A few days later, Hinata appeared once again in Orochimaru's dark and damp underground base.
Unlike last time, she held a Jade Slip sealed with Spiritual Energy in her hand, containing the things her Clones had "compiled" by working overtime.
She appeared directly in the passage outside the core laboratory. Orochimaru seemed to have sensed her arrival long ago, as the laboratory's metal door slid open silently.
The scene inside the laboratory was slightly different from her last visit. Various instruments were still running, but in the corner, there was an additional figure curled up in a chair—Uchiha Sasuke.
His head was lowered, and his messy black hair covered most of his face, making it impossible to see his expression.
But Hinata could clearly feel that the sharp, knife-like aura of hatred on him had become chaotic and silent, like a wasteland ravaged by a rainstorm.
Those newly awakened Mangekyo Sharingan seemed to be deliberately restrained, but the occasional faint, cold ocular power leaking from him still proclaimed the extraordinary nature of those eyes.
His entire being was shrouded in a massive sense of confusion and emptiness, like a lonely boat that had lost its direction.
Orochimaru stood before the main control console. Seeing Hinata enter, his eyes immediately lit up, and he stared intently at the Jade Slip in her hand.
"Oh? Miss Hinata, it seems you've brought the first cornerstone of our cooperation?"
His tone was full of impatience; he had clearly been looking forward to this information about "Spiritual Energy" for a long time.
"As agreed, this is an overview of some basic characteristics," Hinata said, handing over the Jade Slip with a flat tone. "I hope it will be helpful to your research."
Orochimaru almost snatched the Jade Slip, impatiently opening it to take a look. A moment later, a complex expression of wonder, confusion, and ecstasy appeared on his face.
"Wonderful... simply wonderful! The composition of this energy is completely different from Chakra! Heh heh heh... these basic descriptions alone are enough to overturn many of my past hypotheses. I didn't expect such energy to exist in this world."
He held the Jade Slip like a precious treasure, his gaze toward Hinata becoming even more fervent.
"I have received your sincerity. As for the pre-prepared basic construction principles and some data on Chakra meridian strengthening techniques, I have also prepared them. They are right over there; you can consult and copy them yourself."
He pointed to a nearby screen flickering with a dim light, where several scrolls were also placed.
Hinata nodded and walked over, beginning to quickly browse the technical data Orochimaru had made available.
Her Divine Sense acted like a highly efficient scanner, rapidly recording, analyzing, and filing this complex and obscure biotechnological knowledge.
While Hinata focused on the data, Sasuke, sitting in the corner, seemed disturbed by the movement in the lab. He slowly raised his head and looked at Hinata.
His face was still pale, and his eyes were hollow. Within that hollowness were many extremely complex emotions—anger, confusion, and a hint of embarrassment at having everything seen through.
"You..." Sasuke's voice was dry and hoarse. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to question Hinata on why she told him those things, why she had turned his world upside down, but in the end, a thousand words turned into a single, powerless whisper.
"...Is all of that... true?"
He didn't specify what, but everyone present knew exactly what he meant.
Hinata's movements in copying the data didn't pause, and she didn't even turn her head, simply responding indifferently.
"You'll know when you have the chance to see Itachi again. Or, you could go see Danzo."
Sasuke clenched his fists, his nails sinking deep into his palms.
His gaze became vacant again as he lowered his head, sinking back into his own world.
Orochimaru watched this scene from the side, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
He didn't disturb Hinata's copying nor did he provoke Sasuke further. Instead, he walked casually to the other side of the control console, operated it a few times, and pulled up a file to browse.
However, just as he pulled up the file and tilted his body slightly to block most of the screen from view,
Hinata's powerful Divine Sense, which enveloped the entire lab at all times, captured the words scrolling rapidly on the screen.
[...Mangekyo Sharingan... Stability Observation...]
[...Feasibility Analysis of Soul and Ocular Power Detachment...]
[...Living Corpse Reincarnation Adaptability Optimization...]
[...Curse Mark Binding Strength Reinforcement Proposal...]
[...Spare Vessel Cultivation Progress...]
Hinata understood immediately: Orochimaru hadn't given up yet.
While obsessed with the new research topic of "Resurrection," he still hadn't abandoned his greed for Sasuke, this freshly minted "Mangekyo Vessel."
He had even drafted a preliminary plan, attempting to study how to more safely and effectively seize those eyes, perhaps even thinking of combining the power of the Mangekyo with the subject he was currently researching.
"Truly... insatiable."
But this was consistent with Orochimaru's character.
The pursuit of eternal life and great power was the driving force behind all his actions. Having a new toy didn't mean he would discard the old one—especially an old toy that had just been upgraded.
She calmly continued copying the data, acting as if she hadn't noticed a thing.
Orochimaru input some data, then switched back to the normal experimental data interface and turned around, a flawless smile of scientific fanaticism on his face.
"Miss Hinata, how is the data copying going? I can't wait to start researching these wonderful theories you've provided! Perhaps we can start with the topic of mild activation of basic cell activity through Spiritual Energy?"
"We can."
Hinata finished reading the last part of the data and nodded.
"We can discuss the specific experimental plans in detail later. I need time to digest these technical principles you've provided."
She didn't mention anything about Sasuke or the Possession plan. Sasuke was very strong now; Orochimaru might just end up suffering for it.
"Then, I look forward to our next meeting." Orochimaru licked his lips, his gaze sweeping over Hinata and Sasuke in the corner, his smile deepening.
Hinata said no more and turned to leave the laboratory.
Leaving the base, Hinata looked back at the darkness hidden within the mountainside.
Orochimaru coveted her knowledge and the "Resurrection" miracle she might bring, while also not letting go of his greed for Sasuke's body.
"It's getting more and more interesting," she whispered to herself, her figure vanishing from the spot.
Inside the laboratory, Orochimaru watched the direction Hinata had left, then looked at Sasuke, who was still immersed in pain and confusion, a calculating light flashing in his snake-like pupils.
"The power of the Mangekyo... the mystery of resurrection... heh heh heh, either side is quite tempting."
He laughed softly, turning his gaze back to the Jade Slip containing the knowledge of Spiritual Energy, temporarily pushing the Possession plan back into the depths of his heart.
After all, the "new love" before him seemed more enticing. As for the "old flame" Sasuke, he could observe for a while longer to see what kind of vital force these Mangekyo possessed.
[Ding! The host has successfully completed the preliminary technical exchange and gained insight into Orochimaru's hidden conspiracy.]
[Dancing in the snake's den, the host's state of mind is as steady as an old dog. Reward points: 3,000!]
[Current points: 60,550.]
----------------------------------
I've already posted 70 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Kazenova223]
Thank you very much!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"