Seeing Orochimaru tear away his disguise as Shinji Kotera of Kusagakure and reveal his true appearance, Sasuke, carried on Naruto's back, asked coldly, "The Cursed Seal on my shoulder was your doing, wasn't it? The person in that cave that day was you?"
Orochimaru smiled faintly. "That's right!"
Sasuke demanded, "Why?"
Orochimaru slowly spread his arms. "Because you're one of the few precious Uchiha left—and because you possess the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"So that's why you wouldn't leave me alone—you wanted my Sharingan!" Sasuke's expression darkened. He sneered, "Too bad it's already drained of its Dojutsu. Even if you take it, it'll be useless."
Orochimaru clearly wanted more than Sasuke's Sharingan, but he didn't correct him. He merely raised the corners of his mouth.
Seeing Orochimaru's covetousness toward Sasuke laid bare, Naruto flew into a rage. "You actually want to steal Sasuke's eyes? You're disgusting!"
"Kid, that's the nature of the Shinobi World!"
Orochimaru smiled and shifted his gaze to Haku, Karin, Ryūsetsuna, and Chiyo, who had hurried over.
Sasuke had lost the ability to fight, and Orochimaru didn't consider Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, a threat. The four he truly had to watch out for were Haku, Karin, Ryūsetsuna, and Chiyo.
Unlike most people, Orochimaru had an exceptionally keen instinct for talented children. Kabuto, Kimimaro, and Jugo had all been promising talents he discovered first.
Karin and Suigetsu, too, had ended up under Orochimaru's command in the original timeline.
So, guided by instinct, Orochimaru realized that Haku, Karin, Ryūsetsuna, and Chiyo—the four brats he'd barely paid attention to before—were the last obstacle between him and Sasuke.
"He's Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, alongside Lord Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya!" Haku paused, then continued, "He's powerful enough to challenge the Five Kage. Everyone, be careful!"
"That strong!?" Ryūsetsuna muttered, stunned. "Being careful alone