Tobi had no interest whatsoever in talking to Orochimaru alone. He said to Deidara, "Senior, I hear he's a rogue ninja from the Akatsuki. Why don't you use your art to blow him up on the spot?"
"No, my art can't be wasted on a worthless clone like this. He isn't worthy." Deidara looked thoroughly haughty. "Tobi, not to lecture you, but you're a member of the Akatsuki now, too. You can't let a rogue ninja's clone scare you. That's that. I'll wait for you up ahead."
Seeing Deidara fly off just like that, Tobi called after him repeatedly, "Senior! Senior! Don't leave me behind!"
Watching Tobi's performance, Orochimaru couldn't help letting a mocking smile creep onto his lips.
"Stop chasing. Two feet will have a hard time catching up to wings," Orochimaru said first.
"Ah, just a rogue ninja's clone. Watch me wipe you out right now." Tobi spoke in a comical tone, flailing his arms as he made as if to attack.
Orochimaru said calmly, "Not one of the Uchiha clansmen I know has a personality like this. Aren't you tired of acting? After all, I was once in the Akatsuki, too. That makes me a former subordinate of yours."
At those words, Tobi instantly went as still as a wooden statue. His lone eye shone with a terrifying light, and even his voice changed completely, becoming exceptionally grave. "How did you find out?"
A soul appeared in Deidara's mental space as he flew through the air.
"Dad? When did you get here? Why didn't you just show yourself?" Deidara was very surprised.
Anyo smiled. "Your new partner is no ordinary man. I was afraid I'd give myself away, so I had Orochimaru talk to him and distract him."
"Tobi?" Deidara looked utterly unconvinced. "He's that strong?"
"Don't