"Kawafune-kun, your guess was correct."
"The Rain Ninja have pulled back again. They have no intention of confronting us head-on."
"The ones outside are all just lookouts. At most, they've set a few traps."
"They have no intention of harassing us at all."
"Looks like they won't make another move unless we move against them first."
This counted as a small victory, and Orochimaru was in a fine mood. He had even brought several jars of wine.
Inside a small earthen hut in the camp, he was drinking with Kawafune and the others.
As before, only two voices echoed through the earthen hut.
"Their goal is to hold us back."
"Not to defeat us."
"As long as we create the impression of launching a large-scale offensive—"
"Even if the Rain Ninja suspect it's a trap, they'll have no choice but to charge in."
"Orochimaru, what a brilliant scheme."
"I take it you deliberately left those Rain Ninja scouts behind as well."
Kawafune saw through Orochimaru's plan perfectly. This was an open scheme.
The Rain Ninja would definitely strike, and when they did, a fierce battle would be unavoidable.
"It was merely a small trick. You flatter me, Kawafune-kun."
Orochimaru was only in his twenties, after all. With Kawafune praising him, he could not help drinking a few extra cups.
"A major battle is about to begin. When the time comes, neither of you is to leave my sensory range."
After finishing the wine in his cup with Orochimaru, Kawafune did not forget to remind the two little ones.
As long as they remained within his sensory range, the Flying Thunder God would be enough to keep them alive.
"Yes, Teacher (Big Brother)."
The two little ones obediently ate the fruits Orochimaru had brought and nodded in response to Kawafune.
"Sakumo,