In the forest on the outskirts of Konoha, inside an underground research facility...
"The poison-based abilities are satisfactory. However, the form is extremely unstable and requires further research," calmly stated Uchiha Yoru, his face composed as he observed the massive, hideous white snake in the cultivation tank. He shook his head, reviewing the test results.
Particularly disturbing was the fact that the white phosphorus snake had grown a thick mane of black hair. Its appearance was repulsive, and its body continuously shifted within the nutrient solution, with its scales composed of numerous white snakes.
The brightly illuminated underground laboratory housed rows of large glass containers, each containing a grotesque and colossal white snake.
"Hehe, thanks to you, Yoru-kun, we obtained the experimental data much faster," chuckled Orochimaru in his raspy voice. He accepted the report handed to him by Uchiha Yoru, gazing at the snakes in the tanks as if they were works of art, a twisted smile creeping onto his face.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yoru surreptitiously surveyed his surroundings. He deduced that this was the same research facility explored by Kakashi and Yamato during their adolescence, as the projects here perfectly matched the encounters with monstrous snakes depicted in the anime.
Noticing something, Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and smiled. "And there's also a failed specimen. Given its extreme instability, we should end it here."
Listening to Orochimaru's mutterings, Uchiha Yoru, standing beside him, smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes, Orochimaru-sensei, understood."
With a smile on his face, Uchiha Yoru narrowed his eyes and performed hand seals. Suddenly, a unique smoke associated with summoning jutsu filled the room. Thick and robust snakes appeared one after another, instinctively slithering toward the cultivation tanks. Using their heads, they shattered the tanks, causing copious amounts of nutrient solution to spill out. The white phosphorus snakes within seemed to be in a deep slumber, but then a horrifying sight unfolded.
Witnessing this, Orochimaru's interest grew, and a hoarse laughter escaped his lips. The snakes opened their mouths and began devouring the experimental subjects.
"Hehe, without you, Yoru-kun, this experiment would have taken at least another two months," praised Orochimaru. Uchiha Yoru smiled in response, aware that this was his duty.
As Orochimaru continued to laugh, a white snake emerged from his shoulder, slowly slithering in front of him. It opened its mouth and regurgitated a syringe containing a serum.
Taking the syringe with a puzzled expression, Uchiha Yoru couldn't help but wonder. Orochimaru, wearing a sinister smile, licked his lips and said, "Hehe, consider it a reward from your teacher. This is an extract of the most venomous snake found in the Ryuchi Cave."
Hearing this, Uchiha Yoru smiled. How could he not recognize this substance? In the original story, Orochimaru could immunize himself against countless poisons and even transform his body into that of a white phosphorus snake. It was all thanks to this serum.
With this serum, he would be immune to more than 98% of the toxins in the ninja world. Rolling up his sleeve, Uchiha Yoru injected the serum, feeling no immediate effects. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but express his gratitude. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei."
Truly, Orochimaru was the most audacious being, and following him was the right choice.
"Orochimaru-sensei, should we terminate the research here?" asked Uchiha Yoru, voicing his doubts. After all, the research facility was already vacant, and his task merely involved inspecting it daily and providing detailed reports.
Undoubtedly, Orochimaru, with the most research facilities and hideouts in the ninja world, lived up to his reputation. He had already encountered three bases in the border area alone, and this particular facility was evidently dedicated to studying the white phosphorus snakes, which would eventually lead to Orochimaru's mastery of the Eight-Headed Serpent technique.
Observing the laboratory, Orochimaru revealed an uncommon expression of sentiment. "Thanks to the financial support from your Uchiha clan, it seems that some people in the village have become dissatisfied."
Taken aback by this revelation, Uchiha Yoru pondered the situation. The plot appeared to be changing. With the Uchiha clan aligning with Orochimaru and the Hyuga clan, discontent toward Orochimaru was growing within the village.
Seemingly perceiving Uchiha Yoru's concerns, Orochimaru's smile turned eerie as he licked his tongue and emitted a hoarse laugh. "But it's not yet a problem. The border is still in turmoil, and there are some who are unwilling to let me go."
In that moment, Uchiha Yoru's mind raced, analyzing the situation. Following the chaos caused by the Nine-Tails incident, the border of the Land of Fire remained unstable. Orochimaru was still necessary until stability was restored, but afterward, internal conflicts would arise.
Once the village stabilized, the time would come to select the Fifth Hokage. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, would never allow someone as dominant as Orochimaru to become the Fifth Hokage. And what about Danzo?
Uchiha Yoru was unsure, but what about the Sarutobi clan? In the original story, the Sarutobi clan possessed remarkable power, even surpassing the Hyuga clan. With so many clan members, how could they passively watch their clan head, Hiruzen Sarutobi, step down from the pinnacle of power again?
"Orochimaru-sensei, the Elder has received information indicating that the Root leader is quite unhappy with you."
It wouldn't be long before Orochimaru would face betrayal. Uchiha Yoru knew he had to be ready to seize the opportunity when the time came.
Seemingly perceiving Uchiha Yoru's confusion, Orochimaru chuckled casually and explained, "There are aspects of village affairs that you haven't been exposed to, so naturally, you wouldn't be aware. Root is a department as secretive as the Anbu. It handles certain covert tasks for the village, such as these experiments."
Uchiha Yoru's face suddenly brightened as if he had just realized something. However, deep down, he couldn't help but murmur to himself. Orochimaru, even though Danzo is no saint, you're being too blatant in using him for your gain. With all these research facilities, it's obvious that you're leveraging Danzo's support to further your own interests.
But everyone acts in their own self-interest. In this respect, both Uchiha Yoru and Orochimaru were similar.
"Also, Orochimaru-sensei, the Elder has received information suggesting that the leader codenamed 'Wandering Miko' has left the Root and now serves as the director of an orphanage named 'Yakushi Nono'," Uchiha Yoru said, conveying this information with a serious expression. He felt no shame in using the Elder of the Uchiha clan as a pawn.
He had been tirelessly working for the future of the Uchiha clan. Surely, the Elder would understand the sacrifices made.