Better sooner than later.
Obito agreed with Nagato's assessment right away.
Orochimaru had become a truly troublesome figure, and his schemes were only growing. They really needed to deal with him quickly.
Of course, Obito didn't truly believe Orochimaru was limitless. No matter what, there was still the Ten-Tails with Kabuto backing him. But with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki in Konoha, he wasn't sure he could sneak past that person's senses.
In other words, for both Nagato and himself, Orochimaru was an urgent problem that needed to be solved.
This guy was blocking all of their paths.
Obito thought this, a cold glint flashing in his crimson eyes.
Dust swirled as a small mound of earth rose on the cave floor. Zetsu, spreading its large leaves to both sides, revealed its black-and-white body, its expression grave.
The two figures on the Gedo Statue immediately noticed the newcomer. Obito spoke, "Zetsu… what are you doing here?"
"Orochimaru has arrived," Zetsu said seriously. "He's just outside the Village Hidden in Rain, and he explicitly asked to see you."
Hearing this, Nagato and Obito's expressions changed.
"Better sooner than later..." They had just agreed on a strategy, and the person they planned to deal with showed up himself. They should have been happy, but a deep confusion, and a hint of unwilling panic, welled up in their hearts.
Orochimaru had always had information on their side; their several battles had made that clear.
But whether it was Konoha or Orochimaru himself, their actions had been quite restrained. Not to mention Kusagakure's economic isolation, the raid two months ago had cost Konoha dearly. They had prepared for retaliation, but nothing came of it…
What was the reason for Orochimaru's sudden proactive move? Had he prepared something?
Nagato looked at Zetsu, his expression serious. "Orochimaru alone? Did he bring anyone else?"
"Besides Orochimaru, it's only Jiraiya of the Sannin," Zetsu confirmed. "White Zetsu clones risked being killed to scout the entire surrounding hundred-mile radius. No trace of anyone else was found."
"Just the two of them…" Nagato frowned. He knew Jiraiya-sensei's strength well, and in a confrontation at this level, their role would be quite limited. In other words, Orochimaru arriving alone was no different from him arriving with anyone else.
But why would he dare to do this?
Just thinking about it increased the worry in Nagato's mind.
"I can't meet him right now…"
Nagato turned his gaze to Obito and said heavily, "You go and stall them for a while."
Orochimaru's arrival was poorly timed. Using the Gedo Statue to seal the Tailed Beasts had drained him of too much vital energy. His current state was fine for ordinary trouble, but for someone like Orochimaru, he couldn't afford even the slightest carelessness.
"I understand."
Obito knew it wasn't a time for excuses. Besides, with Kamui, as long as he didn't rashly bring Orochimaru inside, he should be able to keep himself alive.
After setting their strategy, Nagato and Obito vanished from the cave.
The imposing aura of the Gedo Statue returned to calm, and the eyes on its forehead closed one by one.
After an unknown amount of time, Killer Bee awoke from his unconsciousness. He looked up at the Gedo Statue, which resembled a stone carving, a deep sense of dread flashing in his eyes.
After taking Gyuki, Nagato and Obito hadn't paid much further attention to the former Jinchuriki. If not for Orochimaru's matter, they might have arranged for White Zetsu to monitor him. But now, facing Orochimaru, some less important matters were naturally put aside.
"Little Hachi… I will never fail your trust!"
Taking a deep breath, Killer Bee stumbled and turned to walk out of the cave.
Nagato, the Akatsuki organization… They had no idea what kind of monsters they were awakening. This matter had to be reported to Konoha, to the Nine-Tails.
…
Outside the Village Hidden in Rain, there was a vast lake where fine rain fell, creating countless ripples.
Mist hung over the water, shrouding the steel structures in a haze, making them seem a little less cold.
On the other side of the lake, two figures sat under a roof that shielded them from the rain, enjoying the scenery.
"When I was here last time, the Village Hidden in Rain didn't have so many buildings."
Jiraiya looked at the outlines of the buildings in the mist and said with emotion, "It seems the Akatsuki organization has built this place well."
