Sure enough, Uchiha Itachi had not gone far before Obito Uchiha and Orochimaru appeared in front of him at almost the same moment.
Unlike the delight on Obito Uchiha's face, Orochimaru looked wary. "Itachi, what are you doing here?"
Itachi was speechless. What else could I be here for? The same thing as you. But he could hardly say that aloud. Keeping his aloof expression, he looked coldly at Obito Uchiha and said, "I'm here."
Obito Uchiha nearly beamed. "I knew you'd keep your word. Come on, I'll take you to meet someone!"
Itachi tensed at once. While watching Kumogakure, he had sensed that something was off, as though someone else was involved. It seemed he would finally see who that person was today.
Orochimaru showed little reaction to their exchange and returned to his Clock Tower. Only the laboratory there gave him even a little sense of ease.
As he worked in the laboratory, Orochimaru broke into a rare smile. Their number of allies was growing, and the days ahead should be much easier. The smile lingered on his face.
The more allies they had, the better their chances of success. Perhaps they could even finish their mission early.
Meanwhile, Obito Uchiha brought Itachi before Pain. Itachi's face remained impassive, but only he knew how startled he was.
Itachi knew little about Yahiko, Pain, and the others, but he instinctively felt something was wrong with the man before him. This was his first time here, though, and he did not dare ask too many questions and risk giving something away.
Pain, on the other hand, studied Itachi with obvious approval. With Itachi's strength, he could hold his own even against Obito Uchiha. His reputation as a genius was well earned.
After a brief inspection, Pain nodded to Obito Uchiha.