Orochimaru sensed Hiruzen Sarutobi approaching and, after a moment's thought, realized Uchiha Yin must have arranged this.
He kept his composure and waited for Hiruzen Sarutobi to come in.
Even as he waited, Orochimaru's hands never stopped working.
As soon as Hiruzen Sarutobi entered, he saw all kinds of containers lining both walls. They were filled with animal bodies, making for a deeply unsettling sight.
Even the Third, who had survived piles of corpses, felt a chill run down his spine.
He couldn't help wondering how Orochimaru had managed to stay here alone all this time.
He walked farther in and found Orochimaru busy at work in the innermost room.
"Orochimaru, have you come up with a reason?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked around the laboratory as though he were sightseeing, casually inspecting the glass tanks as he asked.
Orochimaru put on a startled expression. "You came here to discuss that with me?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked as though the answer were obvious. "What else? That kid Uchiha Yin only told me to find a chance to make you defect. He never told me what reason to use!"
Orochimaru stared at the Third Hokage, utterly speechless.
Hiruzen Sarutobi turned and caught Orochimaru's hesitant expression. He chuckled. "If you can't think of anything, let's go ask Yin."
He made as if to leave, looking ready to find Uchiha Yin that very moment.
Orochimaru was stunned. When had the Third Hokage become so shameless?
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi about to walk out, Orochimaru called after him helplessly. "Lord Hokage, please wait."
The Third Hokage turned right back without a moment's hesitation.
He looked at Orochimaru expectantly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew perfectly well why Orochimaru had given in: he admired Uchiha Yin.
Whenever Uchiha Yin gave him a task, Orochimaru wanted to do it well.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had