Orochimaru's laboratory.
Kabuto Yakushi hurried into the room.
He came to Orochimaru's side as he was checking the data.
Orochimaru was a practical man. He preferred getting straight to the point, so Kabuto spoke directly:
"Lord Orochimaru, one batch of Hashirama Cells is missing from the hospital's high-grade materials vault."
"Hmm?"
Orochimaru looked up, a strange glint flashing through his eyes.
Hashirama Cells were precious because they contained immense life energy.
But they contained more than just life energy—countless things Orochimaru had never uncovered before.
Used rashly, their overwhelming life energy would overwhelm a person, causing them to explode, turn into trees, or become monsters. The chance of surviving was exceedingly slim.
Even when he had conducted experiments back then, he could only barely use them after taking multiple precautions.
Although the village's high-grade materials vault was nominally village property.
Orochimaru had been back in Konoha for so many years.
Naturally, he had long regarded all those materials as his own.
A playful look appeared on Orochimaru's face.
"There is only one person who would take and use this."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and ventured:
"Danzo?"
Orochimaru smiled at Kabuto. "Correct. He has been completely inactive these past two years. I thought he had lost his drive and given up entirely."
"I never expected him to secretly give me such a surprise."
White light flashed across Kabuto's lenses.
"Then... Lord Orochimaru, should we ask the Third Hokage, or—"
Orochimaru withdrew the fingers tapping on the machine, his expression suggesting he had thought of something amusing.
"No. Have Anko take the news directly to the Uchiha Clan Compound."
"We should not waste too much energy on this. Focus on our own work."
Kabuto nodded. "Understood, Lord Orochimaru."
With that, he took his leave to make arrangements.
Orochimaru turned and glanced toward