For the Konoha Crush plan, killing the Fourth Kazekage was merely the beginning; the key lay in how to deceive the entirety of the Hidden Sand.
Orochimaru, however, was clearly well-prepared. He used a transformation technique to assume Rasa's appearance, while Kabuto and Allen transformed into his two guards. Together, they grandly strolled through the main gates of the Hidden Sand, one of the Five Great Nations.
Even more absurd was the fact that neither the Barrier Team responsible for the perimeter nor the members of the Anbu within the village noticed that their Kazekage had been swapped. There was no discovery, not even a shred of suspicion.
"How did the negotiations go?"
The moment they returned to the Kazekage's office building, the elder advisor Chiyo inquired with restless urgency. Since both her son and daughter-in-law had died at the hands of the White Fang, and her grandson Sasori had defected because of it, she was the person in the entire Hidden Sand with the deepest hatred for Konoha. Naturally, she was the primary supporter behind this plan.
"Very smoothly. This Chunin Exam will be the beginning of Konoha's descent into chaos and decay," the Orochimaru disguised as the Kazekage replied with a smile.
"Excellent! Baki! Have Temari, Kankuro, and Gaara begin their preparations! This time, we will make Konoha pay a price in blood!" Chiyo commanded with a grim expression to the elite Jonin, Baki, standing nearby.
"Yes!"
Baki vanished instantly without a second thought. As the instructor for the Fourth Kazekage's three children, he didn't entirely agree with the plan, nor did he believe that collaborating with a rogue ninja like Orochimaru served the interests of the Land of Wind. However, since the Kazekage and the elder advisors had made their decision, he could only do his utmost to execute it.
Watching the tall, sturdy man depart, Chiyo sat down and remarked nonchalantly, "Ever since the Nine-Tails incident where the Fourth Hokage, his wife, and a vast number of elite shinobi died, Konoha has entered an unprecedented period of decline. That is why, when the Hidden Cloud later threatened war, the Third Hokage chose to yield. Add to that the Uchiha massacre a few years back, and one could say the Konoha of today is at its weakest in history."
"I understand. This is our final opportunity. If we allow the new generation to mature, Konoha will once again become that formidable, strongest hidden village. That is an outcome we of the Hidden Sand cannot accept under any circumstances," the disguised Orochimaru nodded slightly.
"It is good that you know. It's a pity I am old, and my movements would provoke unnecessary vigilance from Konoha. Otherwise, I would truly love to go on a killing spree to avenge my son and daughter-in-law," Chiyo sighed with genuine regret.
A ninja of her caliber, even in old age, remains a primary target of surveillance for both enemies and allies alike. Her every move would trigger a chain reaction.
"Don't worry, there will be an opportunity. If the Third Hokage truly dies and all of Konoha falls into unprecedented chaos, then we, the Stone, and the Cloud will all immediately mobilize to invade the Land of Fire. When that time comes, you will be able to fulfill your long-standing wish," Orochimaru comforted her with a smile.
"Let's hope everything goes smoothly."
Underneath Chiyo's aged features lay a glimmer of longing and anticipation. Soon, the most senior advisor of the Sand left the Kazekage's office to go fishing with her brother, Ebizō.
Confirming that no other Sand shinobi were in the vicinity, Kabuto smiled and complimented, "As expected of Orochimaru-sama! To play the entire Hidden Sand Village for fools so effortlessly. Of course, the fact that the Daimyo of the Land of Wind keeps slashing their budget is a major factor. If they don't start a war soon, this village might collapse from within."
"Hehe. This is also thanks to Allen-kun's help. If he hadn't dealt with Rasa so easily, it would have taken us quite some effort on our own." Orochimaru reflexively licked his lips.
"What do you plan to do next? Stay here until the finals of the Chunin Selection begin?" Allen asked in an uncertain tone.
He vaguely remembered that after killing the Kazekage, Orochimaru personally infiltrated Konoha to participate in the early stages of the exams and even gave Sasuke a Curse Mark.
"No, of course not. My time is far too precious; leaving a Shadow Clone here will suffice. Besides, are you interested in accompanying me to have some fun at the Chunin Exams?" Orochimaru extended an invitation with a meaningful look.
"Participate in the Chunin Exams? You and me?" Allen raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Exactly! This year's exams are teeming with talent in Konoha. Not only are the two great Kekkei Genkai, Byakugan and Sharingan, present, but even clans like the Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka, and Aburame are included. Barring any accidents, they will all hold a place of their own in the shinobi world in a few years. If you intend to build your own power base, now is the perfect time to pick your recruits," Orochimaru reminded him with feigned kindness.
Hearing this, Allen couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "Sorry, I'm not interested in kidnapping children. Furthermore, I've already selected my target, and he has already agreed to join my team."
"Oh? If it's convenient, would you tell me who this lucky person you've set your sights on is?" A spark of curiosity flashed in Orochimaru's eyes.
He couldn't help but be curious. In his eyes, Allen was undoubtedly a very picky person; so far, he had only explicitly taken in Karin, the girl with Uzumaki blood. Even Haku, who possessed the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai, had not been officially accepted yet.
"It's Neji Hyuga. Currently the most talented individual in the entire Hyuga clan," Allen said nonchalantly.
"Neji Hyuga? Ah! That child from the Branch House." A thoughtful expression appeared on Orochimaru's face. "But the members of the Hyuga Branch House all have the Caged Bird on their foreheads. As far as I know, that seal is carved into the soul; it cannot be removed through normal means."
Allen snorted in response. "Don't worry, I've already removed the Caged Bird from Neji's head. He belongs to me now."
"Removed the Caged Bird? You actually managed to do that!"
Orochimaru suddenly became excited. After all, the Byakugan was once a subject of research he found quite interesting. Unfortunately, the Hyuga's control over the Branch House was too absolute; if they discovered someone had died in battle, they would immediately trigger the Caged Bird seal, completely destroying the brain nerves and permanently sealing the Byakugan's abilities. If the Caged Bird could be removed, it meant his long-dormant Byakugan research could be reopened.
"Of course! You can confirm it for yourself during the Chunin Exams."
After saying this, Allen vanished from the spot instantly. Since he had come to the Hidden Sand, he naturally wanted to see Gaara, the sleep-deprived Jinchuriki, and witness the true Magnet Release of the One-Tails, Shukaku, rather than the half-baked versions used by the Third and Fourth Kazekages.
"Orochimaru-sama, is it really alright to let him leave like that? Our current situation is quite precarious. If we are exposed, the entire plan will go down the drain," Kabuto probed cautiously.
"It's fine. Whatever he intends to do, he should know where the line is. Let's hurry and see what interesting things are worth researching among the Hidden Sand's forbidden techniques..."
As the last word left his mouth, Orochimaru turned his gaze toward the massive ninjutsu scroll placed in the corner.