After deducing Kumogakure's intentions, Orochimaru realized something ironic—he might have sabotaged himself this time.
If he had simply ignored Killer Bee's odd behavior and done nothing, he could've watched Kumogakure and Iwagakure tear into each other unchecked. But now, thanks to their fear of him, Kumogakure would likely abandon their bold plan and shift to a more cautious strategy.
It wasn't a total loss. But missing the chance to profit when the opportunity was ripe? That was a bitter pill.
Still, Orochimaru didn't regret it. He questioned himself calmly.
When he met Killer Bee, he thought he might gain a tailed beast specimen to experiment on. He also hoped to stir up some chaos in Kumogakure. Was that wrong?
Of course not.
It was his ability to unravel enemy strategies from a few clues—that was his strength. Sure, sometimes being too clever could backfire, but abandoning cleverness altogether would be truly foolish.
The only option now was to adapt—find a way to compensate and steer things back on track.
If he couldn't outplay Kumogakure, then Iwagakure would do just fine. Orochimaru never had a picky appetite.
He'd screw over whoever was easiest to screw.
A slow, cruel smile curled on Orochimaru's lips. He turned to Killer Bee, who still hesitated, and said casually, "Not going to talk to me?"
"What's there to talk about?" Killer Bee stopped, frowning, his expression dark and guarded.
He had lost one of Gyūki's tentacles, but it was worth it. If it helped the village climb out of this mess, the loss was acceptable.
"You're thinking of persuading your village to abandon the scheme against Iwagakure, aren't you?" Orochimaru's tone was light. "Because you're afraid of me. You think I might strike while you're distracted and deal a fatal blow to Kumogakure."
He chuckled softly and added, "But that fear's misplaced. If I wanted to cripple Kumogakure, I'd simply lead an army and attack in broad daylight."
"This what you wanted to say?" Killer Bee glared coldly. "There are a hundred reasons you could give for not acting earlier. Maybe you were injured. Maybe you didn't want to risk weakening Uchiha forces in Konoha. But don't insult me by pretending you spared Kumogakure."
Killer Bee didn't believe Orochimaru's promises for a second—and neither would the village.
There was no trust between great nations. Only interests. Only timing.
If Kumogakure focused on attacking Iwagakure now, they'd be leaving their flank wide open to Konoha. Whether Konoha would actually strike was uncertain—but in war, knowing your enemy could attack makes all the difference. And now, Orochimaru had clearly seen through it all.
Given Orochimaru's reputation, it would be out of character not to exploit that knowledge.
"Still don't believe me, huh?" Orochimaru's smile turned sharp, almost taunting. "Tsk, tsk. I truly have no interest in Kumogakure. You don't believe that?"
His malice was practically visible on his face. Even Shisui and the others behind him were struggling to keep a straight face.
"Well then… looks like words aren't enough. Let's try something more convincing."
With a theatrical wave, Orochimaru produced a pen and paper from a scroll. He scribbled something quickly, tied it to a kunai, and tossed it toward Killer Bee with a flick of his wrist.
Shffft.
Killer Bee caught the kunai, opened the message—and froze. His expression shifted instantly.
His eyes snapped up to Orochimaru. "This is impossible!"
"Nothing is impossible," Orochimaru said smoothly. "The Fourth Raikage will recognize this. He can confirm it himself."
His tone was cool and absolute. "Kumogakure has no better option. Either trust me—or prepare for me to lead Konoha's forces straight into the Land of Lightning. Either way, someone's getting burned—Kumogakure or Iwagakure."
He chuckled darkly. "Iwagakure isn't even here to defend themselves. You, on the other hand—still have a choice."
Killer Bee's expression darkened at Orochimaru's words. He stayed silent for a long time before finally speaking, voice low and strained.
"I can't make that decision myself. I'll report to my brother—he'll decide. Just wait."
Orochimaru gave a slight nod. As Killer Bee's words fell, the shadow clone unraveled with a puff of smoke, leaving only a single writhing octopus tentacle behind.
Sensing the immense chakra still lingering in the air, Orochimaru smiled.
---
Back in the Land of Thunder — Secret Room
Killer Bee's eyes snapped open as the memories of the dispelled clone rushed back to him. His expression shifted sharply.
He now knew everything that had happened.
Especially that sentence Orochimaru had written on the paper:
> "Whether it's true or not, just ask your elder brother."
Killer Bee took a deep breath and immediately activated his communication device.
---
Moments later, the Fourth Raikage appeared on the screen, lying in a hospital bed, his waist heavily bandaged.
"Bee, did it work?" he asked, his voice tired.
Killer Bee nodded—then hesitated, shook his head.
"Brother, is anyone with you right now? I have something important to say. Confidential."
The Raikage frowned, clearly sensing something serious. But his trust in his younger brother was absolute. He dismissed the medical staff and activated a soundproof barrier.
"…Alright. Speak."
Killer Bee quickly explained everything, ending with the note Orochimaru had given him.
Then, after a pause, he asked cautiously,
"Orochimaru said… that in the last battle, he could've killed you. But he didn't. He held back. Is that true?"
There was a heavy silence.
After a long pause, the Fourth Raikage finally muttered,
"…I did feel something then. Like there was more power behind his strike that never came down. I thought maybe it was my imagination. Because it's just too…"
Too unbelievable.
Killer Bee filled in the rest himself, but his mind was already racing with questions.
No matter the reason, both sides had acknowledged it. And if it was true… then it was a gamble worth taking.
He looked at the Raikage again.
"Brother… are we still going through with the attack on Iwagakure?"
The Raikage was silent for a moment, then suddenly slammed a fist down on the hospital bed.
"…We have to. This operation needs to happen. If we don't act now, we'll be trapped, slowly boiled like frogs in warm water."
Then, locking eyes with Killer Bee, his tone dropped.
"As for Orochimaru's so-called goodwill—keep that to yourself. Don't tell a soul. As far as the village knows, this mission was a success."
"Yes, sir."
Killer Bee understood exactly what his brother meant and nodded.
The two brothers stared at each other for a while, saying nothing more.
Then the Fourth Raikage let out a quiet sigh.
"…Damn it. This is supposed to be our desperate counterattack, but why does it feel so humiliating?"
Killer Bee nodded in agreement.
He felt it too.
______________
Suppme on patreon
patreon.com/Silver757