Each Side's Web of Lies

Wise Flash said it casually, but it was true.

Even as Wise Flash, he was still the King of Heroes. He had a king's vision and bearing. Winning one match was hardly enough to make him throw caution to the wind.

A king, after all, was always proud.

"That proposal does serve our interests." Kanzaki Kaori thought for a moment, then spoke frankly. "We were discussing how to deal with Orochimaru first. He has Lorelei's Badge."

Kanzaki Kaori was no good at lying or scheming, and she knew it.

So she chose to speak plainly.

"I see." That was enough for the Wise King to grasp the situation. "I have no dislike for people who know how to repay a debt. To be safe, though, I'd like more people involved."

"You mean..." Kanzaki Kaori seemed to understand.

"He's not just our enemy. He's the other side's enemy as well. Orochimaru is dangerous. Even I might have a treasure stolen by a snake if I let my guard down." Wise Flash smiled.

He treated this event like a game.

If he won, that was only natural.

If he lost, it would merely be "an interesting experience."

Golden Flash was much the same in that respect. But his arrogance would not allow him to consider defeat, and his conceit ruled out an alliance with anyone else.

And so, a temporary alliance was formed.

Wise Flash appeared to have some way of finding people. It was not precise, but locating Konan and the others took little effort.

After defeating Artoria, they had not left. Instead, they remained hidden in the country, repairing their paper talismans.

Without Gilgamesh's ability in that area, most people would never have thought to look there.

So when Kanzaki Kaori and the others arrived, Konan was extremely wary.

"An