One day, Orochimaru came to Xuanhui and said his new laboratory was ready. He wanted Xuanhui to come help tidy it up.
Guided by a masked Anbu ninja, the two arrived at a secluded spot on the eastern edge of the village.
Kumogakure lay east of Konoha, so Hiruzen Sarutobi had simply chosen a site in that direction for him.
After they set the passcode, the electronic door slid open with a ding.
The Anbu ninja stayed outside the laboratory, while only Orochimaru and Xuanhui entered.
It was spacious! There was enough room for almost ten cars.
The central lab bench held an impressive assortment of equipment. Various chemical instruments stood in the corners, and rows of biochemical tanks filled with green solution lined the walls.
The lights had adjustable brightness, the floor had a dust-removal system, and even the walls were made from special materials.
"They really went all out!"
Orochimaru looked around, his eyes filled with admiration and delight.
"There's nothing for us to tidy up. They've already done it all."
"Help me test the instruments and check for any defects.
The Hidden Cloud ninja are leaving tomorrow. If there's a problem, we have to report it before dinner today."
"Those Hidden Cloud ninja... they're leaving so soon?"
"Who knows what's going on with them? Maybe the Hidden Cloud Village is heading into a war too, and they've been urgently recalled."
Orochimaru plugged an instrument into an outlet.
"Go check that toolbox over there for anything missing or damaged."
The two began inspecting the equipment, but although Xuanhui was in the laboratory, his mind had already wandered elsewhere.
"Huh?"
Jiraiya was fishing with the three children when a Message Frog suddenly delivered a scroll.
"Lord Jiraiya, did something happen?"
Yahiko asked.
"Xuanhui says he has something else