As his words fell, Yakushi Kabuto abruptly pulled out a kunai from who knew where, a talisman for suppressing the self tied to its end, and plunged it into the back of Orochimaru's head.
Shhk.
The instant the kunai sank into the back of his head, the markings on the talisman flared, covering every crack. Apart from his eyes, he looked just like a living person.
Orochimaru's hollow, golden slit pupils suddenly contracted, as though he had been activated-or was struggling.
Yakushi Kabuto stepped back, surveyed his creation, and adjusted his glasses, that crazed, satisfied smile hanging on his lips.
"There."
He spoke softly, his tone carrying the relief of a job finally done.
"Now he's completely my puppet."
The instant those words fell, Orochimaru slowly raised his head.
At the sight, everyone immediately assumed a fighting stance.
Having awakened, Orochimaru stared at the scene before him for a moment.
He wanted to lower his head and look at his hands, but every part of his body resisted him, and his soul seemed bound in chains, unable to move.
He soon realized his predicament.
"This is... Impure World Reincarnation?!"
He turned his eyes with difficulty, his gaze passing over Sasuke's icy face and Ning Xue's pure white eyes before finally settling on the figure beside him, who wore a smug smile.
Yakushi Kabuto.
The corner of Orochimaru's mouth twitched. A complicated expression surfaced on his pale face, somewhere between a smile and a sigh.
"Kabuto... I never imagined you would bring me back through Impure World Reincarnation."
His voice was low and hoarse, tinged with surprise and reflection.
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses. The lenses reflected the cavern's dim light, obscuring his snake eyes.
"It's been a long time, Orochimaru. No..."
He paused, deliberately correcting himself.
"I should say, my