Meanwhile-
In the Summoning Realm-
Charles was meeting with Kabuto, listening to his reports and the five 084 items he had brought.
After Kabuto reported the Sound Ninja's recent developments and its collaboration with HYDRA, Charles finally spoke:
"Kabuto, the idea of assimilating HYDRA's resources is excellent. From what I understand, HYDRA's days are numbered."
"This is a prime opportunity to acquire a large portion of HYDRA's assets and resources."
"But be careful to avoid revealing any connection to HYDRA to the outside world."
Charles knew that Thor had returned, and with HYDRA's exposure, the Avengers would mobilize to eliminate HYDRA's bases.
He didn't want Thor and the others attacking the Sound Ninja by mistake.
Though he didn't worry about Orochimaru's ability to survive, Kimimaro and the Sound Four could be in danger.
Kabuto nodded and said, "Lord Charles, we'll take these precautions."
"And based on your information, only Pierce's S.H.I.E.L.D. faction of HYDRA is exposed. There are other HYDRA branches that remain unaffected."
Charles nodded thoughtfully, "Hopefully, only Pierce's faction will be exposed when the time comes."
"Meanwhile, speed up the extraction of the 084 items, especially for Orochimaru's Yamata no Orochi form."
"With enough energy gathered, it should be possible to retrieve it from the river of time." Charles offered words of encouragement.
Orochimaru's Yamata no Orochi form was created during his time in the Akatsuki.
With the enhancements, Orochimaru could potentially reach the super-Kage level. If he also acquired other types of Orochimaru, his power would increase on an epic scale.
Kabuto also had potential, with his cloaked form and Sage Body, which would later make him extremely formidable.
Kabuto's face showed excitement at Charles's words. If Orochimaru could integrate his future self, he would resemble the figure in his memories more closely.
The current Orochimaru was still far from the figure Kabuto remembered, having only recently defected from Konoha and not yet joined the Akatsuki, which led to differences in his behavior and style.
However, Orochimaru now had a more stable body and larger chakra reserves than before.
"Yes, Lord Charles, we will collect the necessary 084 items as quickly as possible."
Charles nodded and then dismissed Kabuto with a wave of his hand, "Very well. Orochimaru still needs your assistance; return to help him."
"If possible, I'll send additional personnel to support you soon."
"And HYDRA has two 084 items in their possession, the Obelisk and the Terrigen Crystal. Do what you can to acquire them; I need them."
Charles then explained the significance of these items and the dangers they posed to ordinary people.
He planned to arrange for Daisy, aka Quake, to awaken her powers. He also recalled that Orochimaru still had a few other subordinates available for recruitment in the B-rank shop of the ninja store.
Kabuto knelt on one knee and replied, "Yes, my Lord!"
With that, Kabuto released the Reverse Summoning Technique and returned to the Sound Ninja base.
Orochimaru looked at Kabuto, who had just returned, and asked, "Did you deliver the items to Lord Charles?"
Kabuto nodded, "Yes, Lord Orochimaru, I delivered them to Lord Charles."
"He wishes for us to gather as many useful 084 items as possible. He also mentioned that he would send some of your former subordinates to assist you."
Hearing about these future subordinates, Orochimaru licked his lips, intrigued, and asked, "Kabuto, which noteworthy subordinates might I have in the future?"
After some thought, Kabuto replied, "Some of the more powerful subordinates include Karin from the Uzumaki clan, who possesses impressive healing abilities and once managed one of your bases."
"There's also Suigetsu Hozuki, whom you've detained—he's a strong ninja. Then there's Jugo, whose power is immense, though his emotional stability is questionable. However, with Kimimaro around, he can be kept under control."
"Other than these, there are a few more skilled ninjas, though I'm not sure if Lord Charles will consider them."
Listening to the list of future subordinates, Orochimaru seemed quite interested.
He then looked at Kabuto and asked, "Kabuto, have you never considered what level of strength you might reach in the future?"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and smiled, "I'll always stay by your side, Lord Orochimaru. My future power, I imagine, will be passed down from you."
Orochimaru smiled but didn't say anything more. Instead, he instructed Kabuto to call in Guren.
Before leaving, Kabuto mentioned, "Lord Orochimaru, Lord Charles also said that if we gather enough 084 items, he would retrieve one of your future selves to enhance your strength."
Orochimaru nodded, not wanting to dwell on the topic. Reflecting on his own strength, Orochimaru had long noticed certain issues.
His current physical capabilities, raw strength, and chakra reserves were significantly higher than the Orochimaru he remembered.
However, when it came to combat techniques, mastery of forbidden jutsus, and various ninjutsus, he was noticeably lacking compared to his memories.
Whether this was due to emerging from the river of time or other unknown factors remained unclear.
Still, Orochimaru had not forgotten his dream: to master all ninjutsu in the world.
As for immortality, it was no longer a pressing concern. With the bloodlines of both ancient werewolves and vampire progenitors, he no longer feared mortality.
Additionally, he knew that Merlin's line of magic could also increase lifespan, and he suspected that Lord Charles held other methods for longevity.
Therefore, these worries had faded.
However, his obsession with ninjutsu remained as intense as ever, and he hoped his future self would bring back even more ninjutsu knowledge for him.