NOVEL NEXT Chapter 318: Chapter 318
Although Obito's space-time ninjutsu isn't as fast as the Flying Thunder God in battle, it excels in travel since it doesn't require marking.
As a result, he arrived quickly.
The sudden appearance startled Mikoto.
She reacted instantly, drawing her sword and positioning herself next to Orochimaru, while Kushina looked on warily.
When the masked man introduced himself as Uchiha Madara, Kushina looked confused, but Mikoto frowned.
"Uchiha… Madara?"
"Do you dare call yourself Uchiha Madara? Are you a criminal or just a fool?"
Obito ignored the two women and focused his gaze on Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru," Obito began, "during the Second Shinobi War, you earned the title of one of the Sannin after defeating Hanzo of Amegakure. Later, your advanced scientific research and dangerous knowledge led Konoha's upper echelon to betray you, using the excuse of protecting the village. In the end, you were forced to defect from Konoha."
"Don't you think it's tragic? Someone who contributed so much to Konoha ended up being treated this way."
Orochimaru remained calm, but Mikoto and Kushina were visibly shocked.
This was the first time they had heard the truth behind Orochimaru's defection.
So, Orochimaru hadn't betrayed the village, the village had betrayed him?
"Your investigation is thorough," Orochimaru said, far more relaxed than the women. He chuckled, "Hahaha, it is tragic, isn't it?"
"But what interests me more is why someone claiming to be Uchiha Madara would investigate me so thoroughly. What's your goal? Or is this just your way of showing off your strength?"
Obito ignored the provocation and answered, "The Rinnegan! Providing proper guidance to the Rinnegan's wielder has been our organization's mission since the Warring States Period."
"And you… whether intentionally or unintentionally, more than ten years ago, brought Nagato, the wielder of the Rinnegan, to your village."
"The great nations bask in sunlight, while the smaller ones wither in their shadow. Nagato is destined to change the ninja world's fate. He shouldn't be reduced to an experiment in your lab."
"So, you want me to hand Nagato over?"
"Correct!" Obito said firmly.
Orochimaru's lips curved into a smirk. "Isn't that a little naïve?"
"You're the one who's naïve!" Obito replied, his voice deep. "Orochimaru, war is everywhere. Where there is light, there will always be shadows to be found as well. As long as there is a concept of victors, the vanquished will also exist. The selfish intent of wanting to preserve peace, initiates war. and hatred is born in order to protect love."
"With Nagato's help, we can create a world of only Victors. A world of only Peace. A world of only love."
"For that, our organization needs your cooperation."
"Hmm, how noble you sound," Orochimaru said playfully. "But if that's the case, shouldn't you go to Nagato directly? Why come to me? The Rinnegan isn't mine."
"And why should I trust you? Are you overestimating yourself?"
"Have you forgotten the pain caused by war?" Obito said coldly. "If you refuse to cooperate, I wonder how long your Sound Ninja Village's location will remain a secret to the other great nations…"
"Let them come," Orochimaru interrupted casually with a wave of his hand. "I'd love to see whether my little village can withstand the siege of four major ninja villages, just like Konoha did in the war."
"You sound confident."
"Of course. True strength breeds confidence," Orochimaru said with a teasing smile. "Just like you. Back then, you were the weakest member of the Uchiha clan, and yet here you are, daring to speak to me like this. Isn't your confidence also born of strength?"
"What… what did you say?"
The single eye visible through Obito's mask widened in shock.
"Do I need to spell it out for you?" Orochimaru said dismissively. "I'm done wasting my time. Mikoto, Kushina, let's go."
Without waiting for a response, Orochimaru turned and began walking toward the Daimyo's mansion in the Land of Rivers.
He knew perfectly well who the masked man was—Uchiha Obito.
He also had a clear understanding of Obito's plans.
Peace? That was nonsense. Obito would be lucky not to destroy the world.
As Orochimaru walked away, Mikoto and Kushina quickly put away their weapons and followed him, leaving Obito standing frozen in place.
Obito wasn't focused on being rejected, nor was he dwelling on Orochimaru's sharp words.
What troubled him was the phrase Orochimaru had used: the weakest member of the Uchiha clan.
How did Orochimaru know?
Could he have seen through Obito's true identity?
"That's impossible…" Obito muttered to himself, unable to believe his own conclusions.
He had always believed that his identity was a secret, that he operated from the shadows without anyone knowing who he truly was.
That belief had made him bold in his approach to Orochimaru. Even if his objective wasn't achieved, he had expected to gain valuable information.
But now, not only had he failed, but Orochimaru had thrown him off balance.
How could Orochimaru possibly know he was Obito?
It defied logic.
By the time Obito snapped out of his thoughts, Orochimaru and the two women had already disappeared into the distance.
At that moment, Zetsu emerged from the ground beside him.
"What a troublesome man…"
Staring at Orochimaru's fading silhouette, Zetsu muttered to himself, "Not only does he have incredible scientific research capabilities, but he also seems to possess a special sensory ability."
"Orochimaru's words clearly show he knows something, yet even I have no idea how he discovered your identity."
"Is there really someone like that in this world?"
Behind the spiraling mask, Obito's Sharingan glowed crimson as he narrowed his eyes.
"Perhaps… gaining Orochimaru's cooperation would be even more beneficial than simply recruiting Nagato."
"True," Zetsu replied. "But Orochimaru's vigilance isn't something ordinary ninjas possess. He won't join us easily."
"Oh, he will," Obito said quietly.
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