Uchiha Yuan's gaze shifted slightly at Kimimaro's answer, and he smiled. "You're certainly honest."
"Lord Yuan, Lord Orochimaru asked me to remind you that Uchiha Itachi, the traitor of the Uchiha Clan, has now joined the Akatsuki under the codename 'Vermilion Bird.'
"He was the one who injured Lord Orochimaru."
A chill crept into Kimimaro's voice at the mention of Uchiha Itachi.
After a pause, he continued, "Lord Orochimaru also had me bring intelligence on the Akatsuki's members."
"That was thoughtful of Orochimaru. Please thank him for me."
Uchiha Yuan spoke.
Then he returned to his seat behind the desk and asked, "What business did Orochimaru send you here for?"
Kimimaro formed hand seals and pressed both hands against the floor, summoning a scroll.
Uchiha Yuan accepted the scroll Kimimaro offered, opened it, and began reading.
Then Uchiha Yuan fell into a long silence.
For a while, only the faint sound of breathing could be heard in the room.
After a moment, he looked up at Kimimaro and said, "I understand what Orochimaru has proposed.
"Some rotten wood is indeed overdue for clearing away.
"I will neither obstruct his plan nor reveal it. Please assure Orochimaru of that."
"Yes. I will deliver your response to Lord Orochimaru, Lord Yuan."
Kimimaro spoke.
"Toneri, take Kimimaro on a tour of the base and see that he's treated well."
Uchiha Yuan turned to Otsutsuki Toneri and gave the order.
"Yes, my lord."
Otsutsuki Toneri bowed in acknowledgment.
"Thank you, Lord Yuan. I'll take my leave."
Kimimaro bowed, then left the room with Otsutsuki Toneri.
Uchiha Yuan tapped his fingers against the desk, his gaze thoughtful.
The plan detailed in Orochimaru's scroll was the [Konoha Crush Plan].
He had sent Kimimaro with the message not to ask Uchiha Yuan to join him, but simply