Kakashi's Request

Deep in a remote mountain range, a damp cave lay hidden among the peaks. The air was thick with the smell of herbs and a faint trace of mildew.

A few dim oil lamps cast wavering, ghostly shadows across the rock walls.

At the center of the cave, Orochimaru leaned weakly against a crude bed. His pale skin looked grayer than ever, and his golden snake eyes had lost their usual sharpness, their gaze unfocused.

In his fight to the death with his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Reaper Death Seal had dealt another heavy blow to his soul, already fragile from repeated reincarnations.

He could clearly feel this body failing fast. It probably would not last more than a few years.

Kabuto Yakushi held a bowl of steaming black medicine and carefully spooned it to Orochimaru's lips.

His movements were practiced and respectful, but a trace of worry lurked behind his glasses.

"Cough, cough..." Orochimaru swallowed the bitter medicine, his throat rasping like a broken bellows.

He struggled to lift his eyelids and looked at Kabuto Yakushi. "Kabuto, have you made all the arrangements for the task I gave you?"

"Rest assured, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto Yakushi said in his usual steady voice. "All the bait and clues are in place."

"With Sasuke Uchiha's hunger for power and hatred of Konoha, he will come. It's only a matter of time."

"Mm." Orochimaru nodded faintly. The stern face of a black-haired boy appeared in his mind.

Sasuke Uchiha. Those Sharingan eyes held immense power, and that young body had so much potential. It was the new vessel Orochimaru had dreamed of.

"After all, he has a blood feud with Konoha. It would only be natural for him to come to me."

He paused, then turned a searching gaze on Kabuto Yakushi. His