Gekko Yun Jian, who was lying near the door, didn't open his eyes but suddenly asked in a low voice, "Shin, did you find something?"
Higashino Shin didn't hide it: "There's a small snake circling outside. I think it might be Orochimaru-sama's Summoning Beast."
"Is that so? It's likely here for you. It seems that lord has returned. Do you need me to go with you?"
Actually, he didn't want Higashino Shin to go, but Orochimaru was the top superior here after all, and as subordinates, it was difficult to refuse.
"Since Orochimaru-sama is looking for me this way, he probably doesn't want you to come along, Teacher. Otherwise, he could have just sent someone to deliver an order."
"Is that so? Then go ahead by yourself!"
"Okay, Teacher."
After thinking for a moment, Gekko Yun Jian reminded him, "Shin, just maintain respect for Orochimaru-sama, but don't get too deeply involved. You should understand the positions of our families, right?"
"I know!"
At this point in time, in the eyes of Konoha Ninjas, Orochimaru was still that powerful, reliable, and exceptionally capable Disciple of the Hokage; his image was a bit effeminate, but not to the point where he would harm his own comrades.
Gekko Yun Jian believed that he might have encountered a talented junior and wanted to meet him out of a momentary interest, and wouldn't do anything to Higashino Shin.
The reason he said that was because the three families were all firm supporters of the Hokage faction, while Orochimaru... these Jonin weren't fools. Through certain signs, they could naturally see that this lord might no longer be in the running for the Hokage position.
Otherwise, Orochimaru should have been arranged to preside over the northern front at this moment, amassing greater military merit to pave the way for his ascension.
Who was presiding over the situation there now? It was the Sandaime's other Disciple, Jiraiya, and the one shining most brilliantly on the battlefield was Jiraiya's Disciple, Minato Namikaze.
No one who can become a Jonin is an idiot. Some things don't need to be said openly; everyone sees them. Aside from some of Orochimaru's die-hard loyalists, others only had respect and followed orders for this Disciple of the Hokage, but wouldn't get too close to him.
---
Outside was a small snake with intertwined red and black rings, slightly longer than a chopstick. After seeing Higashino Shin, it flicked its tongue and then turned to leave.
As soon as Higashino Shin saw it, the intention to lead the way was so obvious; it was indeed here for him.
At the same time, he once again marveled at the wonder of Chakra creatures. Although this snake was small, its intelligence was not low; its tiny snake pupils could actually convey very human-like emotions.
Fortunately, Higashino Shin didn't know the 'Great Might Heavenly Dragon' technique, otherwise he would have had to summon a 'Flying Dragon in the Sky' to start subduing the demon right then and there.
The small snake was extremely fast and moved silently. Higashino Shin was the same, floating behind like a gust of wind, quickly following it to an open space outside the camp.
Upon reaching this place, the small snake ducked behind a large tree and disappeared.
Higashino took a look and saw a hole in the ground behind the tree. A faint light emanated from within, but if you didn't get close to where the hole was, you couldn't see it from the outside.
Snake Uncle, this guy, just loves digging holes underground. Is it because your name is Orochimaru that you really think of yourself as a snake?
Wait, it seems... in the future, his true form really is a White-Scaled Great Snake... then never mind.
Walking down the hardened earthen steps and entering the downward passage, the walls on both sides were indented with complex and obscure patterns. Oil lamps provided illumination at intervals, but the overall atmosphere was still very dark—a typical Orochimaru-style aesthetic.
After entering the underground space, some prison cells appeared on both sides, but most were empty.
Higashino Shin followed the perceived Chakra signature, turned a few corners, and entered a poorly equipped laboratory.
It wasn't illuminated by oil lamps here; the light was bright, suggesting that there was power generation equipment providing energy.
Under the bright Shadowless Lamp stood a slender figure who didn't look very strong, wearing a standard-issue Konoha flak jacket, with long black hair draped over his back, not tied up.
He had his back to Higashino Shin, researching something on the experimental table.
Besides him, there was another person under the light—a dead person, the subject of research, lying quietly on the experimental table without a stitch of clothing.
It was a female corpse.
This was a twisted scene. In movies, such a scene would require a cloth to cover it up for appearances, but in reality, that wasn't necessary.
