Orochimaru's face was calm, betraying no emotion. "I'm going alone?"
The Third Hokage nodded. "Just you. With your Summoning Beast to help, you'll have an easier time on your own.
"More people wouldn't help. They'd only slow you down. Once you reach the Land of Lightning, contact Danzo first.
"He's been hiding there for some time and can give you fairly detailed intelligence."
Orochimaru nodded, though he knew the Third Hokage's haste was only partly due to the crisis in the Land of the Moon.
The other reason was the battle in the Land of Wind. Fugaku Uchiha had likely put the Konoha leadership under enormous pressure.
The Third Hokage needed Orochimaru to achieve something, to share that pressure and draw people's attention elsewhere.
Orochimaru had no objection. Infiltrating Kumogakure alone would be a tremendous test for him, too.
"Have we identified the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki? Kumogakure may be undermanned, but the Eight-Tails is a serious threat," Orochimaru said.
The Third Hokage shook his head. "Kumogakure has kept the Jinchūriki's identity well hidden. Even Danzo hasn't been able to uncover it yet.
"But the Eight-Tails isn't your target. With the Summoning Technique, you can come and go freely.
"If the Eight-Tails appears, you can withdraw for the moment. There's only one Jinchūriki; they can't guard all of Kumogakure.
"And if they use the Tailed Beast's power inside the village and lose control, the Third Raikage won't be there to suppress it. Kumogakure may fear the Eight-Tails running wild more than whatever damage you could do."
Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully and left the tent with a faint smile. This mission would let him measure himself against Fugaku Uchiha.
Despite the White Snake Cells he had injected into his body, he felt his blood stir with excitement.
He hadn't felt that way in a