Orochimaru pulled the Kusanagi sword from Kabuto's chest, studying his subordinate's face with surprise, his eyes narrowing.
"I thought you'd run away in fear, Kabuto!"
Hearing him, Kabuto emerged nonchalantly from the sand. His face was pale, and he was breathing slightly harder than usual, but his palm glowed with the green chakra of the Mystical Palm Technique.
"I'm loyal to you. Why would I run?"
"I just followed your example," Kabuto murmured, a twisted smile on his lips. "Becoming a patient predator..."
As he spoke, his wounds healed rapidly under the glowing chakra. In just a moment, the injuries from the gold dust underground had closed completely.
Orochimaru stared at Kabuto with a strange expression. It wasn't until the subordinate felt his hair stand on end that the Sannin finally smiled, turned, and walked toward the fallen Rasa.
"Kabuto, I still really like you."
He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "By the way, congratulations. Your medical ninjutsu has improved again."
"Have the others come over and disguise themselves. Let's get ready to go."
Kabuto let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and waved to the group waiting in the distance, an unconscious smile spreading across his face. Orochimaru's gaze just now held more admiration and trust than before. His risky assistance had finally paid off.
As the Sound Four canceled the Four Violet Flames Formation, Kimimaro released the Cursed Seal. Orochimaru, having used the Face-Changing Technique to steal Rasa's appearance, had the four dress as Kazekage guards to accompany him to Konoha. Kimimaro, suffering from his illness, was ordered to return to Sound Village to continue relying on life support devices. Kabuto, however, returned to Konoha ahead of time to lie in wait and prepare for the next phase of the plan.
That night, Orochimaru, disguised as Rasa, finally arrived at the small town outside Konoha. Baki, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately stepped forward to greet him.
"Kazekage-sama! You've finally arrived."
Baki stepped aside and pointed down a path. "Please follow me. Konoha has arranged accommodations for us tonight."
As the Kazekage of Hidden Sand, Rasa naturally couldn't enter Konoha without a grand entrance. The other Daimyo who had also been notified and rushed over were doing the same. They were all arranged to stay overnight in the nearby town. The next morning, they would receive a welcoming ceremony and enter Konoha together.
"Hmm." Orochimaru nodded slightly and led his guards to the arranged accommodations.
But as soon as they entered, Baki impatiently closed the door. He gestured for the guards behind Orochimaru to step outside and keep watch, then asked with a puzzled look.
"Lord Kazekage, why was the plan suddenly moved up? Wasn't it agreed that we'd launch it after the Chunin Exams?"
Orochimaru had anticipated this question and delivered his prepared explanation. "The timing of our actions doesn't matter. The main thing is to wait until the audience is all here and the stage is set up."
"Now that the Daimyo have arrived, moving the plan upfront will catch Konoha off guard."
Hearing this, Baki nodded, seemingly agreeing with the assessment. However, something about the last sentence seemed a little off. Shouldn't the first few days after their arrival be when Konoha is most vigilant?
"Wouldn't it be better to wait until after the exams, when Konoha is at its most relaxed, to make a move?"
Orochimaru seemed to sense Baki's doubt. His face hardened, and he continued in an icy tone.
"The Sound Ninja also plan to move tomorrow. Go and arrange things. Make your move immediately upon receiving the signal tomorrow."
"I understand, Kazekage-sama." Since the matter was settled, Baki couldn't say anything more. After all, he had seen his Kazekage's efforts and certainly wouldn't harm them.
Just as Baki was about to leave, Orochimaru suddenly remembered something. He took out a scroll and handed it to him.
"Don't forget to inform Shukaku's Jinchuriki. Tell him to find an opportunity to attack Konoha's Jinchuriki tomorrow."
"This is information about Konoha's Jinchuriki. Tell him to go all out and try to hold them back."
"Shukaku's Jinchuriki?" Baki frowned, staring intently at Orochimaru. A moment later, a punch imbued with Wind-Style chakra was swiftly thrown out.
"Lord Kazekage, forgive me, but I need to verify something!"
Bang!
Orochimaru gripped the fist tightly, then stared at him coldly.
"You doubt me?"
"This subordinate wouldn't dare." Seeing that it wasn't a transformation jutsu and there were no unusual chakra fluctuations, Baki immediately bowed his head and knelt on one knee. "It's just that you don't usually address Gaara like that. It made me a little too nervous."
Orochimaru, realizing there was a problem with his address, showed no panic. Instead, he reprimanded him impatiently.
"Always be vigilant. Don't casually reveal your name or other information. Do I have to teach you that again?"
"I'm terribly sorry!" Baki bowed his head again. He realized he had indeed been overly sensitive because the plan had been brought forward. After all, the ANBU always used nicknames, never their real names.
"Alright, this won't happen again. Go and get down to business."
Orochimaru didn't intend to punish him, simply waving Baki away to prevent him from saying anything wrong again. Baki, head bowed, quickly disappeared from the spot.
The next day.
The fourth day after the start of the second exam.
The palanquins of the Land of Fire Daimyo and the allied Daimyo entered the Gates of Konoha. Orochimaru, disguised as Rasa, led his entourage in. Welcoming formations lined both sides of the road, with villagers watching the spectacle and Anbu maintaining order.
Soon, they arrived at a huge arena. The Daimyo stepped out of their palanquins and immediately spotted Hiruzen Sarutobi standing at the arena entrance to greet them.
"It's the Hokage of Konoha!"
"Very good, he actually came out to greet us personally!"
The Daimyo were all surprised by Hiruzen Sarutobi's appearance. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire felt incredibly proud, smiling and covering his face with his fan. The Daimyo of the Land of Wind glanced behind him and said with a sarcastic tone.
"Indeed, quite impressive. Unlike those ninjas of our Nation, each one arrogant beyond belief! They didn't even greet us after we met, hmph!"
Seeing the Daimyo shift the topic to Orochimaru disguised as Rasa, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward to smooth things over.
"Dear Daimyo, Konoha has prepared spectator seats for you. You can watch the upcoming preliminary matches on screens. Please make your way up."
Several Chunin stepped out from behind the Third, respectfully leading the Daimyo upstairs.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, beaming, approached Orochimaru.
"It's an honor to have you here, Kazekage-sama! After your long journey, did you rest well last night?"
Orochimaru smiled, his eyes narrowing. "Not bad. After all, I'm still young. But if it were someone of your age like you, it would probably be too much for you."
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't offended; instead, he laughed heartily.
"Hahaha, not at all. I think I'm still quite young, planning to serve for another five years."
With that, the Third stepped aside and led the way.
"Let's not watch the match on the screen with the Daimyo; let's go to the stadium together."
"The stadium? That sounds good."
Orochimaru followed closely behind. As they walked, his body was almost pressed against Hiruzen Sarutobi's back.
---