After a brief silence, cheers erupted in the Laboratory, loud enough to blow the roof off.
Tears filled the researchers' eyes. Too overwhelmed to express their joy, they pressed their hands over their racing hearts and crowded closer, their faces flushed. They clearly wanted to touch this magnificent creation, but Orochimaru glared each of them back.
Researchers were generally calm and objective, their minds brimming with imaginative ideas tinged with obsession and madness. Clearly, however, this tremendous success had completely shattered their usual composure.
Orochimaru was no exception. Having just shed his human state, he wore an exaggerated grin, though he soon calmed down. Of course, his subordinates' overly fervent gazes were part of the reason.
"You, go inform Lord Hokage that Black Zetsu is attacking."
"Black Zetsu Special Operations Team, take your weapons and detectors and provide combat support. This time, we must make Black Zetsu witness the power of science!"
"Barrier Team, raise Konoha's barrier to its highest level. Keep Black Zetsu here, whatever the cost."
"Everyone else, follow my instructions and record all my current physical data. We have a battle to fight, but the experiments must not stop. We'll continue our research! Improve the conditions for achieving immortality and its success rate!"
Orochimaru issued his orders one after another. Everyone left to carry them out, their eyes blazing with a fervor that was on the verge of becoming faith.
Lord Orochimaru truly was a godlike being. To complete such an incredible experiment through his own efforts alone-he really was someone they could only look up to in awe.
The Konoha Office Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his brows. The densely packed writing before him seemed like ants crawling across the page.
He leaned back and massaged his brow, feeling that the room was unusually stuffy.
He