Yet everything Lie Yang had said rested on subjective insights that were difficult to verify.
There were no clear technique formulas.
No fixed patterns for circulating chakra.
And no results that could be immediately reproduced.
"I find it difficult to understand."
Orochimaru made no attempt to hide his exhaustion.
"These theories rely too heavily on insight."
"I need to return to a quiet environment and dissect every sentence again."
"I'll also need to work through them repeatedly in light of my own research."
"Otherwise, even if I understand them now, before long they'll become a heap of vague concepts I can't put to use."
Days of uninterrupted conversation had already pushed his mind to its limits.
His physical injuries were nothing by comparison.
What truly exhausted him was the way Lie Yang kept overturning everything he thought he knew.
One new question after another struck his established framework like a sledgehammer.
Orochimaru had to reorganize all his research.
"You're right."
Lie Yang nodded.
"Anyone else would have had their entire worldview collapse after learning the truth about the Chakra Seed's parasitism."
"They would instinctively reject it."
"They would deny it."
"They would dismiss anything they couldn't understand as wrong."
"The fact that you can still keep thinking says enough."
After hearing that, some of the weariness faded from Orochimaru's face.
"Then I'll see you in three days."
"Fine."
Orochimaru turned toward the small boat by the shore.
His steps were still somewhat unsteady, but much steadier than before.
"I'm going to see Zetsu next."
He looked back at Lie Yang.
"To retrieve the Akatsuki Organization's ring."
"I'll give it to you in three days."
"Will Zetsu come with you?"
"No."
Orochimaru gave a cold laugh.
"He fears you."
"After you saw through him last time, he wouldn't dare appear before