After speaking, a cunning glint flashed in Rock Lee's eyes.
He had already learned about the relationship between Naruto and Orochimaru, so he was just being a little mischievous.
Hearing his words, Orochimaru's expression was one of sudden astonishment.
Aburame Neri's expression was even more intriguing.
In her mind, she had already cursed Rock Lee countless times.
Damned Sage.
Damned muscle-head.
Why did you have to say something so provocative? You're facing a terrifying Kage-level powerhouse capable of overthrowing Konoha!
If he gets angry, we'll die!
Isn't being alive good enough? Do you have to court death?!!
I'll #%#&%...…#%&...…
Aburame Neri had already mentally torn Rock Lee to shreds.
But what happened next completely overturned her understanding of the world.
She saw her teammate, Naruto, suddenly remove his mask, revealing his handsome face. He greeted Orochimaru as if he were an old friend.
"It's been a while, Orochimaru."
"Yes, it has been a while, Naruto-kun. I've missed you dearly since we last parted," Orochimaru said with a sinister grin, his smile unsettling.
Neri's eyes widened. She stared in shock as the two shook hands like dear friends, her heart pounding with horror.
What is going on?
How does Shinigami know Orochimaru?
They shouldn't have had any opportunity to meet, should they?
Could it have been during the Konoha Crush Plan?
No!!
It makes no sense at all!!
Does Lord Danzo know about this?
Could it be that Shinigami is a rogue ninja?!!
Then what about Sage?
Aburame Neri looked at Rock Lee, only to see him standing beside Naruto, looking at her with a meaningful expression.
Despair instantly flooded Neri's heart.
They're all in on it together!!
She glanced around.
In the vast laboratory, she was all alone, without any support. It was as if she had gift-wrapped herself and delivered herself to them. What was the difference between this and just giving herself away?
"Naruto-kun, it seems your companion doesn't know about our relationship. Is that really alright? That old fox Danzo should still be suspicious of you," Orochimaru said with a playful smile.
"That's not important," Naruto shook his head gently and looked warmly at Aburame Neri. "Insect Queen—no, Aburame Neri is one of us. She hasn't been brainwashed by Root, you know."
Hearing this, Neri was even more shocked.
So, without her realizing it, Naruto had already seen right through her.
When?
She recalled every detail of Naruto's behavior during their missions.
He was always so confident, as if everything was under his control.
In the past, she had even looked down on him.
Now, it seemed she had been the one who was completely transparent.
"Isn't that right, Neri?" Naruto looked at her, his eyes as warm as the gentle sun, his voice full of magnetism.
"Yes!! Of course, yes!!! Root's brainwashing methods are too despicable! I will forever follow the wise Lord Naruto!" Neri removed her mask, revealing her beautiful face, and knelt on one knee with pious devotion.
"It seems we're all on the same side, then." Seeing this, Orochimaru nodded with satisfaction and turned to walk deeper into the facility. "First, I'll show you the Hollows."
"Let's go. And remember what you said," Naruto said, withdrawing his gaze and leading his team members after Orochimaru.
Walking at the very back of the group, Neri realized her back was soaked with sweat.
Her eyes flickered, a residual fear lingering within them.
She looked at Naruto's back.
Her mind raced, considering her next move.
Naruto was hiding far too much.
Working with Orochimaru, he clearly held no regard for Konoha.
He had not only deceived Danzo, but he had even played the entire Konoha leadership like fiddles.
Aburame Neri had no real sense of belonging to Konoha to begin with.
All she wanted was more research materials and to stay alive.
Since teaming up with Naruto, she had obtained many precious materials and had even developed a strong interest in Naruto's own body.
She didn't want to have a falling out with Naruto before achieving her goals.
So…
Following Naruto seemed like a good choice.
Joining now, she would be considered a veteran-level follower.
Besides, with Naruto and Orochimaru working together, she would definitely have many opportunities to study the bodies of Kekkei Genkai users.
Having figured all this out, Neri's mood brightened considerably. She quickened her pace to keep up with Naruto, feeling delighted.
…
"Hollows are transformed from souls… To be precise, souls can transform into two forms: one is the Hollow, the other is the Shinigami…" In the laboratory, Orochimaru patiently explained the information about Hollows.
At his side, Aburame Neri took out several small notebooks. She and her insects each held a pen, diligently taking notes.
This way, she could record everything to the maximum extent, without missing a single detail.
The cute scene was enough to make one laugh.
Rock Lee listened intently.
I will definitely accept the power of a Shinigami or a Hollow in the future. I can't afford to slack off.
Orochimaru understood Naruto's intentions, so he analyzed Reiatsu from the basics to the more profound concepts, allowing Neri and Lee to understand this unfamiliar power system.
"I have now completed the preliminary Reiatsu potion. I have diluted the Reiatsu within to a certain degree and fused it with a large amount of chakra, using the tissue of a special Kekkei Genkai user to store this power," Orochimaru said with a sinister laugh. He took out a vial from a hidden compartment. Inside was a murky mixture of blood and muscle tissue.
"This is the initial result of my experiments. A test subject injected with this will have a greatly increased chance of successfully undergoing Shinigamification," Orochimaru said, shaking the potion in his hand. The blood and muscle tissue tumbled and swirled within.
"Although the potion hasn't undergone large-scale testing, its function has been generally confirmed. There shouldn't be any accidents. Do you want to try it? Becoming a Shinigami is a wonderful thing," Orochimaru said with a perverted smile, his gaze sweeping over Rock Lee and Aburame Neri.
"Ahem. I don't need it at the moment," Neri refused decisively.
She had no desire to become a Hollow, a creature that was neither human nor ghost.
Rock Lee, on the other hand, was eager to try.
"If I have the power of a Shinigami, I can definitely become stronger! Then I can become Naruto's strongest follower!!!"
"Now is not the time for you to become a Shinigami," Naruto said, shaking his head at Lee.
"I spent a great deal of resources to produce this potion. I'd rather not waste it on just any experimental material," Orochimaru said, looking somewhat disappointed that both Lee and Neri had refused.
But Naruto pondered for a moment and said, "If you don't mind, could you give this potion to me? I have a perfect target in mind."
"Since you've asked, Naruto-kun, I naturally won't refuse. For the sake of our excellent cooperative relationship, this potion is yours. But you must tell me the results after you use it."
"By the way, who do you plan to use the potion on…?"
"I made a promise with a certain tanuki to help him escape his seal. I think now is the time," Naruto said in response to Orochimaru's question, a gentle smile on his face.