Konoha Guesthouse.
"Lord Nagato, Lady Konan."
Byakuryu bowed in greeting upon seeing Nagato and Konan.
Nagato asked, "Byakuryu, how was your tour of Konoha?"
"It was impressive. Very prosperous."
Konan sighed. "It truly is a village blessed by nature, but our Rain Village will keep getting better too. One day, we won't be inferior to Konoha."
Byakuryu said, "I believe that. Lord Yahiko will definitely make it happen."
Nagato smiled. "Of course."
They had always believed that.
"It's getting late. Stay in Konoha tonight and head back first thing tomorrow morning."
"Alright."
Ever since seeing that figure, Anko had been somewhat absentminded all day.
She felt that perhaps she had become obsessed. Otherwise, how could she have mistaken a stranger for Orochimaru?
Not long ago, she had merely taken a nap. When she woke up, she was told that Lord Orochimaru was dead—dead as a traitor, killed by her teacher, the Third Hokage.
Lord Orochimaru, whom she had admired beyond measure and regarded as both a father and a god, was dead...
Why had this happened?
Anko could neither understand nor accept it.
She had gone to question Shin, only to receive the same cold answer from him.
Orochimaru had committed acts that harmed the village and was unforgivable. He had confessed under the personal judgment of the two former Hokage, and the Third Hokage had taken action himself. In the end, the two had perished together.
Everyone in the village cursed Lord Orochimaru, including her friends. Though they did not mention it in front of her, she had overheard them indignantly listing Lord Orochimaru's crimes.
After she vented her pain and calmed down, she discovered that her body had changed. She had suddenly gained a powerful strength. After thinking it over, there was only one answer: Lord Orochimaru