chapter 202 part 2
Having dealt with the situation above ground, Kimimaro strode into the dim and deep underground laboratory.
The air was filled with the pungent smell of chemicals. Various instruments gleamed with a cold light, emitting a slight hum.
Orochimaru stood before the experimental table, intently staring at the sample under the microscope.
Hearing footsteps, he slowly raised his head. His snake-like tongue flickered out slightly, lightly licking his lips.
Kimimaro walked up to Orochimaru and bowed slightly, his voice low and firm. "Lord Orochimaru, the new species has stabilized."
Orochimaru nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. "Issue the order. Begin recruiting villagers. We will provide free housing and medical care."
"Yes." After receiving the order, Kimimaro turned and swiftly departed, his figure quickly disappearing into the laboratory's dark corridor.
After Kimimaro left, Orochimaru's snake-like tongue danced excitedly. He muttered to himself, "The day of mass-producing the new species is not far... But before that, we need to enhance the Uchiha clan's productivity."
Orochimaru licked his lips. "Perhaps I should research an aphrodisiac?"
Meanwhile, Kimimaro dragged his slightly weary body back to his room.
The room was simply furnished; apart from a bed and a table, there was almost nothing else.
He walked to the table and picked up a pack of coffee specially made by Orochimaru.
Tearing open the packaging, a unique aroma instantly filled the air.
He skillfully poured the coffee into a cup and brewed it with hot water.
Looking at the steaming coffee, a trace of relief flickered in his eyes.
Ever since the RC cells were transplanted into him, his previous illness had been devoured, but it left behind the side effect of bloodlust.
Fortunately, with Orochimaru's specially made coffee, a single cup could effectively suppress that frantic craving.
He picked up the coffee, slowly sat on the edge of the bed, and took a light sip. The scalding liquid slid down his throat, bringing an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
Realizing that both Orochimaru and Konoha's Uchiha Ren were responsible for this, Kimimaro began to look forward to his next meeting with Ren.
By then, his strength should give Uchiha Ren quite a surprise, right?
Deep within the dark and mysterious cave, flickering torchlight danced like ghostly flames, casting eerie shadows that moved wildly across the rough stone walls.
The core members of the Akatsuki stood solemnly. A meeting concerning a major change was quietly beginning.
"In this operation, we suffered heavy losses, and our plan was completely disrupted!"
Tendō Pain floated mid-air, his face as cold as frost, without a hint of emotion. His icy Rinnegan glowed with a chilling light. "The culprit is Uchiha Ren, a powerful being we never anticipated."
"Hmph, the Uchiha clan has always been treacherous, always lurking in the shadows. It's not entirely unexpected for such a powerful character to suddenly emerge," one member sneered.
"It seems we underestimated the Uchiha clan's true strength," Konan said softly, her expression grave. "His appearance has added many variables to our future actions."
Sasori, hidden within his puppet, spoke in a low voice full of hatred, "That brat Uchiha Ren must be eliminated!"
Everyone's gaze then turned to Itachi Uchiha.
At this moment, Itachi's face was ashen. The space where his two arms should have been was empty, making him appear especially desolate.
"Itachi, don't worry." Tendō Pain's gaze fell upon Itachi, his tone cold but filled with an unquestionable resolve. "We will create new arms for you to help you quickly recover your combat power."
Itachi nodded slightly, but his eyes revealed a hint of worry.
Under normal circumstances, Itachi would not have reflected on his actions at all.
But after that painful scolding from Uchiha Ren, Itachi felt that what he had done was not perfect enough.
Could slaughter really protect the village?
Just then, the air in the cave seemed to solidify. A figure emerged from the ground, speaking with a solemn expression, "Danzo and Hiruzen are both dead."
Zetsu's news was like a bombshell, instantly causing an uproar among the members.
The cave fell into a brief, deathly silence, and everyone's face was filled with shock.
Itachi Uchiha's body trembled violently, and his eyes flew wide open, filled with disbelief and anxiety. "What did you say? How could they die?" His voice trembled, a rare occurrence for the always-composed man. He was completely flustered.
Zetsu continued, "Orochimaru took advantage of the chaos to launch a sneak attack and killed Hiruzen. As for Danzo's death, they publicly claimed he was killed by Madara Uchiha, but we all know that's impossible."
Itachi's expression grew even uglier.
With the deaths of these two, his secret deal with Konoha had become a thing of the past.
Sasuke's future was suddenly plunged into endless darkness and uncertainty.
Itachi's situation was like that of the undercover agent in *Infernal Affairs* after his handler was killed.
"This might be an opportunity for us." Kakuzu broke the silence, his eyes flashing with a greedy light. "With Konoha having lost its two main pillars, it's bound to fall into chaos. We can take advantage of the weakness."
"We can't be reckless," Konan immediately retorted, her gaze calm and wise. "Konoha's foundation runs deep. Under these circumstances, they are very likely to unite as never before. If we act rashly, we might suffer even greater losses."
"Hmph, just a bunch of rabble. What's there to fear?" Kakuzu snorted disdainfully, his voice full of self-confidence and arrogance. "As long as I make a move, I can definitely turn Konoha upside down."
"Even so, we still need a long-term plan," Zetsu, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. "We can't ruin the organization's grand plan over a momentary impulse."
"This matter requires caution," Konan said, frowning slightly with worry. "Our goal is to collect the Tailed Beasts. If we get stuck in a dilemma because of Konoha, the loss will outweigh the gain."
Tendō Pain listened silently to their arguments. After a long while, he slowly spoke, "Itachi, fully cooperate with the repair of your arms and recover your strength as soon as possible. The rest of you, pay close attention to the situation in Konoha, focus on finding useful people, and continue to expand the organization."
After speaking, he looked at Konan, who wore a paper flower in her hair. "You, come see me."
Konan nodded. "Yes."
"Meeting adjourned."
(end of chapter)