As soon as Ye Feng returned home, he began absorbing his shadow clones' true qi. Although he was already very powerful, he still could not rule out the possibility of things going wrong. He wanted to face the coming upheaval at his strongest.
If the Third Hokage returned safely, an increase in Ye Feng's strength would still be no bad thing. If the Third Hokage failed to return, war might well follow. Every extra bit of strength offered another measure of security.
Meanwhile, Orochimaru also began to act. He sent his little snakes to locate Jiraiya, while he himself hurried straight to the Third Hokage's Office and asked for all the nearby Anbu to withdraw.
The Third Hokage did not hesitate. He still trusted Orochimaru and waved everyone away.
Seeing this, Orochimaru got straight to the purpose of his visit: he wanted the Third Hokage to take Hatake Sakumo along.
Orochimaru's request left the Third Hokage momentarily bewildered, but he soon understood. Bringing Hatake Sakumo could only mean one of two things: either Hatake Sakumo was plotting against him, or he was to protect him. The Third Hokage naturally knew what kind of man Hatake Sakumo was. He would never act against him, so protection was the only possibility left.
The Third Hokage grew wary as well.
It seems someone intends to harm me on this trip to the Land of Fire.
Although Orochimaru had not said it outright, the Third Hokage already understood his intent and could not help feeling somewhat moved.
All the affection I gave this student wasn't wasted. He still cares about me.
But although the Third Hokage knew there would be an ambush on this journey, he had no intention of canceling it. He was the Third Hokage; he could not hide in the rear