The Land of Fields.
Inside No. 3 Experimental Base in Otogakure.
"Brilliant... absolutely brilliant. To think someone could have researched the First's cells so thoroughly!"
After repeated instances of soul reincarnation, Orochimaru's soul and his host bodies had grown increasingly incompatible, leaving his face perpetually pale and sickly.
Yet now his eyes blazed as he stared feverishly at the cells beneath the microscope.
"Such perfect Hashirama cells. If there were enough, I could even transplant them directly into myself." Orochimaru murmured, lost in thought. "But this is too little. At most, they could improve my bodily functions slightly and alleviate a few ailments."
At that thought, a trace of anxiety entered Orochimaru's eyes. He could not help looking around, hoping another Origami Crane would fly in.
But even after a long wait, no Origami Crane appeared.
The more curious he grew about the cellular data, the more impatient he became. "Why hasn't another arrived? He used this ninjutsu to find me. He must want something."
Just as Orochimaru was growing frantic with anticipation...
The laboratory door was gently pushed open, and a capable-looking girl walked in. She had a cute hairstyle and regular, though unremarkable, features. Behind her glasses were intelligent, composed eyes.
Upon entering the Research Lab and finding Orochimaru there, the girl hurried over. "Lord Orochimaru, what are you doing here?"
Although phrased as a question, the girl's tone held a hint of reproach and warning.
"Kabuto, I've found something very interesting." Orochimaru waved a hand and smiled. "Such an intriguing person. I must invite him here if I get the chance."
As he spoke, Orochimaru gave an unnerving smile, then naturally extended his long tongue and licked his lips.
"Lord Orochimaru, you mustn't overwork yourself. You still haven't fully adjusted to your new body." As Kabuto Yakushi