With Gengetsu leading the way, he and Orochimaru soon arrived at Konoha's Ninjutsu Research and Development Department.
Many of the Konoha ninja busy working inside stopped what they were doing when they saw Gengetsu enter and bowed their heads respectfully.
But when they saw Orochimaru beside him, every one of them was astonished.
Still, seeing Orochimaru obediently following Gengetsu, none of the Konoha ninja dared ask any questions.
Gengetsu led Orochimaru into a spacious, brightly lit private laboratory at the very back.
"Orochimaru, this is the laboratory I prepared for you!"
At that, Orochimaru surveyed the equipment around him and was extremely satisfied. Then he stuck out his tongue, licked his lips, and asked hoarsely:
"Gengetsu, it's just the two of us now."
"Tell me! You went to all that trouble to drag me back from the Land of Fields. What ninjutsu do you want me to help you research?"
"A powerful A-rank ninjutsu? An S-rank ninjutsu capable of destroying heaven and earth? Or perhaps... some strictly forbidden technique?"
In Orochimaru's view, given the terrifying strength Gengetsu had displayed, ordinary ninjutsu would never catch his eye.
Anything that concerned the Fifth Hokage enough for him to personally travel to the Land of Fields and capture Orochimaru to research it had to be some immensely powerful killing technique, perhaps even one that defied all reason!
Yet in response to Orochimaru's curious questions, Gengetsu merely folded his arms and calmly shook his head.
"None of those."
"With my current strength, I have no need for anyone else to help me develop combat ninjutsu."
"What I want you to research this time is ninjutsu for everyday life."
"What!? Ninjutsu for everyday life!?"
Even with all his experience and knowledge, Orochimaru was so astonished by Gengetsu's words that he froze on the spot.
He