"On the surface, it does seem so. Buildings made of cement and steel are indeed more sturdy and durable than wooden ones,"
Orochimaru took a sip of hot tea and smiled, "But this city is dead."
Absolute power brought absolute rule. If the people below dared to resist, the wielder of power would display absolute brutality.
Nagato didn't think his methods were wrong. He was an orphan who had struggled out of war, losing many like-minded friends to get to this point. He would prioritize life and superficial peace above all else.
Let everyone be obedient and not take any rash actions… In this ninja world where wars erupted from time to time and bandits oppressed people, he didn't think these demands were excessive.
But Jiraiya and Orochimaru were different.
Jiraiya, at least, had written several best-selling books and understood human desires. As for Orochimaru, he needed people, whether they were ninjas or ordinary individuals, who could generate sufficient value. Using them solely as tools was clearly not enough.
Of course, this wasn't to say Nagato was useless. Only a fool who spoke without understanding would think that.
The wind howled, and suddenly a warped Uzumaki appeared in the air. The fine rain and mist surged into it.
Obito emerged from such an Uzumaki.
"No matter how many times I see it, the Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan ability is truly marvelous,"
Jiraiya complimented, then abruptly asked, "You're Minato's student – Uchiha Obito, right?"
The question was very abrupt. Obito, who was about to say something, froze in the rain, suddenly finding it difficult to speak.
After the battle in Konoha, Obito had been prepared for his identity to be exposed, but when it actually came to this point, it was still hard to face, especially since the man before him had some relation to him.
Namikaze Minato was this man's student.
Obito suppressed the thoughts in his mind and even removed the Madara-patterned mask from his face, his tone sounding very cold. "Does it even matter who I am anymore? What, after so much has happened, do you still think we can coexist peacefully?"
He had cruelly betrayed Minato-sensei back then with the intention of cutting off all paths of retreat. Furthermore, he had since taken away the last vestige of remembrance that remained with Kakashi. Even if Konoha forgave him now, he would never turn back.
It would even be an insult to Minato's death.
"It indeed doesn't matter anymore."
Orochimaru was the one who spoke. He looked at Obito, whose eyes flashed with a faint light, ready to use his ability to escape at any moment, and a hint of amusement flickered in his eyes.
"Where is Nagato? Why isn't he here to see us? Is he busy with something important? Then we can't just stand here. Let's go cause some trouble for him."
Obito's heart leaped at this statement, but he remained outwardly calm. "The leader of the Akatsuki organization isn't someone you can just meet on a whim. It's enough for me to test your limits."
"I've never been looked down upon like this before."
Orochimaru flicked his finger, and countless raindrops condensed into fine needles, shooting towards Obito.
Although the move was sudden, the latter was prepared. Almost simultaneously, he activated his ability, causing his body to completely phase out.
"Orochimaru…"
The voice belonged not to Obito, but to Jiraiya, who raised his voice.
Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya, waved away the mist, and smiled. "I didn't go all out. I just wanted to teach him a lesson."
Ten meters away on the lake, Obito reformed into his solid state in the ninja world, his expression extremely grim.
Blood dripped onto the water, dispersing in moments. He hadn't actually sustained any serious injuries, but Orochimaru's speed had thoroughly frightened him.
Handless Ninjutsu was one thing, but this had almost made him unable to react. If those needle-like raindrops had targeted his eyes… he would probably have had to use 'Izanagi' once.
"Next time, learn your lesson. Don't talk so big when you're this close to me."
Orochimaru took another sip of tea, still smiling.
In fact, by this point, he already possessed the ability to kill Obito, even with those Sharingan eyes, Obito wouldn't be able to protect himself.
However, Obito was backed by Black Zetsu. If Black Zetsu's plan was completely ruined, with no possibility of it proceeding as intended, then that person might cause even more trouble.
Orochimaru did not underestimate the third son of Princess Kaguya Ōtsutsuki.
To a certain extent, he was more troublesome than Hagoromo and Hamura. Those two were merely rebellious sons, while the third son knew almost everything about Princess Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. The Six Paths level power he wielded was also concerning.
