochimaru said, "You haven't been imprisoned. You only have a head left, and I brought you back to life."

"What?" The Third Kazekage couldn't believe it.

"There's no need to be surprised." Orochimaru said, "Head Transplant Chimera Surgery was one of Insect Princess's areas of research. It was abandoned because it didn't achieve satisfactory results. In other words, it's Body and Soul Exchange Surgery. Incredible, isn't it? This technique can sustain vital functions even when only a head remains. Since this is its first practical application, the results may be a little lacking. Don't take it personally."

"What are you trying to do?" The Third Kazekage quickly understood his situation and asked.

"Nothing much. I just want to borrow your head for a while." Orochimaru smiled politely.

"I will never submit to you!" the Third Kazekage said.

"No, I'm helping you." Orochimaru smiled. "Don't misunderstand a good person."

The Third Kazekage's vision once again fell into darkness. The difference was that he remained conscious this time. He had no idea what Orochimaru had used to cover his eyes. He didn't know how long it had been—probably a very, very long time—when he felt himself begin to move.

In a pitch-black tunnel, a small snake began slithering swiftly. After a long while, it