Nagato and Orochimaru returned underground, passing through a long corridor toward the experimental base.
Orochimaru asked, "Are you still planning to make a move in Konoha for your operation against Teacher Sarutobi?"
Nagato shook his head. "No. Our previous actions have put all the major clans on alert. Teacher Jiraiya is presumably in the village as well. Including Danzo, there are at least six fighters at the Hokage level in the village. The chances of success are slim."
"So, the right approach is to act when Hiruzen Sarutobi leaves Konoha."
Orochimaru considered this. "Teacher has already stepped down as Hokage, and something happened in Konoha not long ago. At a time like this, I do not think he, as one of the village's pillars of strength, will leave the village so easily..."
"That is why there must be a reason for him to leave." Nagato paused before saying, "Tell me, if his son, Asuma Sarutobi, were in danger, would he go rescue him?"
Without a second thought, Orochimaru shook his head. "He would not. Teacher is someone who clearly separates public matters from private ones. In his heart, Konoha's safety and long-term development will always come first."
Nagato looked at him meaningfully. "Not necessarily... When you defected from Konoha, wasn't the Third Hokage the one who blocked your path? He had the ability to kill you then, yet in the end, he could not bring himself to do it and spared you."
Brushing back his long hair, Orochimaru said meaningfully, "I did not expect you to know even something so private, Nagato-kun. Is that also Ayakashi's power?"
"No. Kabuto let it slip before and told me." Nagato casually made Kabuto take the blame.
"Achoo!!!" In the base's washroom, Kabuto, who was showering after getting up, sneezed.
"Hmm... Have I been