After saying Uzumaki Naruto's name with a face full of shock, Orochimaru instantly fell silent.
He had considered everyone, but he had never imagined it would be Uzumaki Naruto.
There was no other reason—Uzumaki Naruto's identity was simply far too special.
Not only was he the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, with Uzumaki Kushina as his mother.
He also had the Nine-Tails sealed inside him. He was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!
Jinchuriki were important strategic weapons for every ninja village, so they were naturally kept under strict watch. How could they possibly be allowed to leave their village so casually?
With Uzumaki Naruto standing right in front of him, there were only a few explanations Orochimaru could think of!
First, this person was not Uzumaki Naruto himself, but merely someone who had transformed into Naruto with the Transformation Jutsu.
But that would bring him little benefit. On the contrary, if his trick of deceiving Orochimaru were exposed, what awaited him would be Orochimaru's wrath!
Second, this person truly was Uzumaki Naruto himself, and he had used some special means to leave Konoha.
Orochimaru leaned more toward the second possibility, but the more likely it seemed, the more questions he had.
First of all, why had Uzumaki Naruto been able to discover his hiding place? And why had Naruto come looking for him? He should have had no connection with Naruto at all.
If Naruto knew the truth about that year, debts had their creditors. He should have gone after Shimura Danzō and Hiruzen Sarutobi. It had absolutely nothing to do with Orochimaru!
Orochimaru decided that he needed to find out what Naruto's purpose was.
In a hoarse voice, he said, "Uzumaki Naruto, you came all the way from Konoha to find me. What exactly are you here for?"
Naruto