"Konoha…?"
For a brief moment, Orochimaru's smile twisted into something unsettling enough to make Uchiha Yoru tense. Then, just as quickly, the expression vanished.
"They're already rotting," Orochimaru said calmly. "Authority only matters when backed by strength. And by time. If Hiruzen-sensei were ten years younger, would any of this even be a question?"
Yoru understood the first half.
The second made his spine tighten.
So Orochimaru had already reached this conclusion.
The battlefield had taught him how fragile life was. Watching the Third Hokage age, shifting from a warrior to a political balancer, had only reinforced it. Power faded. Bodies failed. Influence decayed.
No wonder Orochimaru's later research would revolve around survival itself.
Yoru kept his expression neutral and said instead, "The clan council believes the Sarutobi faction is preparing to push Sarutobi Shinnosuke as the Fifth Hokage."
For the first time, Orochimaru's pupils contracted.
It was subtle. But it was real.
Still, he masked it with a scoff.
"Shinnosuke isn't worth worrying about."
The confidence wasn't empty bravado. Orochimaru had proven himself in two wars. His reputation, his strength, and his network all eclipsed any single political heir.
Since the Fourth Hokage's death, many who once hesitated had quietly moved closer to Orochimaru. The so-called Hokage loyalists were little more than families clinging to their existing privileges.
Yoru continued, deliberately casual. "The moment you returned from the border, information leaked. The frontier has started to destabilize again."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
"The shinobi world never lacks conflict," he said softly. "It will settle again. It always does."
He spoke with absolute certainty. While others scrambled for balance, Orochimaru was content to wait. This was the perfect window to focus on what truly mattered to him.
Research.
Longevity.
Transcendence.
Watching him, Yoru felt a flicker of unease. Orochimaru's confidence wasn't misplaced. But it was precisely that confidence that blinded him to how ruthless Konoha's leadership could become.
They would sacrifice anything for stability.
Even a Sannin.
"Orochimaru-sensei," Yoru said, changing course, "the Military Police detention facilities can discreetly provide test subjects. All you need to do is ask."
That finally earned a genuine reaction.
Orochimaru's smile widened.
"Then I'll be relying on you, Yoru."
Live shinobi were invaluable for research. Outside the village, targets were plentiful. Inside Konoha, it was dangerous. But prisoners dying in custody? That barely raised eyebrows.
At that moment, a masked figure entered the lab and knelt.
"Orochimaru-sama."
Yoru studied the newcomer. A Root operative. The mask was animal-shaped, patterned in muted red and green.
Orochimaru's gaze sharpened instantly.
"Ah. Kinoe," he said pleasantly. "Perfect timing. Lie down."
Without hesitation, the operative complied.
Orochimaru's attention became almost reverent, as though he were examining a priceless artifact rather than a living person.
Yoru finally understood.
This wasn't cruelty.
This was fixation.
"Orochimaru-sensei?" Yoru said carefully.
"This is Subject Kinoe," Orochimaru replied, voice alight with excitement. "An unexpected success. A functional Wood Release compatibility subject."
Yoru nodded and moved to the side, preparing the documentation.
"Yes, sensei."
He had already chosen this path.
And unlike others, he wouldn't flinch halfway through.
Orochimaru began the procedure with practiced ease, recording data, drawing blood, monitoring responses. To him, the numbers were beautiful.
To Yoru, they were necessary.