"The Sound Four... and Kimimaro, too. It seems they all became rather fine stepping stones on your path to growth." There was not a trace of regret in his tone, only admiration for a brilliant experiment. "Their genetic data must have given you quite a few interesting points of reference, hasn't it? Hehehe..."
Faced with such undisguised malice, Toru Kujyo remained calm. He did not so much as twitch an eyebrow.
Orochimaru studied him with keen interest, his serpentine eyes seeming intent on dissecting him inside and out. "Truly fascinating. Your very existence is the perfect embodiment of the study of kekkei genkai."
He paced slowly, his raspy voice ringing especially clearly through the empty stone chamber.
"The Uzumaki Clan's immense chakra and vitality, rivaling those of a tailed beast, and the Senju Clan's unparalleled physical energy. Yours isn't mere inheritance of a bloodline, but some miraculous 'awakening across generations.' In you, I see echoes of two Hokage."
Orochimaru raised one finger, his golden pupils narrowing slightly.
"Your talent for ninjutsu, that endless stream of ingenious techniques, is every bit the equal of the esteemed Second Ho-ka-ge, Tobirama Senju, who established Konoha's ninjutsu system. And your most powerful trump card is something even I have dreamed of obtaining: the power of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju-Wood Release."
Listening from the side, Sasuke was shaken to his core. He knew Toru Kujyo was strong, but he had never imagined that someone as powerful as Orochimaru would place him on the same level as the First and Second Hokage!
Orochimaru continued his analysis, his tone growing increasingly fervent, like an explorer who had discovered a new continent.
"What surprises me most isn't that you possess Wood Release, but that you know how to 'hide' it. That takes more wisdom and patience than