Akihara Kagura was telling the truth.
As long as Akihara Kagura appeared, Orochimaru absolutely could not show up; however, wherever Orochimaru appeared, Akihara Kagura could appear at any time.
On Hokage Rock.
Orochimaru changed back into the attire of a Jonin from The Hidden Sound Village, standing there overlooking his hometown, with a smile on his lips and reminiscence in his eyes.
"The scenery here is beautiful, isn't it?"
"It's quite nice indeed."
Akihara Kagura stood beside Orochimaru, surveying the landscape of Konoha Village: "Orochimaru-sama, how does it feel to return to your hometown?"
"..."
Orochimaru didn't answer Akihara Kagura's question, only with a feigned regretful smile on his face: "It's a pity, this place is about to be destroyed by us soon."
"No need to worry."
Akihara Kagura waved his hand nonchalantly: "I alone can rebuild a new Konoha, and every household in the village can live in a big house..."
"..."
Orochimaru's smile faintly disappeared.
"Alright, let's get to business."
Akihara Kagura ran his hand through his hair as if he was troubled about something: "You've stirred up quite a commotion in the Forest of Death, I'm the chief examiner of this Chunin exam, don't give me this kind of trouble..."
"I just encountered something interesting."
Orochimaru licked his lips with his tongue, recalling the little guy he met: "That child Uchiha Sasuke has talent, he just needs someone to help him uncover it. The comfortable environment in Konoha is too serene..."
"..."
Akihara Kagura glanced at Orochimaru in surprise.
Orochimaru truly had an eye for talent, being able to see Uchiha Sasuke's potential!
When compared to his brother Uchiha Itachi, who awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan at eleven, many didn't think Sasuke's talent was remarkable, so how did Orochimaru see it?
This is understandable...
Orochimaru indeed seemed very skilled at teaching children.
Many abandoned children in the Ninja World displayed value under Orochimaru's tutelage, practically every one of them becoming Jonin in their teens under his guidance.
"Ignore Danzo's thoughts."
Orochimaru looked at Akihara Kagura, expressing his request: "Letting the child Uchiha Sasuke stay in Konoha as a continuator of the Uchiha bloodline is a waste of his talent. I particularly admire that child's courage..."
Orochimaru opened his palm and continued discussing Sasuke: "Even Uchiha Itachi couldn't match his brother in this aspect. In the Ninja World, there are many strong and excellent ninjas, but not all can, like Uchiha Sasuke, have the courage to wield a knife against a stronger opponent even without power..."
"..."
Akihara Kagura sighed.
At that moment, Akihara Kagura couldn't help but admire Orochimaru's perception.
As Orochimaru said, many powerful individuals in the Ninja World believe they can overcome their enemies, hence dare to fight them, but those truly daring to challenge strong adversaries are always in the minority.
"I know about this matter."
Akihara Kagura nodded, showing understanding, reminding Orochimaru: "In the near future, be honest, I've heard Jiraiya-sensei is coming back soon."
"Jiraiya, huh?"
Orochimaru chuckled indifferently: "Isn't this trouble for you to face? Maybe someone wants Jiraiya to compete with you for the position of Hokage?"
"However..."
"Jiraiya won't compete with you for the Hokage position..."
Orochimaru, who understands his good friend, shook his head with a smile: "That guy isn't as interested in the power of the Hokage, and his feelings toward Konoha aren't as deep as others'. He's just a fool who thinks he has a broad vision and is concerned about the future of the entire Ninja World..."
"..."
Akihara Kagura gave Orochimaru a peculiar glance.
Ninjas in the Ninja World have peculiar thoughts, always wanting to sever ties with their past and prove they've embarked on a new path by killing their own teachers.
Orochimaru probably thought his student might kill Jiraiya, so he was speaking on Jiraiya's behalf.
"I won't make a move against Jiraiya-sensei."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, looking at Orochimaru: "Instead, Orochimaru-sama should be careful not to end up like Mitarashi Anko, that fool, who tried to kill you but ended up falling into your trap."
"There won't be any accidents."
Orochimaru laughed indifferently.
Because Orochimaru believed no one knew of the secret he left on Mitarashi Anko, even abandoned in Konoha, Anko harbored the means for Orochimaru's eventual resurrection.
"I came to see you, to ask you something."
Orochimaru squinted his eyes, whispering: "Kagura-kun, I placed two spies in Konoha, and they were inexplicably killed..."
"Oh, about that..."
Akihara Kagura recalled Zetsu and Akado Yoroi, the two spies, nodding: "I happen to know about that, because I ordered their deaths."
Without looking at Orochimaru's expression, Akihara Kagura knew how ugly his ally and superior's face must be, continuing: "Those two corrupted Kabuto too, and now he won't even listen to my commands. After I killed them, Kabuto became obedient again..."
"..."
Orochimaru's expression finally softened.