[Orochimaru: "Heh heh heh… Nagi, the fish you're waiting for won't bite so easily."]
At this moment, Orochimaru felt certain that the truth he sought—the path to ultimate knowledge—was hidden within those books Nagi possessed.
But he, Orochimaru, was not so easily lured—
[ Nagi: "I also have a Mangekyō Sharingan."]
[Orochimaru: "…Ahem. Nagi, perhaps we should arrange a meeting sometime."]
[Jiraiya: "Well, would you look at that. Orochimaru, you change your tune fast."]
[Orochimaru: "Jiraiya, what would you understand? This concerns the future direction of the shinobi world."]
[Kurenai Yūhi: "If Nagi is baiting Lord Orochimaru… will the Konoha Crush still happen?"]
[Rasa (Fourth Kazekage): "Ahem. Let me clarify in advance—the plan was led by Orochimaru. It had nothing to do with Sunagakure."]
[Onoki: "Heh. And you expect anyone to believe that?"]
No one who could become a Kage was simple-minded. Even the Fourth Raikage—despite his brash demeanor—was far more calculating than he appeared.
The Land of Rice Fields — Otogakure (Hidden Sound Village)
Nagi arrived with Ryōma Aburame and Shigaraki Tanuki.
With the Flying Thunder God Technique at his disposal, he had no fear. If anything went wrong, he could retreat instantly.
The guards at Otogakure's gates immediately stepped forward.
"This is the Hidden Sound Village. State your purpose."
Ryōma stepped forward and produced a scroll.
"We are shinobi of Konohagakure. Under orders from the Hokage, we have come to deliver an invitation for your participation in the upcoming Chūnin Exams."
He handed over the invitation for inspection.
The two guards scanned it and exchanged glances.
"Understood. We must first seek approval from Lord Orochimaru. Please wait here."
"No problem."
…
"Chūnin Exams? How interesting."
Orochimaru licked his lips as he examined the invitation.
Through the small white snake hidden near the village entrance, he observed the Konoha delegation.
"Heh heh… This is about more than an invitation."
Soon, a Sound shinobi arrived.
"Lord Orochimaru will see you."
Ryōma nodded.
"Lead the way."
The three followed the shinobi into a reception chamber.
Orochimaru sat upon a sofa, eyes fixed upon them.
Behind him stood a pale, white-haired young man with two red dots upon his forehead and red eye shadow accentuating his gaze.
Kaguya Kimimaro, Nagi recognized.
Even his name evoked echoes of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—his Shikotsumyaku bearing similarities to All-Killing Ash Bones.
Nagi withdrew his gaze and focused on Orochimaru.
Through sensory perception, he immediately noticed Orochimaru's condition—his body unstable, his spirit even more so.
After observing them for a moment, Orochimaru spoke in his hoarse voice:
"Heh heh heh… Isn't this Ryōma? It's been quite some time."
"Yes. It has been a long time, Orochimaru."
"At first, I paid little attention to Konoha's Chūnin Exam invitation. But the fact that you came suggests something more."
His golden eyes shifted toward Nagi.
"So tell me—is this the old man's doing? Or perhaps the new leader of Root's?"
His gaze was invasive, heated.
He had coveted this young man's body for quite some time.
Years ago, after the Night of the Uchiha Clan Massacre, Orochimaru had attempted to negotiate with Danzō Shimura for Sharingan. His offer had been a new arm cultivated from Hashirama Senju's cells—an offer he believed Danzō could not refuse.
Yet from that very day onward, Danzō became unreachable.
Konoha spies later reported that Danzō had been imprisoned.
At first, Orochimaru paid it little mind. Hiruzen often detained Danzō briefly as "discipline."
But months passed.
Still no release.
Curious, Orochimaru sent a summoned white snake to infiltrate the prison.
What he saw shocked him.
When had Hiruzen developed such resolve? Previously, he merely reprimanded Danzō verbally. This time… it was different.
So Orochimaru awakened one of his hidden white snakes within Root headquarters to investigate further.
And he discovered something intriguing.
Almost every night, this young man standing before him would suddenly appear within Root and spar against multiple shinobi in the training grounds.
His combat prowess. His physical talent.
Orochimaru was captivated.
Though not an Uchiha, Orochimaru had already marked him as his primary backup vessel for the Living Corpse Reincarnation.
"Watch yourself, Orochimaru!"
Ryōma barked sharply, noticing the predatory gleam in Orochimaru's eyes.
Having once worked together, he immediately sensed Orochimaru's intentions toward Nagi.
Orochimaru withdrew his gaze.
"Heh heh… My apologies. That was rude."
He turned back to Nagi.
"So, you must be Root's new leader. Won't you introduce yourself?"
"First time meeting you, Orochimaru-san. My name is Nagi. And yes—I am Root's new commander."
"A descendant of the Shiranui Clan? I cannot fathom why the old man would place someone so young in charge of Root."
Nagi simply smiled.
"Sometimes, age and position need not correspond. The same goes for ability."
"An interesting answer."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed.
"You didn't come all this way merely to invite us to the Chūnin Exams."
"Correct."
Nagi met his gaze evenly.
"I came for you."
Orochimaru's pupils thinned.
"If you're seeking cooperation… aren't you afraid the old man will discover it?"
"Even if he does, it doesn't matter."
Nagi's tone remained calm.
"Perhaps I'm here to help you."
"Help me?"
Orochimaru's smile widened.
"How, exactly?"
He did not underestimate Nagi's youth. On the contrary, the mere fact that he led Root at this age demanded caution.
And the words even if discovered, it doesn't matter—that intrigued him.
Nagi spoke plainly.
"The damage to your soul caused by Living Corpse Reincarnation."
Shing—
Behind Orochimaru, Kimimaro instantly drew a blade of bone from his arm and flashed to his master's side.
Orochimaru's greatest secret had just been exposed.
Kimimaro was stunned—but there was no time for thought. Protecting Orochimaru came first.
Ryōma Aburame and Shigaraki Tanuki likewise moved instantly, positioning themselves before Nagi in combat stance.
Tension filled the room.
Then Orochimaru raised a hand.
"Heh heh heh… As expected of Root's new leader. You open with an offer I cannot refuse."
His voice lowered.
"What do you want in return?"
The consequences of Living Corpse Reincarnation had plagued him for years.
The incompatibility between body and soul had steadily damaged his spirit.
Weakened spiritual strength meant diminished resistance to genjutsu.
The humiliation of nearly being defeated by Itachi Uchiha's genjutsu in a single move remained a festering wound in his heart.
Since that day, his obsession with the Sharingan—particularly the Mangekyō Sharingan—had only intensified.