"Hmm? You've already decided on a battle plan so quickly?"
Orochimaru cast a deep look at Itachi.
Just moments ago, Itachi was discussing the extraordinary power of forbidden jutsu and the might of the Mangekyō Sharingan. Now, he had finalized the plan without even needing Orochimaru to join the fight. This abrupt decision left Orochimaru's mind racing with all sorts of possibilities.
Itachi was even more formidable than Orochimaru had imagined. It seemed…
"It's not that complicated. There's a reason I need you as backup. We'll only have one chance to act. If we fail, we'll have no choice but to retreat. After all, it's Konoha. With just the two of us, we must strike like lightning."
Sensing Orochimaru's hesitation and the doubt in his eyes, Itachi softly explained.
...
"That's true. Considering that forbidden jutsu, killing him multiple times in a short span is unrealistic. And we must also prevent him from destroying his own eyes."
Hearing Itachi's explanation, Orochimaru finally understood. He couldn't help but sigh.
"Yes, we only have one chance. If we fail, it will become nearly impossible to target that eye again."
Orochimaru's words, laden with emotion, resonated deeply with Itachi.
"So, Itachi, do you know about another forbidden jutsu?"
Orochimaru's eyes glinted slightly as he looked at Itachi with curiosity, his question a subtle reminder. If Danzo knew another forbidden jutsu, Itachi needed to be prepared.
...
"That technique? No one in the world should know it anymore…"
"Except me."
Itachi's gaze bore into Orochimaru as he spoke, and then, silently in his heart, he added:
Yes, this technique… only I should know it in this world.
A fragment of memory from his past life surfaced in his mind.
"Oh, then I can rest easy. I was just worried you might underestimate him and make a miscalculation. After all, one of those forbidden jutsu sounds absurdly powerful. The other one can't be any simpler…"
Orochimaru's tone grew somber after hearing Itachi's words.
While he had read about the first forbidden jutsu in old documents, the second one Itachi mentioned was entirely unfamiliar to him.
After all, that jutsu was tied to a scandal within the Uchiha clan, something they would never reveal to the outside world.
And that technique had vanished from history after the incident…
...
"Indeed, even as a member of the Uchiha clan, I barely know anything about it. Others naturally wouldn't have a clue."
Itachi brushed off Orochimaru's curiosity with a casual remark, showing no intention of providing further explanation.
"So, when do we depart?"
Faced with Itachi's words, Orochimaru, though intrigued, decided to let it go and changed the subject instead.
"You seem quite eager about this, don't you?"
Seeing Orochimaru's barely concealed enthusiasm, Itachi teased him.
"Heh, I've always taken an interest in your affairs, Itachi…"
Orochimaru smiled faintly at Itachi's remark, his slit-like pupils radiating sincerity… or so it seemed.
Who could tell how much of it was genuine and how much was feigned?
All Itachi knew was that Orochimaru was willing to accompany him to infiltrate Konoha—a place that posed considerable danger to them both at this time. And that was enough for now.
In Itachi's mind, a particular figure emerged—a man with a toothy grin, clad in a green jumpsuit, bowl-cut hair making him resemble a kappa: Guy.
Alongside him was Guy's best friend, Kakashi.
Especially Kakashi's trademark trait—his uncanny ability to fight anyone to a draw, as though every battle were evenly matched.
Then there was the old man with a perpetual pipe in his mouth. Wielding his golden staff, he exuded an air of overwhelming authority…
As for the rest, they were just schoolchildren still in training.
...
"Since we've already decided on the battle plan, there's no point in waiting. Let's leave today."
Breaking from his thoughts, Itachi stood up and spoke softly.
"Itachi, you really are someone who acts swiftly and decisively..."
Hearing Itachi's words and seeing him stand up, Orochimaru was slightly stunned before speaking with admiration.
"So, Orochimaru, are you ready? Ready to head to Konoha and stir things up with me?"
Seeing Orochimaru stand up, Itachi's lips curved into a slight smile as he asked.
"Heh, let's go then..."
Hearing Itachi's words, Orochimaru finalized his decision without hesitation.
---
"Aren't you going to prepare anything? If we're careless during this operation, it could be very dangerous."
For Orochimaru to not make any preparations and just stand up, ready to leave, left Itachi somewhat surprised.
"Heh, no need. The Root isn't that dangerous. Besides, I'm just here as a helper..."
Noticing the surprise in Itachi's eyes and tone, Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Don't say that. Whether the plan succeeds or fails, your role is still crucial."
Hearing Orochimaru's self-deprecating remark, Itachi comforted him.
After all, this plan didn't require many people. Additionally, if Orochimaru and he acted together, it would make them more likely to be discovered.
More importantly, Itachi didn't want Orochimaru to witness the peculiar ability of Kotoamatsukami. He was worried it would raise suspicions in Orochimaru.
Many things hinge on these small details. If the details aren't handled properly, the whole plan could fail.
If Orochimaru saw Kotoamatsukami and became wary of him but couldn't find a way to counter it, he might simply avoid him altogether. That would leave Itachi in quite a bind.
After all, he still had many things to do that required Orochimaru's help.
---
"Alright, alright. Have it your way."
Seeing Itachi's serious explanation, Orochimaru responded with mild irritation.
However, the annoyance in his heart began to dissipate.
After all, as one of the Legendary Sannin, the mighty Orochimaru was now relegated to playing backup for some scheme. It felt like he was losing his edge, which was somewhat insulting.
If not for his curiosity about Itachi's plans, he wouldn't have even considered agreeing to this.
This was the kind of work any low-level grunt could handle—no need for someone like him.
If Orochimaru wanted to stir up trouble, it would be on a grand scale, like destroying Konoha or taking down the Hokage...
Thinking of this, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed slightly. Once this mission was over, he planned to carefully plot something big.
He wanted to show Itachi what it truly meant to handle things like an adult.
---
The two of them emerged back onto the surface.
Orochimaru wore a grayish-white robe, while Itachi was dressed in a black jumpsuit.
The ninja forehead protector on Itachi's head had been removed, replaced with a black headband.
At first glance, Itachi looked like someone ready to act under the cover of darkness, while Orochimaru's outfit, as conspicuous as a star in the night sky, seemed to lack respect for their opponent—a sign of his disdain.
"Itachi, I found a Sharingan with three tomoe. Why don't you use it?"
Looking at the handsome young man beside him who was missing an eye, Orochimaru, somewhat dissatisfied, suggested again.
After all, walking with someone who was missing an eye felt like it reflected poorly on him, the great Orochimaru.
"No need. A three-tomoe Sharingan is too dull."
Faced with Orochimaru's repeated suggestion, Itachi reacted like someone used to riding an electric bike being asked to ride a shared bicycle—it just didn't appeal to him.
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