Ōnoki's Thoughts

Inside the underground laboratory!

A pair of crimson eyes carefully examined the corpse of a white snake. Naraku's brow was furrowed, and his expression grew increasingly grim.

Although he still had not determined the white snake's true cause of death, he felt that Orochimaru must have been researching some forbidden technique. Combined with what Chiyo had said before—that Orochimaru had also asked her for the One's Own Life Reincarnation technique—

Naraku concluded that the white snake's death was likely related to that technique.

Only then did Naraku recall that when he had fought Orochimaru, the other man's spiritual power seemed somewhat stronger than before.

He had not paid it any attention at the time, but now it appeared that Orochimaru had successfully resolved the drawback of the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique.

Naraku's face revealed a trace of surprise as he connected the dots.

The Living Corpse Reincarnation technique already allowed him to change bodies, and now he had resolved the flaw of spiritual damage as well.

From another perspective, Orochimaru had now practically achieved immortality.

That was immortality!

A complicated look surfaced in Naraku's eyes. He then sealed the white snake's corpse into a scroll, and with a flicker, appeared above ground.

It was noon. Brilliant sunlight shone upon the earth, making everything feel pleasantly warm.

"Let fate decide!"

Naraku shook his head and muttered inwardly. He then gave up on continuing his search for Orochimaru's whereabouts, and his figure soon flickered away from the spot.

Naraku knew that compared to Orochimaru's threat, he had far more important matters to attend to now.

Behind Iwagakure, in a secluded location!

The short Ōnoki walked over. His face was frosty, and he did not look pleased.

"Lord Tsuchikage, you've come!"

A teasing laugh rang out, followed by a pale figure emerging