"Lord Orochimaru, it's been a while."
Orochimaru's pupils abruptly contracted.
That voice, that tone...
Impossible!
That man should still have been in Hidden Xuan Village, "poisoned and unconscious." How could he be here?
"You're...!"
He never finished.
Nameless's appearance abruptly changed, replaced by Xuandou's sharply defined face.
An instant later, he resumed his disguise as Nameless.
"Shh."
Xuandou gave a meaningful smile.
"Lord Orochimaru, we're teammates. Don't get so worked up."
The snake loosened its coils, slid off Xuandou, and obediently withdrew into Orochimaru's sleeve.
The genjutsu on Orochimaru was also dispelled. He retreated several steps and leaned against a roadside tree, watching Xuandou warily.
"Xuandou... Uchiha."
Apprehension filled Orochimaru's voice.
"You actually orchestrated this whole thing, disguised yourself as Nameless, and personally joined the Akatsuki!"
Xuandou did not deny it, but continued:
"If I didn't come myself, how would I know what you were all up to?"
Orochimaru fell silent for a moment, his gaze flickering.
He extended his tongue and licked his lips, his voice returning to its usual rasp:
"Then, Xuandou, what do you intend to do with me? Kill me to keep me quiet? Or..."
"Kill you?"
Xuandou shook his head.
"I couldn't bear to. Just pretend you know nothing about my affairs."
"In exchange, Hidden Xuan Village can provide you with a substantial sum to fund your scientific research."
"There's only one condition: when I need you, you must stand on my side."
Orochimaru was silent for a moment, then let out a hoarse laugh.
"Hehehe... Interesting. Very interesting."
He licked his lips, excitement gleaming in his eyes.
"The Daimyō of the Land of Hot Water and master of Hidden Xuan Village actually infiltrated the Akatsuki himself as a spy."
He held out his hand, palm up:
"Deal."
Xuandou shook his hand. The two exchanged