Gengetsu's sudden arrival filled Orochimaru with excitement, but also wariness.
Orochimaru knew perfectly well that he had engaged in extensive secret cooperation with that old man, Shimura Danzō.
He had once combined Sharingan with cells from the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, to create a Wood Release arm studded with Sharingan for Danzo!
Orochimaru was afraid that Uchiha Gengetsu had come storming into Otogakure alone specifically to settle the score with him over Danzo's arm!
Given the terrifying fighting prowess Gengetsu had displayed on the battlefield in the Land of Lightning, if a fight broke out here, the base he had worked so hard to establish would probably be completely destroyed today.
Still, no matter what, his deep-seated greed for the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release ultimately outweighed his apprehension.
Orochimaru casually pulled off his bloodstained white gloves and tossed them onto the table, then strode over and pushed open the laboratory doors.
"Come! I'll go meet him!"
At the entrance to Otogakure.
Gengetsu and Yugito Nii stood where they were and did not wait long.
Orochimaru soon walked out slowly, surrounded by several Sound Ninja officers.
The dozen or so Sound Ninja nearby, who had still been trembling with fear, seemed to find their pillar of support the moment they saw Orochimaru. They all respectfully lowered their heads and bowed.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
Orochimaru waved a hand, signaling his subordinates to step back, then walked over and stopped a little over ten meters away from Gengetsu.
Orochimaru raised his head, his slit pupils fixed on Gengetsu before him. An amused smile appeared on his face as he spoke in a hoarse voice.
"Hehehe... I never imagined that the esteemed Fifth Hokage of Konoha would personally visit my little remote, humble village."
At that, Orochimaru's gaze shifted slightly and settled