Inner Circle Members, A

Of all the figures in the laboratory, Orochimaru is the most captivating.

The white robe commonly worn by researchers, combined with his refined features, easily evokes a certain image.

A beast in human clothing.

Of course, this is Kazashiro's description based on Orochimaru's performance in the original work.

At least on the surface, Orochimaru hasn't done anything that would be considered abhorrent.

"How's that Obito guy Obito?"

Kazashiro came here in person specifically to confront Obito.

Kamui's mechanics are so unique that even in the late game, it can still compete with the Ōtsutsuki due to its distinctiveness.

"The abilities of those Mangekyō Sharingan are indeed interesting..."

Orochimaru gave an objective assessment of Kamui, but regarding Obito himself...

"Unfortunately, they followed the wrong user."

Orochimaru glanced sideways at Kazashiro, noticing that most of those following him were mediocre or lively characters with personalities as unconventional as his own.

Including his own disciple, Anko.

Orochimaru still harbored resentment over Anko being transferred away from him.

"Don't look at me like that. I know that Anko's transfer has caused you some trouble, but I've also replaced her with new talent."

Kazashiro raised his head, gesturing for Orochimaru to look in the other direction.

"Kabuto Yakushi, that child has a very high aptitude for Medical Ninjutsu; he's much smarter than Anko."

Is it Kabuto Yakushi?

Orochimaru had heard Tsunade mention that this kid was considered a rising star in the Medical Unit.

"Tsunade didn't fight you to the death?"

Orochimaru didn't believe Tsunade would remain indifferent; he found it difficult to part with excellent subordinates.

Kazashiro shrugged. "Who told her I had something on her?"

To force Tsunade to comply, Kazashiro simply crossed out most of her criminal records, which had been suspended for over half a year.

"Drinking alcohol during working hours, gambling in groups, damaging public property..."

If we really want to investigate, the amount of clan property that Tsunade inherited is simply not enough to cover the losses.

"Alright, but if that child doesn't suit my taste..."

Orochimaru nodded, issuing a warning in advance.

"Then I'll be your experimental subject for a year."

Kazashiro didn't believe Orochimaru would be dissatisfied. Kabuto Yakushi was an existence that had evolved into a dragon. In the original work, the two of them were as close as one person. How could they possibly be separated?

"I look forward to that day."

Upon hearing this, Orochimaru carefully examined Kazashiro, seemingly pondering where to begin his attack.

"In short, I've delivered the person to you. I won't ask about the rest. If Obito's experiment is successful, I'll notify Fugaku to come and inoculate the Hashirama Cells."

Feeling uneasy under Orochimaru's gaze, Kazashiro didn't even bother making an excuse and immediately prepared to activate the Flying Thunder God to leave.

Um?

Why didn't I move?

He thought the scenery before him would change instantly, but when he turned his head, he still saw Orochimaru's white face. Kazashiro felt a long-lost sense of tension.

Seriously? Has my Flying Thunder God Technique degenerated to the point where I can't even succeed on the first try?

"It seems that Danzo's defensive barrier is indeed effective."

Kazashiro's actions did not surprise Orochimaru, but he did not offer any explanation. He simply pointed towards the door, indicating that the other party should leave through it.

This barrier was used by Danzo to defend against the Ōtsutsuki, and Orochimaru was the first user of it.

Judging from the current results, this barrier can indeed prevent the activation of Space-Time Ninjutsu.

Including Obito's Kamui.

The Land of Rain, the location of the Dawn Organization's Inner Circle.

Yaowan remained expressionless as he led the man behind him through a dense network of pipe corridors. After descending ten floors underground in an elevator, they arrived at an unfamiliar room surrounded by metal structures.

"Here it is?"

The man following Yaowan finally couldn't help but ask, revealing his rugged, dark face hidden under his cloak.

It turned out to be the long-lost Fourth Raikage.

Yaowan did not answer Raikage's question, but turned and stood to the side.

His actions aroused the Raikage's suspicion.

He had personally witnessed the strength of this Mangekyō Sharingan user. Even the other party had to stand respectfully to the side. He could imagine what kind of terrifying existence the person behind the other party must be.

"You're the so-called Raikage?"

The tightly sealed iron gate was pushed open, and Raikage then discovered that there was actually a door there.

Even the most advanced processing equipment in Kumogakure) could not create such a perfectly sealed room.

Overwhelmed by the opponent's technological prowess, the Raikage even forgot to observe the face of the person before him at the first moment.

It wasn't until Jigen sat down in his usual stone chair that Raikage belatedly began to examine him.

"The person you're talking about who's qualified to be a member of the Inner Circle, is he?"

Seeing that Raikage ignored him, Jigen was not angry, but calmly looked at Yao Wan.

"Yes."

Yaowan nodded obediently, showing no emotional fluctuation whatsoever.

"Yeah--"

Just as Jigen reached for his wine, he saw a pale blue light suddenly flash around Raikage.

"I see."

Without changing his course because of the Raikage's actions, Jigen steadily raised his wine glass with his right hand while his left hand tightly gripped the Raikage's fist that was suddenly attacking.

Impossible!

The Raikage's eyes widened in horror. His opponent's seemingly effortless grip not only accurately seized his fist but also prevented his five fingers from moving freely.

Before Raikage could figure out his next move, his entire body was violently flung away by Jigen, crashing into the hard wall and creating a large crater before landing back on the ground.

"So-called shadows are nothing more than this."

Jigen offered his own assessment.

"I'm very sorry, but the other party is already one of the stronger beings in the Shinobi World."

Yaowan lowered his head and said respectfully.

Jigen was certainly aware of this matter.

If it weren't for the fact that he alone couldn't create the perfect vessel, he would have already been dominating the Shinobi World.

A bunch of ants dare to covet the great cause of the Ōtsutsuki.

Ultimately, it's all that damned Kaguya's fault.

Jigen recalled the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path hidden within the buildings of the Land of Rain.

"Fine, I can overlook your rudeness."

Although he interrupted Kaguya's resurrection process, her will is still Rinnegan, so it is not appropriate for him to appear in public at the moment.

Suppressing his anger, Jigen knew that he still needed these ants to serve him.

The Raikage made no further move.

He only attacked recklessly to test Jigen's strength, and the facts proved that his opponent was indeed a powerful figure far superior to himself.

The next thing to confirm is the story Yaowan told him before inviting him.

"Are you telling the truth about the Tailed Beast?"

Now, Ai has lost his village, and his only remaining connection is Killer B.

"That's right, Kaguya's will is trying to gather the Tailed Beast and bring them back to the Shinobi World, but I'm different. I only want to be resurrected."