At Shin Uchiha's words, Orochimaru froze for a moment and instinctively touched the Shinigami Mask he had tucked inside his robes.
After all, the souls of four Hokage were sealed within that Shinigami Mask, including the First, who had once been hailed as the God of the Shinobi World.
Orochimaru had wanted to release the First precisely because he had suffered a setback at Madara Uchiha's hands.
If he, Orochimaru, was unworthy of facing Madara Uchiha, then he would release Madara's old archrival-Hashirama Senju-as well. That would make the entire shinobi world far more interesting.
However, after coming into contact with Shin Uchiha, Orochimaru had already set his sights on the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
By comparison, his grudge against Madara Uchiha was a trivial matter.
So, after that brief pause, Orochimaru gave a gentle smile and nodded.
"Since that is your wish, Shin, I will naturally abide by it."
Hearing Orochimaru's answer, Shin Uchiha smiled warmly, then changed the subject.
"Orochimaru, since you're already here in Konoha, why not see Tsunade if you have nothing else to do? You know, she's been talking about you for quite some time."
At that point, Shin Uchiha seemed to remember something. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as he continued.
"Oh, and Nawaki too. He was your disciple back then. Even though you've become a Missing-nin, that young fellow has always held you in great admiration.
"He's in Konoha now as well. I'm sure he would be very happy to see you."
Tsunade and Nawaki?
At Shin Uchiha's words, a rare trace of warmth appeared on Orochimaru's face.
Although Orochimaru was coldhearted by nature, there were still a few people in this world whom he cared about.
Tsunade had once been a teammate he could trust with his life, while Nawaki was the