"Why did you save me?"
Kimimaro sat on the ground, having lost all desire to fight.
Zhou Cheng had saved his life, too.
He could not bring himself to fight his benefactor.
Zhou Cheng patted his shoulder and sat down beside him.
"Don't thank me just yet. First, check how your bloodline disease is doing!"
"I'm not sure it worked myself!"
Kimimaro nodded, then closed his eyes, quietly examining his condition.
Before long, he opened his eyes. There was joy in them, but nothing like wild elation.
Zhou Cheng frowned slightly. Could Yang Release not cure bloodline diseases?
"Although my bloodline disease hasn't been completely cured..."
"My body, which the disease had ravaged, has returned to its original, healthiest state."
"That means I can live a few more years!"
"I can do even more for Lord Orochimaru."
Zhou Cheng stood up, then turned and pulled Kimimaro to his feet.
"I healed you, and you still want to work for Orochimaru?"
"In that case, you can go die!"
"Of course I had a reason for saving you."
"But it certainly wasn't to let you go back and keep helping Orochimaru."
Zhou Cheng raised his hand. A Chakra Blade instantly appeared, pointing at Kimimaro.
"As long as I stay alive and treat you regularly, you won't be able to die even if you want to."
"If you're going to follow Orochimaru, I'll cut you down right now!"
Kimimaro remained silent for a long time. Zhou Cheng did not interrupt him, letting him think it through.
"Orochimaru has never considered any of you his own. In his eyes, everyone except himself is expendable."
"That includes Sasuke, of course."
Hesitation appeared in Kimimaro's eyes.
Zhou Cheng knew this was a sign that his convictions were beginning to crumble.
"You've seen my strength."
"I created