Before leaving, he caused some trouble for Konoha, leaving a trace of his presence. Overall, his trip to Konoha came to a successful conclusion.
Just as Orochimaru and Kakuzu returned to the Northern Lands and hadn't even had a chance to tally their spoils, a familiar mechanical voice suddenly rang in their minds.
This sudden turn of events truly surprised Orochimaru.
Didn't we agree that the Uchiha Clan Massacre had nothing to do with me? Why is this plot point being triggered?
Before he could figure it out, the system provided the answer.
"Host triggered plot detected. Subdue Kabuto Yakushi!"
So that's what happened. No wonder this scene occurred. He thought that getting involved in the Uchiha's affairs would also trigger the plot!
However, he was a little disappointed when he saw the reward.
"The system has detected that the host has been accepted as a disciple. Reward: Advanced Medical Ninjutsu Talent!"
As Orochimaru received this talent, a moment Orochimaru clarity immediately washed over him.
His Medical Ninjutsu was already quite good, and he could be considered a qualified Medical Ninja.
After acquiring this talent, Orochimaru's mind suddenly became clear.
I have a much clearer understanding of the ordinary medical knowledge I used to have, and even some less clear and more profound knowledge has become clear.
"It seems to be quite useful indeed!"
After shaking his head, Orochimaru felt that this ability seemed pretty good.
Kabuto's medical talent is no less than Tsunade's, so it's not surprising that you could get this from him.
With this talent, coupled with Orochimaru's proficiency in studying the human body, he had even greater confidence in performing surgery on Kimimaro.
He hadn't forgotten about this, and he planned to make arrangements for him in a while.
The research project targeting Kimimaro is nearing completion, and Kimimaro has been taking some of the drugs developed by Orochimaru in the past year or two.
Under his care, Kimimaro's health did improve significantly, and he was even able to suppress the side effects of his Kekkei Genkai for an extended period.
Just as Orochimaru was digesting the new abilities and talents he had just acquired, his clone, who was in the Akatsuki, returned to the Amegakure with Kabuto.
"You'll stay in the Amegakure for a few days and rest. You can help me out later!"
Orochimaru, dressed in a long black robe with red clouds, spoke to Kabuto behind him.
The original owner watched a good show in Konoha, and he also witnessed a scene from history.
Kabuto ran right into Yakushi Nonō while he was out on a mission.
Since Kabuto had been sent out by Danzo to work as a spy long ago, his appearance has changed drastically over the years, so it's normal that Nonō doesn't recognize him.
The two were on opposite sides, and it was only after Kabuto killed the other that he realized it was the headmaster who had raised him since childhood.
The relationship between the two was like that of a mother and son. The feeling of personally killing the person closest to you is probably something only Itachi could understand.
Perhaps that's why Itachi, who had a similar experience, was chosen to deal with Kabuto during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru!"
Dou, feeling dejected, responded with a sound like a puppet on a string, his whole demeanor somewhat lifeless and sullen.
Orochimaru didn't offer much advice or comfort. A heart ailment requires a heart remedy; no amount of eloquent words can cure a heart that has given up.
It's impossible to truly resolve inner conflicts without a certain amount of time and experience.
Just like when they were little, some children couldn't help but sob after being scolded by their parents or teachers.
But once they enter society, let alone saying a few words, even if they are hit or scolded, they won't feel anything. Some people can't even shed a tear when their parents or siblings pass away.
Such a person's character has long since changed, and looking back on past emotional traumas will at most elicit a sigh.
Orochimaru saw that Kabuto was this type of person, otherwise he wouldn't have done such crazy things.
All we can do now is keep improving, keep Dou from stopping, and broaden his mind and horizons.
Once he's experienced it all, and his strength and temperament are in sync, let alone Itachi, even Naruto's Shadow Clone Jutsu won't Talk no Jutsu him out of it.
In contrast, people like Nagato Obito lived their entire lives in their own world, and were easily broken down by Naruto's Talk no Jutsu.
Just as Orochimaru settled Kabuto down, he sensed a sudden mental fluctuation emanating from the Ring of the Void on his finger.
Orochimaru's brows furrowed slightly, knowing that Nagato wouldn't call him unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Summoning someone so late at night, could it be...!"
Although he was unaware of the actions of the main body, he estimated that the only thing that could happen at this time was the Uchiha.
Without lingering, Orochimaru quickly arrived at a location in Amegakure.
This is the meeting room where people usually hold meetings. Although it's called a meeting room, it's actually more like a simple stone cave.
"It's so lively!"
Upon arriving at the conference room, Orochimaru saw the Six Paths of Pain standing there, along with Konan, the Masked Man, Zetsu, Sasori of the Red Sands, and Jūzō Biwa.
Despite being stared at by so many people, Orochimaru didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
However, when Orochimaru Obito Obito's one eye, he felt that the guy's gaze was somewhat meaningful.
"I've gathered everyone here so late because I have something to tell you!"
Once everyone had arrived, Pain recounted what had happened that evening.
In front of outsiders, Obito remained as low-key as ever, with Nagato holding all the power of speech.
Ignoring everyone's thoughts, Pain continued:
"Two new members will be joining us tomorrow, so we're informing you in advance!"
Finally, we have a few people who can get things done. It seems Pain is eager to assign tasks.
Orochimaru realized that this was indeed the matter, and it seemed that his days in the Akatsuki were numbered!
I was originally planning to continue just observing, but now it seems impossible.
He didn't even need to think to figure out what he had to do next. He had to do what was originally planned, and the rewards for attacking Itachi and defecting from Akatsuki should be substantial.
Two new members? Shouldn't there only be Itachi?
Orochimaru couldn't quite understand who the extra person was, since most of the people who were originally supposed to join had already been snatched away!
Could it be another new member who has suddenly appeared out of nowhere?
If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it. Even if other ninjas join, it's impossible for them to be inferior to the original lineup.
After announcing the addition of a new member, Pain gave some instructions on what to pay attention to in the near future, and then disbanded the team.
Pain sounded confident throughout, and it seems he was quite happy to have new members joining.
It's impossible to have as many talented people as in the Original Work, otherwise they wouldn't have held a meeting overnight to welcome new members.
Orochimaru slowly left the conference room, a gaze fixed on his retreating figure before he left.
"The two are quite similar; their moves are both very strange. Could there be some connection between them...?"
Obito only looked away when Orochimaru disappeared from sight.
Little did Orochimaru know that the true leader of the Akatsuki had already set his sights on him.
Anyone else would have been able to detect it, but Obito was probing Orochimaru from another dimension. Without spatial fluctuations, even if Orochimaru himself came, he wouldn't be able to detect it.
It is quite remarkable that they were able to deduce the relationship between the two from such subtle clues.
It didn't matter that he got in touch with him; little did he know that Orochimaru was already preparing to run away.
Upon returning to his residence, Orochimaru immediately summoned his Summoning Beast, Shiro.
He then took a piece of paper from its mouth, looked at it carefully, and then fell into deep thought.
"Something really did happen! No wonder Obito's gaze was a bit strange!"