What Lies Above the Byakugan

Amegakure, inside an abandoned building!

"Hehe, Mr. Zetsu, it's been a long time!"

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the figure opposite him shrouded within a giant pitcher plant with a faint, inscrutable smile.

The next moment!

Buzz!

Chakra instantly gathered in his eyes. Veins bulged around his pupils as he activated the Byakugan.

"Damn it, did he notice something?"

Startled by Orochimaru's actions, Black Zetsu froze for a moment before cursing inwardly. The black half of his face twisted into a grim expression.

Unlike Black Zetsu, White Zetsu showed little reaction. In his view, Orochimaru merely wanted to observe them. He did not care—or rather, he did not believe Orochimaru could discover anything about him with the Byakugan alone.

In Orochimaru's vision, two streams of pale-blue energy were intertwined. Clearly, they were two distinct kinds of energy.

A flicker of surprise appeared in Orochimaru's eyes, but he swiftly concealed it.

Rustle!

At that moment, a mass of golden sand burst from the ground and positioned itself in front of Zetsu.

"Lord Orochimaru, you wouldn't be planning to make me a research subject, would you?"

Zetsu's teasing voice rang out.

"Hehe." Orochimaru sneered. "Mr. Zetsu, you must be joking. We are steadfast allies now. How could I possibly make you a research subject?"

Orochimaru spoke slowly. As he did, his eyes trembled slightly, and the savage veins around his pupils gradually faded away. He deactivated the Byakugan.

"Hehe!"

Zetsu did not believe a single word Orochimaru said. The other man felt even more troublesome than Obito.

Zetsu knew better than anyone that he and Orochimaru were merely using each other. Both were seeking the skin of a tiger.

He had his eye on something in Orochimaru's possession, while Orochimaru likewise had designs on him.

"Hehe!"

"Heehee!"

The two looked at