Half a year later, Land of Rice, Otogakure.
Orochimaru had been very excited lately—or rather, ever since Hyuga Hinata came to find him, he had remained in a state of excitement.
This had his subordinates constantly worried, afraid that one day Orochimaru might suddenly die from overwork.
This was no idle speculation; it was something that could genuinely happen. Orochimaru slept very little each day, rarely even three hours, sometimes less. Going three consecutive days without sleep was normal for him.
"Lord Orochimaru, these things aren't going anywhere. You should rest first. It won't be too late to continue your research after you've had enough sleep."
Kabuto had advised Orochimaru like this more than once.
"Kabuto, do you understand? Do you understand what these are? Once I unravel them, I'll comprehend the mysteries of life! I'll be able to fulfill my long-cherished wish!"
Orochimaru's voice was filled with fanaticism!
Fortunately, Orochimaru's strength was no joke. Staying up late so often would not ruin his body.
What worried Kabuto, however, was the girl who often appeared at Orochimaru's side.
The girl called Hyuga Hinata.
Naturally, he had heard of Hyuga Hinata's great reputation, but he did not know why she had come to Orochimaru's side.
Could it really be just to study under Lord Orochimaru?
Kabuto did not believe that.
However, he had not sensed any hostility from Hyuga Hinata, and Lord Orochimaru trusted her greatly, so Kabuto said nothing.
He was currently cultivating a body, one Orochimaru had prepared for himself.
This body was seventy percent similar to Orochimaru.
It was a clone cultivated from First Hokage's Cells and Orochimaru's own cells. To cultivate this clone, Orochimaru had spent an unknown amount of resources.
Yet even so, this clone was merely a transitional vessel for Orochimaru.
The body Orochimaru was