A week passed quietly. The in-vivo experiments had concluded.
The results were excellent—exactly as Orochimaru predicted.
"It's time to proceed with the transplantation using Tsunade."
Orochimaru disposed of the bodies of the deceased test subjects while speaking to Misaki beside him.
"Got it, I'll go inform her," Misaki replied while scribbling notes onto a scroll.
Though Orochimaru wouldn't entrust this task to anyone else.
"Alright, want to come over for lunch?" Orochimaru asked as he removed his surgical gloves and walked toward the exit.
"Sure," Misaki immediately agreed. After all, she'd just be alone at home.
Nawaki and Kushina were both on missions and wouldn't have time to come back for lunch.
"Then hurry up and finish writing. I'll wait outside for you." Orochimaru washed his hands and left the lab.
Soon after, Misaki finished recording the data and jogged outside after him.
"Orochimaru-sensei, we're ready to go."
The two met at the hospital entrance.
"My wife asked me to pick something up earlier—I almost forgot."
After walking just a few steps, Orochimaru suddenly slapped his forehead.
He had almost forgotten what Pakura had asked him to buy.
"You can't forget that, or you'll get scolded when you get back home."
"She'll say you didn't take her words seriously."
"Which basically means you don't care about her at all."
Misaki covered her mouth laughing, playfully teasing Orochimaru.
"Only you girls truly understand women," Orochimaru said, shaking his head helplessly.
He'd been through this before. Before marriage, Pakura hadn't been this high-maintenance.
It was just a simple errand—if he forgot, he could always run back and do it later!
She insisted on turning it into some major issue. He thought it was ridiculous.
They made a quick detour and bought what they needed before heading back.
Having another child around, even though Orochimaru preferred solitude, he had hired a few servants.
He was busy most days, and seeing Pakura juggle both childcare and housework alone made him feel guilty.
Given his financial capabilities, maintaining a few servants was no big deal.
"We're back."
"This time was good—you didn't blow off my words like they were going in one ear and out the other."
Pakura held Aoi Tsukigami and looked quite satisfied at the items Orochimaru carried.
"How could teacher ignore your instructions?"
"Last time was because he was swamped. This morning, teacher got everything done early."
Before Orochimaru could respond, Misaki stepped in.
"Yeah… right."
"I was afraid I might forget again, so I bought them ahead of time."
Orochimaru finally responded after a brief pause.
"Well done. Deserving of praise."
Pakura gave verbal recognition and sauntered toward the dining room.
"Miss Misaki, teacher truly raised you for a reason."
Only after Pakura had gone further away did Orochimaru dare to give Misaki a nod of approval.
"Hehe~"
Misaki wore a rather smug expression. Her little white lies went completely unnoticed.
If it had been Nawaki, he'd probably have gotten caught on the spot.
Though Nawaki probably wouldn't even think to lie in the first place.
"Come on, let's eat."
Orochimaru handed the items in his hands to a female servant and walked toward the dining room.
By the time Orochimaru and Misaki arrived at the dining room, the table was already full of dishes.
Among them were plenty of soups and broths meant to boost milk production.
Seeing Pakura's slightly furrowed brows, she probably resents Qi just as deeply.
"Teacher's wife, can Aoi Tsukigami stay with me for a while?"
Misaki spoke up actively, her eyes filled with quiet hope.
She fixed Pakura with a piercing gaze.
Holding the child made it inconvenient for Pakura to eat, but she did genuinely like the adorable little boy.
"Alright, here you go."
"You're making me uncomfortable staring at me like that."
While saying this, Pakura handed Aoi Tsukigami over to Misaki.
Aoi Tsukigami opened his snake-like eyes wide, neither crying nor fussing — far too well-behaved.
No wonder Misaki adored him so much.
"Give Sister a smile."
Misaki tried coaxing Aoi Tsukigami into smiling, but not even a hint of a smile came back.
At this rate, he was bound to grow up cold and aloof.
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