Deep within the forest along the Land of Fire's border, an underground research facility hummed with sterile light.
"Poison resistance meets expectations," Yoru said calmly, eyes fixed on the specimen inside the containment tank. "Structural stability remains poor. Further refinement is required."
Inside the reinforced glass floated a grotesque white serpent, its body unnaturally swollen and malformed. Pale scales layered over one another like overlapping growths, and strands of dark hair sprouted along its spine, giving it a disturbingly human impression. Even suspended in nutrient fluid, its form shifted restlessly, unstable.
Rows of identical tanks filled the laboratory, each holding a similar failed result.
"Heh heh… without you, Yoru-kun, gathering this data would've taken months longer," Orochimaru said, his hoarse voice echoing softly as he reviewed the report. His gaze lingered on the tanks with something close to admiration.
Yoru scanned the room discreetly. He recognized the place. This was one of Orochimaru's early facilities, the kind ANBU would stumble upon years later. The experiments here matched those rumors perfectly.
Orochimaru paused, then smiled thinly. "There's one failed subject left, isn't there? Since its stability is this poor, leave it behind."
"As you wish, Orochimaru-sensei," Yoru replied smoothly.
He formed seals without hesitation.
A cloud of summoning smoke filled the room.
Large serpents emerged, instinctively smashing the glass containers. Nutrient fluid spilled across the floor as the dormant white serpents were exposed. Moments later, the summoned snakes began devouring the failed experiments whole.
Orochimaru watched with open fascination, golden eyes gleaming.
"Excellent efficiency," he murmured. "With your help, this project stayed on schedule."
"I'm only doing what I should," Yoru replied.
A pale snake slid out from Orochimaru's sleeve, carrying a sealed syringe in its mouth. Orochimaru took it between his fingers and handed it over.
"A reward," he said lightly. "Serum extracted from the most venomous species of Ryūchi Cave."
Yoru didn't hesitate. He injected it immediately.
No pain. No reaction.
"Thank you, Sensei."
Orochimaru truly was generous, when it suited him.
After a brief silence, Yoru asked, "Is this facility being abandoned?"
"For now," Orochimaru said, a rare hint of reflection crossing his face. "Your clan's funding accelerated many things. Perhaps too visibly. Some in the village are growing… uncomfortable."
Yoru's thoughts sharpened instantly.
The Hyūga had drawn closer.The Uchiha had committed resources.
Pressure was inevitable.
Orochimaru smiled, tongue flicking briefly across his lips. "But they still need me. The border remains unstable."
Which meant this calm wouldn't last.
Once stability returned, attention would turn inward.
"The Root commander appears dissatisfied," Yoru added carefully. "According to the clan council, his scrutiny has increased."
Orochimaru chuckled. "Root handles what the ANBU cannot. These experiments, included."
Yoru nodded as if enlightened, though inwardly he was amused. Danzo's shadow covered much more than he let on, and Orochimaru had made excellent use of it.
Then Yoru spoke again, tone measured.
"One more thing. A former Root operative, codename 'Wandering Shrine Maiden,' has left the organization. She now runs an orphanage. Her name is Yakushi Nono."
For the first time, Orochimaru's expression shifted.
Interest sparked.
"Is that so…" he murmured.
Yoru said nothing further.
Information, once given, could never be taken back.