The occasional gritting of teeth, the incessant sharp intakes of breath, the periodic shudders, and the unconscious sweat beading on his forehead were already enough to explain everything.
Kabuto Yakushi, wearing glasses and with white hair tied into a short braid,
stood silently to one side. He was very quiet, his eyes fixed on Orochimaru, as though he had long since grown accustomed to the sight before him.
Waiting was ultimately a long affair. Kabuto Yakushi no longer paid much attention to Orochimaru, unconsciously raising his head to look at the ceiling.
His eyes seemed to hold an inexplicable gleam, as if he had thought of something—or was planning something.
When Orochimaru opened his eyes again, it seemed that he had suppressed the soul-piercing pain, or perhaps he had passed through the most difficult stage.
Seeing this, Kabuto Yakushi refocused his attention, because he knew Orochimaru would certainly have something to say next.
Sure enough, Orochimaru coughed twice before speaking in an obviously weak voice. "Kabuto, have they returned yet?"
Kabuto Yakushi replied in a somewhat businesslike tone, "Lord Orochimaru, there is still no news from Jirobo, Tayuya, Kidomaru, or Sajin & Suigetsu."
"But if I'm not mistaken, they are probably being pursued and wanted by Konoha right now!"
Orochimaru said nothing—or rather, he was already too weak to say a second sentence.
Kabuto Yakushi continued, "Although the four of them are already quite strong among your subordinates, and they can activate the second stage of the Cursed Seal,"
"this is still extremely dangerous. While we took advantage of the period after the Third Hokage's death, when Fifth Hokage Tsunade took office and was busy consolidating all of Konoha, as well as preparing ample contingencies against the suddenly emerged Naruto Inspector Shimura Danzō,"
"and most of Konoha's capable ninja are