Inside the brightly lit room, the first thing that hit them upon entering was the heavy smell of alcohol disinfectant, making Kakashi frown inwardly. It was clear that this bright room was often used for some kind of experiment.
"Teacher Orochimaru."
Orochimaru was the only one in the room, staring at the test tube before him as though observing and recording some change. When Uchiha Yoruro arrived, he merely nodded without turning around. "Yoru, have Kakashi lie down first."
Seeing the prepared bed, Kakashi lowered his head respectfully. "Yes, Lord Orochimaru."
The Sannin's reputation was second only to the Hokage's within the village. Even the heads of the six departments had to treat the Sannin with courtesy, because the Sannin had proven through their strength that they possessed power comparable to Kage-level.
Kakashi lay on the chair, his exposed right eye seemingly hollow and indifferent as it stared at the white light shining from the overhead lamp. Yet in secret, he was surveying his surroundings.
A full quarter of an hour later, Orochimaru finally set down the records in his hand. Turning to look at Kakashi, who had been waiting for some time, he revealed his distinctive hoarse smile.
"Hehe, a Three Tomoe Sharingan truly is something worth studying."
Orochimaru's wicked tone and smile could easily lead one's thoughts astray. Kakashi could not help frowning upon hearing it. Perhaps he no longer cared about his own life, but this eye was more important to him than life itself.
"Teacher Orochimaru, a laugh like that is bound to cause misunderstandings."
Uchiha Yoruro shrugged and said with a smile. Master and disciple then came to stand before Kakashi. At Yoru's signal, Kakashi slowly lifted his forehead protector, revealing the Three Tomoe Sharingan that could never be closed.
Orochimaru's wicked, greedy gaze seemed