A dim laboratory.
Countless tubes connected to Kabuto's body, the points where they entered his flesh throbbing like hearts.
At the distant ends of those tubes were containers filled with liquid, preserving numerous experimental specimens.
Among them were Orochimaru's White Phosphorus Snake body, Tobitake Tonbo's nerves, and various bodily tissues from the day before yesterday.
"Since I have lost my target, then I will find a new one.
"Lord Orochimaru, everything you can do, I can do as well.
"Even what you cannot do, I can do. I have already surpassed you."
Kabuto felt his body changing rapidly, white scales appearing on his face.
Countless tiny nerves spread through his body.
Time passed.
A piece of news began spreading throughout the Shinobi World.
Orochimaru had been killed by Sasuke Uchiha, who was now releasing Orochimaru's test subjects.
It was those test subjects who spread the information.
The news shocked countless people as well.
That was Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin.
And he had actually been killed by some brat.
"Go on, go on. I knew you would not give up on that boy.
"I will not interfere, but make sure you tell him this: do not harbor any intentions harmful to Konoha.
"Otherwise, I will not stand by and do nothing."
At the training ground, Naruto learned the news as well. He immediately could not sit still and applied to Tsunade for the mission to find Sasuke and bring him back.
Tobitake Tonbo merely spread his hands and showed no intention of stopping him.
At that moment, the Shinobi World could be said to be stirring once again.
Orochimaru's death signaled that the hidden mastermind was about to emerge as well.
"Understood."
Naruto wore a capable expression.
He knew Tobitake Tonbo had never been set on bringing Sasuke