Kabuto Yakushi (chapter)

Summary
Kabuto is startled by Orochimaru's approach. Orochimaru says he's been watching Kabuto and Nonō for a long time, and invites him to come with him, promising to reveal to him the reason Nonō attacked him and didn't recognise him. Orochimaru takes Kabuto to his medically-equipped hideout, telling Kabuto he's the first person he has brought there. Kabuto questions Orochimaru on why he brought him there, and Orochimaru is pleased with his enquiring nature. Orochimaru reveals that Root designed for Kabuto and Nonō to kill each other, as they became too skilled as spies, and that their knowledge made them too dangerous. Orochimaru explains that Danzō told Nonō the reason Kabuto joined Root, and she begged him to free Kabuto. Danzō agreed, provided she killed one man, which turned out to be Kabuto, though she wasn't told of this. Orochimaru shows Kabuto photos Nonō was shown through the years, as proof Kabuto was growing up. At some point, the photos were changed, showing someone other than Kabuto, making Nonō believe Kabuto was someone else, living a civilian life, and being sent on missions on different countries, they would never meet. Kabuto figures Orochimaru was sent to kill the one who survived. Orochimaru tells him he's correct, and Kabuto attacks him viciously, all the while asking who he is now that the only person who knew him was gone. Orochimaru regurgitates himself, and tells Kabuto he's not who he thinks, and that he is like him. He explains to Kabuto that he is the research he makes, always changing himself, adding knowledge and skills, and that he values Kabuto's skill, that being the reason why he assembled that hideout. He adds that he intends to create Otogakure, a village without country, and fashions Kabuto a new background. Kabuto becomes Orochimaru's spy, pretending to be a spy for Sasori in order to learn about Akatsuki, and aids Orochimaru in his experiments through the years. After Orochimaru's defeat at Sasuke's hand, Kabuto injects himself with blood from Orochimaru's true form's remains, looking for his true self.