Outside the operating room.
Shinji looked at Shisui. "How do you feel?"
Shisui clenched and unclenched his fists in astonishment, feeling the surging strength within him and the inexplicable surge in his chakra and ocular power.
He felt as though he were dreaming.
Orochimaru folded his arms into his sleeves and smiled without a word.
After a long while,
Shisui finally looked up, dazed. "I can't believe it... That something like this is possible. It's incredible!"
Shinji patted Shisui's shoulder and tipped his chin toward the cave entrance. "Want to try it out?"
Shisui froze.
Fighting spirit blazed across his face.
"Yes!!!"
Shinji smiled knowingly and turned to Orochimaru. "I'll leave these three children to you. I'm going to see what Shisui can do."
"Rest assured, Shinji," Orochimaru said with a smile and a nod.
"Good."
Shinji had taken only a couple of steps with an arm around Shisui when he stopped. "Right. Where's Kabuto Yakushi?"
Orochimaru paused.
That was true.
Where was Kabuto Yakushi?
Whenever there was an experiment, Kabuto was invariably at his side to help. Without exception.
But today...
Orochimaru lowered his head in thought. "Perhaps he's in the village. He..."
"No, he isn't."
Shinji looked back at Orochimaru. "Kabuto works for you, and you know what he's capable of. I hope you'll keep a closer eye on your subordinates. Otherwise, it would be unfortunate if something unexpected happened later."
Orochimaru's heart sank.
Every move Kabuto had made, every expression he had worn, flashed through Orochimaru's mind...
His face grew stern. "Shinji, I understand!"
"Good. I trust you to handle it."
With that, Shinji walked over to Karin and Yakumo, crouched down, and patted both girls on the head.
"How are you two? Scared?"
Kurama Yakumo bit her lip and looked at Shinji. "With you here, Master,