Orochimaru took a sip of tea, his gaze falling upon Koala, who looked shocked by Sabo's partial Dragon transformation, and slowly began to speak.
"Hmm, this is an Artificial Devil Fruit developed by Vegapunk. I merely changed the color.
Indeed, a White Dragon suits you well, and it can even breathe fire.
A Mera Mera no Mi like Ace's isn't even fit for a dog to eat."
This wasn't a meme; Orochimaru genuinely believed it.
Sabo couldn't help but chuckle at this, wondering if Orochimaru was still holding a grudge against Ace.
"Alright, alright, don't always be mad at Ace. He's your brother, after all."
If it weren't for maintaining his persona, Orochimaru would have ungracefully rolled his Byakugan.
After a brief adjustment, Sabo gradually adapted to the power boost brought by this Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit. It truly was a Devil Fruit, and for Sabo, who excelled in physical combat, it was like adding wings to a tiger.
"So, what do you intend to do with Doflamingo?" Sabo looked up at Orochimaru, a hint of inquiry in his eyes.
Orochimaru pondered for a moment, his thumb gently rubbing the teacup, and slowly said,
"Luffy has formed an alliance with Trafalgar Law, and they are about to challenge Kaido... And I need Doffy to manage Wano Country for me in the future.
It's my property, after all, and I have to take it back. I also want to set sail with Luffy, so I need someone I trust to help me manage it.
If Dragon wants, I can even lend him a part of Wano Country as a base."
Sabo's thoughts paused slightly... Someone he trusts, huh? It seems Doffy really can't be killed.
Then, with a soft sigh, he asked, "Do you need Ace and me to help?"
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's movements froze slightly, and a subtle, almost imperceptible ripple of emotion flickered across his face. He simply uttered two short words: "Whatever..."
Sabo ultimately couldn't hold back. After a soft sigh, he stood up, gently embraced Orochimaru, and then slowly sat back down.
"Don't overthink it. Luffy, Ace, and I will always stand behind you. Although our positions are different, whether it's us or Old Man Garp, we are family. When all of this is over, let's go back to Foosha Village to see Dadan."
Orochimaru stiffened slightly in Sabo's embrace, the image of Foosha Village instantly appearing in his mind.
It was a small village blessed by the sun, where the salty sea breeze gently brushed their cheeks.
When they were children, they used to chase crabs on the beach there together.
At that time, he had just transmigrated, and the process of soul fusion seemed to have inexplicably made him somewhat childish; he even joined in their frolicking.
Dadan's small wooden house, though simple, held endless warmth, with the fire flickering at night.
Dadan would always grumble and complain about them being freeloaders, yet secretly add clothes and blankets for them.
After a long while, Orochimaru finally spoke softly: "Foosha Village, Mount Corvo... Dadan will be shocked to see how we are now. We're much more 'valuable' than Dadan now.
Remember that time you guys stole Dadan's sake and hid behind the house, drinking until you were stumbling around?
When you were caught, Ace, that guy, stubbornly claimed he just wanted to taste the sake, and ended up being chased and beaten by Dadan.
Ace really deserves a beating."
There was an almost imperceptible hint of melancholy and nostalgia in his voice, even though he was the one who ratted them out.
Sabo gently patted Orochimaru's back, as if wanting to dispel the gloom in his heart.
"No matter what, it will be a warm reunion. We can sit together in the yard, just like when we were kids, listen to Dadan nag, and share our experiences over the years. As long as we're together, nothing has changed."
Orochimaru's lips curved slightly upward, forming a faint arc.
"You always manage to look at everything so optimistically, Sabo.
I hope it's truly as you say, and everything concludes smoothly. Then, returning to Foosha Village to see it wouldn't be bad."
Orochimaru touched his chest, his brows furrowing slightly.
He could clearly sense that the closer he got to Wano Country, the stronger that inexplicable emotion within him became.
It was as if an invisible force was stirring deep within his heart, and it seemed that some unknown things were lurking in that mysterious country, waiting for his arrival in the dark.
It was an indescribable feeling, like ancient memories slowly awakening deep within his heart, or like the threads of fate subtly pulling him.
He tried to calm himself down, but that strange emotion clung to him like a shadow, constantly eroding his thoughts.
What kind of secrets were hidden in the land of Wano Country, to make his emotions so turbulent?
Could there really be some fated event or person waiting for his return there?
That's a bit far-fetched, only a third-rate novelist like Jiraiya would come up with such a plot.
However, Orochimaru quickly broke free from the Uzumaki of emotions, regaining his usual composure.
"Sabo, shall we go see Luffy next?"
Sabo nodded: "I was just planning to. I still have some matters to investigate in the coliseum, so it's a good opportunity to check on Luffy's condition along the way."
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this, secretly thinking that he had already collected most of the useful things.
He also needed to leave some useless junk for the Marine and the World Government to suspect, after all, being too clean was the biggest flaw; no one would believe Doflamingo was truly a good person.
And he knew the situation in the coliseum all too well. It didn't matter if Sabo investigated, as all the so-called secrets that could be discovered were arranged by him.
It was just Sugar's little antics in there; she could take the blame when the time came.
Moreover, he had a more important task at hand right now: he needed to get to the abandoned repair shop first.
There was a Kanjuro there, and that guy was obsessed with acting, which could be exploited.
Before Kin'emon arrived, he would thoroughly brainwash Kanjuro and make him "perform" to his heart's content according to his own plan, ensuring he got his fill of acting.
Sabo saw Orochimaru deep in thought and couldn't help but feel a little helpless. He raised a hand to rub his brow and said softly:
"Stop thinking. Your thoughts are almost showing on your face, honestly. I'm not Luffy."
With that, Sabo picked up a black cloak and, without a word, draped it over Orochimaru, completely covering him.
Orochimaru looked down at the cloak on him, his lips twitching slightly, a look of speechlessness on his face.
"This is too ugly. Besides, what's there to hide here?
This is my territory... And I'm a Ninja; who investigates using such a low-level method?"
Sabo also put on a matching black robe and hugged the still grumbling Orochimaru tightly, gently patting his back to soothe him.
"Good boy... This makes things more convenient."
Watching Sabo leave with the embraced person, Koala desperately reached out.
"Hey, you two, don't ignore me! I'm still here! What am I supposed to do? Come back!"
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