Pale Moon Island, a riverside cottage.
Sasuke stayed by Itachi's bedside.
Orochimaru gave Itachi a thorough physical examination.
Sasuke asked, "How is Itachi's condition?"
Orochimaru said, "My special medicine has brought it under control for now, but to recover fully, he'll need the Sage Medicine personally prepared by the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave."
In his previous life, Sasuke had been a leading figure in the Shinobi World, so dealings with the sages had been inevitable.
His summoned beast, Aoda, was also one of Ryūchi Cave's resident snakes.
Thus, he had heard of Ryūchi Cave's "Sage Medicine."
Legend had it that the Sage Medicine could cure every stubborn ailment known to humankind. Not only did it cure illness upon taking effect, it could fundamentally improve one's constitution, ensuring that no disease would ever take hold.
So precious was this medicine that only one pill of Sage Medicine could be made every hundred years!
After searching his memories, Sasuke felt this might prove troublesome. "The White Snake Sage, huh? She doesn't seem particularly easy to talk to."
Orochimaru said, "Certainly not. Even when Kimimaro was terminally ill, I never considered asking her for medicine."
Sasuke's gaze was calm and resolute. "But whether I have to kneel or work myself to the bone, I'll ask her to grant us the medicine. If none of those methods work, I'll have to settle it by force..."
Orochimaru shook his head with a faint smile. "It shouldn't come to that. We need only cater to her tastes. Asking for medicine now would get us nowhere. Let me prepare a gift before we pay her a visit."
After three days of rest, Itachi could get out of bed and walk around.
That night, Orochimaru, Kabuto Yakushi, and Karin all tactfully withdrew.
Beneath the blue moonlight,