The White Snake Sage paid little mind to that. After a casual acknowledgment, she said to Orochimaru, "There's no need for formalities. I called you here today because there's something I need you to find a solution to! And when it comes down to it, this matter has something to do with you as well!"
Orochimaru was baffled. Something in Ryūchi Cave required his help? What could possibly have happened in Ryūchi Cave that they needed his help with?
"Please tell me, White Snake Sage! If it's within my power, I'll do everything I can!" Orochimaru put away the scalpel in his hand as he spoke to her.
The White Snake Sage then briefly explained the situation in Ryūchi Cave to Orochimaru.
Orochimaru turned around and looked at the mist-shrouded surroundings. When he first arrived, he had assumed the place was always like this!
He hadn't expected Hatake Ziyan to be responsible, but he wasn't surprised. After everything Hatake Ziyan had done in Konoha over the years, Orochimaru felt that nothing would surprise him as long as Hatake Ziyan was involved!
Too many inexplicable things had happened with Hatake Ziyan. He was already used to it!
Orochimaru looked at the mist. It was all natural energy! He had tried practicing Senjutsu himself, but had quickly failed.
"Orochimaru, do you have a way to resolve this? To wake Lord Ziyan?" the White Snake Sage asked.
Rather than answering, Orochimaru reached into the mist. He quickly pulled his hand back, but it was already too late. His right hand had begun turning to stone.
Alarmed, Orochimaru hurriedly used his unique Substitution Technique. His mouth opened wide, and two hands emerged from within, followed by a head.
Orochimaru crawled out of his own mouth, dripping wet! Still shaken, he patted his chest, then