The next morning, Hoshiyomi woke up early. After briefly explaining Kuugetsu's condition to Tsunade, he headed straight toward the Konoha Research Institute.
It had been three years since he last saw Orochimaru. Surely Orochimaru's various research projects must have made significant progress over these three years.
The above-ground facilities of the research institute hadn't changed much, but the foot traffic was noticeably heavier than three years ago.
The little gadgets Orochimaru had invented out of boredom were now becoming increasingly valued by the population of Konoha. The clearest example was the walkie-talkies—now standard issue for every member of the Konoha Patrol Corps.
With the introduction of the walkie-talkies, the patrol unit's efficiency had skyrocketed.
The higher-ups of Konoha weren't fools. After witnessing firsthand how useful the walkie-talkies were, Minato finally realized the true value of the research institute. Over the past three years, he had significantly increased its funding.
He'd even reassigned several high-IQ members of the Nara clan to help research ideas Orochimaru didn't have time for.
Avoiding the crowds with practiced ease, Hoshiyomi headed straight for Orochimaru's underground laboratory.
At the metal door, he entered the access code with familiar precision and slipped into the core laboratory area as the door opened.
No sooner had he stepped inside than a lively voice rang out:
"Hidden Shadow Snake Hands!"
Several brightly colored snakes shot out from the dark corners of the room, wrapping themselves around the "completely unguarded" Hoshiyomi.
Seeing that her attack had successfully subdued the intruder, a girl stepped out of the shadows, wearing a proud little smirk as she looked him up and down.
"You've got some nerve, sneaking in here like this. I don't know what strange trick you used to break in, but now that you've met me, Anko-sama, your infiltration ends here.
If you confess who sent you, I might let you suffer a little less. Otherwise… heh heh~"
As she spoke, Anko gave the snakes wrapped around Hoshiyomi's arm a tug, seemingly trying to pull him closer to inspect him.
But to her shock, despite her pull, the intruder didn't budge an inch.
Impossible.
The snakes used for Hidden Shadow Snake Hands were all special species genetically modified by Orochimaru-sensei. Their muscle contraction could drag iron blocks weighing hundreds of pounds.
How could they fail to move this guy?
Refusing to believe it, Anko yanked again.
Still no movement.
She instinctively looked up—and met the man's eyes staring directly at her.
What does that playful look mean? Is he looking down on Anko-sama?
Meanwhile, Hoshiyomi scanned the purple-haired girl in front of him and silently complained:
How did this adorable, energetic little loli turn into an auntie by the time Boruto rolled around? Kishimoto, you heartless man…
Seeing Anko preparing to make more hand seals, Hoshiyomi bent down slightly and pressed a large hand on top of her head, giving it a casual rub.
"Enough. I'm here to talk to your teacher. Hurry up and take me to him."
Being head-patted instantly ignited Anko's temper.
Everyone in Konoha knew Mitarashi Anko was the second 'Witch of Konoha' after Kushina—yet here she was, being treated like some child!
She slapped at his hand while snapping:
"You intruder! Don't push your luck. I'm warning you—if you don't let go, I'll have my snakes bite you!"
Just as Hoshiyomi was teasing Anko, another voice called out from deeper inside the lab—
"Anko, what are you chattering about over there? Orochimaru-sensei finally managed to get a full night's sleep today—are you trying to wake him up?"
Hearing the voice, Anko's eyes lit up. She quickly turned around and said:
"Kabuto, perfect timing! Help me out—someone is trying to kidnap me!"
Hoshiyomi's mouth twitched.
This kid really spews nonsense without blinking…
A boy around Anko's age walked down the corridor toward them—it was Yakushi Kabuto.
Kabuto had changed a lot since Hoshiyomi last saw him at the orphanage three years ago. He had grown much taller, his build clearly stronger. He was obviously receiving excellent training under Orochimaru.
His hair was also longer now—no longer the bowl cut from the orphanage, but tied back in a ponytail just like in the original story.
Kabuto was already well accustomed to Anko's exaggerations. And he had already seen the situation through the entrance camera; he recognized Hoshiyomi immediately.
Pushing up his glasses, he said helplessly:
"At least look at who you're talking to before making claims like that. Even assuming this lord did want to kidnap you—if he really intended to attack, you wouldn't still be standing here talking."
After scolding Anko, Kabuto turned and bowed respectfully to Hoshiyomi:
"It has been a long time, Lord Hoshiyomi."
Now that Kabuto had arrived, Hoshiyomi stopped teasing Anko. He rubbed her head one last time and lowered his voice with a smile:
"So? Have you figured out who I am now?"
The moment Anko heard the title "Lord Hoshiyomi," she froze in place.
Her mind filled with panicked thoughts:
Am I an idiot? How did I not recognize Lord Hoshiyomi? What was I thinking attacking him? What if he ends up hating me?
Hearing Hoshiyomi's question, Anko visibly trembled.
Even someone as thick-skinned as her felt fear now.
Forcing out an awkward smile, she whispered:
"L–Lord Hoshiyomi, I… I was just joking earlier. Please, please don't take it to heart…"
Only then did she realize the snakes she'd released were still wrapped around Hoshiyomi's wrist. She quickly recalled them, dispelling her Hidden Shadow Snake Hands technique.
Hoshiyomi found her reaction amusing. He flicked her lightly on the forehead and said:
"Alright, can you take me to see Orochimaru now?"
"Y-Yes! Please follow me!"
Orochimaru, having spent years living alongside snakes, had developed some of their habits as well.
With all the noise outside, he had already awakened long ago.
When Hoshiyomi entered, he found Orochimaru smiling warmly at him:
"It has been three years, Hoshiyomi-kun. I trust you've been well?"
Hoshiyomi was already used to Orochimaru's peculiar gaze. He smiled back calmly:
"Don't worry. The trouble I ran into in Rōran was minor. Once it was handled, I came back as soon as I could."
"I knew it. There is no place in this world capable of keeping you trapped, Hoshiyomi-kun."
"We can go over everything that happened in those three years later. Today, I came partly to let you know I'm safe… and partly to ask you how your research on the Mangekyō is progressing."