Hell Has Only Just Begun

The gloomy, dim base was filled with strange biological specimens preserved in nutrient containers, along with faint cries of pain.

Everything here matched what people imagined an evil lair would be like.

After a while, Orochimaru walked in with an expression of lingering satisfaction on his face.

"I think I should take back what I said earlier. This brat has a spirit far more tenacious than an ordinary person's. He's simply endured too little hardship, so the potential within his body is still far from fully developed. What do you say? Are you interested in handing this brat over to me?"

As he spoke, Orochimaru stuck out his tongue and licked his lips, making no attempt to hide the greed in his eyes toward Sasuke.

"Do your job, Orochimaru. Haven't you already chosen your next vessel? Don't set your sights on my disciple."

Aoba spoke calmly, confident that Orochimaru could hear the warning in his words.

Sure enough, Orochimaru reined in the greed in his eyes and merely smiled. "What a shame. But since he's a 'disciple' you value, I won't fight you for him."

Hearing Orochimaru deliberately emphasize the word "disciple," Aoba knew the man must be suspicious of his intentions.

After all, why would Yasuo, who had shocked the entire shinobi world with his overwhelming strength and astonishing achievements, specifically choose a brat from the Uchiha family as his disciple?

There had to be some secret behind it.

Naturally, Aoba could not tell Orochimaru the real reason.

"How many more days will it take for him to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan?"

Orochimaru gave an ominous smile. "That depends on this brat's aptitude. Although my method has been tested and has succeeded before, it also carries great risks. If he can't endure it, there's a high chance he'll become