Xuandou understood when he saw Orochimaru's intrigued expression.
He knew all too well what this fellow was plotting.
In the original story, Orochimaru had set his sights on Itachi's body, only to be defeated instantly by Tsukuyomi and flee in disgrace.
Only afterward had he settled for second best and turned his attention to Sasuke.
So he said mildly:
"I'd advise you not to get any ideas about Itachi."
"Otherwise, you'll regret it."
Orochimaru gave a raspy chuckle at that and stuck out his tongue to lick his lips.
"Hehehe... You must be joking, Xuandou."
"I merely admire the boy."
He simply assumed Xuandou was threatening him to protect Itachi.
Thus, he paid it no mind.
His golden, slit-pupiled eyes lingered on Itachi a moment longer before slowly looking away.
Then the group moved on.
Orochimaru led them toward the harbor.
An unremarkable sailboat lay moored beside the dock.
The boatman was a taciturn middle-aged man. At the sight of Orochimaru, he merely nodded and untied the mooring rope.
The sailboat slipped into the night, heading out into the vast sea.
Xuandou stood on deck, watching the outline of the distant land gradually disappear.
Itachi stood quietly beside him, expressionless, as though he were merely carrying out an ordinary patrol.
After sailing for two days and a night.
Late on the second night, the boat finally approached the Land of Water.
Thick fog hung everywhere, reducing visibility to less than ten meters.
The air was damp and chilly.
Orochimaru took several loose black hooded cloaks out of the cabin and handed them around.
"Put these on."
"Kirigakure follows an isolationist policy and is very hostile toward outsiders."
"We'll need a little concealment to avoid exposing ourselves prematurely."
They took the cloaks and wrapped themselves tightly, leaving only their eyes exposed.