Orochimaru's Thoughts

For most people, killing a life to obtain Nether Soil was a challenge to their conscience. But for Orochimaru, humanity had long since been thoroughly erased by blood and cruelty in experiment after experiment. All that remained of him was the purest rationality, enough to ensure he would not make the wrong choice during an experiment.

When he learned that what Uchiha Yū possessed was Nether Soil, he was only surprised that Uchiha Yū's solution involved filling the gap with human lives.

"Orochimaru-sensei is right."

With Orochimaru laying it out so bluntly, Uchiha Yū could not remain as indifferent as he was. He merely sighed helplessly and said,

"When we enter the wilderness, the soul beasts will attack us on sight. Only by using the soil as cover can we mask our scent."

Until he found a substitute, Uchiha Yū could only use this method. There was also something else he needed to tell Orochimaru, though the news was not particularly friendly toward him.

"I plan to use Muichiro Tokito's method. The puppets he created can effectively prevent soul beast attacks. The only problem troubling Muichiro Tokito right now is range. His solution is to build signal sources along the route to strengthen chakra control."

Uchiha Yū did not state it too bluntly, but Orochimaru heard the key implication. A trace of irritation appeared on his face as he snorted.

"What use are the things Muichiro Tokito researches? They are nowhere near as good as my clones. Spending so much money on pointless work—if you want to cut my funding, just say it directly. There is no need to beat around the bush."

He mercilessly exposed what Uchiha Yū was trying to say. They were cutting his funding, after all. How could Orochimaru possibly give him a pleasant look?

"Ahem,