He had no need to answer any further. Those few words had resolved their questions and spared him trouble in the future.
As for whether they believed him?
Xia Le did not care in the slightest.
Then he slowly glanced at the tent nearby before silently withdrawing his gaze.
"Is that his secret?"
"It certainly makes for a good story!"
Orochimaru smiled, narrowing his eyes.
"You think he made it up?"
Tsunade sounded surprised.
"Who knows?"
"But this mysterious fellow undoubtedly knows a great deal!"
"About Madara Uchiha, the Sage of Six Paths, and the Rinnegan."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed to slits, his gaze flickering.
"Hmph!"
"Better to focus on the battle right in front of us!"
"Hanzo is already itching to make his move!"
"Two of our squads were ambushed last night."
Tsunade's voice was cold.
This war had brought far too much grief and death. Her younger brother and her boyfriend had both tragically perished.
"Our preparations are nearly complete, too!"
Orochimaru spoke quietly.
His eyes were icy as he slowly lowered his head to study the battle map on the table.
Outside.
Xia Le sat quietly, watching the three children train before him, his gaze drifting elsewhere.
In the few days since he had returned to Konoha's camp, everything had seemed peaceful.
In wartime, such peace was anything but ordinary. It often meant that a greater storm was brewing.
That night.
The moon shone brightly amid sparse stars, and a gentle breeze stirred.
Leaves rustled against one another in the woods.
Lying on a branch with his eyes half closed, Xia Le suddenly opened them.
His clear black-and-white eyes instantly became Sharingan as he scanned ahead.
"So, it's finally begun?"
He murmured the words.
Xia Le reached out with his right hand, lightly brushing the weapons at