At the island base.
Shinnō invited Orochimaru and Hiruko inside the base to sit down, then had servants pour them tea.
Hiruko did not drink his tea. His gaze swept across the interior as he examined it closely.
Had he not seen it for himself, he would never have believed that such a base existed in the remote waters off the Shinobi World's mainland. Orochimaru truly could not be judged by ordinary standards.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes as he studied Shinnō's body, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Shinnō, it seems your Medical Ninjutsu has improved considerably again. You've thoroughly mastered the Eight Gates Released Formation by now, haven't you?"
Shinnō smiled. "It has indeed improved quite a bit. Have you come here for help this time, Orochimaru? If it's something I can do, just say the word."
With that, Shinnō patted his chest in assurance.
Shinnō owed Orochimaru quite a few favors. First, Orochimaru had helped him escape the pursuing Kumogakure ANBU. Later, he had given him the Eight Gates Released Formation, allowing him to establish himself.
"Shinnō, there are indeed a few things I need your help with..."
As he spoke, Orochimaru pointed at Hiruko beside him. "This fellow is badly injured. Only your medical Forbidden Technique can address it."
"He can resolve the problems in my body?" Hiruko looked disdainful.
Before he had undergone the Chimera fusion, Medical Ninjutsu could still have helped somewhat. That was also why he and Orochimaru had visited Tsunade half a year earlier.
But now that the Chimera fusion was complete, even Tsunade was helpless.
Tsunade was already one of the Shinobi World's finest medical Ninja. Calling her the best would hardly be an exaggeration. Could this old man possibly compare to her?
Hiruko made no attempt to hide his skepticism.