Under these circumstances, they did not mind fanning the flames and using this affair to make trouble for Orochimaru.
Indeed, Yechen suspected that these people were the ones who had spread the rumors implicating Orochimaru this time.
Of course, that did not mean Orochimaru was innocent.
On the contrary, Yechen thought there was a fairly strong chance he was involved.
In his memories of another timeline, before Orochimaru defected, he had infiltrated the archives containing Tobirama Senju's research and stolen two S-rank forbidden techniques: Impure World Reincarnation and the Eight Branches Technique.
In this life, Yechen's presence had led to Danzo's early death. With one fewer partner-and a highly influential one at that-Orochimaru's progress was bound to be far from smooth.
Under these circumstances, it was entirely possible that he had set his sights on Tobirama Senju's research ahead of schedule.
With that in mind, leaking the relevant intelligence to spies from Kumogakure, then using their actions to conceal his own tracks and objectives, was a sound approach.
Of course, the truth was probably known only to Orochimaru himself and a handful of others, such as Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Yechen shook his head inwardly and stopped paying attention. None of this had anything to do with him, and he had no intention of getting involved.
Still, judging by this information, Orochimaru would probably defect earlier in this life.
There was no helping it. Public opinion within the village had already turned against him.
Whether in as little as a month or as long as a year or two, Orochimaru was bound to leave.
The only question was whether Hiruzen Sarutobi would go easy on him this time.
As for recruiting Orochimaru, Yechen had never considered it. Orochimaru's personal strength was nothing exceptional; his real prowess lay in modifying