Tobi showed absolutely no interest in talking privately with Orochimaru. He turned to Deidara and said, "Senpai, I heard he's a rogue ninja from Akatsuki Organization. Why don't you let him explode with some art?"
"No, my art shouldn't be wasted on a cheap copy like him. He isn't worthy," Deidara said with obvious arrogance. "Tobi, don't get me wrong, but you're part of Akatsuki now. You shouldn't be scared off by a rogue's clone. Anyway, I'll wait for you ahead."
Seeing Deidara fly away, Tobi cried desperately, "Senpai! Senpai! Don't leave me behind!"
Orochimaru watched Tobi's performance with a mocking smile curling his lips.
"Don't bother chasing. Legs can hardly catch up with wings," Orochimaru finally spoke up.
"Huh? Just a rogue ninja's clone? Watch me eliminate you immediately!" Tobi said with a comical tone, making threatening gestures.
Orochimaru remained calm as he spoke, "The Uchiha clan members I know wouldn't act like you. Aren't you tired of pretending? After all, I was once part of Akatsuki too. I could be considered your subordinate."
Upon hearing these words, Tobi instantly froze like a wooden doll. His single eye emitted an ominous gleam, and his tone completely changed. It became extremely serious as he asked, "You... how did you find out?"
Inside Deidara's spiritual space, a new soul appeared mid-flight.
"Father? When did you arrive? Why didn't you appear directly?" Deidara asked in surprise.
Anya smiled slightly, "Your new partner isn't to be underestimated. I feared we might be exposed, so I let Orochimaru talk to him and distract his attention."
"Tobi?" Deidara looked unconvinced. "He's tough?"
Anya reminded him, "Don't judge by appearances. Take your Brother Sasori, for example. He made everyone think he was gone, but it was just a decoy. Orochimaru is alive now, too, isn't he?"
"Hmm, if that's the case, I should prepare some secret techniques nobody knows about," Deidara began to think seriously.
"Fly higher. I'll give you something soon," Anya sensed White Zetsu nearby.
Deidara's eyes lit up, and he quickly dove into a thick fog bank.
Meeting face-to-face, Anya casually handed over a scroll. "My body had some issues before. Sasori specially made this scroll for emergencies. Now I don't need it anymore. It might be useful for you."
"Sasori made it? What's it for?" Deidara weighed it in his hand curiously.
"He sealed his unique Ryumyaku Chakra Control inside a puppet. As long as you inject your chakra into it, this puppet can serve as your decoy, perfectly replicating all your abilities. It's like having an extra life."
Deidara's gaze changed, and his tone suddenly became melancholic. "Sasori's art... was truly perfect."
That reaction didn't make sense—why wasn't Deidara happy about it?
Anya felt confused for a moment but decided to state his purpose directly.
"Iwagakure Village once sealed the Five-Tails' container. Do you know where it is?"
Deidara shook his head, regaining his composure. "After I grew up, I rarely stayed in the village and didn't pay attention to things like that. However, I do know who would have that information."
"Good. As soon as you shake off Tobi, help me pay a visit to Iwagakure and retrieve this Container for me."
Deidara hesitated for a moment, seemingly recalling someone from the village. His expression turned somewhat fearful, but he clenched his teeth and nodded. "No problem."
Having received confirmation, Anya said nothing else and disappeared into the distance.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere between Orochimaru and Tobi had become extremely tense. The tension was high—ready to explode at any moment.
"Hahaha," Orochimaru laughed, easing the impending conflict. He gestured casually as he spoke, "Why so hostile? After all, isn't our experience similar? We're both rogue ninjas from Konoha."
Tobi coldly replied, "How dare you even stand before me? You're not just a rogue ninja from Konoha—you've also betrayed the Akatsuki Organization. You should be glad I didn't finish you off right away."
Orochimaru's smile never wavered. "The definition of 'traitor' depends on perspective. Strictly speaking, I've never considered myself belonging to any organization or cared about how others define me. I am simply me—that's all there is to it."
Tobi scoffed. "I'm not interested in playing games with you. What exactly do you want by appearing before me this time?"
"I admire the power of the Uchiha Clan. I failed with both brothers. This time, coming to see you is just out of curiosity. If I must say I have an agenda, it's to see whether you'd be willing to join forces with me."
"Join forces?" Tobi sneered. "With you in your current state, having lost all your abilities?"
Clearly, during this time, Tobi had figured out Orochimaru's true condition. From what he'd heard, Sasuke indeed killed Orochimaru—but somehow he survived, although severely weakened and greatly diminished in strength.
"Oh my, looks like I've been underestimated," Orochimaru wasn't bothered at all. Instead, he patiently explained, "I've already figured out your plan. However, don't you think relying solely on the Akatsuki to oppose the entire Ninja World is too naive? Just one person from Konoha alone will give you enough headaches. My presence will drastically increase your power. With enough sacrifices, you can summon an immortal army whenever you want."
[Impure World Reincarnation]? Tobi's gaze changed slightly. This Kinjutsu, aside from the deceased Second Hokage, only this man in front of him could use. What he said was true.
Tobi's tone calmed down. "What are your terms?"
"Terms? It seems you don't really understand me," Orochimaru sincerely said, "What I pursue is the ultimate truth in all ninjutsu—by studying every unknown ability, I will become the strongest being, an immortal existence."
"Hah... Hahaha..."
Starting restrained, his laughter gradually became louder and louder.
Orochimaru's expression darkened instantly. "What's so funny?"
"No, I'm genuinely pleased. I've always misunderstood you. I never expected you to be someone like this. Actually, you're not wrong—perhaps that day really will come when I'll need your power. So drag yourself along and keep that body alive—for now. Wait for me to come find you."
After saying those words, Tobi's body twisted and spiraled away in front of Orochimaru's eyes until he vanished completely.
[Space–Time Ninjutsu]? Looks like Anya really was right.
"Uncle, don't bother looking—he's already gone." Anya appeared at the scene.
Orochimaru said with a deadly glare, "I don't like that guy. When are you planning to make your move?"
Anya asked with feigned innocence, "Weren't you just trying to team up with him?"
Orochimaru sneered coldly, never taking his eyes off Anya as he replied, "Teaming up with him? I'd probably die without even knowing how."
With Orochimaru staring him down like that, Anya let out an awkward chuckle. "Alright then. Let's go. It's time to find the next Tailed Beast."
"Which one are we going after?"
"Six-Tails. In Kiri."
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