After watching the movie several times, Orochimaru eventually returned to the Land of Rice Fields.
He needed to gather information and confirm Takumi's current location.
Moreover, the spies he had placed in Konoha seemed to require a thorough investigation.
The intelligence they provided him turned out to be wrong.
How could he tolerate that?
Shinobi warfare is intelligence warfare.
Incorrect information is a serious crime!
But thinking about how he had been out for so long without encountering Takumi, he was extremely frustrated.
The more he thought about it, the worse he felt.
His physical condition also deteriorated.
He coughed incessantly.
"Orochimaru-sama, it's time to take your medicine."
Kabuto said worriedly as he brought the medicine.
This was a medicine developed by Orochimaru himself to stabilize the soul.
Otherwise, he would not have been able to hold on much longer.
But even so, the time he had left was not much.
"Mm, cough, cough."
Orochimaru took the medicine. He wasn't worried about Kabuto harming him.
And he knew the taste and effects of the medicine intimately.
He would know immediately upon tasting it if the medicine was correct.
After drinking it, his condition improved significantly.
"Orochimaru-sama, let me go again."
Kimimaro suddenly spoke.
Although he didn't really want to lay hands on Takumi, after all, Takumi had saved his life,
Watching Orochimaru suffer like this pained him deeply.
If possible, he would even offer his own body.
But Orochimaru didn't want it.
Orochimaru was fixated on Takumi's body.
The only way he could help Orochimaru was by bringing Takumi back.
"..."
"I understand your feelings."
Orochimaru waved his hand. "But you can't do it, Kimimaro."
Last time, he had gone recklessly and not only failed but ended up being saved by the enemy.
Such a performance had even disappointed Orochimaru somewhat.
But admittedly, without his hereditary disease, Kimimaro's strength had increased considerably.
At the very least, he could use his Kekkei Genkai freely in battle without fear of succumbing to illness.
However, having witnessed Takumi's power, Orochimaru no longer valued Kimimaro's body.
He now sincerely desired to obtain Takumi's body.
"Hey, snake charmer."
The taciturn Third Raikage suddenly spoke up. "When do you plan to make a move?"
"It's been a long time since I was resurrected. Just sitting around doing nothing every day is too boring."
"Also, your intelligence network is utterly terrible. You can't even locate the enemy. It's laughable."
"I heard you were once a commander in Konoha's military forces. It seems Konoha has truly fallen."
When the Third Raikage didn't speak, it was fine, but when he did, it was a barrage of sharp words.
And relying on his immortal body, he completely disregarded Orochimaru's feelings.
Anyway, he was forcefully resurrected, and he wasn't particularly eager to be revived.
His life had been heroic and magnificent; he had few regrets needing resurrection to fix.
"... ..."
The corner of Orochimaru's mouth twitched, but considering the Third Raikage's age and status, he had to admit the man had the right to speak.
But having the right was one thing; the initiative currently lay with Orochimaru.
"Hmph! It seems I've been too lenient with you."
Orochimaru snorted coldly. Having just taken his medicine, he looked somewhat better and wouldn't cough after every few words.
He formed a hand seal, and instantly, the Third Raikage stood up involuntarily, ramrod straight.
The light in his eyes vanished, replaced by complete blackness.
Orochimaru had directly imprisoned the Third Raikage's consciousness, preventing him from controlling his body.
At that moment, his body became his prison. Trapped inside, he could do nothing but watch Orochimaru make his body do humiliating things.
Like,
Standing on his head to defecate, or something.
Although somewhat vulgar, it was extremely effective at crushing the pride of someone like the Third Raikage.
At least, the Third Raikage quickly pleaded for mercy.
He was the esteemed Third Raikage. If anyone found out he had done such things, it would disgrace not only him but the entire Kumogakure.
As Raikage, he absolutely could not let that happen.
So, for the sake of the village's honor,
He had to sacrifice his own.
But this also caused the Third Raikage to harbor deep resentment towards Orochimaru.
Unfortunately, with his body controlled, he had to compromise.
Besides, his earlier outburst also had its own considerations.
Currently under Orochimaru's control, returning to Kumogakure was impossible.
But as Raikage, he still wanted to contribute to Kumogakure.
Having recently observed Konoha's Takumi, young but with formidable strength,
He might as well clear an obstacle for Kumogakure.
And it would also annoy Orochimaru.
You want that Takumi's body, don't you?
I'll just shatter it completely this time!
See if you still want it then!
With his titles of the Strongest Shield and Strongest Spear, combined with his current immortal body, the Third Raikage was bursting with confidence.
Having taught the Third Raikage a lesson, Orochimaru's mood improved considerably.
His mind also became much clearer.
The Third Raikage's words got him thinking.
"Perhaps this is an opportunity."
He thought, then stood up and said, "Kabuto, let's go. To Konoha."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama."
Kabuto bowed his head in agreement without any objection.
"I estimate Takumi has just recently returned to the village. This is the time of relaxation after completing a mission. This is our chance."
The more Orochimaru thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. They even needed to move quickly to avoid missing the opportunity.
"Orochimaru-sama is wise."
Kabuto slightly bowed, praising him.
"Hehehe, Takumi-kun, you won't escape my grasp this time."
An evil smile appeared on Orochimaru's face.
The dim light in the room flickered across his face, making him look even more sinister.
"Mm~"
Stretching comfortably, Takumi stood by the window, basking in the sunlight.
His mood was excellent.
Especially after seeing the large crowds watching the movie yesterday, his heart was practically jumping for joy.
The reason was simple.
The director had promised him a share of the profits based on his performance.
The more the movie was shown, and the longer it ran, the more money he would make.
How could he not be happy?
"I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. Want to go see it together?"
"Hmph! Don't think I don't know what you acted in! What's the deal with you and those women in the movie? Was that method acting, or was it real?"
Kurenai suddenly arched her brows and began to scold him.
"What do you mean, real?"
Takumi put on an innocent face.
To be honest, those scenes were all filmed as they happened; there was no room for scripting.
So there was no such thing as acting or not acting.
It was all real!
"Hmph, don't think I can't tell. When you were fighting those enemies, those young girls beside you almost had their eyes popping out, staring at you! Tell me, did something happen between you and them? Weren't we supposed to be each other's angels?"
Kurenai used force, pinching Takumi's waist hard.
Takumi looked utterly innocent: "Oh dear, we didn't do much, just did what comes naturally."
"Really?"
"Of course."
Kurenai let go, and Takumi rubbed his waist.
'Wow.'
'Is she learning from Tsunade now?'
'One strong-willed woman in the house is enough!'
"Don't be angry. Even if my heart might be shattered into countless pieces, the biggest piece will always belong to you."
Seeing Kurenai angrily hugging her waist and sulking, Takumi couldn't help but comfort her.
"Hmph, you know, you've been on so many missions lately without taking me. You're leaving me here lonely to death."
Saying this, Kurenai threw herself into Takumi's arms, pounding his chest with her fists.
Thump, thump, thump~
If Takumi weren't so strong, an ordinary person beaten like this would probably have internal bleeding by now.
"Alright, alright. Tonight, I won't go anywhere. I'll stay home with you, okay?"
Takumi quietly made the promise.
Only then did Kurenai force a smile.
"Really?"
"Of course."
With that, Takumi turned off the light and pulled up the covers...