As 'B' and 'D' stood obediently behind 'A,' their quiet and compliant demeanor left Orochimaru outwardly composed but inwardly reeling with shock.
Like the Hidden Leaf's leadership, Orochimaru had assumed, after witnessing 'B's complete Susanoo, that 'B' and 'A' were likely equals.
'B's strength was simply too overwhelming, second only to the Akatsuki's leader, Pain, and unlikely to be subordinate to anyone else.
Yet now, it was clear that 'B' was not only 'A's subordinate but far from an ordinary one.
When Orochimaru was still with the Akatsuki, even facing Pain, he wouldn't have shown the level of deference 'B' displayed toward 'A.'
No, this wasn't mere deference—it was reverence!
Similarly, 'D,' the spiritual entity wearing a Hannya demon mask standing behind 'A,' exuded the same reverence.
Orochimaru wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he even detected a hint of fawning in 'D's demeanor.
"How is this possible?"
For a moment, Orochimaru was gripped by profound confusion and disbelief.
Having been part of the Akatsuki, he knew that while Pain, with his Sage Eyes, was powerful and enigmatic, the organization's members were mostly top-tier shinobi, each fiercely independent and untamed.
He couldn't fathom why formidable figures like 'B' and 'D' would show such subservience to 'A.'
With Orochimaru's momentum shaken, Shinji sensed it immediately and seized the moment to press, "What's your answer?"
Orochimaru's expression grew darker.
He felt the pressure, a weight he'd only experienced when facing Pain, but he wasn't ready to yield easily.
In the shinobi world, he was the one who intimidated others!
At that moment, 'D' tilted their head slightly, gazing at Orochimaru.
The mask obscured 'D's expression, but as a spiritual entity, 'D's chakra was potent enough for anyone to sense the eager battle intent radiating from them, as if they'd pounce without hesitation at 'A's command.
'B's gaze followed.
As Orochimaru met the scarlet pupils glinting with an eerie glow behind the mask's eyeholes, his heart skipped a beat. "These eyes… they might be even stronger than Itachi Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan!"
During 'B's raid on the Hidden Leaf's archives, Orochimaru had only observed from afar, not feeling the full impact. But now, locking eyes with 'B,' he realized those eyes held a mesmerizing, soul-captivating power!
In that instant, fear and greed surged within Orochimaru's heart—he was both terrified and covetous!
"As expected of Orochimaru…"
Shinji had been closely observing Orochimaru.
The appearance of Karin and Yakumo clearly put significant pressure on Orochimaru, but as a seasoned veteran, he didn't let his fear show.
Still, Shinji's goal was achieved—Orochimaru was intimidated, his aura noticeably diminished.
In truth, if it came to a fight, neither Karin, with her Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, nor Yakumo, with her Koryugan, could easily pin down Orochimaru.
Yakumo's previous instant subjugation of Orochimaru was due to him underestimating her genjutsu prowess.
If Orochimaru was prepared, Yakumo might still suppress him using her spiritual form and Koryugan dojutsu power, but killing him would be unrealistic.
Even Itachi Uchiha needed the Totsuka Blade's sealing power to deal with Orochimaru decisively.
Karin's situation was similar—defeating Orochimaru was feasible, but capturing or killing him was extremely difficult.
Of course, even if Orochimaru refused to cooperate, Shinji likely wouldn't order Karin or Yakumo to attack. Killing Orochimaru here would do little to advance his Tenseigan Plan.
Thus, both sides fell into a silent standoff.
After a while, Orochimaru finally spoke. "How do you propose we cooperate?"
With Orochimaru relenting, Shinji didn't hold back. "I'm very interested in Kimimaro's Bloodline Limit, so he can't die yet!"
Orochimaru probed, "His illness is that troublesome?"
"Yes," Shinji nodded.
Orochimaru pondered for a moment before saying, "Kimimaro is my subordinate. Naturally, I'll find a way to treat his illness. As for cooperation…"
Shinji cut him off. "You alone can't save him. That's why I'm offering to cooperate. I can provide some techniques to help you treat Kimimaro, but in return, once he's cured, you must assist me with some experiments."
Shinji's words were half-truths.
He did intend to save Kimimaro, but not to wait until after his recovery to proceed with the Tenseigan Plan. Instead, he planned to subtly advance the plan during Kimimaro's treatment.
"Fine, I agree to cooperate!" Orochimaru smiled, then added, "Those nearby—Danzo's men, right?"
Shinji interrupted again, brusquely. "Doesn't matter!"
Orochimaru gave an awkward chuckle.
Having reached an agreement, he'd intended to explain why Danzo's forces were lying in ambush, but 'A' clearly didn't care.
Shinji wasted no time, departing with Karin and Yakumo.
As the trio left, Orochimaru let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Some time later, Kabuto returned to the forest and asked, "Orochimaru-sama, how did your talks with the Akatsuki go?"
Orochimaru replied, "I reached an agreement with 'A' to cooperate on treating Kimimaro."
"He… he arranged this meeting just to treat Kimimaro?" Kabuto asked, incredulous.
"'A' is likely fixated on Kimimaro's Bloodline Limit. There may be secrets in the Shikotsumyaku we're unaware of." Orochimaru shook his head. "What about Danzo's men?"
Kabuto shook his head slightly.
Orochimaru understood instantly and asked no further.
Danzo's forces weren't weak, but against the Akatsuki's 'B' and 'D,' they stood no chance.
He wasn't particularly bothered by the annihilation of Danzo's men.
Frankly, Danzo's absence from the ambush showed he was gambling. Those Root shinobi were merely chips he'd staked on the table.
Kabuto asked, "Orochimaru-sama, what do we do now?"
"Go back. I want to personally examine Kimimaro!"
With that, Orochimaru vanished in a flash.
'A' had piqued his curiosity about Kimimaro, and he was now eager to uncover what about Kimimaro could draw the attention of a powerhouse like 'A.'