"You've studied it too?!"
Orochimaru's voice carried a rare hint of uncertainty. He had always considered Uzumaki Raiden to be similar to him, someone who understood the depths of forbidden jutsu, which was why he believed Raiden knew so much about the techniques sealed within Konoha's Forbidden Scroll.
What he didn't realize was that Raiden wasn't speaking from a researcher's perspective—he simply knew Orochimaru too well.
"I haven't studied it. I've only seen it, that's all."
Raiden swirled his teacup casually before looking directly at Orochimaru.
"Brother, let's be honest. There's no way your research could continue in Konoha. If it were exposed, you'd not only be condemned by the village, but you'd also turn all of the ninja world against Konoha itself."
"After all, those in power today are survivors of the Warring States era."
"Researching the power of bloodlines is no different from uprooting the foundation of shinobi society."
Raiden's voice was calm, but the weight of his words was undeniable.
"The fact that you were able to leave Konoha without being hunted down means Sarutobi still sheltered you to some extent. Now, out in the world, you have the freedom to build your secret laboratories without interference."
"None of the Five Great Nations will actively seek to interfere with your business, and even as a former Hokage, I'll help you—"
"On matters that don't violate my principles."
Raiden stroked his chin, observing Orochimaru's reaction. His piercing gaze bore down on the man, the sheer pressure forcing even Orochimaru to pause for a moment.
"Not only did you not arrest me, but you also want to help me?"
"Ho ho ho ho! Tell me, what do you need from me? Just say it!"
Orochimaru let out a low chuckle. He wasn't fooled by Raiden's words. He knew better than to believe that Raiden would actually help him.
But he wouldn't reject his offer either.
Maintaining a relationship with someone as strong as Raiden could prove valuable—especially if Raiden could assist him in obtaining the Rinnegan.
As Raiden analyzed Orochimaru, Orochimaru was doing the same in return. Both sought to gain something useful from the other.
"My request is simple, brother."
"Even though you're a member of Akatsuki, you're still a shinobi of Konoha."
"This fact is known only to you… and to me."
Raiden's fingers tapped lightly against the wooden table.
Orochimaru smirked, immediately understanding what Raiden meant.
A spy.
Raiden wanted him to be a spy within Akatsuki.
And, in the distant future, such an arrangement could even pave the way for Orochimaru's return to Konoha.
Even as a rogue ninja, Konoha had been his home for decades. Who wouldn't want the option of returning if it suited their interests?
However, the conditions Raiden offered were not enough to sway Orochimaru.
"Raiden, to be honest, I don't care about Konoha."
"Whether I'm branded a traitor or a spy means nothing to me."
"I have only one true goal."
Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed, a hint of hunger flashing within them.
"But… if you help me obtain the Rinnegan, I'll do as you ask."
His tongue flicked across his lips. Eternal life. Mastery over all ninjutsu. These were his ultimate pursuits—and the eyes of the Sage of the Six Paths were far too fascinating to ignore.
Raiden chuckled.
"The Rinnegan? So that's why you joined Akatsuki, huh?"
He wasn't surprised. He had already predicted that Orochimaru's reason for infiltrating Akatsuki was to study the Rinnegan.
"You haven't made your move yet. Is it because your target is too strong? Or have you yet to fully uncover the Rinnegan's abilities?"
Orochimaru grinned but didn't answer immediately.
"It is the Rinnegan, after all. I need to be careful."
"But if you're willing to help me, then things will become much easier."
His vertical pupils locked onto Raiden, anticipation flickering within them.
"Fine."
Raiden set down his teacup.
"It's a deal."
"After all, we have the same starting point—I'm also very interested in Akatsuki's leader."
Raiden lowered his gaze slightly.
The Rinnegan…
He had already planted a seal within Nagato's eyes years ago.
At any moment, he could render them useless.
However, now wasn't the time.
Nagato wasn't an enemy—at least, not yet. And destroying the Rinnegan now would mean losing his best chance of tracking down Black Zetsu.
For now, the Rinnegan had to remain in play.
Orochimaru's lips curled slightly. Although he appeared composed, his excitement was unmistakable. He took a slow sip of tea before speaking calmly.
"Then our cooperation is set."
"I'll provide you with intelligence on Akatsuki, and when the time comes, we'll act together."
Setting down his empty cup, Orochimaru stood up.
"Well then, I'll be leaving."
He turned toward the exit and stepped outside.
At the door, Kakashi and the others—who had been waiting—immediately tensed up upon seeing Orochimaru emerge. Their hands twitched toward their weapons, their eyes wary.
Only Uchiha Itachi remained seated, watching silently.
"Ho ho ho!"
Orochimaru glanced at Itachi, let out an amused chuckle, and then vanished from the courtyard.
As soon as he was gone, Raiden stepped out of the tea room and waved dismissively at the group.
"What are you all standing around for? Go back to your training—I don't need you standing here."
The conversation between Raiden and Orochimaru had been shielded by a barrier, preventing those outside from overhearing.
Obito, clutching his bandaged chest, was the first to speak up.
"Master Raiden! Orochimaru is a traitor! How could you just let him leave?!"
His injuries still throbbed, the pain making him grit his teeth as blood seeped through the bandages.
Raiden glanced at him.
"It's not a serious wound, Obito."
His tone was calm but carried an underlying weight.
"You need to take care of yourself first. Fighting Orochimaru here would've been an unwise choice. If I had fought him seriously, you all would have been in grave danger."
Obito clenched his fists, frustration evident in his expression.
Raiden wasn't lying—Orochimaru was incredibly dangerous. A real battle between them would have been chaotic.
But what Obito didn't know was that Raiden had no intention of exposing his deal with Orochimaru.
There were some things that Obito… didn't need to know.
(End of this chapter)