"For now, I'll believe you!"
Orochimaru sighed.
Such foolish thoughts, bound by matters of men and women, by family matters.
He had not detected any hint that the other man was lying.
But sometimes, one did not need to lie to achieve one's goal.
"So, what did you come to me for?
Don't tell me you want to surrender and defect to Konoha?"
Tobitake Tonbo teased.
He was genuinely curious what Orochimaru could possibly want from him.
The last time he had seen Orochimaru, what had he wanted? It seemed he had only wanted intelligence.
He thought of the cooperation Orochimaru had mentioned in the valley.
Could he have taken an interest in his ninjutsu?
That was possible. Orochimaru could make use of his research to achieve the goal of forming hand seals.
Orochimaru smiled. "I wanted to determine what you became stronger for. But I approve of your answer. Though your way of thinking is inadvisable, I can still sense it."
"Oh, so you wanted to see whether I was like Akatsuki, pursuing the Tailed Beasts?" Tobitake Tonbo asked.
Orochimaru said, "Since I believe you pose no threat, we can cooperate."
Cooperation had been his true purpose.
"Cooperate? Do you think we have any common ground for cooperation?
I lack nothing right now."
"Of course. Since I came looking for you, it naturally means I have acknowledged your abilities,
as well as your actions. They fit the standards of someone I can cooperate with.
I believe you will agree."
Orochimaru's tone was extremely confident.
That left Tobitake Tonbo stunned.
He reviewed everything about himself. Ever since coming to the Shinobi World, he could now be said to lack nothing.
Where did Orochimaru get such confidence?
Tobitake Tonbo said, "Go on. I'd like to know what could possibly move me."