"Jiraiya, you idiot, you're back too? What are you babbling about? I have no idea what you're talking about."
Orochimaru glanced at Jiraiya outside, then turned his gaze back to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen had noticed the attacks by the Sand and Sound Ninja across Konoha from outside the Four Violet Flames Formation. He was giving orders to the Anbu rushing over, telling them to defend and provide aid in various parts of the village.
"Third Hokage, do you need help?"
A voice came from outside the formation. Hiruzen looked over.
"With just a word from you, the Tsuchikage and Mizukage—and the rest of us—can help Konoha resolve this crisis. We can even take care of Orochimaru while we're at it."
At some point, Shirozumi had appeared on the rooftop, standing beside the Anbu.
The Konoha Anbu had only just noticed Shirozumi's arrival. They jumped in alarm and drew their weapons, ready to defend themselves.
"What are your intentions?"
Hiruzen's expression turned grave.
He certainly hoped the Tsuchikage and Mizukage would help, but he knew all too well that there was no such thing as a free lunch.
Besides, this was no ordinary shinobi from Amegakure. He had the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Kage of two great villages. He was definitely no simple character.
"Of course I have intentions. First, I want to stop this deadly duel between you and your former student, and bring Orochimaru, the traitor, back into our organization."
"Organization?"
At that word, Hiruzen's mind began racing.
He'd already discussed it with Kakashi before: Orochimaru, his former student, had to be behind the whole business of making Sasuke drink milk. Now it seemed he'd been right!
"Organization?"
Orochimaru frowned at the word too.
Could it be...
Whoosh—
Shirozumi yanked off his outer robe and tossed