"Hiss, hiss... It seems I've been discovered. Just what I'd expect from the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan."
Orochimaru's years of battle-honed instincts told him he had been discovered. But why would the Hyuga Clan's young lady look underground for no reason?
Or had one of the brats noticed him beforehand?
Karin Uzumaki? Or the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki?
A trace of amusement flashed through his eyes. Then he simply stopped moving underground and rose straight to the surface.
Although he had been forced into a deal with that man who called himself Madara, he had to admit that what the man had provided was truly excellent.
Back when Orochimaru was still in the Akatsuki, Madara had specifically sought him out to ask about Ryūchi Cave. He had refused Madara at first.
After all, whether this man who called himself Madara actually was Madara remained in doubt. Besides, Ryūchi Cave was one of his trump cards. How could he give it to someone whose very identity was questionable?
Later, the entire Akatsuki had begun pressuring Orochimaru for the information.
Left with no choice, Orochimaru had thought, Since you're all going to act like this, even if I can't beat you, can't I run?
So he had fled the Akatsuki in a flash. But Zetsu's search abilities were simply too powerful. Zetsu kept finding Orochimaru, forcing him to move elsewhere.
Later, that Madara had appeared again. After he and Orochimaru agreed on certain terms, the Akatsuki stopped hunting Orochimaru, Madara obtained Ryūchi Cave's location, and Orochimaru gained ten White Zetsu who spent all day asking him what it felt like to poop.
Although the White Zetsu were annoying, as a scientist, Orochimaru was extremely curious about their existence and treated them very well.
He had even specifically transplanted intestines and an anus into