Orochimaru's invitation took Amado slightly by surprise.
He took a drag from his cigarette and pondered for a while before slowly speaking. "I'd like to know who you're inviting me on behalf of."
Orochimaru smiled. "Does it matter?"
"It does!"
Amado's tone was firm.
He was sick of working under Ōtsutsuki Isshiki's threat. Now that he had finally outlasted Isshiki, he had no desire to find himself a new Ōtsutsuki Isshiki to lord over him.
Besides, he didn't think "A" really needed him, given his current strength and influence.
He knew his place. His genetic modification techniques had certainly played an important role in Ada and Daemon acquiring their "Shinjutsu," but the most crucial factor had been that mysterious Ōtsutsuki corpse.
Without that corpse, even the most advanced genetic modification techniques would have been useless. You couldn't make something out of nothing.
Orochimaru spread his hands. "All right. 'A' is inviting you!"
Amado's eyes narrowed. He immediately realized that "A" must have some way to communicate secretly over long distances. Perhaps his every word and move was being watched.
After a moment's thought, Amado asked, "Can I refuse?"
"Of course!"
Orochimaru smiled.
He had complete confidence in his own abilities. As long as he had that mysterious Ōtsutsuki corpse, Amado's help—or lack thereof—wouldn't affect his research into "Shinjutsu." So, from his own perspective, he had little interest in recruiting Amado. He was simply carrying out Shinji's orders.
Amado said, "I need some time to think it over! Also, I assume 'A' wouldn't want Ada and Daemon causing trouble in the Shinobi World, right? So let me settle them somewhere first, and then we can talk!"
Orochimaru turned and headed out, waving a hand over his shoulder. "Suit yourself!"
Amado let out a breath of relief. "Thank you!"
Aboard the Flying