They returned to Sound Village three days later. Orochimaru was waiting.
The moment he saw Sasuke's eyes—even deactivated—he knew something had changed. "You did it."
"I did."
"Show me."
Sasuke activated his Mangekyo. Both eyes. The spiral patterns glowed with power—sharp geometric points converging toward hollow centers.
Orochimaru circled him slowly. Studying the patterns. "Magnificent. Perfectly symmetrical. I've never seen designs like these. What are their abilities?"
"Ame-no-Sakahoko—Heavenly Reversed Halberd. Offensively, it shatters defenses and barriers. Breaks through any protection at a fundamental level." Sasuke demonstrated by forming the crystalline chakra around his hand.
"And the absorption capability?"
"Takama-ga-hara. I can absorb dojutsu from defeated enemies and integrate them permanently into my eyes." Sasuke deactivated his Mangekyo. "But more than that—the pattern itself is designed to evolve. Each absorbed dojutsu will be represented visually and will strengthen the overall ability."
Orochimaru's eyes widened. "Your Mangekyo transforms as you collect?"
"Yes. Right now the centers are hollow—empty vaults waiting to be filled. The points represent potential. Chambers waiting for divine eyes." Sasuke's expression was analytical. "When I absorb dojutsu, the patterns will change and become more complete."
Orochimaru laughed. "Your soul truly did manifest as the collection of divine sight."
"It did." Sasuke's normal Sharingan activated briefly, then deactivated. "But it's not complete. I need Eternal Mangekyo to use it without going blind. Which means..."
"Which means you need Itachi's eyes." Orochimaru finished. "A problem. He's still quite alive. And quite powerful."
"I know. But with these abilities, I can hunt him properly now." Sasuke's expression was cold. "I have the tools. The Hashirama cells for stamina. Wood Release for versatility. And now the Mangekyo for killing him and taking his eyes."
"Ambitious. But you're not ready yet. Itachi is beyond even your current level."
"I know. That's why I'm not going after him immediately." Sasuke pulled out a map. "First, I need to test my abilities. Hunt weaker dojutsu users. Master the Mangekyo. Build my collection."
He pointed to specific locations on the map. "There are Byakugan users here. Scattered Uchiha survivors possibly here. Minor ocular bloodline clans in these regions. I'm going to hunt them systematically."
"Building your power base before confronting your brother. Smart." Orochimaru studied the map. "How long do you estimate?"
"Six months to a year. Depends on how quickly I can master the Mangekyo and how many dojutsu I can absorb." Sasuke's Sharingan—normal three-tomoe now—spun. "But when I'm ready, Itachi won't stand a chance."
"Then let's begin your training properly. Mangekyo techniques require specific conditioning. And if you're going to hunt dojutsu users, you'll need to be perfect."
Sasuke smiled. "Perfect is the minimum standard."