Orochimaru generally communicates through secret codes.
This kind of face-to-face information exchange is rare.
Once this happens, it means Orochimaru is planning a major action.
Orochimaru did not answer but walked to the desk and picked up the documents there.
They contained information about recent disappearance cases in Konoha, which Orochimaru scanned through one by one.
As he delved deeper into the reading, a sinister smile grew more pronounced on Orochimaru's lips.
"Kakashi, what kind of person do you think I am?"
Orochimaru suddenly posed this question.
What kind of person?
Kakashi pondered for a moment before replying, "Lord Orochimaru is a prodigious ninja."
Orochimaru's prodigious talent is evident not only in ninja techniques, taijutsu, and illusion techniques, but also in his deeply analytical approach to the concept of techniques, forging his own path.
Among the Sannin, Kakashi believes Orochimaru is the most dangerous.
A terrifying figure who excels in everything he does.
"Is that so?"
Orochimaru did not make any comment but looked at Kakashi's earnest demeanor, his expression becoming pensive.
Perhaps recalling a familiar old friend, a nostalgic look appeared in his eyes.
"You resemble yet differ from Sakumo, but your blade will be more fearsome than Sakumo's..."
Orochimaru came back to reality and spoke these words.
Kakashi said nothing.
The general idea was that his blade was uncontrollable.
Because his father's blade could be controlled and thus was not dangerous.
The blade he held and the White Fang Short Knife in his father's hands, though the same, held different meanings, protected different things, and pursued goals that were completely divergent.
"Risking everything to save that fool Jiraiya, just to get closer to Teacher Sarutobi... That's what makes you most terrifying."
Orochimaru sighed with heartfelt emotion.
For revenge, disregarding one's own life, that's why Orochimaru found Kakashi's blade much more fearsome than Sakumo's.
Kakashi continued to meet Orochimaru's gaze, still silent.
Orochimaru shifted his gaze, turning to look at the dark night outside the window, murmuring, "Speaking of which, I've found a completely new path."
"A completely new path?"
Does he mean in ninja techniques?
Kakashi was aware of Orochimaru's obsession with ninja techniques.
But what was this completely new path?
Kakashi didn't know much.
Orochimaru didn't explain further, just said, "For the next three days, all Anbu operations must be reported to me."
With that, Orochimaru left two scrolls on the table and disappeared from the window as a breeze.
Kakashi looked out at the cold night, the chill still biting.
The words Orochimaru left were an order not to be questioned.
Kakashi walked to the desk, picked up the two scrolls left by Orochimaru, and opened them, pondering.
The two scrolls left by Orochimaru concerned ninja techniques.
Detailed insights into Lightning Style and Earth Style techniques were written on them.
This was a gift from Orochimaru.
Kakashi understood this, but was also curious about why Orochimaru wanted to monitor the Anbu's movements?
Hurriedly, he pulled out a book from his pocket and lay on the bed to read with relish.
Tomorrow's issues can wait until tomorrow.
The novel written by Lord Jiraiya was captivating.
◎
Orochimaru gave a timeline of three days.
Which meant that after three days, he would have a major action.
Kakashi did not know exactly what the major action was, but in the spirit of a 'spy', he secretively relayed the Anbu's operational plans to Orochimaru.
He did not know what Orochimaru needed these for, but it wasn't his place to ask.
At the same time, Kakashi began to lead his team in investigating the disappearance cases.
However, investigating either Orochimaru or Danzo yielded nothing.
Nevertheless, Kakashi was not worried at all; even if he found nothing, he would not be suspected.
More experienced and powerful Anbu predecessors were also at a loss; if he suddenly had results, it would be more suspicious.
Besides, he didn't think Orochimaru could make something particularly significant happen within three days.
It wasn't until the third day's dusk that Kakashi realized he was completely wrong.
At dusk, the setting sun was still radiating residual warmth, soon turning into night.
Kakashi, having returned home to organize his equipment, had barely settled when an Anbu wearing an animal mask suddenly appeared in his house, simply stating:
"Orochimaru has defected, immediately lead your team in pursuit!"
With that, the Anbu left, contacting other Anbu units to carry out the pursuit of the renegade ninja Orochimaru.
Kakashi was left staring blankly at the direction the Anbu departed, taking a long time to react.
Orochimaru defected?
What kind of joke is this?
If it weren't for the Anbu colleague coming to verify personally, Kakashi would have thought it a terribly cold joke.
As one of the Third Hokage's disciples, the Konoha Sannin, he held high status and authority.