Kitahara Kaede looked at him as he continued to think.
"Fifth Hokage, is that friend of yours really reliable?"
Kitahara Kaede looked at Orochimaru with a strange expression.
If Tsukikawa Isshiki had not been reliable—
He might have died in the arena long ago.
The place where Ōtsutsuki Isshiki had died.
Therefore, Kitahara Kaede felt that Orochimaru's question was exceptionally stupid.
However, Kitahara Kaede also knew that Orochimaru had no idea Tsukikawa Isshiki existed.
So he did not think much of it.
He replied casually.
"If he weren't reliable, he could just take this ninja world for himself if he wanted it."
Kitahara Kaede's tone made it sound like a joke.
Yet Orochimaru heard an incomparably heavy truth in those words.
That was, Kitahara Kaede currently could not defeat the other party.
So he could only lie low for now.
Of course, Kitahara Kaede had no idea Orochimaru had interpreted his words that way.
Thus, Kitahara Kaede saw the look of loyal devotion on Orochimaru's face.
"Fifth Hokage, then can't you go out?"
"Why would I go out? I need to collect this thing before I leave."
Kitahara Kaede was no longer merely puzzled; he looked utterly bewildered.
However, Orochimaru had yet to realize that Kitahara Kaede was being serious.
He simply assumed Kitahara Kaede was unwilling to reveal the truth.
Orochimaru did not continue disturbing Kitahara Kaede.
Meanwhile, Kitahara Kaede resumed his research.
Outside.
Most of the Hidden Leaf Village's experts had gathered at the edge of the mist.
There were even more than just Hidden Leaf Village ninja.
Ninja from the entire ninja world had gathered here.
It seemed Orochimaru's distress signal had indeed been anything but ordinary.
A huge crowd had arrived all at once.
A group of people clustered around the mist.
Madara Uchiha held