Hinata didn't go home, but instead went to Orochimaru's base.
Hinata hadn't been to Orochimaru's new base. She first teleported to the old site, then followed the traces with her perception, finding Orochimaru in a couple of moves.
Then she found the main gate and walked in. Orochimaru had sent people to guard it, but Hinata didn't bother explaining to them. She directly used Spiritual Power to knock them unconscious and proceeded without hindrance.
At the experimental table, Orochimaru was focused on operating precise equipment, studying the Mangekyo.
Hearing the commotion outside, he didn't stop his work. He glanced at the surveillance and, as expected, it was Hinata. Only she could find him so easily.
"Oh? Young Miss Hinata actually used the front door this time? It seems your elusive way of appearing has some conditions, or has the Young Miss finally realized that showing up like that easily scares people?"
Orochimaru teased Hinata with a smile.
"Hmph, I'm afraid of scaring you, a Konoha Senior, but if I use the front door, others might be quite frightened. I could only wrong your subordinates."
Hinata countered, slowly walking closer. Her eyes swept over the experimental table, lingering for a moment on the precise instruments and life-support devices.
"How is the progress?" She didn't answer him, instead asking about the research on the eyes.
"Hmm... hard to say. The secrets of Kotoamatsukami are deeper than expected."
Orochimaru temporarily stopped operating and turned around. His snake-like pupils flickered with the pure obsession and excitement of a researcher, with less of his usual sinister calculation.
"It's not just the ultimate manifestation of Genjutsu rules; its Ocular Power structure is complex. Conventional Sharingan transplant plans are completely incompatible. I am currently trying a transplant; it's very challenging and interesting."
He spoke eloquently, as if sharing an interesting academic topic rather than conducting forbidden human organ research.
"Hmph, I lack experience in researching the Sharingan, especially the Mangekyo. Otherwise, there should be some progress by now."
"No rush. There are only a few people left in the Uchiha Clan now, so there are no extra eyes for you to study. It's a pity about those in Danzo's hands; they were wasted by him."
Orochimaru smiled. "So, besides a progress check, why are you here this time?"
"Uchiha Sasuke," Hinata cut straight to the point. "He assassinated the Konoha Leadership Advisor, Utatane Koharu. He succeeded."
Orochimaru was not surprised to hear this.
"As expected, it finally came to this. Sasuke was a bit impatient. For you to come all this way just to mention it, I'm afraid it's already caused quite a stir," Orochimaru shook his head.
"Utatane Koharu... hmph, that old woman indeed counts as part of the Old Konoha's filthy roots. Sasuke's strike was both accurate and ruthless."
He walked to a nearby lounge area and gestured for Hinata to sit, while he leaned against the experimental table and continued.
"What's the situation in Konoha now? Maximum alert? Wanted posters upgraded?"
"Haha, you guessed right. There's also a wanted poster, a Maximum Threat List, and you've honorably made the list," Hinata added.
"You and Uchiha Sasuke are tied for first. The higher-ups suspect you provided Sasuke with intelligence and assistance."
"Hehe... they didn't guess wrong. I did indeed show him some materials." Orochimaru chuckled, his laughter full of indifferent mockery.
"But for me, this has long been commonplace. Since the day I left Konoha, I never expected those old fogies to look at me any other way. Being wanted along with the Uchiha orphan is quite interesting. They can list me however they want; anyway, I have no interest in overthrowing the Konoha Regime right now."
He spread his hands, his tone relaxed. "There are more interesting things worth investing energy in, like this one before us." He glanced at Shisui's eyes.
"You changed so quickly. Not long ago, you shared the same thoughts as Sasuke."
"Hmph... if it weren't for you, I might still be like that. But thanks to you, I can study such a wonderful thing. Since you appeared, everything has become much more interesting."
Orochimaru said with a smile.
"As for Sasuke's revolutionary cause, I think he should develop it himself."
"His revolution has no allies and no mass base; it's just him alone," Hinata stated the fact.
"As expected," Orochimaru sneered.
"Revolution? That's a trick only idealists or agitators play. What Sasuke is doing now can't be called a revolution at all; it's more like revenge and purification. The targets are the dark sides of Konoha he has identified. He doesn't need allies; he only needs power and clear targets."
"Unfortunately, the path he chose is destined to be lonely and will make countless enemies. Konoha won't let him go, the Akatsuki Organization might be watching him, and even other Hidden Villages will see him as a dangerous unstable factor. This first shot he fired is less a bugle call for revolution and more a declaration of placing himself completely on the altar."
Orochimaru's analysis remained calm and penetrating.
"You won't provide help or guidance? If Sasuke continues like this, he'll burn himself. After all, he is somewhat your student," Hinata spoke curiously.
"Perhaps. If he comes to find me, I'd be quite happy to provide some help." Orochimaru was noncommittal.
"But proactive help? Forget it. He's a runaway horse now, his direction determined by his own hatred and judgment. I'm actually curious what the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki will do. His bond with Sasuke is very deep."
The topic naturally shifted to Naruto.
"Naruto? He's still his old self, but there have been some changes recently. He can now control the Nine-Tails Chakra," Hinata said briefly.
"Oh?" Interest grew stronger in Orochimaru's eyes.
"He can use the Nine-Tails Chakra? In that case, he has become a qualified Jinchuriki. The power of the Nine-Tails..."
"By the way, how is the body research going?" Hinata shifted the topic to another key point.
"Very smooth. I'm already researching bodies with other Physiques. If you're willing, we can experiment now." Orochimaru gave a definite answer.
"Good. But there are no experimental subjects for now. Keep pushing forward."
Hinata said no more. The purpose of this exchange had been achieved: synchronizing research progress, confirming Orochimaru's non-interventionist attitude toward the Sasuke incident, and understanding his indifferent reaction to Konoha's wanted list.
Her figure disappeared.
The laboratory returned to silence. Orochimaru turned his gaze back to the floating Mangekyo Sharingan, an inscrutable curve forming at the corners of his mouth.
"Then, I must also hurry. Before bigger trouble comes knocking, let's unlock more secrets of these eyes."
------------------------
There are already 70+ chapters available on my Patreon!
The story will continue to update 1 chapter per day on Webnovel,
while early access chapters are posted on Patreon.
Maybe it's not worth it today but it could be later
[email protected]/Kazenova223
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"