Orochimaru had never been one to behave himself. When he first joined the Akatsuki, he had been determined to find out who was really behind the organization.
Instead, the Akatsuki's leader had promptly given him a thorough beating. While he had not been reduced to a mangy snake, he had certainly been made to shed several layers of skin.
That was precisely why Orochimaru was so wary of the leader who possessed the Rinnegan.
Of course, everything had two sides. Orochimaru knew very well just how powerful the leader named Pain was. If he took part in the Konoha Crush, even if they could not destroy Konoha entirely, they could still turn it upside down.
But after hearing Orochimaru's words, Black Zetsu scoffed and continued in his gloomy tone:
"Why would we trouble our leader over a mere village like Konoha? The only ones taking part in your plan this time will be Tobi and me."
Black Zetsu paused, then offered some reassurance:
"Don't worry. Tobi might seem unreliable, but he's quite capable."
In truth, Black Zetsu only said that because Nagato and Konan had all but escaped his control and no longer listened to his suggestions, leaving him grinding his teeth in fury.
However, he could not tell Orochimaru that. If Orochimaru learned that he could no longer speak for the Akatsuki's leader, then, given his nature, he would certainly make Black Zetsu pay dearly.
When Orochimaru heard Black Zetsu's answer and learned that the terrifying Akatsuki leader, Pain, would not be participating, he felt some regret, but he also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
That man was simply too powerful. If he truly participated, Orochimaru would have no way to control him, and the operation would no longer turn out as Orochimaru hoped.
Orochimaru looked at Black