"If my Summoning Beast hadn't led the way, could you have found this place?" Orochimaru stopped his movements and slowly turned his head.
What were the classic features of Snake Uncle's appearance?
Pale skin, purple eye shadow, and golden slit snake pupils—he looked unlike a human.
Morino Ibiki's future description was very apt: the feeling he gave was not like that of a human, but like something wearing human skin.
Higashino Shin curiously admired this classic figure, famous in both his past and present lives, and lowered his head slightly: "Of course I could, Orochimaru-sama."
"Since you came to find me, you must have reviewed my information. This place isn't far from the camp and is still within my perception range."
"As expected, your perception ability is even more sophisticated than I imagined." After Orochimaru finished speaking, he stepped aside.
At this moment, Higashino Shin saw who the material on the experimental table was. It was the captive they had caught earlier. Now, as expected, after her value had been squeezed dry, she had become Orochimaru's research subject.
At this point, Higashino Shin finally confirmed one thing: this Hidden Mist female Ninja... her size really was only an A-cup.
"You don't seem surprised by what you see."
"Orochimaru-sama, Konoha Hospital also has a research department. I came into contact with things like dissecting corpses very early on."
"You learned it from your mother, Higashino Megumi, right? I have an impression of her; she's a Medical Ninja with decent strength, but I think you have already far surpassed her."
"Mother will always be my role model for learning."
Information about the Higashino Clan was naturally no secret to Orochimaru and could be accessed at any time, but he didn't chat much about it. Instead, he pointed to the experimental subject and asked, "Do you recognize her?"
"I do. She's the Hidden Mist prisoner we caught on the road."
"I've already learned the details of that matter. It can be said that being able to wipe out the Hidden Mist Ninjas and capture a live prisoner was largely due to your contribution."
"Astonishing perception ability, powerful Medical Ninjutsu, excellence Ninjutsu talent, and maturity and psychological fortitude beyond your years."
As Orochimaru spoke, he couldn't help but stretch out his tongue and lick his own face: "Higashino-kun, your excellence exceeds my teacher's imagination. Even I, who was called a once-in-a-decade Genius by him, feel inferior compared to you."
"Orochimaru-sama overpraises me. There are many comrades in the Village who are better than me; they are the true geniuses."
"Are you talking about Kakashi?" Orochimaru chuckled. "He is indeed a Genius, but only limited to being a Ninja."
"But we are Ninjas, Orochimaru-sama. So, is there something you needed me for today?"
Orochimaru went straight to the point: "Higashino-kun, are you willing to come and be my assistant? I need your ability. This world has too many secrets; perhaps I can take you along to see them."
So it's not that he's lusting after my body, but that he's eyeing my perception and medical abilities.
Forget it. This position is better left for your true fan, Yakushi Kabuto. I'm just an emotionless fake fan.
"Can there be any secrets in this world that we Ninjas don't know?"
"Of course. For example, aren't you curious why this Hidden Mist Ninja didn't die even after being struck in the heart by a Kunai?"
"Is it some special ability?"
"The Hydrification Technique of the Hidden Mist's Hozuki Clan. Unfortunately, her talent wasn't enough, and she could only hydrify a part of her body to avoid fatal wounds. Otherwise, it would be very difficult to capture her alive in a place with water."
"A physical body like yours and mine can actually turn into water. Don't you think that's magical?"
Orochimaru's intention to bait him with curiosity was obvious, but Higashino Shin said, "It is very magical. However, Orochimaru-sama, I prefer fighting over research. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
Orochimaru wasn't surprised, nor was he disappointed.
When he was at Higashino Shin's age, he also enjoyed fighting. It's just that after witnessing the deaths of enough comrades, people always change.
He believed Higashino Shin would be no exception.
He nodded: "Fine, go back. But remember to maintain your curiosity about this world. If one day you want to understand it, you're welcome to come find me anytime."
Higashino Shin gave a respectful bow and turned to leave the underground laboratory.
What a pity, Mr. Orochimaru.
From the very beginning, I have been standing at the finish line of your research. The truth of Chakra you are looking for is nothing more than an alien family's melodramatic soap opera.