With Kakashi and Jiraiya around, there was little need to worry about their training.
So, after setting the general direction, he left the Three Little Ones in their care.
After returning to the Hokage's Office and discussing some village matters with Tsunade and Kurenai Yuhi, Uchiha Kazama headed to Orochimaru's laboratory.
As soon as Orochimaru learned that Kazama had arrived, he came out to meet him.
"Are the White Zetsu useful?"
Orochimaru's face was brimming with excitement.
It seemed his research had made some solid progress this time.
Otherwise, someone with Orochimaru's temperament would never have worn such a radiant smile.
"Yes."
"Very useful. These things are highly compatible with the First Hokage's cells."
"What's more, the cells have undergone some unusual changes inside their bodies. They seem capable of activating cells that were previously dormant."
"They can even begin proliferating on their own..."
Orochimaru brought out his research records. They covered some highly specialized subjects, and reading them gave Uchiha Kazama a headache.
Sure enough, some subjects were simply beyond him.
Even with the information right in front of him and someone explaining it, he still couldn't understand a thing.
Uchiha Kazama instinctively glanced at Konan.
Judging by her blank, bewildered expression, she was in the same boat. She understood every word individually, but put them together, and they made no sense...
"All right, Advisor Orochimaru."
"I came here to ask you something."
Uchiha Kazama interrupted Orochimaru's enthusiastic lecture and spoke calmly.
"Yes, go ahead."
Orochimaru quickly reined in his excitement and looked at Kazama.
"If I remember correctly, you've been to a sage land before, haven't you?"
"Ryūchi Cave."
Uchiha Kazama spoke slowly.
When Uchiha Kazama mentioned the Dragon Cave, Orochimaru's expression turned somewhat resigned.
"I have."
"And I passed every trial."
"Even Manda, the strongest summoning