Because Kumogakure's ninja had been attacked by Rain Ninja on the road, all the luggage belonging to Doctor Tetsusai's party had been destroyed, so their medicinal supplies needed replenishing.
After Orochimaru wrote out a list of the medicinal ingredients he needed, he handed it to Shizuma. Kumogakure took the matter seriously as well. Most arrived that very day, and the rarer ingredients were delivered the following afternoon.
Of course, Kumogakure had no idea what a tremendous surprise those medicines would bring them later!
"Doctor Tetsusai, how long will it take to prepare Lord Blue B's medicine?" Akaseki asked eagerly.
"Don't rush, Genta. I haven't even examined Lord Blue B yet—these are only the most basic medicinal ingredients." Orochimaru gave the impatient Akaseki a speechless look.
Akaseki showed no qualms whatsoever about "giving Kumogakure a big present." In fact, he was almost too enthusiastic—
At that, Akaseki understood what Orochimaru meant: they still lacked ingredients, and they did not yet understand Blue B's condition.
With Orochimaru's medical expertise, he could easily mix ingredients for drugs that caused hallucinations and induced mental breakdowns into an ordinary list of medicinal ingredients without anyone in Kumogakure noticing anything amiss.
Still—
They had to keep up appearances!
They had been in Kumogakure for two days, yet Blue B had not come at all. If Orochimaru requested too many obscure ingredients now, it could easily arouse suspicion.
Besides, he needed to examine Blue B's condition before he could determine exactly how to formulate the medicine.
Whether Blue B was avoiding treatment or Kumogakure had some reservations, "Tetsusai" had yet to see his patient.
That afternoon, someone finally came to visit. It was not Blue B, however, but two middle-aged men from the Yotsuki Clan.
"Hello. And you two are—?" Orochimaru looked at them questioningly.
"Doctor Tetsusai,