Inside the underground laboratory, cold white lights cast a pallid glow over the stone walls.
Tsunade stood in the center of the room. Six bodies, perfectly preserved in Sealing Scrolls, lay neatly arranged on the floor before her.
Orochimaru stood beside her, watching as the five bodies were unwrapped one by one.
His golden slit pupils gleamed with an unprecedented fervor.
"The Third Kazekage, the Third Mizukage, Chiyo, Yagura, and the Third Raikage A."
Orochimaru recited each name in his hoarse voice.
"With Hanzo, that makes six bodies of powerful shinobi you've collected."
Tsunade nodded. "The Six Paths require six bodies. I've already planned how to assign their abilities."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "You intend to use the Rinnegan's power to control these bodies?"
"Exactly."
Tsunade looked at him, her gaze calm.
"I need your help to complete this jutsu."
"I can't handle all of it alone. No one knows more about constructing jutsu formulas and chakra circuits than you."
Orochimaru did not answer immediately.
He looked down at the bodies, then back up at Tsunade's pale purple, ripple-patterned eyes.
He had always wanted to study the Rinnegan's abilities, but had never had the chance.
Now, not only was Tsunade willing to involve him, she had offered up six precious specimens so he could help create the Six Paths.
This was more than a collaboration. It was a gesture of unreserved trust.
Tsunade could have worked it out herself, slowly.
But she had chosen to bring Orochimaru into her most central, most secret project.
"...Interesting." Orochimaru's lips slowly spread into a grin. "Very interesting."
He crouched down and stroked the Third Raikage A's arm.
"How do you intend to use this body?"
Tsunade stepped forward and stood beside A's body.
"The Deva Path."
She extended a fingertip, gathering the Rinnegan's