In the end, Jugo managed to wait another five days while training in his cage until Kimimaro appeared.
During this time, he pretended to go insane, but it didn't work. Generally speaking, he believes that if the prisoner sequence means containment, the lunatic sequence means release.
This potion greatly enhanced his bloodlust and Jugo's own bloodlust was already high. If he let himself get carried away, this base would likely be leveled to the ground, so unless he wanted to give up Orochimaru's initial protection, he wouldn't do it.
Of course, the highest probability is that Orochimaru would increase his danger level and place him in true containment this time. In that case, it would be much more difficult to escape, so he wouldn't do it.
So, he could only wait for Kimimaro. If he didn't show up within a week, he would go out and look for him himself. In any case, as long as he didn't start destroying everything, there was still room for conversation.
On the fifth day, while he was training, the heavy metal door slowly opened as a white-haired figure peered inside.
Jugo didn't look at Kimimaro at first, but continued to do push-ups with his sweaty body.
-Are you training? - Kimimaro asked with interest.
-Yes, I've found it helps me calm down. - Jugo said calmly, finally stopping and jumping, landing on his feet. He looked at Kimimaro. They were both similar in age, currently 15 years old.
Even so, they both looked like young adults, even though Kimimaro was a little older, he was shorter than Jugo.
-I see, how have you been recently? - Kimimaro simply sat on the floor, and Jugo followed suit.
-Well, I think it's easier to control. I haven't gone crazy in a week. - Jugo explained calmly, and Kimimaro's eyes widened slightly.
-That's really unexpected... so, do you want to go out with me for a while? - Kimimaro asked, intrigued.
It wasn't a test, Jugo was Kimimaro's only real friend, so he wanted Jugo to be able to enjoy life a little, instead of being cooped up here all the time.
Jugo was silent for a moment and then asked. -Does Orochimaru-sama still intend to attack Konoha?
-Yes, the operation will take place in the next few days with the start of the chunin exams. - Kimimaro nodded.
-Are you going? - Jugo asked, his expression a little heavy.
Kimimaro knew Jugo was worried about him. His body had been barely holding up lately, even now, he was in a lot of pain, but he still came to see this friend.
-...no, Orochimaru-sama wouldn't let me go.- Kimimaro sighed, his eyes a little complicated.
Kimimaro rarely showed any expressions elsewhere, only Orochimaru and Jugo could draw expressions from him beyond indifference.
Jugo looked at Kimimaro, feeling a little complicated inside, but even if he could, he wouldn't consider actually saving him. Kimimaro is extremely loyal to Orochimaru. Jugo, on the other hand, might even turn against Orochimaru. He knows that even if it breaks Kimimaro's heart, he would still stand by Orochimaru.
Thus, despite sensing the sincere friendship between them, he knows he's just the third wheel in this strange relationship.
Sighing mentally, he prepared his next words. -Orochimaru-sama has found a new vessel he desires, hasn't he? You want to help him, so I will do it for you.
Jugo looked at Kimimaro with a serious look and Kimimaro paused for a moment. His eyes softened a little, tears almost escaped, but he held them back. - Jugo... are you sure?
-Yes.- Jugo nodded firmly.
Kimimaro looked at him for a few seconds before nodding. - Thank you, let's go see Master Orochimaru, with you present, the attack will be easier.
Just as Jugo expected, when it came to helping Orochimaru, even though this attack posed a threat to Jugo's life, Kimimaro still didn't ask him to give up, but was happy, it was clear who weighed more heavily on his heart.
Jugo put on his shirt as he followed Kimimaro out. Getting out of that cell was truly a relief for him, he would never want to use a bucket again!
Sighing, he followed Kimimaro. Orochimaru was in Otogakure, the hidden village of sound. It was more of a laboratory than a true village. The Land of Sound itself was a new country, formerly known as the Land of Rice Paddies. It was conquered by Orochimaru, who "convinced' the Daimyo to accept the Village of Sound.
