Toru Kujyo spread his hands, showing a hint of "regret." "That, I don't know. Their homeland, the Land of Whirlpools, was destroyed long ago, and that's where the scroll's records end. Maybe the mask was lost somewhere when the country fell. Maybe some lucky soul picked it up. Who knows?"
He had cast out a tantalizing bait of hope, only to cut the line.
Orochimaru stared hard at him, seemingly weighing the truth of his words. After a long while, a faint smile forced its way onto his gloomy face. Though Toru Kujyo claimed not to know, he had undoubtedly given him a clear direction to investigate-find the Uzumaki Clan's ruins, and find this so-called Shinigami Mask!
A direction was all he needed.
"Very interesting information." Orochimaru's gaze slowly shifted from Toru Kujyo's face to the Metal Combination Lockbox in his hand. "Now, let's talk about this. As far as I know, nowhere but Konoha's top-secret archives could possibly hold Hashirama cells this pure. How did you obtain them?"
His tone turned playful, with a probing edge. "First you produced a White Zetsu Clone, and now Hashirama cells. Zetsu himself is a product of Hashirama cells. To be honest, I'm beginning to wonder whether you're another clone of his, or perhaps... a special individual he created using Hashirama cells?"
The question was sharp and direct, almost brushing against the truth.
Sasuke's heart tightened as well. He was just as curious about Toru Kujyo's origins. The man was a mystery, appearing out of nowhere yet possessing power and resources that shocked even Orochimaru.
Yet Toru Kujyo gave a soft laugh at the question, a trace of disdain and mockery in the sound.
"Orochimaru, your imagination is as limited as ever. Comparing me to that thing that's neither human nor ghost isn't