Two years passed quietly.
During this time, Orochimaru stayed in the Sound Village without ever leaving.
As a result, the development of the Sound Village progressed rapidly.
The number of ninjas had surpassed 500, with several at the Chunin and Jonin levels.
Although it still couldn't compare to the five major ninja villages, which boasted tens of thousands of members, it was now on par with smaller villages like Grass, Hot Water, and Waterfall.
In a room, six identical versions of Kimimaro were reading books.
Each clone was reading a different book, but all were related to medical ninjutsu.
**The Shadow Clone Technique!**
An excellent way to speed up learning.
Shortly after Orochimaru returned two years ago, Kimimaro obtained this jutsu from him.
This technique was perfect for studying. The knowledge from the books read by the shadow clones could be transferred directly to the main body's mind, saving Kimimaro a lot of time.
And the fatigue generated by this method could be quickly alleviated with the use of **Silent Seal**.
There was no denying that the Silent Seal was extremely effective.
After all six figures closed their books simultaneously, five of them disappeared into smoke.
Kimimaro closed his eyes and began processing the newly acquired knowledge.
After a long while, he finally opened his eyes again.
"I've finally finished reading 5,000 books."
Kimimaro's voice carried a hint of joy.
For most people, the mountain of books would have been an insurmountable challenge, but he had finally conquered it.
The vast medical knowledge in his mind gave him a sense of fulfillment.
"The theory is complete, but to turn it all into practical medical ninjutsu, I still need guidance. Senior Otohime has reached her limit; I need a better teacher."
Kimimaro had surpassed Otohime six months ago.
Initially, he had hoped to consult Kabuto when he returned.
But unfortunately, in the past two years, he hadn't seen Kabuto even once.
He truly lived up to his reputation as a spy—always busy.
In the lab, Orochimaru was observing four cylindrical tanks, each filled with green liquid and containing a person inside.
Three were men, and one was a woman, all appearing around the same age as Kimimaro.
"Orochimaru-sama, you called for me?"
Kimimaro approached Orochimaru and spoke.
"The curse marks on these four are still not perfect. They haven't progressed much compared to the one I initially placed on Anko," Orochimaru said softly.
Hearing this, Kimimaro looked at the four inside the tanks.
They were the **Sound Four**.
They were undergoing Orochimaru's curse mark experiments, but progress had been minimal.
Kimimaro, whose medical skills had become quite advanced, had become Orochimaru's right-hand man.
Orochimaru had discussed this experiment with Kimimaro as well.
"The curse mark's power is unstable. They can't rely solely on their chakra to control it. The rejection is too strong," Kimimaro remarked.
Orochimaru nodded.
"I've just received some information about a place called Tenpyo Village. There's a boy there named Jugo. He possesses a power similar to the curse mark.
"Go and bring him back. He may be the key to perfecting my curse mark," Orochimaru said, handing a scroll to Kimimaro.
"Understood, Orochimaru-sama."
After receiving the scroll, Kimimaro left the lab.
Tenpyo Village, located within the Land of Rice Fields, was about a day's journey from the Sound Village, not too far.
This was the first time Kimimaro had left the Sound Village since arriving, and he felt a bit excited.
"Boss, where are you going?"
At the entrance of the village, Kimimaro encountered Suigetsu.
In the past two years, Suigetsu had become completely obedient to Kimimaro, willingly calling him "Boss."
The primary reason for Suigetsu's submission was **Ghost Path White Lightning**.
Facing this lightning-based attack, Suigetsu had no way to defend himself.
After being shocked a few times, he finally gave in.
"I'm leaving the village."
"Leaving the village! You're not planning to escape, are you? If so, take me with you! You're not going to leave your little brother here to suffer while you go enjoy the outside world, are you? That's too cruel!"
Watching Suigetsu's dramatic performance, Kimimaro wasn't surprised; he had long since grown used to it.
Suigetsu's personality hadn't changed at all over the past two years.
"Orochimaru-sama asked me to handle something outside. I'll be back in about three days."
"Something to handle? Alright then, Boss, take me with you! I'm bored to death in this village!"
Suigetsu's eyes gleamed as he quickly made his request.
"Orochimaru-sama didn't say you could come."
"Please, Boss!" Suigetsu begged with big, pleading eyes.
Kimimaro smiled wryly.
"Alright, but don't wander off or cause trouble. Otherwise, when we get back, you're going in the black cell."
Suigetsu was overjoyed to hear this.
"Don't worry, Boss! I won't cause any trouble or make things difficult for you!"
In the two years he'd spent in the Sound Village, Suigetsu had accepted his place and no longer wanted to escape.
Kimimaro was aware of this, which is why he allowed Suigetsu to come along.
Traveling together was more fun than going alone, after all.
The two left the Sound Village and headed towards Tenpyo Village.
Along the way, Suigetsu was full of energy, jumping around like a monkey.
"Ah! This is the sky outside the Sound Village! Ah! The ground outside! Ah! The flowers outside! Ah! The trees outside! Ah! The water outside!
"They're all so wonderful! I love you all! I, Suigetsu Hozuki, have been reborn!"
Suigetsu spread his arms wide, spinning around in the fresh air, looking a bit out of his mind.
Kimimaro covered his face, suddenly regretting bringing him along—it was just too embarrassing.
Had Suigetsu gone crazy from being cooped up in the Sound Village for too long?
Human emotions varied greatly, and Kimimaro simply found Suigetsu annoying.
With a snap of his fingers, **Silent Seal** activated.
Instantly, Suigetsu's noise was blocked from Kimimaro's ears.
Peace at last.
Seeing Suigetsu so excited, Kimimaro decided to let him be. After all, once Suigetsu wore himself out, he'd calm down.
By nightfall, the two finally reached a small town and settled down for the night.
Suigetsu's excitement had worn off by now.
"Boss, what does Orochimaru-sama want you to do?"
"Capture a boy named Jugo."
"Jugo? What's special about him?"
"It's said that he possesses a mysterious power, but he can't control it. Normally, he's kind and gentle, but when that power erupts, he becomes bloodthirsty and violent."
"That powerful? Orochimaru-sama must be really interested in that power."
Kimimaro nodded.
"No wonder—it's him, after all."
(End of Chapter)