Under the cover of dusk, in a remote corner of Konoha.
After repeatedly confirming that there were no signs of Anbu surveillance nearby, the carefully disguised Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi were holding a conversation that was almost conspicuously conspiratorial.
"Orochimaru-sama..." Kabuto Yakushi's eyes behind his glasses were filled with incredulous shock. "You... are you sure? This target... may be several times more dangerous than any operation we've undertaken before!"
He could hardly process the words he had just heard from Orochimaru—Tailed Beasts? A perfect Jinchuriki? A symbiotic relationship?
"But... wasn't the target you were originally interested in that Uchiha..." Kabuto's voice was full of deep confusion and incomprehension. He had followed Orochimaru for many years and knew well this man's obsession with Kekkei Genkai, especially those legendary eyes. Why had he suddenly shifted his attention to something as violent, uncontrollable, and extraordinarily dangerous as a Tailed Beast?
"Hehehe..." Orochimaru let out a low, hoarse laugh, his snake-like eyes gleaming with fervor and calculation in the shadows. "Don't worry, Kabuto."
He slowly licked his lips. "Compared to something like the Sharingan... I'm more interested now in the 'eyes' possessed by our mysterious leader, and in the way he wields his power."
"Although the power of the Tailed Beasts is indeed dangerous... we are not entirely without an opportunity."
In this world, because Itachi had not joined Akatsuki, Orochimaru had not betrayed the Akatsuki Organization by attacking his teammate, nor had he been utterly defeated by Itachi, he had not developed that obsessive, frenzied desire for the Sharingan.
A brief silence spread between them. At last, Orochimaru turned his full attention once more to his most capable assistant.
"So... Kabuto, I need your help. As for how to obtain 'Naruto'... this time, I truly have to thank that old man. Otherwise, I