If there was an opportunity to eliminate Black Zetsu, Orochimaru would not miss it. But that guy was truly cautious, always staying out of his sight.
"Have Nagato come out. We are not here for revenge this time."
The contempt in Orochimaru's eyes angered Obito, but their previous exchange had proven that he couldn't control the situation here.
"If that… creature…"
Obito suddenly remembered the black liquid monster he had trapped in Kamui's dimension, but the thought was suppressed the moment it arose.
That thing could influence human nature. If it truly merged with someone, who knew what would happen. But at this moment, should he really let Nagato come? Couldn't he even buy half an hour?
Just as he was caught in a dilemma, a figure with red hair flashed into existence. He glanced at Obito, then turned his gaze to the two from Konoha, and said calmly, "You were looking for me? I've arrived, but we have nothing to discuss."
"Heh… Nothing to discuss? Do you want to fight me right now?"
Orochimaru's lips curved into a smile. "That's fine, but you look like you're in poor condition. How about I give you half a day to recover?"
Nagato's heart sank, knowing his condition had been seen through. But at the same time, he felt a sense of relief. Since Orochimaru could tell, yet didn't attack immediately, it meant they really weren't here for a fight.
Of course, Nagato wouldn't let his guard down because of this. They were completely opposing sides, and this fragile standoff could shatter at any moment.
Nagato concentrated his Chakra while watching Orochimaru, and said heavily, "What exactly are you here for today?"
"On a small scale, it's to show off our strength, to let you know how powerful I am now…"
Orochimaru smiled, without any unnecessary suspense. "On a larger scale, it's to set the stage for the next decade or so."
At the end of the Warring States period, the combined strength of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha required the entire ninja world to confront them. Now, if one ignored beings like the Gedo Statue, he and Nagato were comparable.
Nagato immediately understood Orochimaru's meaning, a sharp glint in his eyes. He said heavily, "Why aren't you attacking now?"
If a battle was inevitable, taking advantage of his weakness now would be the best opportunity. He didn't believe Orochimaru would hesitate.
"If I were to attack now, you'd fight desperately."
Orochimaru placed his teacup on the stone table and said with a smile, "This is just showing off our muscles. I'm not ready for a life-and-death battle with you."
Nagato was different from Obito. This monster, born from the combined powers of Madara Uchiha and himself, wasn't easy to deal with. Although he could be defeated, the destruction it would cause to the ninja world would be too great.
Furthermore, Nagato possessed the Gedo Statue. The seven Tailed Beasts he had captured, even if not all sealed within, were likely close to it.
Orochimaru would not show any disrespect to a tool of the Ōtsutsuki clan for plundering the planet's ley lines.
Therefore, Orochimaru's current stance was: they would fight, of course, but they needed to avoid the most intense conflict. It shouldn't escalate to a point where they had no choice but to fight with everything they had. If it truly came to that, neither Nagato nor himself would be able to hold back.
Nagato fell silent, not responding, but contemplating how much destruction he would cause if he were to fight with all his might.
Orochimaru's current confidence clearly indicated he didn't believe he was weaker than Nagato. If the two of them fought to their last breath, let alone the Village Hidden in Rain, even the Land of Fire might be half destroyed.
At their level of power, if they truly fought, no one would be the victor, only a world in ruins.
"I don't think you're someone who just wants to get revenge on the world and cause destruction."
Orochimaru poured another cup of hot tea. Amidst the rising steam, a smile appeared on his face.
"The ultimate goal of fighting and war is to decide the ownership of the ninja world, not to destroy it. We can talk properly."
Nagato fell silent for a long time, then suddenly spoke, "Two months ago, I attacked Konoha. The number of ordinary people who died because of me was no less than a hundred. And now you want to talk properly?"
He wasn't blind to Orochimaru's sincerity or the changes in the current ninja world situation, but he simply couldn't understand it. If they truly reached an agreement, what did those who had died before mean? Were they insignificant?