Light and Shadow

"Are you sure?" Orochimaru's voice carried an almost imperceptible tremor, and he leaned forward slightly.

"Absolutely certain." Naraka's tone was full of confidence. "It's in Konoha right now, most likely being personally kept by the Third Hokage."

"That is the sincerity behind our cooperation, and one of our shared goals."

Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, rapidly weighing the situation. Naraka and this man called Mahito had mysterious origins, and their intentions were far from pure.

But the allure of the Dog Talisman was simply too great. Besides, their participation really could greatly increase the success rate of the "Konoha Crush Plan."

"Heh heh! Hahahaha!" Orochimaru suddenly let out a low, delighted laugh. "A talisman that grants eternal life is indeed an extremely tempting gift. It seems we have a solid foundation for cooperation."

He rose to his feet, his golden snake-like eyes sweeping over Naraka and Mahito. "Then, as the alliance's first joint operation, let us first recruit an important 'ally' for the 'Konoha Crush Plan.'"

"An ally?" Mahito rasped.

"That's right." A conspiratorial glint flashed through Orochimaru's eyes. "In a few days, the two of you will accompany me to 'pay a visit' to the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure."

He revealed a cruel, cunning smile. "When the time comes, I'll personally 'persuade' him to let Sunagakure join this grand feast as well.

"Of course, to ensure that our cooperation proceeds smoothly, after persuading him, I will take his place. With a Kage personally leading the operation, Konoha will surely be caught even more off guard."

The corners of Naraka's mouth lifted beneath his hood. "A perfect plan. We'll be more than happy to participate in this 'diplomatic mission.'"

Mahito grinned as well, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for slaughter and chaos.

At Konoha's Training Ground, Jiraiya suddenly shouted,