In the end, the Village of Sound became a small village accepted by the ninja world.
Far from the status of the great villages, but still a recognized ninja village.
Of course, Orochimaru did this to hide himself under the light, the man was very good at playing that kind of long game.
Jugo isn't sure why Orochimaru attacked Konoha, this has also been a hot topic of debate among fans. Some believe he wanted to give Hiruzen a proper funeral, others that he truly hated the village and wanted to destroy it.
But no matter the reason for Jugo, the only thing he wanted was a place to vent his anger and advance his potion.
The journey was uneventful. Jugo didn't care about clothing and still wore the shirt and shorts he wore in prison, still barefoot, not even wearing ninja sandals.
Jugo hadn't worn these before, and Kimimaro didn't try to force him to, so he could only make do with his "starter village" cloth clothes.
The pair quickly traveled away, a far cry from how Sasuke and Suigetsu had walked calmly.
The speed of both was very fast and they arrived in Otogakure in the late afternoon.
As soon as they entered, the group of otonin looked at Jugo with caution and fear. The fact was, Jugo was well-known and wasn't always kept in custody, being taken away by Kimimaro from time to time. Some of them had seen Jugo lose control, and those who hadn't quickly spread the word. Thus, Jugo soon became a figure to be feared.
Sasuke himself hadn't seen Jugo, but he'd heard about him. The main reason was exaggerated rumors.
But in any case, compared to Orochimaru's ninjas, Jugo truly is the cream of the crop.
The reason is also quite simple: Orochimaru cared more about his research than training subordinates, and most of the ninja he "commanded" were test subjects.
Jugo was quickly taken through the base. It wasn't his first time there, but he was still a qualified follower and let Kimimaro go first.
Thus, he arrived at Orochimaru's laboratory, filled with various metal instruments, but the brown stone environment still gave the place a claustrophobic feeling.
Like a snake, Orochimaru seemed to enjoy that feeling, so you could see it in most, if not all, of his bases.
Orochimaru was dissecting a body, and Kabuto was there too, holding a clipboard and taking notes. Neither of them wore hospital gowns or even gloves. Jugo wanted to complain that it was very unsanitary, but he didn't comment in the end. They had chakra and might have a way to sterilize in a way he didn't understand.
Besides, it wasn't his body they were opening.
Orochimaru looked at them calmly and narrowed his eyes slightly when he saw Jugo.
-Jugo-kun, you rarely come out. Why do I owe you this visit? - Orochimaru smiled at him, like the predatory smile of a snake, but he didn't sense any killing intent from Orochimaru, so it must have just been his smile.
-Kimimaro told me about Konoha's plan. I want to help him. - Jugo spoke simply and to the point, that was how Jugo spoke so none of the other three in the room were surprised.
-I see, your friendship is truly strong, but Kimimaro won't be participating. Can you control yourself? - Orochimaru smiled at Jugo.
In fact, Orochimaru had never used his power in front of Jugo. It wasn't for nothing that he had the notion that Kimimaro was the stronger, but he knew Orochimaru's power well now, so he said. -I want to help. I'm better at controlling myself now. I haven't lost control in a week. Besides, Orochimaru-sama will still be there at most.
Orochimaru smiled and nodded. - Indeed, with me around, you don't need to be afraid. I really need more manpower, so you can go. Do you want to show up only when the plan begins, or do you want to join in the fun early on?
-...the Uchiha boy, that's who you need, right? I can test him out for you. - Jugo couldn't just say he wanted to join in the fun, he hadn't had that personality before. Jugo would actually want to stay as far away from the fun as possible!
So, he used Sasuke as a fulcrum. Just as expected, Orochimaru nodded, satisfied. -I'm glad you have that mindset, Jugo-kun. Alright, I'll arrange everything for you. The operation begins in five days.
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+10 chapters of Jugo - Father of Devils on P_treon.
+15 chapters of The Legendary Mechanic - Triple Six on P_treon.
P_treon: March_Rain