Orochimaru secretly set his sights on the Kaguya Clan.
Orochimaru just slightly gave a helping hand, making the Kaguya Clan his pawns. Many minor ninja clans in the Ninja World voluntarily or involuntarily served him for their clan's continuation.
The Kaguya Clan offered their most talented young member, Kaguya Kimimaro, to Orochimaru, hoping he could save Kimimaro's life.
Due to the Kaguya Clan's Dead Bone Pulse Bloodline having a deadly bloodline disease, which was particularly severe in Kimimaro, the Kaguya Clan couldn't bear to see the young one die miserably, so they simply offered him to Orochimaru.
Unlike other residents of the Hidden Sound Village, Kaguya Kimimaro hailed from a true prestigious ninja clan; not only was he exceptionally skilled, but he also had excellent upbringing and manners.
Kimimaro also became Orochimaru's favorite little one, and during his time with Orochimaru, he learned many past stories from Orochimaru himself.
For instance…
Actually, Kaguya Kimimaro knew Akihara Kagura.
According to Orochimaru-sama, his favorite creation was Akihara Kagura, one whose power surpassed him by thousands, whose astuteness far exceeded all the youths of the Hidden Sound Village.
"You recognize me."
Akihara Kagura immediately saw through Kimimaro's thoughts.
Kimimaro didn't hold back, while leading the way, he whispered softly, "Orochimaru-sama mentioned that you are his beloved and greatest creation, who gained power from him but chose to betray him, refusing to become his vessel. To become Orochimaru-sama's vessel should be something to be proud of for us…"
"You make a fair point."
Akihara Kagura listened to Kimimaro's words and surprisingly nodded earnestly, "Later, I will ask Orochimaru-sama if he is willing to reincarnate onto my body…"
"…"
Kimimaro's face showed a hint of surprise.
This guy listens to persuasion?
Akihara Kagura opened his palm and then clenched it into a fist, "If he agrees to reincarnate onto my body, I will directly crush him."
"…"
Kimimaro's forehead twitched.
If Orochimaru hadn't explicitly said not to clash with Akihara Kagura, and that he was absolutely not a match for Kagura, even being over a hundred times weaker, Kimimaro might have wanted to fight him.
"I see you have a disease, maybe your brain has a problem too."
Akihara Kagura patted Kimimaro's shoulder, "In the future, when you are about to die, come find me. If there are slots available, I will preserve your body as a human puppet."
"…"
Kimimaro knew he had a disease, but felt that Akihara Kagura was also not well. He no longer wished to continue his conversation with Kagura, and directly led them into Orochimaru's experimentation lab.
Orochimaru was still busy in this laboratory.
After all, his Hidden Sound Village was a newly established ninja village. Orochimaru worried about enemies the village might encounter, so he scattered his little white snakes to monitor everywhere, fearing someone might attack.
As a result…
The little white snake reported the arrival of Shimura Danzo and Akihara Kagura.
If it were just Akihara Kagura, Orochimaru might be a bit worried if Kagura was here to cause trouble, but bringing Shimura Danzo, an S-Class Traitorous Ninja, meant they likely weren't here for trouble but to discuss important matters.
As Akihara Kagura entered the laboratory, he felt a vast and abundant natural energy within, and a towering figure resembling a berserk beast suddenly charged towards him!
Akihara Kagura kicked the figure flying, and a vine swiftly bound the opponent in place, allowing him to see clearly; it was an orange-haired monster!
"Has Jugo lost control again?"
Kimimaro walked worriedly towards the orange-haired monster.
Strangely enough.
When Kimimaro reached the side of the orange-haired monster, perhaps due to his presence or someone siphoned energy from the monster, the creature slowly calmed down, turning into a tall boy.
"Kagura, I really have to thank you for your intervention."
A voice appeared beside Akihara Kagura.
Orochimaru's figure emerged from a corner of the lab, black curse seals appeared on his face, brimming with natural energy, and rapidly retreated from his face, evidently related to his experiments and natural energy.
Orochimaru, this guy…
Surely had his sights set on the power of Sage Mode!
However, Orochimaru was unable to accurately perceive natural energy, only indirectly drawing some from those naturally attuned to it.
For example…
The towering, orange-haired boy Jugo who suddenly went berserk in the laboratory!
"Kimimaro…"
Jugo, somewhat weak, lay half on the ground, pulling the white-haired boy over and whispering in his ear, "Kimimaro, quickly leave. I can sense that guy is very dangerous, Orochimaru may not be his match, quickly escape…"
Just moments ago…
Jugo could distinctly sense the dense natural energy originally gathered around him, all spontaneously rushing towards Akihara Kagura's body…
"I wasn't Kagura's match to begin with."
Orochimaru, hearing Jugo's words, didn't care about his offense, and smiled as he stepped out, softly instructing, "Kimimaro, take Jugo down first! Danzo-san and Kagura-kun and I have important things to discuss…"