The visitor was Hizashi Hyuga, younger brother of Hiashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga Clan.
He was powerful, an outstanding presence even among elite jōnin. In this war, his Gentle Fist had also performed impressively.
Unfortunately, he belonged to the Branch Family.
Perhaps because he stood at the very top of the Branch Family, just half a step below the Main House, Hizashi couldn't help having all sorts of thoughts.
He usually looked preoccupied, his expression much like Fugaku's before the battle with Kumogakure—wearing the same deeply troubled look.
Compared to Fugaku, however, Hizashi's situation was even more hopeless. With the Caged Bird Seal branded on him, he had no chance of advancing any further.
Of course, none of this had anything to do with Orochimaru. He knew only that with the Caged Bird Seal in place, Hizashi's value as a test subject was not much greater than that of an ordinary jōnin, so there was no need to treat him specially.
At that moment, Orochimaru was waiting for Genie's answer. He had no time to deal with someone like this. Before Hizashi could speak, Orochimaru's expression had already turned cold. "What do you want?"
Hizashi looked awkward, but to Orochimaru's surprise, he didn't back down. After a slight bow, he spoke directly, as if he hadn't noticed that Orochimaru was in a bad mood.
In truth, Hizashi really hadn't noticed. That wasn't what he was focused on, and Orochimaru usually seemed temperamental anyway. The difference between his usual coolness and his current iciness wasn't that noticeable.
"Lord Orochimaru, I heard your conversation with the elders outside the Medical Room..."
Hizashi drew a deep breath, suppressing the eagerness in his eyes as he cautiously asked, "Would the Physical Enhancement Surgery you mentioned work on someone from the Hyuga Clan,