Inside Orochimaru's hideout, Chinya met Kabuto Yakushi.
Hearing that Orochimaru had saved both Kabuto and Nonou Yakushi, and that Kabuto still followed Orochimaru, Chinya felt the wonder of fate.
After all these twists and turns, Kabuto still ended up following Orochimaru.
But this made Chinya realize something—fate didn't only change when he directly intervened. Changing someone else's destiny would also create a chain reaction.
Just like now. Chinya hadn't even paid attention to Kabuto, yet Orochimaru had not only maintained contact with him but also saved Nonou Yakushi.
And for Kabuto, Nonou's importance went without saying.
To Kabuto, Nonou had always been crucial, like his own mother.
In the previous timeline, it was because Nonou—who could only learn about Kabuto's growth through photos—failed to recognize her killer as Kabuto, asking him twice who he was before dying. That moment caused Kabuto to doubt himself, making him feel he'd lost his purpose in life.
From that point on, Kabuto was consumed by the search for his true self. He imitated Orochimaru's path of existence, wanting to use others to disguise himself while exploring the truth of the world.
However, doing so only made Kabuto's sense of self more blurred, causing him to lose sight of his true identity.
Now, however, Nonou had not died but instead stayed together with Kabuto in Otogakure. The current Kabuto probably wouldn't lose himself anymore.
Chinya asked, "Is the woman who raised you—the one we call Headmistress—also in the base?"
Kabuto smiled gently and replied, "The Headmistress has no interest in research. Since she's skilled in Medical Ninjutsu, she currently works as a medical ninja in Otogakure, treating injured people and teaching a group of children how to use Medical Ninjutsu."
Chinya smiled warmly at Kabuto and said, "I see. That's great then. You and your Headmistress have both found what you want to do. So just stay peacefully in Otogakure."
Nodding, Kabuto said, "Yes. Without Lord Orochimaru, perhaps the Headmistress and I would already be dead. It was Orochimaru who gave us new life and provided us with a new home. That is why I will repay him, repay Otogakure. Anyone who dares to destroy this will not escape my wrath!"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his eyes burning with resolve.
Chinya patted Kabuto's shoulder and said, "Kabuto, once you're strong enough, follow Lord Orochimaru's example and join our Xiao organization too."
Kabuto looked genuinely surprised. "Even someone like me can join?"
Chinya nodded with a smile. "Of course. I have high hopes for you, so work hard, Kabuto. Now, take me to meet Lord Orochimaru."
Yahiko said to Chinya, "Since Kabuto will accompany you there, I'll head back first."
Yahiko and Orochimaru couldn't have been more different in personality. Orochimaru was barely ever seen speaking, and seemed entirely indifferent to anything outside his research.
Therefore, whenever they were together, Yahiko and Orochimaru usually just sat in awkward silence, glaring at each other.
Later, when Chinya talks with Orochimaru, Yahiko will definitely just sit there bored anyway. He might as well sneak off and hang out with Pakura and the others.
Chinya didn't bother stopping Yahiko. "Alright then, I'll find you guys later."
After Yahiko left, Kabuto Yakushi led Chinya to the front of a laboratory.
"Lord Orochimaru, Lord Chinya has arrived."
Not long after, the door creaked open. Orochimaru looked unusually young—standing beside Chinya, he appeared to be around his age.
Kabuto knew that Chinya and Orochimaru would surely have many sensitive things to discuss, so he left.
Chinya and Orochimaru entered the lab.
Inside the laboratory were numerous bottles and jars. On one of the lab tables was a lizard that had actually grown fur. It seemed Orochimaru was now researching genetic modification technology.
Chinya curiously asked, "Teacher Orochimaru, have you already used your [Living Corpse Reincarnation]?"
Orochimaru slightly curled his lips. "Yes, after modifying that White Zetsu body, I used [Living Corpse Reincarnation] to perform a [Consciousness Transfer] into the modified White Zetsu. This body suits my spirit well enough, but there are still some shortcomings.
Thanks to several of these White Zetsu bodies, my research progress has accelerated significantly, saving me plenty of time and effort.
Since you've come to Otogakure, it means all matters in Konoha have been settled, correct?"
Chinya nodded. "That's right. For now, everything that needed handling is done. I allied with Itachi Uchiha and Obito Uchiha to kill some members of the Uchiha Clan. By now, Hiruzen Sarutobi should have put those surviving Uchiha under control. As for Itachi, he has already joined Akatsuki.
Kakashi remained in Konoha to help look after Neji and Naruto. After that, we just need to wait for Neji's plan to succeed and for Naruto to fully mature."
Hearing mention of Neji and Naruto, Orochimaru questioned, "You mean that apprentice of yours and Miyuki's child?"
Chinya nodded. "Exactly. If Neji succeeds, Otogakure will welcome a group of Hyuga members, allowing them to reestablish the Hyuga Clan within our village."
Orochimaru frowned slightly, but soon relaxed into a smile. "Now our Otogakure has Jinchuriki, and in the future, ninja clans will join us too. Plus, we lack no [Secret Techniques]. The development prospects for Otogakure seem quite promising indeed."
Chinya agreed. "Indeed. However, great risks accompany this potential. By then, we won't be able to conceal our intelligence inside Otogakure anymore—we must first face pressure coming from Konoha.
Miyuki, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki; Teacher Orochimaru, with your presence; plus Neji's Hyuga Clan and myself—if Hiruzen Sarutobi has any restraint left, external pressures within Konoha will force him to dispatch ninja forces to attack Otogakure.
Once other ninja villages learn of this information, they will undoubtedly covet Otogakure too. In their eyes, Otogakure is merely an insignificant small village. A tiny village possessing so many Kekkei Genkai bearers, [Secret Techniques], and Jinchuriki will certainly become tempting—a real hot commodity."
Orochimaru narrowed his serpentine eyes and said, "It wasn't easy finding a place where I could finally do real research. I won't let them mess it up for me."
"Come to think of it, about that research..."
Chinya performed the Summoning Jutsu. A giant snake appeared and spat out ten White Zetsus from its belly.
"I figured Teacher Orochimaru must've nearly used up all your five White Zetsus, so I forcefully took ten from Zetsu."
Looking at the ten slimy White Zetsus sprawled on the ground, even the ever-stoic Orochimaru couldn't hide a flicker of delight.
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