[Orochimaru might be smiling, but his gaze is cold. His voice, when it comes, is soft yet deadly.]

Well, now. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

[There is the slightest stiffening of his shoulders. However, he quickly relaxes. A little of his usual humor leaks back into his tone when next he speaks.]I have some catching up to do. So many new faces. ( Read more... )

[Orochimaru is smiling. If he has been affected by the latest happenings, it doesn't show.]

It has been quite eventful recently, has it not? The casualties are piling up.

[Private to Kabuto l Hard to Hack]

Kabuto. A word.

[Private to Izaya l Very Hard to Hack]

Izaya-kun, I have a favor to ask of you.

( [Private to Aizen l Hard to hack] )

[As usual, Orochimaru is in his laboratory at SERO. There are subtle changes in the room from the last time--his name stenciled on the door and more assistants running around. All are evidence that he has, as promised, started to rise through the ranks. As always, his smile is enigmatic and disarming even while being an obvious reflection of his ( Read more... )

[Orochimaru’s coat is almost as pale as his skin. He is surrounded by laboratory equipment--test tubes, Bunsen burners, and various containers with suspicious looking contents. There are also more unusual items--cloths covered in strange writing, a few scrolls lying around, and a snake crawling across the countertop ( Read more... )

[As the audio plays, a hissing sound can be heard in the background.]

I was surprised at first, but this is quite the remarkable place. Wouldn’t you agree? I have seen much here--so many exceptional individuals. Odd I did not know about any of this before.

[There is a thump and then the sound of something sliding against the ground.]

I am very ( Read more... )