The underground laboratory was dark, but contrary to expectations, it was neither damp nor clammy. Instead, it was dry and brightly lit—there were simply rather too many winding, serpentine corridors.
With a creak, the laboratory doors slowly opened. Inside, Medical Ninjas wearing protective masks bustled about, and just then, someone stepped forward to stop the arrivals.
"Lord Yoru, the person behind you needs to sign a confidentiality agreement."
A guard in a protective mask respectfully approached and extended an arm to block their path. Uchiha Yoruro smiled and nodded. "Alright."
"Kakashi, come sign the confidentiality agreement."
Confidentiality agreements were only required when entering certain secret bases within the village or attending confidential meetings. Seeing this, Hatake Kakashi was secretly shocked. This was actually a secret research base within the village.
Although he had a mission, he knew even better that if this were truly being conducted in private, they would never have allowed him inside. Therefore, this had to be an official, legitimate village research base.
If it were private, forget whether he would be allowed to come—he would not merely be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement even if he could.
Jōnin were qualified to participate in all kinds of classified village matters. When necessary, after signing a confidentiality agreement, they could enter certain confidential bases.
"Alright." Hatake Kakashi respectfully accepted the pen and scroll. Only after signing his name and leaving his fingerprint was he permitted to enter.
"Kakashi, Teacher Orochimaru belongs to Root now. Since you've served in the Anbu, you should naturally know that, so I won't say much more."
As he led Kakashi deeper inside, Uchiha Yoruro spoke with an easy smile, as though they were close friends. But Kakashi kept his mission firmly in mind. He put on a puzzled expression and asked calmly,