Chapter 22 – The Snake's Desperation
The underground lair was silent except for the sound of skin tearing. Orochimaru sat slouched against his throne-like chair, pale hands trembling, flesh splitting in uneven cracks.
"—Tch." He clutched his chest, golden eyes narrowing with fury. "The body is… rejecting me already."
Kabuto hovered nearby, beads of sweat on his forehead. "Orochimaru-sama… your condition—"
"Silence." Orochimaru's tongue flicked unnaturally from his mouth, his voice sharp, hateful. "All of this… because Sasuke-kun is not here. My vessel… my masterpiece… stolen from me!"
His anger echoed across the chamber, snakes hissing from the shadows as if sharing their master's rage.
With a sudden movement, Orochimaru extended his arm and summoned the dark ritual circle. "No more waiting. I'll shed this worthless husk now."
Kabuto's eyes widened. "You're forcing the Living Corpse Reincarnation this soon?"
Orochimaru gave a twisted smile. "Better a temporary body… than letting myself rot."
The chamber filled with screams—his old vessel writhing, devoured by snakes and darkness. Moments later, Orochimaru emerged from the writhing pit, thinner, frailer, but standing. His new skin was pale as porcelain, golden eyes burning with undying obsession.
"Hahh…" He flexed his hand, hearing bones creak. "Pathetic. But it will suffice—for now."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Without Sasuke, your long-term survival is—"
Orochimaru's grin cut him off. "Do not lecture me, Kabuto. Sasuke-kun is too precious to vanish. If he still breathes, he will be drawn to Konoha sooner or later."
Kabuto frowned. "You're not suggesting…"
"I am." Orochimaru's voice was low, serpentine. "I'll go there myself. I want to see… if my future vessel still belongs to me."
Kabuto hesitated. "It's reckless, Orochimaru-sama. The village is on guard—if they sense you—"
The sannin's laughter slithered through the chamber, dry and chilling. "Let them sense me. Let them fear me. I will not accept defeat."
---
Later, in the forests near Konoha…
A cloaked figure moved through the trees, his presence hidden beneath layers of suppression. The air around him carried the faint musk of snakes.
Orochimaru's thoughts whispered with every step. Without Sasuke, my legacy crumbles. My soul unravels. I will claim him… no matter how many times it takes.
He paused suddenly. His golden eyes narrowed.
Someone was watching.
From the shadows of the treeline, sharp eyes followed his every movement.
Orochimaru's grin stretched unnaturally wide. "…Heh. So… I've been noticed."
The forest fell silent.
---