The dark forest lay shrouded in silence, broken only by occasional breezes that stirred the vegetation. Under the clear moonlight, the scene possessed an eerie beauty.
"Crack!"
Footsteps disturbed the tranquility as two figures emerged from the shadows. They approached a well-concealed cave entrance and entered without hesitation.
Orochimaru.
Yakushi Kabuto.
Both men appeared exhausted, bearing the unmistakable signs of a long and difficult journey.
Once inside the cave, Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto proceeded in silence through the winding passages. Before long, the narrow tunnel opened into a vast underground chamber housing a fully equipped base of operations.
As the saying goes, a cunning rabbit maintains three burrows. As a snake, Orochimaru had taken this concept to extremes, investing countless resources and energy into constructing numerous bases across different regions.
The total number of these underground facilities remained a mystery known only to Orochimaru himself.
Even Yakushi Kabuto, his most trusted subordinate, couldn't determine the exact count. Kabuto personally managed seven bases and laboratories—each one fully equipped and adequately staffed. Yet he knew these represented only a fraction of Orochimaru's hidden network.
Their current location exemplified this secrecy perfectly. This particular base lay hidden deep within Lightning Country's territory, and even Kabuto was visiting it for the first time.
"Click!"
Upon entering the base proper, Orochimaru opened a heavy door. A blast of frigid air rushed out, causing the temperature to plummet dramatically.
"Lord Orochimaru!"
Two ninja bearing Cloud Village forehead protectors startled awake, hastily setting aside the medicinal herbs they'd been sorting. They stared in surprise at Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto's unexpected arrival.
Orochimaru's gaze swept over the various herbs meticulously stored throughout the room. "How has this year's collection progressed?"
The two Cloud shinobi—clearly Orochimaru's planted spies—exchanged nervous glances before one replied, "Lord Orochimaru, we're still short on two types of herbs. The war's outbreak has... complicated our collection efforts."
In the past, such failure would have marked their death day. However, Orochimaru merely narrowed his eyes, causing the already freezing room to feel even colder.
His unnaturally long tongue flicked out to lick the corner of his mouth. "This is your final warning. I expect to hear only good news next time."
"Yes, sir!"
"We won't fail you again, Lord Orochimaru!"
Despite the room's arctic temperature, sweat beaded on both Cloud ninja's foreheads. Neither dared wipe it away.
Orochimaru reined in his killing intent. "From today forward, Kabuto will oversee this base."
Yakushi Kabuto stepped forward, allowing the two spies to memorize his appearance.
"Lord Kabuto!"
"We're honored to serve you, Lord Kabuto!"
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses, offering a deceptively kind smile. "Please, there's no need for such formality. I'll be relying on your expertise and guidance."
The Cloud ninja bowed repeatedly, insisting it was they who needed guidance.
Only after Orochimaru and Kabuto departed did the two spies dare to exhale in relief.
Walking through the corridor, Orochimaru began explaining the base's origins and purpose to his subordinate.
"The surrounding mountains contain abundant medicinal herbs, including one particularly rare variety. This specific herb comprises a significant portion of the medicinal trade between Konoha and Cloud Village."
Orochimaru glanced meaningfully at Kabuto before continuing. "You should recognize this herb. Medicines derived from it possess remarkable healing properties—accelerating recovery without damaging the patient's constitution."
Yakushi Kabuto immediately understood. This was the herb discovered by Shihouin Naraku, though it grew scarce in Fire Country, necessitating annual trade with Lightning Country.
Cloud Village had repeatedly petitioned Konoha for the medicine's formula, desperate to produce it themselves. However, Konoha had consistently refused all requests. Even when Cloud Village threatened to halt herb shipments entirely, Konoha remained unmoved.
While Konoha did sell the finished pills, the prices were exorbitant. Regular ninja simply couldn't afford them. Only jonin typically kept these pills on hand, and even they winced at the cost with each use.
Every major village purchased substantial quantities annually, whether for strategic reserves or formula research.
Shihouin Naraku clearly understood their intentions but remained utterly unconcerned.
The villages faced a simple choice: pay premium prices for the pills or attempt to reverse-engineer the formula themselves.
Despite years of intensive research and considerable resources, no village had successfully cracked the medicine's composition. Eventually, most abandoned their efforts.
Naraku found this outcome entirely predictable.
While everyone knew the Lightning Country herbs formed the primary ingredient, the complete formula contained dozens of additional components. The specific proportions and preparation methods remained closely guarded secrets.
Attempting to recreate it through trial and error was pure fantasy.
Orochimaru's purpose in raising this topic was transparently obvious.
However, Yakushi Kabuto spread his hands helplessly. "I don't know the complete formula. I suspect only Lord Naraku possesses that knowledge."
"You understand how zealously Konoha guards such a profitable and strategically valuable medicine."
"From my observations, the production process is deliberately compartmentalized. Different teams handle separate steps, and certain critical procedures are performed exclusively by Lord Naraku himself."
Orochimaru hadn't expected much from this inquiry. Had Kabuto known the formula, he would have shared it long ago.
Touching the bandages wrapped around his right arm, Orochimaru felt the familiar, constant sting of pain.
He had performed another Living Corpse Reincarnation recently, yet the agony Naraku had inflicted upon him persisted. His right arm remained useless, requiring transplanted limbs containing Hashirama's cells just to suppress the soul-deep pain.
Orochimaru was absolutely certain this resulted from damage to his very soul.
Consequently, he had begun intensive research into spiritual matters. Though progress remained unclear, he should have stayed in his laboratory. However, upon learning of Naraku's actions during the war, he'd immediately rushed to Lightning Country.
"Regardless, I'm entrusting this base to your management," Orochimaru concluded.
"Your primary objective is ensuring a steady supply of medicinal materials. Handle everything else at your discretion."
Yakushi Kabuto nodded, adjusting his glasses once more. "So Lord Orochimaru is concerned about Lord Naraku and is giving me this base as a precaution?"
Though Kabuto clearly intended this as dark humor, Orochimaru remained silent, offering no response.
After a long pause, a voice finally broke the silence.
"What a magnificent Flame Mountain."
Both Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto stood transfixed by the sight before them. The mountain burned eternally, its flames dancing regardless of day or night, sun or moon.
They attempted to extinguish it, launching both Water Style and Earth Style jutsu at the inferno. Yet their techniques merely hindered the flames temporarily—the wildfire always roared back to life.
Like a phoenix rising from ashes, the mountain's flames proved truly endless.
As Orochimaru and Yakushi Kabuto witnessed this impossible phenomenon, they gained a visceral understanding of Shihouin Naraku's terrifying power.
Back in their room, the two sat in contemplative silence.
Any ninja would be profoundly moved by the sight of the Flame Mountain.
For it represented a miracle that defied all worldly knowledge and comprehension.
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