Hikaku looked surprised.
"I think I can understand some of what he's thinking."
Xia Le's eyes flickered.
There was no doubt about it. This was the Konoha Crush Plan from the original story.
Orochimaru's next move was clearly aimed at the Third Hokage. Coupled with what he had said years ago at the Five Kage Summit, and again during their battle in the forest, his intentions were clear.
What he wanted went without saying.
"I still don't understand!"
"Does he plan to destroy Konoha all by himself?"
Hikaku looked incredulous.
"What would he gain from that?"
"And it would start a war between the Land of Rain and the Land of Fire."
Xia Le smiled faintly and shook his head. "Hikaku, you still don't understand."
Hikaku looked puzzled.
"The Land of Rain has never feared war!"
"It didn't before, and it certainly doesn't now!"
Xia Le spoke calmly.
The Land of Rain was far stronger than it had once been. Its powerful system had driven explosive growth in the number of Ninja within its borders.
Any one of the Five Great Nations would be crushed in a one-on-one war.
Even if all five attacked together, the Land of Rain would not fear them.
Hikaku blinked and said no more.
He truly knew little about the Land of Rain. He had spent so long in Konoha that he barely knew what was happening beyond it.
Deep in a secluded forest.
Kabuto slowly entered a Wooden Hut.
His eyes flickered as he looked at the grim man standing with his back to him, handling various Test Tubes on the table.
Then he drew a small breath and, keeping his voice as steady as he could, recounted what had just happened.
"Is that what he said?"
Orochimaru's hands paused, and he slowly