"It looks like... you've run into some trouble..."
A sinister voice echoed in everyone's ears.
Led by Nagato, everyone immediately became alert.
This was the heart of the Rain Village. Apart from the people of the Akatsuki, no outsider could possibly know about this place!
However, when they got a clear look at the pale-faced newcomer and his pair of snake-like eyes, they immediately understood.
"Orochimaru, what... are you here for?"
Konan's chilly voice echoed through the empty area.
"Me?"
"I'm here, naturally, to join forces with you. Compared to that bunch of foolish, rotten people outside, I think we'll have more in common."
"You need a peaceful world, while I need the data and technology of another world..."
"I think... we can cooperate..."
As Orochimaru spoke, he had already walked straight to the Ten-Tails. He gazed at the monstrous creature, his eyes filled with admiration and fanaticism.
"So this is... the legendary God Tree? Truly... a wondrous masterpiece of the Creator!"
"You just said that its revival still requires the Tailed Beasts?"
Everyone present stared at Orochimaru, silently watching him perform his one-man show.
Orochimaru swept his gaze across these people, who were eyeing him like hungry tigers, yet he showed no fear whatsoever.
He merely grinned, then said something that shocked everyone.
"I still have a Nine-Tails here. I wonder if the Ten-Tails can be revived after adding the Nine-Tails?"
Nagato raised his head and looked at Orochimaru.
Obito's pupils contracted, and he suddenly remembered something.
"Boss, someone's here."
Konan nodded, and two enormous paper wings extended from her shoulder blades.
She flapped her wings and disappeared, then returned with a message.
"The Third Hokage has invited us to attend the Five Kage Summit!"
Hearing this, Nagato let out a sinister laugh.
"The Five Kage Summit? As expected,