Gender

You seem lost.

In the Research Bureau, Orochimaru suddenly spoke.

Upon hearing this, Haku, who had come to deliver the documents, was startled. However, after recognizing that the person asking him the question was Orochimaru, whom his elder brother had solemnly instructed him to stay away from, he composed himself and revealed a gentle smile.

"Perhaps it's because I haven't been getting enough rest lately, Lord Orochimaru."

Haku's answer was proper and respectful, giving Orochimaru ample face.

"Really? But the expression I see isn't one of weariness, but rather the expression unique to someone lost and confused on their life's journey."

Orochimaru didn't seem to intend to let Haku go so easily. His tone was full of seductive meaning, which unconsciously brought the two of them closer together.

Kazashiro has too many secrets, but unfortunately, Orochimaru, who always prides himself on being good at manipulating people's hearts, always feels like he has no way to use his strength when facing Kazashiro.

No matter what issue you discuss with him, it will always end with you being furious.

In the ninja world, is there any ninja more heartless than this guy?

"I..."

Upon hearing Orochimaru's words, Haku subconsciously glanced at the petri dish beside him.

Through the outer shell, one can vaguely see a human figure inside.

"I see."

Orochimaru gave a knowing smile.

That was his latest research achievement, a body he had custom-designed for himself by combining the best cells from various ethnic groups and advanced research results in artificial intelligence.

Once he achieves another breakthrough in the realm of the soul, he will be able to discard his current body and embrace a completely new one.

Immortality has always been his greatest pursuit.

"This is a body I designed specifically for myself. Are you interested?"

Orochimaru reached out and touched the outer shell of the petri dish, a look of rapture on his face.

Bai Yin suppressed her smile, looking at the petri dish with a complex expression, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"But, Lord Orochimaru, this seems to be a woman's body..."

"Hehe, gender is not important to me."

Orochimaru chuckled to himself.

I thought this little guy had something he was having trouble talking about, but it turns out he was just worried about the gender of his new body.

It's no wonder that in Konoha today, where the atmosphere of strictly prohibiting "pornography, gambling, and drugs" is strong, the things that some young children can come into contact with are indeed far less than before.

Of course, Jiraiya is an exception, that bad apple.

That guy, no matter what generation he was born into, would take voyeurism as his mission and carry on his reputation as a "pervert".

To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that he himself wasn't exactly clean, Orochimaru would truly be ashamed to be called one of the "Sannin" alongside such a person.

"Of course, it would be even better if this body could help me define whether a person's gender is defined by the soul or the body."

Orochimaru suddenly uttered a profound and philosophical statement.

"Human gender..."

Orochimaru wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he felt that the little guy in front of him turned even redder after hearing what he said.

Wait, could it be that...

Orochimaru suddenly grinned wickedly.

"Bai, you seem to have a lot on your mind..."

"Ah, no, I'm sorry to bother you, Lord Orochimaru. I will come to visit again."

Bai Dun, who was somewhat lost in thought, sensed something was wrong and, with a jolt, hurriedly said goodbye to Orochimaru.

Watching his opponent flee his laboratory like a frightened bird, Orochimaru calmly returned to his desk.

"Hehe, it's alright. After all, you'll come back, won't you?"

Orochimaru chuckled, suddenly finding his dull life becoming interesting again.

Orochimaru glanced at Toneri, who was busy running around outside, and shook his head. He really shouldn't have Hiruko out. The other guys in the Research Bureau were still too inexperienced.

However, that guy named Tanuki Shigaraki does have some talent, well, he's about average-looking.

"What defines gender—the body or the soul...?"

Haku walked along the streets of Konoha with his head down, muttering something to himself.

Kimimaro was standing to the side, waved his arm and tore off the tape used to stop the bleeding from the injection site.

Bai's trip to the Research Bureau was to take Kimimaro to receive his final "treatment."

Due to Kimimaro's severe atavism, his Bloodline Disease was far more severe than that of ordinary members of the Kaguya Clan.

Fortunately, when Kazashiro brought him back, he packed up and took away the Kaguya Clan's books. In addition, the Konoha Research Bureau made a breakthrough in Hashirama Cells, which prevented Kimimaro from dying young.

You seem unhappy?

Although outsiders see him and Bai as brothers, they both know very well that it is Kazashiro who holds this family together.

Therefore, they didn't communicate much when Kazashiro wasn't around.

"Yes, I'm just worried about Kazashiro..."

Privately, Bai no longer calls Kazashiro "brother".

"His personality is really a headache."

Kimimaro wholeheartedly agreed.

"Although he complains about this and that, he's always the first to rush in when they're in danger."

As he spoke, a fierce glint suddenly flashed in Kimimaro's eyes. "That's why I said I should go in Yamato's place, given Yamato's strength..."

Furious, Kimimaro clenched his fist, regretting that his final treatment period coincided with such a crucial mission.

"If that Yamato guy hurts Kazashiro, I'll skin him alive."

Yamato, who is on guard duty: Strange, why do I feel a chill down my back?