The Borderlands.
Orochimaru, Hiruko, and Sasori, three members of the Akatsuki, gathered together, preparing to head to the organization's base in the Land of Rain.
After exchanging cold glances, Hiruko and Sasori eyed Orochimaru warily.
During their attack on Sunagakure's jinchūriki sealing ceremony, both had suffered heavy losses. Sasori had lost most of his combat puppets, and his sole remaining Kazekage Human Puppet would take a great deal of time to repair.
Hiruko had forcibly fused with a summoning beast that had already undergone one fusion, nearly losing his consciousness forever and becoming a killing machine driven only by instinct.
Of course, that was also because they had fought with everything they had.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, had immediately chosen to flee once he realized he was outmatched.
After watching Sasori and Hiruko for a long while, Orochimaru broke the silence. "Was the One-Tail captured?"
The two exchanged glances and shook their heads. They did not know what had happened to the One-Tail either. Though they were reluctant to admit it, both had been on the losing side of that battle.
Just then, Orochimaru noticed the sleeping female ninja behind Hiruko and recognized her.
She was none other than Sunagakure's Hero Pakura. The fact that Pakura was in Hiruko's hands was proof enough that his strength had reached considerable heights, approaching the threshold of Kage level.
After a moment's thought, Orochimaru said, "Hiruko, it seems you've gained quite a prize this time. You want to assimilate the Scorch Release kekkei genkai, don't you? Give me some of her blood, and I can guarantee she'll survive until we reach the base..."
Orochimaru had some interest in the Scorch Release kekkei genkai as well. More importantly, he wanted to witness the power of Hiruko's Chimera Technique and see what he could