Orochimaru's mouth spread into a grin, then flattened again. His golden, slit-pupiled eyes swept over Pain's face, without a trace of their former deference.
Pain spoke slowly in Ajisai's voice, crisp and pleasant, with none of Deva Path Pain's former authority.
"Orochimaru, is there any news from Konoha?"
Orochimaru lifted his chin slightly. His gaze left Pain's face and settled on the fingertips of his projection, which glowed translucent white in the firelight.
"No. Uchiha Yongye comes and goes like a ghost. My informants haven't seen him lately. I don't know what he's been doing."
Pain fixed her eyes on Orochimaru's face.
"Do you have a new plan to deal with Uchiha Yongye? You took over what remained of Danzo's forces. That old bastard must have left a few trump cards behind."
Orochimaru's tongue slipped out again and ran around his lips.
"There are a few, but they're useless against Uchiha Yongye."
"As for a new plan..."
"I'm considering it. I don't have one yet."
Pain's projection leaned forward half an inch. Her stare sharpened, and her purple pupils contracted in the firelight.
"Can you help me get my Deva Path Pain back?"
Orochimaru's mouth immediately flattened. He shook his head, slowly but firmly.
"No. Uchiha Yongye took the body. No one can get it back from him."
"I'm afraid even Tsunade couldn't, let alone me."
The stone chamber fell silent for a moment.
Kakuzu's projection suddenly stepped forward. His green eyes left Pain's face and settled on Orochimaru's. He raised his chin slightly.
"Orochimaru, you're lying!"
Orochimaru's golden eyes turned and locked onto Kakuzu.
Kakuzu went on, his tone just as aggressive:
"The Five Rings Trading Company put out word that anyone willing to pay a high price could obtain the remains of the criminal who destroyed Konoha. Pay