Tobirama Senju and Madara Uchiha spoke outside for a while before returning to the inner room.
As they entered, they saw Orochimaru's still-small figure from behind, his back much straighter than before.
He knelt properly on the cushion opposite Yanbai, facing him across a tea table and tea set. Steam rose from the yellow-green liquid in the cups.
Tobirama Senju and Madara Uchiha exchanged a glance in unison.
They walked forward silently.
Orochimaru was carefully handling a tea set and tray that had not been there before they left, pouring tea for Yanbai with respectful precision.
Clearly, something had happened here during the two men's brief absence.
At that moment, Yanbai looked like a loving, beautiful mother, while Orochimaru looked like an obedient, sensible son.
The wild thoughts from earlier flooded Madara Uchiha's mind again.
Madara Uchiha could no longer face the word "son."
Smiling, Yanbai lifted his teacup and caught sight of Tobirama Senju and Madara Uchiha returning out of the corner of his eye.
Yanbai suddenly said, "You're back? Madara, come into the Dōjutsu world with me."
As he spoke, Yanbai's pupils suddenly changed shape.
Madara Uchiha remained silent and did not resist. The instant their eyes met, his pupils took on the same form as Yanbai's.
Only Tobirama Senju watched in utter bewilderment. He had intended to speak to Orochimaru, only to discover that Orochimaru was now in exactly the same state as Madara Uchiha.
Surprised, Tobirama Senju looked at Madara Uchiha, who stood motionless, then at Orochimaru, who sat upright on his cushion.
Tobirama Senju understood. Yanbai had pulled both the adult and the child into his Dōjutsu Space.
As for what would happen between them, Tobirama Senju had no idea.
Tobirama Senju was deeply puzzled. All he had asked was for Yanbai to give Orochimaru