Shisui glanced at Itachi.
Itachi's face looked very unpleasant. What did he mean by not being easy to get along with? Was his personality really that bad?
Orochimaru waved his hand, making the swarm of snakes around them retreat and crawl back into the dense forest. He directly stepped into the cave, not considering himself an outsider at all. The others exchanged glances, then followed inside.
They each found a place to sit.
Orochimaru's great name was already renowned throughout the ninja world—one of Konoha's Three Sannin who defected, a genius who even created many forbidden jutsu. Now he was also listed on two major lists: the Strongest List and the Hidden Expert List. Even the First and Second Hokage didn't dare underestimate him.
"Just say it, Orochimaru." Itachi said calmly. "What exactly is your purpose in coming here?"
Orochimaru laughed wickedly: "You've already seen the world situation now. The emergence of two other worlds has made this world far more complex. The Gold List and the Sacred Ruins Trial Tower make us realize there are still many unknown existences in this world. Kage-level fighters are no longer the strongest. Currently, my name is on both those lists. The same goes for Itachi, Shisui, Sasuke, and Garou—the person I brought—all are people from the Hidden Expert List. Meanwhile, Kisame is on the Strongest List."
As soon as he said that, everyone's expressions became strange. They just realized that none of them were ordinary.
"Those who enter the Gold List are destined not to live peacefully alone. Though I don't know what the Gold List's ultimate purpose is, it's impossible that it's giving these benefits for free. I've studied this existence for a long time; there's no free lunch in this world. Everything obtained will eventually demand payment—it's just a matter of time."
Itachi frowned: "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Orochimaru asked back: "Itachi, you've been with Akatsuki for so long—do you know what their ultimate goal is? And who exactly is the figure behind the scenes?"
Itachi was momentarily stunned. He pondered before answering: "Akatsuki members are very complex and strong—most are high-level rogue ninja whose names are listed on the Strongest List. Right now we're moving in pairs to collect Bijuu, you know that. As for the ultimate goal and the identity of that figure..."
Itachi's eyes flashed; he had suspicions but couldn't confirm them yet.
Kisame also fell silent. He actually had his own thoughts; though he looked like a rough man who relied on muscle, he was actually quite intelligent.
Orochimaru said flatly: "Based on the information I've gathered over the years, combined with clues from the Gold List, everything is actually clear. That figure should be Uchiha Madara from your clan, and the ultimate purpose of collecting Bijuu is to resurrect himself!"
As soon as that statement was uttered, the three people from the Uchiha clan present were greatly shocked.
Sasuke stared at Orochimaru with disbelief.
Uchiha Madara?
The strongest person in Uchiha clan history who together with Hashirama was called the Ninja Asura? The mastermind behind all this was him?
Itachi didn't show an excessive reaction—clearly he had already suspected this beforehand.
Orochimaru glanced at them and continued: "The Gold List mentioned that this person wants to be resurrected to carry out the Tsuki no Me (Eye of the Moon) plan, bringing everyone in the world into the Mugen Tsukuyomi world to create the ideal perfect world."
They all looked at each other, seeing disbelief in each other's eyes. Could such a thing really be done?
"If it's him, it might really be possible!" Shisui spoke up.
As an Uchiha clan genius, he knew many ancient secrets. He deeply understood how powerful their clan ancestor who founded Konoha together with Hashirama was.
Itachi nodded slowly: "If he's controlling Akatsuki, then everything makes sense. Collecting Bijuu might be preparation for his resurrection, or there might be an even bigger plan."
Orochimaru nodded: "Right now the Three Realms are in chaos. Madara's personality is too extreme. Since I was in Akatsuki, I've realized his plan is difficult to stop, at least with our current strength. Perhaps the top three on the Gold List could do it. If he resurrects and his plan succeeds, the entire ninja world will fall into that condition; for the other two worlds, we'll just be sheep ready for slaughter."
Hearing this, everyone was shocked. True, in a situation where the Three Realms had merged, if the entire ninja world was trapped in an illusory world, how could this world function normally? Wouldn't that be the same as handing over the Naruto world for free to others?
Moreover, people like them—how could they possibly be willing to be controlled by others and trapped in an unreal fantasy world?
"That's why I left Akatsuki!" Orochimaru smiled coldly while pointing at all of them. "My thinking is simple: form our own faction. Just to seek a glimmer of survival in the midst of this great wave. The future is unknown, but it's certainly full of danger. The Strongest List only represents the past and will surely be replaced one by one. The Hidden Expert List is just the beginning; their future is unlimited."
Everyone stared at Sasuke.
Among them, Sasuke's ranking on the Dragon List was the highest, and his rewards were also the most abundant.
Sasuke nodded slowly and said: "My reward is the Eyes of the Benevolent. It possesses all the characteristics of the Rinnegan but without the risk of blindness, and is able to see through all illusions. It's just that my power is still too weak right now—the abilities I can manifest are still very limited, but the potential of this pair of eyes is indeed terrifying."
There was pride in Itachi's eyes. He had always deeply loved this younger brother. Seeing his growth, he was very happy. Now that the two brothers had opened up to each other, he hoped the future would be better.
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth lifted as he laughed: "Here, there are four people who entered the top 20 of the Hidden Expert List. Aside from Kisame, the rest are existences from the Hidden Expert List. If we unite, in the future even Madara won't be able to do anything to us. In the future, it's not impossible we could reach a level capable of rivaling existences like the First Place on the Gold List!"
These words made their blood boil with excitement.
Only Kisame felt somewhat gloomy.
'Damn it, when I think about it, in this combination I'm the burden.'
Of the six people present, though Kisame's strength wasn't the lowest right now, he was certain that before long Garou and Sasuke would grow rapidly and far surpass him.
Orochimaru said slowly: "Itachi, what are you hesitant about?"