Inside Orochimaru's base.
"Ah!!!"
Orochimaru sat on a hospital bed, letting out chilling screams.
"My hands!"
Orochimaru howled, and the attendant beside him was extremely nervous.
"Lord Orochimaru, are you all right? Please take your medicine."
The attendant held out the medicine as he spoke to Orochimaru.
But Orochimaru was in such agony that he was in no mood to take medicine.
In the blink of an eye, Orochimaru killed the attendant!
Orochimaru panted from the pain. The attendant's blood covered much of the blanket and floor.
"Alas, do I have to clean the room as soon as I get back? Please take your medicine properly."
Kabuto Yakushi opened the door and spoke helplessly at the sight of the mess.
"I don't need medicine that only offers comfort."
Orochimaru spoke disdainfully.
"I formulated this medicine myself. It should at least ease the pain somewhat."
Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses as he spoke.
"My hands hurt as though they're burning. I never thought the pain would be this severe."
Orochimaru spoke.
"Because these are the cursed wounds Sarutobi-the Third Hokage-left behind before he died..."
Kabuto Yakushi spoke.
"Enough nonsense. Have you found that person?"
Orochimaru interrupted what Kabuto Yakushi was about to say.
"Yes. I heard she's in a place called Tanzaku Town."
Kabuto Yakushi replied.
"Tanzaku Town? Is that so..."
A smile finally appeared on Orochimaru's lips.
"But she is one of the legendary Sannin, after all. It won't be so easy to get what we want."
Kabuto Yakushi spoke with concern.
"Good medicine always tastes bitter."
Orochimaru offered this cryptic remark.
Unlike the gloom of Orochimaru's base, things were much sunnier where Naruto and Jiraiya were.
"Oh, right, Naruto. Want to try something?"
Jiraiya asked.
"What?"
"Hold out your right hand."
Naruto did as Jiraiya said, and Jiraiya drew